If a Scottish Fold cat and a Scottish Fold cat mate, what breed will their kittens be? - briefly
When two Scottish Fold cats mate, their offspring will also be Scottish Folds. This is because the distinctive folded ear trait is genetically dominant in this breed.
If a Scottish Fold cat and a Scottish Fold cat mate, what breed will their kittens be? - in detail
When a Scottish Fold cat mates with another Scottish Fold cat, the resulting offspring are not considered a separate breed but rather purebred Scottish Folds themselves. This is because both parent cats possess the unique genetic mutation that causes the distinctive folded ears characteristic of this breed. The gene responsible for this trait is autosomal dominant, which means only one copy of the gene is needed to express the trait.
The Scottish Fold breed originated from a spontaneous mutation in a barn cat named Susie in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961. This mutation affects cartilage throughout the body, leading to the distinctive folded ears and sometimes affecting the tail as well. When two Scottish Folds mate, their kittens inherit this genetic trait, resulting in purebred Scottish Fold cats.
It is important to note that breeding Scottish Folds together can lead to health issues due to the dominant nature of the gene. Homozygous Scottish Folds (cats with two copies of the folded ear gene) often exhibit more severe folding and may have related health problems, such as bone deformities or osteochondrodysplasia. Therefore, responsible breeders typically outcross Scottish Folds with other breeds, like American Shorthairs or British Shorthairs, to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inheriting these health issues.
In conclusion, when a Scottish Fold cat mates with another Scottish Fold cat, their kittens will be purebred Scottish Folds, carrying the same genetic mutation that causes the folded ears. However, careful consideration should be given to potential health implications to ensure the well-being of the offspring.