My research tells me that Scottish Fold cats are likely to suffer from chronic (long-term) pain due to the inherited disease that gives these cats their famously flat ears. This is a well-known fact actually but I wanted to check on prevalence across the breed and it is bad.
Sidebar: Catster says that Scottish Folds ‘sit strangely’. They put it down to this disease.
Pain is unfortunately very common in Scottish Fold cats. This is because the very feature that defines the breed – their folded ears – is caused by a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia. This condition affects the cartilage throughout their bodies, not just in their ears.
Studies haven’t been able to pinpoint an exact prevalence because diagnosing pain in cats can be difficult, but some studies suggest nearly all Scottish Folds will develop some degree of joint pain in their lifetime. This would suggest that Taylor’s two Scottish Folds are likely to be in pain to varying degrees.
Here’s why Scottish Folds are prone to pain:
- Osteochondrodysplasia: This condition causes abnormal development of cartilage, which can lead to arthritis and other joint problems. These problems can cause stiffness, lameness, and pain. Osteochondrodysplasia is seen in all Scottish Fold cats which have a copy of the Fd gene, but homogyzous (Fd/Fd) cats are more severely affected than those that are heterozygous (Fd/fd) (Malik 2001, Takanosu et al 2008). It is the Fd gene which produces the flat ears. Without this gene the ears are normal and the cat is called a ‘Scottish Straight’.
- Early Onset: Signs of osteochondrodysplasia can appear in Scottish Fold kittens as young as 7 weeks old, and the condition worsens over time.
If you’re considering getting a Scottish Fold, it’s important to be aware of the potential health problems associated with the breed. Talk to a veterinarian about the risks and what signs to watch for in terms of pain.
Was Taylor Swift aware of the potential health problems when she decided to acquire two cats from this cat breed? She must have. In which case she made a mistake in adopting them as she has made the breed more popular resulting in more Scottish Folds being bred and more pain being experienced.
It could be argued that Taylor Swift has caused pain in domestic cats. A bold statement based on the chain of events just mentioned. Fellow singer Ed Sheeran lives with one too. Sorry but this is not good. Germany is ahead of the rest in banning the breed as are other countries such as Austria and Belgium. The breed is entirely legal in the UK. The Guardian newspaper mislead in saying that the breed is banned in Scotland. It is not as Scotland is part of the UK and as mentioned they are not banned in the UK.
We don’t hear anything from Taylor Swift about her two Scottish Folds – Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey – being in pain. If they are the signs might be these:
Lethargy and Reduced Activity: Cats in pain tend to be less active. If your Scottish Fold is suddenly less playful or avoids movement, it could be a sign of discomfort.
Abnormal Posture and Gait:
- Observe how your cat moves. Painful joints may lead to an altered gait or posture.
- Look for stiffness, lameness, or reluctance to jump or climb.
Vocalization Changes:
- Cats often vocalize differently when in pain. Listen for unusual meows, growls, or hissing.
- Excessive grooming or licking specific areas may also indicate discomfort.
Changes in Appetite and Weight:
- Pain can affect appetite. If your Scottish Fold eats less or more, it might be related to discomfort.
- Weight loss or gain can be a sign of underlying pain.
Withdrawal or Aggression:
- Cats in pain may become more withdrawn or irritable.
- Observe changes in their social behavior.
Physical Examination by a Veterinarian:
- A vet can assess joint mobility, palpate for pain, and check for swelling or abnormalities.
- Radiographs (X-rays) can reveal joint changes associated with DJD.
RELATED: 9 reasons why Taylor Swift is so successful (the 9th is her cats!)
From Reddit.com
Just wanted to share my Taylor display
byu/Heyllamamama inTaylorSwift
