| I am the proud owner of a silver spotted tabby and white scottish fold.
The breed has a very unique look along with a unique personality. Basically
the folds look like American Shorthairs (round head fairly stocky body, medium
sized cats) with ears that lie flat against the head. This gives them alook
of perpetual surprise. They are unusually playful, and tend to use their
'hands' a lot. I purchased my Fold from a very reputable breeder who I know
from showing my persians in the C.F.A. I can't stress enough the importance
of finding a good breeder - ESPECIALLY WITH THIS BREED! Their are problems
with the breed that you should know about if you are thinking of living with
one. The basic problem is this: When a fold is bred, it MUST be bred to
a 'staright eared' cat. This can be either a british shorthair, an american
shorthair, or another fold that does not exhibit the folded ears. The reason
is that when a fold to fold breeding is done, there is a potential for the
offspring to have a degenerative bone condition in the hind legs. It is not
known why this is linked to the folded ear gene, but when properly bred is
not a risk. The condition is very painful for the cats, and eventually leads
to immobility. Why would any breeder do a fold to fold breeding? Because
they can get a higher yield of 'show' quality kittens. Avoid these breeders!
In fact you should avoid purchasing a kitten that has any fold to fold breedings
in the pedigree at all. Many Fold offspring do not have the folded ears,
and look like 'regular' cats, therefore as you might guess, the folded ear
kitties are more expensive. Expect to pay $250 - $350 for a well bred fold
ear kitten. They may cost more from a reputable breeder because it has cost
him/her more to produce a healthy/sound kitten. The cost difference will
be weel worth it in the long run. Also ask the breeder about guarantees
against the hind leg problem. If they are confident in their breeding program
they should be willing to guarantee!
The breed originated in Great Britain and is believd to be a natural mutation.
There has been speculation, though, that the Scottish Wild Cat (which is
the size of a domestic, with folded ears!) may have had something to do with
the first litters. The first known litter was born to a scottish woman's
'barn cat', thus we can't be sure of the parentage. Note that this breed
is not accepted for show in G.B. (last I heard) because of the temptation to
do the fold to fold breedings, and produce an unhealthy line.
Hope this info was helpful. If you are interested in breeder referrals,
write to me at OBIWAN::SHERRICK. Good Luck!
Molly
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| re:.2
"perpetual surprise" really sums up the look of a fold. Very well put. My
fold did not have the folded ears but did still have that surprised look
about him, i think the rounded eyes may have something to do with it. It
really is the personality that makes the fold such an enjoyable cat though.
I did not know about the hind leg problem, thanks for the info. I will keep
that in mind if i deside to get one. First i must figure out how my Russian
Blue would take to a little brother around the house. She can be such a b----
when she wants to.
rich
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