Scottish Fold Scottish Fold breed of cat is one of the most loved pets in the USA because of its affectionate kind nature and unique appearance. The cats have flattened ears that fold inward and forward and are seated like caps and displaying the charming appearance of an Owl. The ear folds are an effect of a genetic change that was first discovered in a kitten from a farm in Scotland in the year 1961. The ears that are tightly folded aren’t any more susceptible to infections than cats with ears that are upright. However, this peculiar appearance of the ear is due to an inherent problem with the development of cartilage. This will normally keep the ears in their normal form.
How dysplasia occurs in Scottish Folds
This genetically inherited disease or Osteochondrodysplasi causes and may affect all or some kittens in the litter. The disease can be seen in x-rays taken of cats as at least 7 weeks of age. Anomalies in joints that are serious and bone growth cause arthritis (painful joints, swelling) as well as short, abnormally large and rigid tails, spinal disorders, and stiff legs that are short and short. The effects on the welfare of these cats are devastating in terms of pain and the inability to carry out normal behaviors, since these cats may be blind or walk with an unnatural pace, or be unable to participate in normal activities like walking or jumping and may even be completely disabled.
There isn’t a cure for this condition that is progressive. Cats with arthritis require long-term pain relief that may have unwanted negative side effects. Also, they require diet supplements can slow down the progression of arthritis. In a handful of cases, radiotherapy or surgery is efficient in slowing down the progression of the condition. Patients with severe illness suffer a lot and may require euthanasia very early in their lives.
Due to the severe deformities present in this breed it was omitted by because of the severe deformities it displayed, the breed was excluded from Cat Fancy of Great Britain as a breed recognized in 1974. In addition, it was prohibited from the Federation Internationale Feline. Scottish Folds breeders from the USA persevered but have tried to improve condition of this breed through not breeding Scottish Folds together , but instead crossing them with shorthairs from America and British Shorthairs. A majority of kittens born of these matings are still sporting folded ears, however this implies that they’ll be afflicted with the painful disease.
What are the chances of buying a healthy Scottish Fold kitten
In the early 1990s Australian veterinarinans discovered that the crossing of one parent with folded ears and and another with straight will prevent the litter from osteochondrodysplasia. This is a condition that can be prevented by not breeding with any cat who have folded ears. Scottish Fold cats continue to be bred in USA, Australia and Asia. RSPCA Australia believes it is illegal to breed with animals that have an inherited genetic defect that is recognized to cause deformities that are painful and diseases. The main concern in marketing is the quality and quantity of the ear folds as well as the colors. But at the same time, breeding rules have been strictly changed, and the focus is now on preventing the inheritance of genetic diseases. It is crucial to realize that the ears that are folded, which many consider cute on Scottish Fold cats, are extremely unnatural for the animals they are (the result of an unlucky and random genetic mutation) as well as that the condition that causes this appearance can have a profound negative impact on the welfare of these animals.
Therefore, when selecting breeders of Scottish Fold cats, study carefully their approach to crossbreeding. Visit the cattery several times, look at the parents and the litter. This will be easy to do if the Scottish Fold breeder is near you. You definitely have a chance of getting a healthy Scottish Fold kitten with a careful approach to the purchase.
