Scottish Fold
Also known as: Scot Fold, Fold
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Scotland
- Weight
- 4–6 kg (9–13 lb) , and females weig
- Other names
- Scot Fold, Fold
About the Scottish Fold
Originating from Scotland, the Scottish Fold is a breed known for its unique folded ears and adaptable coat, which can be either long or short-haired. They are a relatively small to medium-sized cat breed.
Body
The Scottish Fold is a medium to large sized cat, which can come in any colour, even calico. Males typically weigh 4–6 kg (9–13 lb) , and females weigh 2.7–4 kg (6–9 lb) . The Fold''s entire body structure, especially the head and face, is generally rounded, and the eyes large and round. The nose is short with a gentle curve, and the cat''s body is well-rounded with a padded look and medium-to-short legs. The head is domed at the top, and the neck very short. The broadly-spaced eyes give the Scottish Fold a "sweet expression".
Coat
Scottish Folds can be either long- or short-haired, and they may have nearly any coat colour or combination of colours (including white). Shorthair Scottish Folds have thick and soft fur, with longhair Folds having longer fur and tufts located around the extremities.
Ears
Scottish Fold kittens that do not develop folded ears are known as Scottish Straights. The breed''s distinctive folded ears are produced by an incomplete dominant gene that affects the cartilage of the ears, causing the ears to fold forward and downward, giving a cap-like appearance to the head. Smaller, tightly folded ears set in a cap-like fashion are preferred to a loose fold and larger ear. The large, round eyes and rounded head, cheeks, and whisker pads add to the overall rounded appearance. Despite the folded ears, Folds still use their aural appendages to express themselves—the ears swivel to listen, lie back in anger and prick up when the treat bag rustles.
Overview
The Scottish Fold is a breed of domestic cat characterised by a naturally occurring autosomal dominant mutation associated with feline osteochondrodysplasia (FOCD). This genetic health condition affects cartilage development throughout the body and produces the breed''s defining feature: ears that "fold" forward and down towards the front of the head, contributing to its often described “owl-like” appearance. Research has revealed that all Scottish Fold cats are affected by FOCD, a developmental abnormality that affects cartilage and bone formation throughout the body. This systemic disorder causes the ear fold as well as skeletal abnormalities that may lead to painful, progressive degenerative joint disease, sometimes manifesting at a young age. In certain individuals, the disorder may progress to a severity that requires euthanasia , even at a relatively young age. Due to these welfare concerns, breeding of Scottish Fold cats is prohibited in several countries, and the breed is not recognised by some major cat registries. The breed''s name, originally Lop-ears or Lops after the lop-eared rabbit , became Scottish Fold in 1966. Depending on registries, longhaired Scottish Folds are varyingly known as Highland Fold , Scottish Fold Longhair , Longhair Fold , and Coupari .
Health
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is prevalent in the Scottish Fold. A study in Japan of cats suspected to have kidney problems found that 54% of tested Scottish Fold cats had the PKD1 mutation, which is responsible for PKD. Another study in Japan found two genes linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Scottish Fold population.
Origin
The original Scottish Fold was a white barn cat named Susie, who was found at a farm near Coupar Angus in Tayside , Scotland , in 1961. Susie''s ears had an unusual fold in their middle, making her resemble an owl . When Susie had kittens, two of them were born with folded ears, and one was acquired by William Ross and his wife, Molly, neighbouring farmers who were cat fanciers . The breeding programme produced 76 kittens in the first three years – 42 with folded ears and 34 with straight ears. The conclusion from this was that the ear mutation is due to a simple dominant gene. Ross registered the breed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom in 1966 and started to breed Scottish Fold kittens with the help of geneticist Pat Turner. However, by the early 1970s the GCCF stopped registering the cat due to concerns about potential health issues such as ear infections and deafness. In 1970 the first Scottish Fold kittens were introduced to the USA via Neil Todd of Massachusetts who was researching the mutation. Further cats were brought over and the Scottish Fold breeding program continued with American Shorthairs and British Shorthairs being introduced.
Genetics
An early study suggested that the fold gene (Fd) is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. A later study suggested an incomplete dominance . A cat with folded ears may have either one ( heterozygous ; Fd fd) or two (homozygous; Fd Fd) copies of the dominant fold gene (Fd). A cat with normal straight ears should have two copies of the normal non-Fold gene (fd fd). Mating a homozygous Fold with any cat will produce all Folds, either homozygous (Fd Fd) or heterozygous (Fd fd), but because homozygous Folds are prone to severe health issues, breeding them is generally considered highly unethical. A homozygous × Straight mating will produce only heterozygous Folds but presumably in ethical breeding programs, there will be no homozygous cats available to breed from. Heterozygous Folds × Straight (non-Fold; fd fd) breeding gives a 50% chance of producing heterozygous Folds (Fd fd) and 50% chance of producing Straights (fd fd; progeny with normal genes). For heterozygous Fold × heterozygous Fold matings there is a 75% chance of Folds (25% homozygous Folds, 50% heterozygous Folds) and 25% chance of straight ears. There is suspicion that some Straight (non-Fold) litters are genetically heterozygous Folds but because of very low expression of the gene, appear to be straight-eared. Such kittens may develop folded ears initially, which then straighten back out. If Scottish Straights are to be used, they should be genetically tested to make sure that they are not genetically Folds. Because of this there are suggestions by some breeders to avoid mating Folds with straight-eared Scottish Folds but only use British Shorthairs (BSH) as outcross . Both scientific studies and anecdotal reports from breeders indicate that cats produced from heterozygous Fold × Straight and heterozygous Fold × BSH matings (pairings initially expected to yield only heterozygous offspring) may nevertheless develop severe FOCD. In some cases, the condition in these offspring can be sufficiently severe to necessitate euthanasia at a comparatively young age.
Legal bans
Due to the prevalence of FOCD in the breed, several countries and legal regions have prohibited breeding with fold-eared cats, in order to protect animal welfare. Banning countries (or regions) include the Netherlands in 2014, Austria in 2020, Flanders ( Belgium ) in 2021, Victoria ( Australia ). Some of these have also banned selling or owning fold-eared cats, or the breeding with any cat that bears the gene mutation resulting in osteochondrodysplasia, so even breeding with some of the Scottish Straights may be legally restricted. The breed is also indirectly banned by Norwegian and Swedish legislation prohibiting the breeding of animals with genetic make up that makes it likely to produce unhealthy offspring. Potential parent cats can be tested for this mutation before breeding.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Scottish Fold?
The Scottish Fold is a domestic cat breed with a naturally occurring genetic mutation that affects cartilage development, resulting in folded ears. They have a sturdy build, short to medium-length coat, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their 'owl-like' appearance is due to their unique ear structure.
Is the Scottish Fold a good family cat?
As with any cat breed, the Scottish Fold's suitability for families depends on individual circumstances. Generally, they are affectionate, playful, and adaptable. However, they may require more attention and interaction due to their intelligence and active nature. Early socialization and training are essential for a harmonious household.
What health problems do Scottish Folds have?
Scottish Folds are prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic condition that affects kidney function. Research has also linked two genes to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify these issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and management.
How much does a Scottish Fold kitten cost?
The price of a Scottish Fold kitten varies depending on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and location. On average, a pet-quality Scottish Fold kitten can cost between $600 to $1,200. Show-quality kittens may be more expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more.