If you cross a folded-ear cat with a folded-ear cat what kittens will be born? - briefly
When breeding two folded-ear cats, the offspring will likely exhibit the folded-ear trait. This is due to the dominant inheritance pattern of the gene responsible for ear folding.
If you cross a folded-ear cat with a folded-ear cat what kittens will be born? - in detail
When breeding two cats with folded ears, it is essential to understand the genetic basis of this trait. Folded ears in cats are primarily associated with the Scottish Fold breed. The characteristic ear shape is due to a dominant gene mutation known as Fd. However, this gene also has a significant downside: it can lead to a painful and debilitating condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which affects the cartilage and bones.
The inheritance pattern of folded ears is autosomal dominant, meaning that a cat only needs to inherit the Fd gene from one parent to exhibit the folded ear trait. Therefore, if both parent cats have folded ears, they each carry at least one copy of the Fd gene. The possible genotypes for the kittens and their corresponding phenotypes are as follows:
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Fd/Fd (Homozygous dominant): Kittens with this genotype will have folded ears but are at a high risk of developing osteochondrodysplasia. This condition can cause severe pain and mobility issues. It is crucial to note that breeding two folded-ear cats significantly increases the likelihood of producing kittens with this genotype, which is why many ethical breeders avoid such pairings.
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Fd/f (Heterozygous): Kittens with this genotype will also have folded ears but are less likely to develop osteochondrodysplasia compared to Fd/Fd kittens. The presence of one normal allele (f) can mitigate some of the harmful effects of the Fd gene.
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f/f (Homozygous recessive): Kittens with this genotype will have straight ears, similar to non-folded ear cats. They do not carry the Fd gene and thus will not develop osteochondrodysplasia.
Given the genetic probabilities, breeding two folded-ear cats results in the following expected outcomes:
- 25% chance of producing Fd/Fd kittens with folded ears and a high risk of osteochondrodysplasia.
- 50% chance of producing Fd/f kittens with folded ears and a lower risk of osteochondrodysplasia.
- 25% chance of producing f/f kittens with straight ears and no risk of osteochondrodysplasia.
It is imperative for breeders to be aware of these genetic implications. Responsible breeding practices prioritize the health and well-being of the animals, which often means avoiding pairings that increase the risk of inherited genetic disorders. Therefore, while it is genetically possible to produce kittens with folded ears by breeding two folded-ear cats, the associated health risks make such pairings ethically questionable.