Why are Scottish cats cross-eyed? - briefly
Scottish Fold cats are known for their distinctive "folded" ears and unique appearance, including crossed eyes. This is due to a genetic mutation that affects cartilage development, leading to the flattened ear shape and sometimes causing eye issues as well.
Why are Scottish cats cross-eyed? - in detail
The distinctive cross-eyed appearance of Scottish Fold cats is a result of a genetic mutation that affects cartilage development, specifically in the ear cartilage. This mutation, which originated from a single barn cat named Susie in Scotland, causes the ears to fold forward and downward, giving the breed its characteristic appearance. The same genetic mutation also influences the shape of the eye sockets, leading to a slight flattening that contributes to the cross-eyed look. It is important to note that while all Scottish Fold cats have folded ears, not all exhibit the cross-eyed trait. Breeding practices aim to maintain this unique appearance while ensuring the health and wellbeing of the cats, as the genetic mutation can also lead to potential health issues such as osteochondrodysplasia, a bone and cartilage disorder.