Which breeds of cats have folded ears? - briefly
The Scottish Fold is the primary breed known for its distinctive folded ears, resulting from a natural genetic mutation.
Which breeds of cats have folded ears? - in detail
The Scottish Fold is the most well-known and distinctive breed of cat characterized by its unique folded ears. This trait results from a natural genetic mutation affecting the cartilage, causing the ears to fold forward and downward, giving the cat an owl-like appearance. The mutation was first observed in a barn cat named Susie in Scotland in the 1960s, and selective breeding has since established the Scottish Fold as a recognized breed. Their ears can vary in the degree of folding, ranging from a single fold to a triple fold, with the latter being the most pronounced. While the Scottish Fold is the primary breed associated with folded ears, it is important to note that not all Scottish Folds exhibit this trait. Some may have straight ears due to the genetic variability of the mutation. Additionally, the Highland Fold, a long-haired variant of the Scottish Fold, also possesses the same ear-folding characteristic. Breeding Scottish Folds requires careful consideration, as the gene responsible for the folded ears can also lead to osteochondrodysplasia, a condition affecting cartilage and bone development. To mitigate health risks, ethical breeders often cross Scottish Folds with straight-eared breeds like the British Shorthair or American Shorthair. This practice helps maintain genetic diversity while preserving the breed's unique ear structure. It is worth noting that the folded ear trait is exclusive to the Scottish Fold and its variants, making it a defining feature of these breeds.