Where are folded-eared cats from? - briefly
Folded-eared cats, commonly known as Scottish Folds, originate from Scotland. The distinctive ear shape is due to a genetic mutation that causes the cartilage in their ears to fold forward and downward.
Where are folded-eared cats from? - in detail
Folded-eared cats, also known as Scottish Folds, are a unique breed of domestic cat that originated in Scotland in the mid-20th century. The distinctive ear shape of these cats is due to a spontaneous genetic mutation that causes the cartilage in their ears to fold forward and downward, giving them an owl-like appearance.
The story of the Scottish Fold begins with a shepherd named William Ross, who lived on a farm in Perthshire, Scotland. In 1961, Ross noticed a barn cat with unusually folded ears and decided to breed her with a British Shorthair cat. One of the kittens from this litter inherited the ear mutation, and this kitten was named Susie. Susie became the foundation cat for the Scottish Fold breed.
The genetic mutation responsible for the folded ears is dominant, meaning that if a Scottish Fold cat mates with an American or British Shorthair cat, about half of the offspring will have folded ears. This dominant gene also causes other physical characteristics in Scottish Folds, such as their rounded body shape and large eyes.
The Scottish Fold breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1978. However, due to concerns about potential health issues related to the ear mutation, some cat registries have restricted or banned the breeding of Scottish Folds with other Scottish Folds. Instead, they recommend outcrossing with American Shorthair cats to maintain genetic diversity and reduce the risk of health problems.
Despite their unique appearance, Scottish Fold cats are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are often referred to as "teddy bear" cats due to their round face and body shape. They are also known for being relatively quiet and easy-going, making them popular pets among cat enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the folded-eared cats we know today originated from a spontaneous genetic mutation in Scotland and have since become beloved pets worldwide due to their distinctive appearance and friendly personality.