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The Scottish Fold breed was developed in Scotland from a naturally occurring genetic mutation. This mutation causes a deformity in the cartilage of the cat's ears making them fold over, creating a somewhat Owl-like look that many cat lovers find endearing.
This breed was developed in Scotland in the 1960's from the original folded ear cat named Susie and her only producing fold offspring Nooks. The breeding program lead by cat fancier William Ross and geneticist Pat Turner showed the mutation to be carried by a dominant gene, so that folded kittens are produced when you breed a folded cat to a straight-eared cat. In fact, when you breed two folded cats, there is an increased likelihood of 1:4 of producing a degenerative and painful bone disease in the kittens. This is the reason why major cat associations in Europe refuse to recognize this breed. The breed is accepted by most of the large cat fancy associations.
Most of the Scottish Fold's breeding programs are carried out in the US, using British shorthair and American shorthair cats as outcrosses. These cats pose special challenges to breeders: not only are half of the produced kittens nonflop, but it is impossible to determine which kitten is folded before they are at least three weeks old. Special consideration should also be taken to avoid genetic problems such as their unique bone disease (less common when only one parent is a fold).
Scottish Fold cats are medium in size, of relatively stocky build, with a well rounded head with a firm chin. Their eyes should be large with a sweet expression. Their coat should be dense and plush and can vary in length (some Scottish Fold cats are longhair cats).
These felines can be in a variety of patterns and coat colors, including solids, tabby, color point, bi-colors and more. Eye color must match the coat color, so that blue eyes, for example, are only allowed on colorpoints, vans and white cats.
More Resources:
Scottish Fold Cats Breeders
Scottish Fold Cats
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