Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats: Care, Characteristics, and Breed Insights

Introduction

The Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat stands out as a unique domestic cat breed distinguished by a natural dominant gene mutation linked to osteochondrodysplasia.

This genetic peculiarity affects the cat’s cartilage, resulting in the distinct folding of its ears forward and downward, giving it an often-described “owl-like” appearance.

While this characteristic adds to the breed’s individuality, it’s crucial to highlight that osteochondrodysplasia can adversely affect the well-being of these cats.

Initially referred to as lop-eared or lops, a moniker inspired by the lop-eared rabbit, the breed officially adopted the name Scottish Fold in 1966.

Depending on registries, the longhaired counterparts of Scottish Folds go by various names such as Highland Fold, Scottish Fold Munchkin Longhair, Longhair Fold, and Coupari.

All Scottish Fold Munchkin cats carry the impact of osteochondrodysplasia, a developmental abnormality affecting cartilage and bone development across their bodies. This condition is responsible for the signature ear fold in the breed, and research indicates that all Scottish Fold cats bear its effects.

Consequently, these cats have malformed bone structures and may develop severe, painful degenerative joint diseases at a young age.

Due to these health concerns, the breeding of Scottish Fold cats is prohibited in several countries, and some major cat registries choose not to officially recognize this particular cat breed.

History

Origin

The original Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat emerged as a white barn cat named Susie, discovered on a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961.

Susie’s distinctive feature was a unique fold in the middle of her ears, giving her an uncanny resemblance to an owl. When Susie gave birth, two of her kittens inherited the folded ears trait.

One of these kittens found its way to William Ross, a neighboring farmer and cat enthusiast. Ross officially registered the breed with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom in 1966.

Collaborating with geneticist Pat Turner, Ross initiated a breeding program for Scottish Fold kittens. In the first three years, the program yielded 76 kittens, with 42 having folded ears and 34 with straight ears.

The outcome led to the conclusion that the ear mutation is attributed to a simple dominant gene.

Susie’s sole reproducing descendant was a white female Fold named Snooks. Unfortunately, a second kitten was neutered shortly after birth.

Tragically, three months after Snooks’ birth, Susie met with a fatal accident, having been struck by a car. Despite this, all Scottish Fold cats can trace their lineage back to the original Susie.

Physical Characteristics

Ears

Scottish Fold Munchkin kittens that do not develop folded ears are referred to as Scottish Straights. Initially, these cats possessed only a single fold in their ears.

However, through selective breeding practices, breeders have managed to enhance the fold, resulting in a double or triple crease that causes the ears to lie completely flat against the head.

The distinctive folded ears of this breed are a result of an incompletely dominant gene that impacts the cartilage of the ears, leading to a forward and downward fold, creating a cap-like appearance on the head.

The preference lies in smaller, tightly folded ears arranged in a cap-like fashion over a loose fold and larger ear. The overall rounded appearance is accentuated by large, round eyes, along with a rounded head, cheeks, and whisker pads.

Despite the folded ears, Scottish Folds utilize their aural appendages to express themselves. These ears can swivel to listen, lie back in anger, and prick up when the treat bag rustles.

Body

The Scottish Fold Munchkin is a cat of medium to large size that comes in a variety of colors, including calico. Males typically have a weight range of 4 to 5 kilograms (7.7 to 12.2 pounds), while females weigh between 2.7 to 4 kilograms (6.0 to 8.8 pounds).

The entire body structure of the Fold, especially the head and face, exhibits a rounded appearance, complemented by large, round eyes. The nose is short, gently curved, and the cat’s body presents a well-rounded, padded look with medium-to-short legs.

The head is domed at the top, and the neck is very short. The Scottish Fold’s eyes are broadly spaced, contributing to a “sweet expression.” As suggested by the name, the defining feature is the folded ears of the Scottish Fold cat.

Coat

Scottish Folds Munchkin Cats can have either long or short hair, and their coat may exhibit a variety of colors, including white. Shorthaired Scottish Folds boast thick and soft fur, while their longhaired counterparts possess even longer and exceptionally dense fur around their upper thighs, toes, ears, and tail.

Breeding and Genetics

An initial investigation proposed the inheritance of the fold as an autosomal dominant trait, while subsequent research indicated incomplete dominance.

