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Susie, Snooks and Scotland |
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William Ross knew he'd found something special. In 1961, while walking down a road near the Scottish village of Coupar Angus, he spotted a white cat playing in a yard. To his delight, she had little ears that folded over, giving her an owl-like appearance. He spoke to the people who lived there, and learned the cat's name was Susie, but they didn't know about her parents. They promised Ross, if Susie ever had folded-ear kittens, they'd give him one. Some time later, Susie did have two beautiful kittens, male and female, both with folded ears. Ross took the girl and named her Snooks. Someone else took the boy and had him neutered. About three months later, a car killed Susie, leaving Snooks as the only one capable of passing on this natural folded-ear mutation. Ross started breeding her with British Shorthairs when she was old enough, and today all Scottish Folds owe their cute little ears to the original folded-ear cats, Susie and Snooks. After a few years, word spread. Some of the cats were sent to London where a serious program was started to establish them as a breed. It was learned early on that breeding two folded-ear cats together doubled up on the natural mutation and could lead to other deformities, like shortened tails, clubfeet, spine problems, etc. However, breeders found it was perfectly safe to breed a folded-ear cat with either a straight-eared Scottish Fold or a British Shorthair, producing no deformities. But, with only one parent folded, each kitten has only a 50 percent chance of getting the gene for the adorable folded ears. After they're born, it takes three weeks to find out which ones will fold and which ones will remain straight. It's like waiting for Christmas! Thanks to the work of dedicated breeders, the Scottish Fold of today looks nothing like the original Susie. The face is shorter and rounder, and the eyes are huge. "Round" is the word most used in describing Folds–for their faces and bodies. And they have the sweetest expressions. Only cats with folded ears can be shown. The ears, though, come in different types of folds, and for show cats, the tighter and closer the ears are to the head, the better. But they're all adorable, even the ones with what's called "airplane ears" that stick straight out to the sides instead of flat against the head. Scottish Folds need careful attention when it comes to breeding–they're one of the more challenging breeds to work with. Folded-ear cats can be bred with straight-ear Scottish Folds and British or American Shorthairs. It doesn't matter which parent is folded and which is straight. If the kittens get the gene, they'll fold, if not, they won't. No matter what kind of ears, they're known for having sweet personalities. They get very attached to their people, following them around, wanting to do everything with them. With soft little voices, they talk a lot if you talk to them. They love to sleep on their backs, which puts them in perfect position for a tummy rub. Considered as quieter, gentler and mellower than many other breeds, their popularity is growing. If you're interested in learning more about them, visit the International Scottish Fold Assn. Web site at www.isfaorg.com. You, too, may come to appreciate what Ross started when he saw something special in a funny little cat with folded ears. Michelle West has been breeding Scottish Folds since 1989. A professional writer, she's a member of the Cat Writers Association. You can reach her through her Web site, www.fabulousfolds.com. Back to Archives |
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