Guide Note

The Scottish fold is a cat breed characterized by an ear mutation which results in down folded ears. They have a rounded head and body, well spaced eyes and a quiet voice. They are known to be very adaptable to new surroundings.¹

Fast Facts

1. The first Scottish fold was a white-haired barn cat named Susie²
2. Discovered in Perthshire, Scotland in 1961²
3. Breeding fold on fold causes a joint disease²
4. Can be long or short haired
5. Recognized by most cat associations and clubs.

Breeding Scottish folds together is dangerous and may cause genetic disorders. All breeding should be done with only one Scottish fold parent.^{2 3}

The ear fold mutation is genetically dominant, thus the probability of getting a Scottish fold from a Scottish fold parent and a non Scottish fold parent is 50%.²

At birth, all kittens are born with regular ears. By twelve weeks those with the Scottish fold gene develop the characteristic ears.³

Offspring of Scottish fold to Scottish fold breeding may develop a joint disease in which the joints of the legs and tail stiffen by the age of six months. It is not a life threatening disorder, though it has no cure.²

The Scottish fold mutation began with a Scottish barn cat named Susie. Neighboring shepherd William Ross took notice of her and when she had her first litter he asked to have one of her kittens, a female, whom he named Snooks. A son of Snooks was bred to a British Shorthair and their offspring were the first of the Scottish fold breed.^{2 1}