A feline possessing folded ears could carry either one copy (heterozygous) or two copies (homozygous) of the dominant fold gene (Fd). Conversely, a cat with typical ears would possess two copies of the normal gene (fd).

Parent 1 Genotype	Parent 2 Genotype	Offspring Genotype 1	Offspring Genotype 2
Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)

Parent 1 Genotype	Parent 2 Genotype	Offspring Genotype 1	Offspring Genotype 2
Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)	Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)

Parent 1 Genotype	Parent 2 Genotype	Offspring Genotype 1	Offspring Genotype 2
Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Straight-eared (fd fd)	Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)	Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)

Breeding a homozygous folded cat with any other cat will result in a litter comprising entirely of folded cats. However, due to the heightened susceptibility of homozygous folds to severe health problems, it is widely regarded as unethical to intentionally breed them.

Pairing a homozygous fold with a non-folded cat will yield only heterozygous fold offspring. In ethical breeding initiatives, it is assumed that there will be a deliberate absence of homozygous cats eligible for breeding.

Parent 1 Genotype	Parent 2 Genotype	Offspring Genotype 1	Offspring Genotype 2
Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)	Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)	Homozygous fold (Fd Fd)	Straight-eared (fd fd)

The commonly acknowledged breeding method results in a 50% likelihood of generating offspring with heterozygous folds and a 50% likelihood of producing progeny with normal genes.

Parent 1 Genotype	Parent 2 Genotype	Offspring Genotype 1	Offspring Genotype 2
Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)	Straight-eared (fd fd)	Heterozygous fold (Fd fd)	Straight-eared (fd fd)

It is suspected that some kittens in non-fold litters are genetically folds with low gene expression, resulting in straight ears. These kittens might initially have folded ears, which then straighten.

As a result, some breeders recommend against breeding Scottish Folds Munchkin Cat with straight ears, preferring British Shorthairs (BSH) as outcrosses. It’s suggested to test mate Scottish Shorthairs with BSH to confirm they are not genetically folds.

If such straight-eared cats breed with a fold, there’s a 75% chance of producing folded-ear offspring (25% homozygous folds, 50% heterozygous folds) and a 25% chance of straight ears.

In 2016, the gene mutation causing folded ears and osteochondrodysplasia was identified. It is located in the TRPV4 gene, responsible for a calcium permeable ion channel.

This mutation, a V342F substitution (c.1024G>T), occurs in the fifth ankyrin repeat of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The same mutation was also discovered in a human patient with metatropic dysplasia.

Temperament and Behavior

Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat, recognized for their unique folded ears or normal ears, are generally gentle and serene, adapting seamlessly to other household pets. These cats form deep bonds with their human companions, displaying natural affection.

Praised for their playfulness, grooming habits, and intelligence, Scottish Folds are also known for their love of outdoor activities and games. A trait of theirs is a strong aversion to being alone.

Folds are recognized for their inclination to sleep on their backs. Scottish Folds are characterized by soft voices and exhibit a diverse range of meows and purrs not commonly observed in more popular breeds. Additionally, Folds are known for sitting with their legs stretched out and their paws resting on their belly, a posture referred to as the “Buddha Position”.

Acceptance and Legal Restrictions

Legal prohibitions on the breeding and, in some cases, the sale of Scottish Folds Munchkin Cat have been implemented in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Scotland. These measures stem from concerns about the breed’s health issues, particularly deformities and pain caused by osteochondrodysplasia, a condition leading to bone and cartilage abnormalities throughout the body. Major cat registries such as GCCF and FIFe do not acknowledge or permit the registration and participation of Scottish Folds in competitions.

Legal Bans

Due to the prevalence of osteochondrodysplasia among Scottish Folds, several countries and states have prohibited their breeding to safeguard animal welfare. The Netherlands initiated a ban in 2014, followed by Austria in 2020, Flanders (Belgium) in 2021, Victoria (Australia), Norway in 2023, and even Scotland, the birthplace of the breed. Some regions have extended bans to the sale of Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats and the breeding of any cat carrying the gene mutation responsible for osteochondrodysplasia, potentially restricting the breeding of Scottish straights as well. Prospective parent cats can undergo testing for this mutation before breeding.

Registry Restrictions

The breed faces non-acceptance for showing in Europe, and due to health concerns, neither the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy nor the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognizes Scottish Folds.

