The Birth of the Breed

All Scottish fold cats, including Loaf, are ancestors of a cat born in Scotland in 1961 named Suzie. She was a regular-looking kitten at first, but at approximately 18 days old her ears started to fold. Alarmed, her owner took her to the vet. It was discovered that Suzie had a genetic mutation that affected the development of her cartilage, causing her ears to become folded. Her unique and adorable mutation led to Suzie being bred with other cats, giving rise to an entirely new breed. To prevent severe degenerative issues, Scottish folds must be mixed with another breed.

Behind the Fold

The mutation that causes the adorable folded ears is caused by “single autosomal dominant gene Fd.” There are three different levels of folds, single fold, double fold, and triple fold. The level of fold is dependent on how severely the Fd gene affects the cat's genes. Triple fold is considered the most aesthetically pleasing and often seen in show-quality Scottish fold cats.

The mutation can also lead to health concerns that require extra care at home and more frequent vet visits. Their earfolds need to be checked and cleaned regularly, as they are prone to infection. Scottish fold cats are likely to have severe malformation of the bones and cartilage leading to painful arthritis. The condition is known as osteochondrodysplasia. Osteochondrodysplasia affects every Scottish fold cat differently, depending on how deeply the Fd gene penetrates the cat's genes. 

Folded Ears, Big Hearts  

Scottish fold cats are loving, smart, and social. Their personalities vary anywhere from energetic to lazy. Most Scottish folds are curious and require a lot of enrichment. Loaf has a tendency to be inactive and has a voracious appetite so we need to make sure he doesn’t get overweight. We schedule time to play with Loaf. His favorite is our Nature-Themed Cat Teasers, and particularly the Flower Power wand. It is the only thing that gets him out of his frequent “cat loaf” position. Sociable, Scottish folds do better in homes with other cats. 

Their fur can be long, short, a solid color, or patterned. They have a double coat and tend to shed as much as a typical cat.  On average, Scottish folds weigh between 9-13 lbs. The average lifespan of a Scottish fold cat is anywhere from 14-16 years depending on genetics, diet, and exercise. Just like humans, their personalities vary anywhere from energetic to lazy. 

Famous Folds

Some of the most famous cats in the world are Scottish folds. Particularly, Taylor Swift’s beloved pets, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. Taylor named them after the leading ladies from her favorite TV shows, Grey's Anatomy and Law & Order: SVU. She often shares their hilarious poses on Instagram, showcasing their playful personalities. They even made a cameo in Deadpool 2, appearing on a t-shirt worn by Ryan Reynolds. With their charm and Taylors affection, Meredith and Olivia have certainly found themselves in the spotlight!

While Scottish Folds are undeniably adorable with their unique folded ears and sweet personalities, it's important to consider your options when welcoming a new feline friend into your home. While you can find a Scottish Fold through reputable breeders, we highly encourage you to consider adoption. There are countless cats, including Scottish Folds and other wonderful breeds, waiting for their forever homes in shelters and rescues. By adopting, you not only give a deserving cat a second chance but also help reduce the number of homeless pets.