If you've spent any time on social media, you would have been charmed by the delightful antics of various Internet cats.
With their distinctive folded ears and doll-like appearance, Scottish Fold cats have especially captured the hearts of cat lovers and netizens across the interweb. Pop star Taylor Swift even owns two of these cats!
However, the genetic mutation responsible for this adorable exterior has sparked significant controversy as people become increasingly educated about these cute felines' sad fate.
Is it true that there are restrictions on breeding Scottish Folds in certain countries?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The hallmark feature of Scottish Fold cats is their folded ears, which result from a genetic mutation affecting the cartilage throughout the body.
Unfortunately, this mutation not only causes the unique ear structure but also predisposes these cats to various health issues. Most notably, all Scottish Folds are susceptible to osteochondrodysplasia, a condition that leads to painful joint abnormalities, mobility problems and, ultimately, a shortened lifespan.
While the very first Scottish Fold was born due to a natural mutation in the 1960s, breeders nowadays intentionally breed for the folded ears – in other words, they deliberately jeopardise the animal's health for aesthetic traits.
Such practices have only become more rampant as the breed gains popularity, raising serious ethical concerns about the purposeful breeding of cats with known genetic defects.
Due to these welfare concerns, some countries have banned or restricted the breeding of Scottish Fold cats.
For instance, breeders in Norway and Sweden face stringent regulations, while in other countries such as Germany, Australia and the Netherlands, breeding Scottish Folds is explicitly banned. Even their native Scotland has imposed limitations on the breeding and sale of these cats due to their inherent health issues.
Furthermore, several major cat registries do not recognise the Scottish Fold as a legitimate breed, meaning they cannot be registered or shown in competitions.
The rationale behind these restrictions is to prevent the perpetuation of health problems and promote animal welfare.
Animal welfare organisations and veterinary bodies in various regions have also spoken out against breeding practices compromising animal health for aesthetic traits.
These concerns do not only apply to Scottish Fold cats. As pet owners grow increasingly educated about the problems associated with pedigree breeds, people have also been speaking out on breeds such as flat-faced Pugs and Persians, teacup Chihuahuas, and Munchkin cats, all of which are susceptible to unavoidable health problems.
However, Scottish Fold cats and other "problematic breeds" remain popular in many parts of the world, especially in the United States and here in Asia, where breeding continues with varying degrees of oversight.
Fortunately, some breeders are now working to give health back to such breeds. Enter the Scottish Straight, a cousin to the Scottish Fold that shares its temperament and distinctive features such as wide eyes and a chubby, round face -- minus the folded ears and cartilage issues.
But above all, a pet is not a designer item; you should pick it up off the shelf based on its breed or your preference for specific aesthetics or physical characteristics.
The best policy is to adopt, don't shop!
References:
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/the-breed-cats-protection-wants-banned-in-the-uk-276621/
https://www.gccfcats.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GCCFs-Welfare-Statement.pdf
https://www.vetamerikan.org/our-best-friends/cat-types/scottish-straight
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/genetic/osteochondrodysplasia-cats
