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What breed of cat has no ears?

Cats are beloved pets in many households, with an estimated 94.2 million cats living in homes across the United States as of 2017. With over 70 recognized breeds ranging from the mighty Maine Coon to the affectionate Ragdoll, cat lovers have no shortage of options when choosing a furry companion. However, there is one unique breed of cat that stands out for its very noticeable lack of something most cats have – ears!

The Scottish Fold

The distinctive breed of cat with no ears is the Scottish Fold. Scottish Folds are characterized by their adorable flopped over ears, which are caused by a natural genetic mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body. This mutation results in the ears folding forward and downward, giving the Scottish Fold their signature owl-like appearance.

The original Scottish Fold cat was born in 1961 on a farm in Perthshire, Scotland. A local shepherd named William Ross spotted this unusual cat with folded ears wandering a barn. He adopted the cat and bred it with other farm cats, working to develop the unique folded ear trait. The breeding program produced kittens with folded ears, leading to the establishment of the Scottish Fold breed.

All Scottish Fold cats can be traced back to this original barn cat in Scotland. The breed was transported to the United States in 1970 and was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1978. While the folded ears are the Scottish Fold’s most iconic feature, the breed has many other qualities that make them an appealing pet.

Appearance

Scottish Fold cats have a rounded head shape with large, wide-set eyes and a muted facial expression. Their medium-sized body is well-rounded with a padded look and short legs. They typically weigh between 6-13 lbs when fully grown. While their ears are the most distinct part of their appearance, Scottish Folds do still have ear flaps and openings into the ear canal. However, the ear cartilage that normally holds the ears upright is malformed, causing the ears to fold forward and down towards the front of the head. The kittens are born with straight, upright ears, which begin to fold over within 3-4 weeks.

Coat and Colors

Scottish Folds have a dense, plush medium-length coat that is smooth and soft to the touch. The breed comes in both longhair and shorthair varieties. Both lengths shed seasonally and require weekly grooming and brushing. Scottish Fold coats come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, bi-color, calico, and tortoiseshell.

Temperament

The personality of the Scottish Fold breeds earns rave reviews from owners. The cats tend to be extremely loving, calm, and devoted. They enjoy attention and are often described as dog-like in how they will sit happily at their owner’s feet or follow them from room to room. Many Scottish Folds enjoy playing fetch and learning tricks. They get along very well with children, other pets, and strangers. The breed is intelligent and generally very adaptable to different lifestyles and environments.

The Ear Fold Mutation

The unique folded ears of the Scottish Fold are produced by a spontaneous dominant gene mutation affecting cartilage throughout the body. This mutation prevents the normal development of cartilage in the ears, nose, tail, and joints. The lack of structural cartilage causes the ears to flop forward and down. While homozygous cats with two copies of the fold gene have more extreme ear and cartilage deformities, all Scottish Fold cats carry and express this mutated gene. As a result, all Scottish Folds experience some degree of joint and cartilage issues.

Health Concerns

The defective cartilage gene that creates the folded ears also comes with health risks for Scottish Fold cats. All Folds tend to suffer from joint problems like arthritis and osteoarthritis at some point in their lives. The abnormal cartilage growth can cause fused joints, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. Scottish Folds require regular vet care and may need medication to manage painful symptoms. Their lifespan averages 12-15 years, though arthritis can lower their quality of life.

In addition, homozygous Scottish Fold cats with two copies of the fold gene are prone to much more painful and severe musculoskeletal abnormalities. For this reason, these double folded-eared cats should not be bred. Responsible Scottish Fold breeders will only breed cats with one copy of the fold gene to prevent homozygous kittens from being born.

Controversy

The health issues associated with the fold gene have been very controversial in the cat breeding community. Many condemn the continued breeding of Scottish Folds, saying it is unethical to intentionally produce cats prone to genetic cartilage disorders and arthritis. The breeding of cats with two copies of the fold gene for exaggerated folded ears has been declared unethical by breeding associations. However, carefully managed and ethical breeding programs that avoid homozygous crosses continue to defend and preserve the Scottish Fold breed.

Care for a Scottish Fold

While their ears require no special care, Scottish Fold cats do have some unique needs to stay happy and healthy.

Grooming

All Scottish Fold coats need to be brushed or combed 1-2 times per week to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Their thick coats are prone to shedding, so regular light grooming is important. Pay special attention to the dense fur behind the ears. Longhaired varieties require daily grooming.