The GCCF withdrew registrations in 1971 due to limb and tail deformities in some cats, coupled with worries about genetic issues, ear problems, and infections. However, the breed persisted in the Americas through outcrossing with British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs. Despite initial concerns, the Fold breed has not experienced mite and infection problems.

Cat Fanciers’ Association breeders report success in eliminating issues like stiff tails, shortened tails, and bone lesions through fold to non-fold breeding. In FIFe discussions, British breeders dispute the prevalence of problems in their cats, challenging the study that linked heterozygous cats to the condition, citing a small sample size.

Despite offers for free X-ray radiography to identify healthy hind legs in Fold cats, no response was received. FIFe remains unwilling to consider recognizing Scottish Folds without comprehensive scrutiny of the breed by breeders.

A report from the Breed Standards Advisory Council for the New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF) on Scottish Folds acknowledges the evidence that heterozygous cats can develop feline osteochondrodysplasia (OCD).

While research confirms this, it does not conclusively show the likelihood of mildly affected parents having similarly affected offspring or the percentage of severely affected Folds.

The report indicates insufficient information to justify a ban on Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat matings but suggests a warranted level of concern. Recommended guidelines include:

• A mandatory provision necessitates the regular veterinary examination of breeding cats, specifically assessing for any signs of lameness, stiffness, or pain. Breeding cats exhibiting such symptoms are required to undergo desexing.

• Another stipulation involves periodic X-rays for breeding cats, with a subsequent comparison of X-ray findings to clinical symptoms. This may lead to a requirement for desexing cats displaying a specified degree of skeletal changes.

• Furthermore, there is a request for pet owners’ agreement to be periodically contacted by either the NZCF or a researcher. This contact is intended for obtaining reports about their cat’s health.

• All collected information is to be reported or submitted to the BSAC. This collation of data aims to provide an overarching understanding of Feline Osteochondrodysplasia (FOCD) in Scottish Folds in New Zealand.

• These requirements are to remain in effect for a minimum of 5 years, facilitating the tracking of Folds’ health over time.

Popularity

Despite warnings issued by organizations such as the GCCF, advising the public against obtaining this breed, there continues to be a significant demand for Scottish Fold cats.

This demand is fueled by their distinctive appearance and a reputation for being exceptionally affectionate.

Consequently, the price of Fold kittens has surged, surpassing that of more common breeds. The popularity of Scottish Folds even extends to celebrities, with American singer Taylor Swift owning two named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson.

These names are inspired by characters from the TV shows ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ respectively.

Health and Lifespan

Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats typically have a lifespan of around 15 years. The most common health issue in this breed is osteochondrodysplasia. This condition causes painful bone and joint deformities, especially prevalent in cats whose both parents have folded ears, as explained in more detail later.

Additionally, Scottish Fold Munchkin Cats are at risk for feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In a Japanese study involving cats with suspected kidney issues, 54% of the Scottish Folds tested carried the PKD1 mutation, which causes PKD.

These cats are also susceptible to cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases affecting the heart muscle, and degenerative joint disease, a form of arthritis. The latter often impacts the tail, ankles, and knees, leading to a decreased range of motion. Compared to other cat breeds, Scottish Folds may experience more earwax buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Number	Topic Summary	Brief Answer
1	Identifying OCD in Scottish Folds	Look for signs like reluctance to move, deformities, or stiffness.
2	Treating stiffness and limping in Folds	Consult a vet familiar with Scottish Fold OCD for treatment.
3	Preventing OCD in Scottish Folds	Buy from responsible breeders to reduce risk.
4	Supplementing Folds’ diet for joint health	Consider glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.
5	Choosing reputable breeders	Research and verify breeder credibility.
6	Importance of pedigree papers	Essential for verifying lineage and health.
7	Causes of OCD in Scottish Folds	Caused by a mutation in the TRPV4 gene.
8	Gene testing for Scottish Folds	Recommended for breeders, not always necessary for pet owners.
9	Rescuing Scottish Folds and OCD risks	Rescued Folds may have higher OCD risks.
10	Health concerns for Scottish Straights	Scottish Straights are not at risk for SF OCD.
11	Recommended diet for Scottish Folds	High protein, low carbohydrate wet food is recommended.
12	Choosing between one or two Foldies	Two Foldies may be happier together.
13	Ethical considerations in breeding	Ethical breeding practices are crucial for health and well-being.