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Should I be worried about possible Scottish fold in the genetic mix?

6 replies

VenusClapTrap · 19/09/2024 14:06

I’m in the process of adopting two rescue cats. Their background isn’t known - they were found dumped in the street, covered in ticks, fleas and suffering from flu. They are now in good health, vaccinated, spayed and ready for adoption. I’ve filled in the forms, passed the home check, and will be collecting them next week. Can’t wait! I think they will help mend our broken hearts after losing our dear old lady cat.

Today the rescue sent me some videos of the cats. There is another cat in one, who the grey one was found with and who has now already gone to a new home. The rescue refers to him as her brother, and they do look very similar, with one notable difference - the brother has slightly folded ears.

Of course, just because they were found together it doesn’t actually mean they’re related. But there is a chance. This could mean that there is Scottish fold in the genetic mix of one of the cats I’m taking.

That’s not great, right? I understand they’re a dodgy breed due to health problems. Should I worry? Or does the fact she doesn’t have folded ears herself mean that the genetic influence, if even there, is weak? She’s quite round and has the appearance of a British Blue, and her ears look normal.

To be honest there’s zero chance of me not going ahead with the adoption now anyway; the kids are so looking forward to the new arrivals. But it would be good to know what I could be letting myself in for. I’ve only ever had moggies before, nothing that resembled a ‘breed’!

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 19/09/2024 14:51

My parents have one, but without the ear folds. Apart from some
Mild arthritis as he's got older he's beef fine. He's a lovely boy.

TealTraybake · 19/09/2024 14:53

They are beautiful loving personality filled kitties. But yes, they can have significant health problems. But if it’s a mix - should be ok really.

Pixiedust1234 · 19/09/2024 14:58

They might have different fathers though.

A little known fact is that kittens in a single litter can have different fathers. There could even be as many fathers as there are kittens! The ability to produce a litter of kittens fathered by more than one tom cat is called superfecundation.
https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/feline-fathers

VenusClapTrap · 19/09/2024 15:59

Thanks all. I feel reassured now.

@Pixiedust1234 I know, funnily enough. I recently looked after a litter of kittens for someone that had two fathers. Mum and four kittens all plain black, and then two fluffy colourpoint kittens! Funny family.

OP posts:
Pixiedust1234 · 19/09/2024 16:12

and then two fluffy colourpoint kittens
I bet that was cuteness overload 🙀

I did realise after I posted it that your OP seemed to imply you knew but the edit button had gone so hoped you would ignore mine. Guess not 😂😂

VenusClapTrap · 19/09/2024 20:30

Oh yes total cuteness! And mayhem.

It’s so fascinating that they can have different fathers.

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