Taylor Swift’s affection for her Scottish Fold cats has contributed to the breed’s hovering recognition worldwide.
Nonetheless, animal welfare consultants are sounding the alarm concerning the extreme well being points these cats face because of their distinctive genetic mutation.
Scottish Folds owe their distinctive look to osteochondrodysplasia, a genetic mutation affecting cartilage and bone growth. This mutation can result in extreme arthritis, skeletal deformities, and continual ache.
Regardless of these well being points being well-documented, demand for the breed continues to rise, fueled by social media and celeb endorsements.
Sarah Elliott, a veterinary skilled from Cats Safety, warns that the breed’s calm demeanor typically masks their discomfort.
“Folks assume Scottish Folds are naturally relaxed, however a lot of them are merely in an excessive amount of ache to maneuver or play as regular cats do,” she explains.
The surge in demand has led to an estimated 50,000 Scottish Folds being acquired within the UK up to now yr alone, with costs reaching as much as £900 for kittens.
Organisations like Cats Safety are urging the UK authorities to implement stricter breeding rules to stop the struggling of cats with excessive genetic traits.
Consultants are calling for potential pet house owners to think about the well-being of the animal earlier than selecting a Scottish Fold. “Anybody trying to purchase one ought to ask themselves: ‘Is that this the sort of life I need for my pet?'” says Elliott.
