Where did the breed of lop-eared cats come from? - briefly
The breed of lop-eared cats originated in France during the late 19th century. They were developed by selectively breeding cats with naturally occurring drooping ears.
Where did the breed of lop-eared cats come from? - in detail
The breed of lop-eared cats, commonly known as Scottish Fold cats, originated in Scotland during the 1960s. The unique genetic mutation that causes their distinctive ear fold was first observed in a farm cat named Susie, who lived on a farm owned by William Ross. Susie's unusual ear structure caught the attention of local farmers and eventually made its way to the Scottish Fold breeding program led by Pat Turner.
The spontaneous genetic mutation responsible for the folded ears is autosomal dominant, meaning that offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting the trait if one parent carries it. Through selective breeding with American Shorthairs and British Shorthairs, breeders sought to develop a cat with consistent folding and a robust health profile.
Despite the initial interest and rapid growth in popularity, the Scottish Fold breed faced significant controversy due to concerns about potential health issues related to their ear structure. Some cats experienced problems such as ear mites, ear infections, and even bone deformities in severe cases. This led to a ban on the breeding of Scottish Folds with other Scottish Folds by some feline associations.
Nevertheless, the charm and uniqueness of lop-eared cats continue to captivate cat enthusiasts worldwide. Today, responsible breeders focus on maintaining the health and well-being of their cats while preserving the distinctive ear fold that defines this enchanting breed.