When do Scottish Folds' ears stand up? - briefly
The ears of Scottish Fold cats typically begin to fold downward within the first three weeks of their life. This is due to a genetic mutation that affects cartilage development in the ear.
When do Scottish Folds' ears stand up? - in detail
The development of ear position in Scottish Fold cats is a fascinating process that begins during their early weeks and continues through adulthood. Scottish Folds are known for their distinctive folded ears, which are the result of a genetic mutation affecting cartilage development. This unique feature is typically apparent at birth or within the first few days of life.
Newborn Scottish Fold kittens often have somewhat normal-looking ears that gradually fold downward as they grow. The ear folding process usually begins around 3 to 4 weeks of age and reaches its full expression by approximately 20 weeks. The cartilage in the ears of these cats is softer than usual, which allows the ears to fold forward and downward, giving them their characteristic appearance.
It's important to note that not all Scottish Fold cats have perfectly folded ears. Some may have one ear more folded than the other, or they might have slightly different ear positions. Additionally, the degree of ear folding can vary among individual cats, with some having very pronounced folds and others having more subtle ones.
In summary, the distinctive ear position in Scottish Fold cats becomes evident during their first few weeks of life and continues to develop until they reach adulthood. The unique appearance is due to a genetic mutation that affects cartilage development, resulting in soft and flexible ears that fold downward.