Have you ever encountered the Scottish Fold cat and been charmed by their distinctive look? Many people find the unique folded ears and owl-like heads of this breed utterly adorable! They have gained popularity in recent years. Taylor Swifts pair of Scottish folds (Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey) are relatively well known; Ed Sheeran owns a Scottish fold and the breed also featured in the 2024 film Argylle.
Although their appearance may be appealing, it’s important to consider more than just looks when choosing a set of paws to welcome into your home and sadly this breed does suffer from health problems. Continue reading to learn more about this breed so that you can decide if a Scottish fold might be the right cat for you.
A brief history of the Scottish fold cat
As their name suggests, the breed originated in Scotland. Although today’s Scottish folds are pets, earning their place as companions in our homes, they are all descended from one folded eared, white farm cat called Susie. Susie had a litter of kittens in the early 1960s and one of Susie’s daughters, a kitten named Snooks, inherited the gene responsible for those folded ears. Snooks was subsequently bred with a Domestic Shorthair and a British Shorthair. The unique fold in the ear cartilage is caused by a dominant gene mutation meaning that the trait was passed onto around 50% of Snooks’s kittens consequently establishing the breed.
The Shorthaired Scottish fold was recognised by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), in the United States of America and gained championship status in 1978. In 1992 the breed was separated into Longhaired and Shorthaired divisions and in 2022 even straight-eared variations were accepted. The breed is also recognised by The International Cat Association (TICA).
The appearance and personality of the Scottish Fold
The word popping up frequently throughout the breed standard is round! Well-rounded head, rounded whisker pads, rounded eyes, rounded body, rounded ears of course and even rounded toes! This overall round appearance gives a perpetual kitten like expression making them even more endearing for many people. The breed standard states that straight eared cats should have medium to small ears with rounded tips and that the ears should be set well apart to show a rounded head.
They are said to be playful, friendly, sweet, affectionate and loving, also they’re described as good companions who are easy to live with.
What health problems do Scottish fold cats have?
Although the Scottish fold has many wonderful characteristics, it’s important to acknowledge a less favorable aspect of this breed: their health issues.
Osteochondrodysplasia
They suffer from a condition called Osteochondrodysplasia. Perhaps you’re wondering what on earth that means! Like many medical words it can be broken down in segments. “Osteo” relates to bone involvement, “chondro” refers to cartilage (the connective tissue that protects bones and joints and acts like a shock absorber) and “dysplasia” means an abnormal growth or development of cells within tissues or organs. Another name for the condition is Scottish fold disease, a breed with a condition named after them doesn’t bode well!
Osteochondrodysplasia is caused by the genetic mutation that gives rise to the folded ears. Sadly, this mutation also causes abnormal bone growth, skeletal deformities, joint problems and arthritis. These conditions cause significant pain and can start at an early age, even cats with only one gene for folded ears have shown abnormal joint mobility. Scottish fold cats will suffer from this condition in varying degrees, but they ALL have it.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
As well as bone and joint problems the breed is predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is not unique to Scottish folds and other pedigree breeds of cat can also carry the condition. Scottish folds have been crossed with British Shorthairs, in which it is more prevalent. Again, it is caused by a dominant gene mutation meaning that if one parent cat carries the gene, they will pass it to 50% of their offspring. Genetic testing is available, and carriers should be excluded from breeding programs in all breeds of cat.
PKD causes multiple cysts (fluid filled pockets or sacs) to form in the kidneys. These cysts grow over time leading to a loss of normal kidney tissue and a decrease in kidney function resulting in chronic kidney (renal) failure. PKD is present from kittenhood and symptoms can appear at an early age. There is no cure, only management of the disease.
The health and welfare of Scottish folds
The health and welfare of pedigree pets is increasingly coming under the spotlight. When deciding on a new pet you have the power to make an informed, responsible and thoughtful choice. If potential cat owners prioritise good health over appearance this will drive better breeding practices and in time the overall health of the pet cat population will improve.
However, this is a particular challenge for the Scottish fold whose gene mutation giving their distinctive appearance goes hand in hand with their disabling bone and joint problems. The health concerns related to the breed means that the breeding of Scottish folds is banned or highly discouraged in several countries. In the UK, the GCCF (Governing council of cat fancy) states that they have no intention of recognising the breed. The Cats Protection alongside other welfare organisations are calling for a complete ban in the UK.
The Scottish fold is specifically included within the British Veterinary Association (BVA) policy position on extreme conformation, stating that “animals showing extremes of conformation that negatively affect their health and welfare should not be used for breeding”. They also recommend that these animals should not be used in advertising or marketing materials. The concern is that publicity increases demand. There was criticism from Animal welfare organisations when the film Argylle featured the breed.
I already own a Scottish fold
If you already own a Scottish fold then be aware of the signs and symptoms relating to their specific health problems. Cats are very good at hiding pain so look for subtle changes in behaviour such as becoming irritable and/or less sociable or hiding away. Changes more associated with joint pain and arthritis include stiffness, not grooming themselves, being hesitant or not jumping up and down as much as usual or showing reluctance to go up and down stairs. If you think your cat might be showing any signs of pain, make an appointment to see your Vet.
Early signs of kidney disease include; drinking more, passing urine more frequently, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy and a dull coat. These symptoms may be signs of other medical conditions so again, it’s important to discuss any changes with your Vet.
The Scottish fold has a reported lifespan of 11-15 years which is reasonable, however alongside all the usual costs of owning a pet this breed may have increased Veterinary costs due to health conditions so it’s worth being aware of and planning for this
Conclusion
So, do Scottish folds make good pets? They may be popular, look cute and have a good temperament but their health and welfare cannot be overlooked.
Some may argue that various health conditions are known within many pedigree breeds of pets. Genetic testing is becoming more advanced and many breed societies are actively trying to promote good breeding practices to reduce inherited conditions. However, for the Scottish fold the characteristic of their cute folded ears is simply the visible part of a genetic mutation which also causes debilitating joint problems and severe pain. Many animal welfare organisations are trying to ban the breed, stating that it is not ethical to breed cats with a genetic mutation which causes such a painful disease.
Spreading awareness about these issues will hopefully lead to a healthier cat population. Of course, non-pedigree cats can still get poorly, and “moggies” may have health problems, but they are less likely to be genetically predisposed to a certain condition.
Has your view of the Scottish fold changed after reading this article? Do you think it’s ethical to continue to breed these cats? Would you still buy a Scottish fold kitten?
If your heart is set on a pedigree cat, research the health problems they may be prone to and make sure that any genetic testing has been carried where possible. There are thousands of cats of all ages, colours, breeds and temperaments available for rescue and rehoming. Your future cat will hopefully be a member of your household for many years so it’s worth choosing the right cat carefully.
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