What kind of kittens will a Scottish Fold cat and a Scottish Fold cat have? - briefly
When two Scottish Fold cats are bred together, their offspring will inherit the distinctive ear structure that gives this breed its name. This is because the gene responsible for the folded ears is dominant.
What kind of kittens will a Scottish Fold cat and a Scottish Fold cat have? - in detail
When two Scottish Fold cats are bred together, the resulting litter is likely to consist of Scottish Fold kittens. The distinctive feature of the Scottish Fold breed is their unique ear structure, which folds forward and downward due to a genetic mutation that affects cartilage development. This dominant gene is responsible for the characteristic ear fold in these cats.
When two cats with the same genetic trait are bred, it is highly probable that the offspring will inherit that trait. In the case of Scottish Fold cats, since both parents carry the dominant gene for folded ears, their kittens are very likely to inherit this gene as well. However, it's important to note that even if both parents are Scottish Folds, there can be variations in the degree of ear folding among the kittens. Some may have slightly less pronounced folds than others.
Additionally, breeding two Scottish Fold cats together can increase the risk of health issues associated with this genetic mutation. These cats are prone to conditions such as osteochondrodysplasia, a form of dwarfism that affects bone and cartilage development, leading to potential joint problems and other skeletal abnormalities. Breeding Scottish Folds together can exacerbate these health risks due to the concentration of the gene responsible for their distinctive appearance.
In conclusion, when two Scottish Fold cats are bred together, it is highly likely that the resulting kittens will also be Scottish Folds with characteristic folded ears. However, breeders should be aware of the potential health implications and take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of the offspring.