What breed of cats have drooping ears? - briefly
The Scottish Fold is a breed known for its distinctive drooping ears. Additionally, the American Wirehair and the Exotic Shorthair can also exhibit this trait in some cases.
What breed of cats have drooping ears? - in detail
Cats with drooping ears are often referred to as having "folded" or "lop" ears, similar to some breeds of rabbits and dogs. This distinctive feature is not common among all cat breeds but is characteristic of several specific ones.
One of the most well-known breeds with drooping ears is the Scottish Fold. The Scottish Fold's unique ear shape is the result of a genetic mutation that causes the cartilage in their ears to fold forward and downward, giving them an owl-like appearance. This breed was developed in Scotland during the 1960s by crossing domestic cats with American Wirehair cats. The gene responsible for this ear shape is dominant, meaning that kittens born from Scottish Fold parents will also have drooping ears.
Another breed known for its drooping ears is the American Curl. Unlike the Scottish Fold, whose ears fold downward, the American Curl's ears curl backward towards the neck. This distinctive feature is due to a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurred in California during the 1980s. The gene responsible for this ear shape is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene for their kittens to inherit it.
In addition to these two breeds, there are also some mixed-breed cats with drooping ears. These cats may have inherited the genetic mutation for folded or curled ears from one of their ancestors, even if they do not belong to a recognized breed. However, it is essential to note that the gene responsible for these ear shapes can also cause health issues, such as osteochondrodysplasia, a condition that affects bone and cartilage development in cats.
In conclusion, while drooping ears are not common among all cat breeds, they are characteristic of specific ones like the Scottish Fold and the American Curl. These distinctive ear shapes are due to genetic mutations that can affect both purebred and mixed-breed cats. However, potential owners should be aware of the health issues associated with these genes before deciding to adopt a cat with drooping ears.