| Scottish Fold | |
|---|---|
 Lilac coloured adult Scottish Fold, displaying round face, round eyes and forward-folded ears | |
| Other names | Scot Fold |
| Origin |  Scotland |
| Breed standards | |
| CFA | standard |
| TICA | standard |
| WCF | standard |
| ACFA/CAA | standard |
| Notes | |
| Domestic cat (Felis catus) | |
The Scottish Fold is a distinctive breed of domestic cat characterised by a natural dominant gene mutation associated with osteochondrodysplasia. This genetic anomaly affects cartilage throughout the body, causing the ears to "fold", bending forward and down towards the front of the head. While this trait contributes to the breed's unique appearance, often described as "owl-like",[1] it has ill effects on the cats' welfare.
The breed's name, originally lop-ears or lops after the lop-eared rabbit, became Scottish Fold in 1966.[1] Depending on registries, longhaired Scottish Folds are varyingly known as Highland Fold, Scottish Fold Longhair, Longhair Fold and Coupari.
Research has revealed that all Fold cats are affected by osteochondrodysplasia, a developmental abnormality that affects cartilage and bone development throughout the body. This condition causes the ear fold as well as malformed bone structures, and the breed can develop severe painful degenerative joint diseases at an early age.[2] Because of these health conditions, breeding Fold cats is prohibited in several countries, and some major cat registries do not recognise the breed.
- ^ a b Sutton, Grace (31 May 1999). "Breed article: Scottish Folds". Cat Fanciers' Association. Archived from the original on 29 April 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
- ^ "Genetic welfare problems of companion animals: Scottish Fold: Osteochondrodysplasia". Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.