10 Surprising Facts About Scottish Fold Cats That Are Banned in Some Countries

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Out of many cute and unusual cat breeds, the Scottish Folds are one of the most popular ones. However, only few understand the surprising facts about Scottish Fold cats and the reasons behind their global controversy. Behind their sweet faces is a complex history and health debate around the world today.

The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with a round face and folded ears. It began in Scotland in 1961 and quickly became popular because of its special look and calm personality. Many families admire this gentle, friendly breed.

In this article, you will read surprising facts about Scottish Fold cats that explain their origin, behavior, and health issues. Let's check them out!

The story of this breed began with a white farm cat named Susie in 1961, near Coupar Angus, Scotland. A shepherd named William Ross and his wife Mary noticed her unusual folded ears and became very interested. They worked with other breeders to develop the breed further. That is how the Scottish Fold cat we know today came to exist.

Scottish Fold kittens are not born with folded ears. At birth, all kittens have straight ears, just like other cats. After around three to four weeks, some kittens' ears begin to fold forward. Not all kittens in a litter will develop the fold. About half of them will keep their ears straight for life.

The folded ears of a Scottish Fold are caused by a genetic mutation. This mutation affects the cartilage, which is the soft tissue that gives the ears their shape. The same mutation can also affect other parts of the body, such as the joints in the tail, ankles, and knees, causing pain and stiffness.

Responsible breeders never breed two Scottish Fold cats together. When two Folds are paired, the kittens have a much higher chance of developing serious bone and joint problems. Instead, Scottish Folds are bred with British Shorthairs or American Shorthairs. This reduces health risks, but it also makes the breed rare and more expensive.

Scottish Fold cats are known for having a sweet and calm personality. They enjoy spending time with their owners and are good with children. They like to play, but they are not too loud or too active. Owners describe them as curious, affectionate, and fun to be around. They make great family companions.

One of the most entertaining things about Scottish Folds is the way they sit. They sometimes sit up straight on their bottom with their legs out, looking very much like a human sitting in a chair. Cat owners call this the "Buddha Sit." They also stand on their back legs like a prairie dog when curious.

Because of their health problems, some countries and organizations have banned Scottish Fold breeding. Belgium banned the breeding and sale of these cats in 2018 after advice from an animal welfare council. Earlier this year, the Netherlands also banned the breeding and selling of this cat breed. The concern is that the genetic mutation causing the folded ears also causes painful joint disease, making life difficult for affected cats.

Scottish Fold cats are very popular with famous people. Singer Taylor Swift has two Scottish Folds named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, both named after TV characters. Musician Ed Sheeran also owns a Scottish Fold named Calippo. Because of their celebrity owners, these cats have become even more well-known and widely desired around the world.

Scottish Fold cats need to be handled with care, especially around the tail. Their tails can sometimes be stiff, which may be a sign of joint pain. Touching the tail too roughly can cause them real discomfort. Owners should check if the tail moves freely before getting this breed, and visit a vet if the cat seems sensitive.

Scottish Fold cats are quite intelligent and can learn new behaviors with ease. They can be trained to use the litter box, avoid scratching furniture, and even learn simple tricks. They also adapt well to different living situations, whether in a quiet home or a busy one, making them a good fit for many types of families.