Do all Scottish Folds get osteochondrodysplasia?
Osteochondrodysplasia is seen in all Scottish fold cats which have a copy of the Fd gene, but homogyzous (Fd/Fd) cats are more severely affected than those that are heterozygous (Fd/fd) (Malik 2001, Takanosu et al 2008).
Are Scottish fold cats unhealthy?
The Scottish Fold is a pretty healthy breed, but there are some hereditary health problems in the breed: Osteochondrodysplasia, a developmental abnormality that affects cartilage and bone development. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) Cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease.
What kind of problems does a Scottish Fold have?
They are lovely, sweet-natured cats. Scottish Folds have shortened limbs, an abnormal gait, a peculiar and sometimes stiff or painful tail, and the propensity to develop osteoarthritis at an earlier age. This causes variable lameness (often severe) and secondary deformity. Hamish, a severely affected Scottish Fold rescued by a vet.
Is there such a thing as a Scottish Fold cat?
But these straight-eared cats are just as lovable and can still be used for breeding. Drop-eared cats such as the Scottish Fold are not as unusual as they might seem. Spontaneous genetic mutations, such as curly coats or folded ears, occur in cats on a fairly regular basis, and the Scottish Fold is the result of such a mutation.
Why are Scottish Folds not recognized as a breed?
Scottish Folds are not recognized as a breed in Scotland because of a concern that their folded ears could lead to various ear-related medical problems. Musician Taylor Swift owns two Scottish Folds—Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. Talk about some Insta-famous kitties!
Who was the founder of the Scottish Fold?
In 1961, a shepherd by the name William Ross took a special interest in Susie, and when she had kittens, he acquired one of them, which he named Snooks. Snooks then had kittens, and Ross took one of the males and bred him with a British Shorthair. So began the Scottish Fold.