Where did the Scottish cat become? - briefly
The Scottish Fold cat breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s, specifically from a farm cat named Susie discovered in Perthshire.
Where did the Scottish cat become? - in detail
The Scottish Fold, a distinctive breed of domestic cat known for its unique folded ears, originated in Scotland in the early 1960s. The breed’s history traces back to a white barn cat named Susie, discovered on a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland. Susie’s folded ears were the result of a natural genetic mutation affecting the cartilage, giving her an owl-like appearance. A local shepherd named William Ross and his wife Mary noticed Susie’s unusual ears and took an interest in her. When Susie had kittens, one of them, a female named Snooks, inherited the folded ear trait. The Rosses began breeding these cats, laying the foundation for the Scottish Fold breed.
To establish the breed, they collaborated with geneticist Pat Turner, who conducted extensive research on the inheritance of the folded ear trait. It was discovered that the mutation was autosomal dominant, meaning only one parent needed to carry the gene for the trait to appear in offspring. However, breeding two cats with folded ears often led to severe skeletal deformities, so breeders adopted the practice of crossing Scottish Folds with British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs to maintain genetic diversity and health.
The breed gained recognition in the United Kingdom and later in the United States, where it was further developed and refined. The Scottish Fold’s charming appearance and affectionate temperament contributed to its popularity worldwide. Despite its origins in Scotland, the breed faced challenges in its homeland due to concerns about ear-related health issues, leading to its temporary ban by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK. However, it continued to thrive in other countries, particularly in the United States, where it was embraced by cat enthusiasts. Today, the Scottish Fold is celebrated for its unique look and endearing personality, remaining a beloved breed among cat lovers globally.