What will happen if you breed two cats with folded ears? - briefly
Breeding two cats with folded ears typically results in kittens that also have folded ears, as this trait is genetically dominant. However, there can be variations in ear shape and size among the offspring due to genetic variability.
What will happen if you breed two cats with folded ears? - in detail
Breeding two cats with folded ears, often referred to as Scottish Fold cats, can result in several outcomes depending on the genetic makeup of the offspring. The distinctive ear shape is caused by a dominant gene mutation that affects cartilage development. When two Scottish Fold cats are bred together, there are four possible genetic combinations for their kittens: homozygous dominant (FF), heterozygous (Ff), and two forms of homozygous recessive (ff and f+f+).
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Homozgyous Dominant (FF): Kittens with this genetic makeup will inherit the folded ear trait from both parents. They will have the characteristic Scottish Fold ear shape, but there is also a higher risk of health issues such as osteochondrodysplasia, a condition that affects bone and cartilage development.
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Heterozygous (Ff): These kittens inherit one copy of the dominant gene from one parent and one recessive gene from the other. They will have folded ears but are less likely to exhibit severe health issues compared to homozygous dominant kittens.
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Homozgyous Recessive (ff): Kittens with this genetic makeup will not inherit the folded ear trait. Instead, they will have straight ears typical of many cat breeds. They are generally healthy and do not carry the gene for osteochondrodysplasia.
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Carriers (f+f+): These kittens carry one copy of the recessive gene but do not exhibit the folded ear trait themselves. They can pass on the recessive gene to their offspring, potentially leading to folded-eared kittens in future generations if bred with a Scottish Fold cat.
It is important to note that breeding two Scottish Fold cats together increases the likelihood of producing kittens with health issues related to the ear fold mutation. Responsible breeders often use outcrossing, which involves breeding a Scottish Fold cat with a cat from another breed, to minimize these risks and maintain genetic diversity.
In summary, while breeding two cats with folded ears can produce kittens with the same distinctive feature, it also comes with potential health complications that should be carefully considered. Breeders must prioritize the well-being of their cats and ensure they are following ethical practices to prevent these issues.