Exercise

Scottish Folds tend to be low energy cats. However, it’s still important to provide engaging playtime and exercise to prevent obesity and joint issues. Have dedicated interactive play sessions each day, and provide puzzle toys to keep their minds stimulated. Cat trees, scratching posts, and window perches also encourage activity.

Health

Schedule annual vet visits to monitor joint health and mobility. Seek treatment for symptoms of arthritis, pain, or difficulty moving as needed. Keep cats at a healthy weight to avoid excess strain on joints. Provide joint supplements or medications if prescribed by your vet.

Diet

Feed a balanced commercial cat food formulated for the age and activity level of your cat. Feed measured portions to prevent obesity, and provide plenty of fresh water. Consult your vet if you have a cat with medical conditions requiring special nutrition.

Socialization

Scottish Folds crave attention and affection from their families. Provide lots of playtime, cuddling, and lap time. Have spaces for them to climb and perch to stay engaged with household activity. Introduce properly to children and pets. Supervise young kids to avoid ear pulling.

Pros and Cons of the Scottish Fold

Here’s a quick overview of the key pros and cons of bringing home this unique earless cat breed:

Pros Cons
-Affectionate, loyal personality -Prone to genetic cartilage/joint disorders
– Peaceful, gentle temperament -At risk for arthritis and osteoarthritis
-Adapts very well to new situations -May have chronic pain requiring medication
-Dog-like in following owners around -Unethical to breed double fold gene cats
-Good with kids, pets, strangers -Somewhat controversial breeding history
-Smart and enjoys learning tricks -Shedding may require more grooming
-Cute, unique appearance

Similar Breeds

While no other cats share the unique folded ear trait, some other breeds have a similar look, personality, or shared history with the Scottish Fold. Some cat breeds to also check out include:

British Shorthair

Like the Scottish Fold, British Shorthairs have a rounded head, dense coat, and mellow personality. But with upright ears.

American Curl

This breed also has ears curled back but not folded down. American Curls have longer legs and bodies than Scottish Folds.

Exotic Shorthair

With a flattened face, thick fur, and calm demeanor, the Exotic Shorthair mirrors Scottish Fold features besides the ears.

Persian

The frequent matings of Persian cats into early Scottish Fold breeding lines links these two breeds. They share shortened faces and sweet dispositions.

Munchkin

Like Scottish Folds, Munchkins are known for a genetic mutation affecting their limbs – short legs in the case of Munchkins.

Should You Get a Scottish Fold?

When deciding if a Scottish Fold is right for you, consider both their endearing traits like affection and adaptability along with their known health issues. This unique earless cat breed needs dedicated care and veterinary attention to monitor and manage joint problems that may arise. Work with a responsible breeder who properly screens for health and avoids double folded ear pairings. Scottish Folds make wonderful pets for the right owner who understands their specialized care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Scottish Fold cats banned?

Some cat breed associations have banned the breeding of Scottish Folds due to their genetic cartilage disorders. However, they are not banned as pets. It is only breeding practices that intentionally produce unhealthy folded-eared cats that are prohibited.

Do Scottish Fold cats have health problems?

Yes, all Scottish Fold cats are prone to joint issues like arthritis due to their genetic mutation. Some have mild symptoms managed with supplements, while others develop painful osteoarthritis requiring medication.

Are Scottish Fold cats hypoallergenic?

No, Scottish Folds are not hypoallergenic. They do produce lower levels of the Fel D1 protein that triggers allergies in humans. But they still shed and are not considered a low-allergy breed.

How much does a Scottish Fold cost?

Scottish Fold kittens from reputable breeders typically cost between $1000-$2000. Adopting adult cats may be less.

Are Scottish Fold cats lap cats?

Yes! Scottish Folds are exceptionally affectionate and loyal cats. They love to cuddle and often perch happily in their owner’s laps for pets and quality bonding time.

Conclusion

With their alert, owl-like eyes and adorably folded down ears, it’s easy to see why Scottish Folds have captured the hearts of cat enthusiasts around the world. While their genetic quirk brings some health considerations, these devoted and gentle cats thrive when bred and cared for properly. For cat lovers seeking a loyal companion cat with a delightfully unique appearance, the endearing Scottish Fold may be the perfect fit.