"Folding ears x folding ears" Why is it a global point of contention?

Summary of data from research that Scottish lovers need to know 🐈🧬

Many people may have heard of the iron law of the Reader circle that

"Do not mix cats with folded ears together."

But do you know why some groups are still arguing?

Today Chuck is going to go through the scientific research lens to find the most unbiased answers.

🧬 Understand the "folded ears" gene first.

The folded ears, which we see, are caused by a mutation of a gene called TRPV4, which affects the creation of cartilage throughout the body, not just the ears. Genetically, we divide the folded ears into two main groups:

1.Heterozygous - Fd / fd): Only half the folded ear DNA (formed by fold x set)

2. Homozygous - Fd / Fd): There are folded ear DNA from both parents (caused by fold x fold).

🚨 Perspective 1: Why do associations "ban" fold x fold mix?

Veterinary research clearly confirms that

If mixed, fold x fold, nearly 100% of children born will have severe osteoarthritis (SFOCD).

The bones grow in the wrong place, the joints are hard, the paws are thick, the tail is stiff.

You will suffer at a young age and difficult to move for the rest of your life.

🤔 View 2: Is it really 100% safe to mix "fold x set"?

Later research indicates that even if a child is born with a fold x set

There is still a risk of degenerative arthritis.

Only the symptoms may be less severe or the symptoms at a very early age, so some groups see the root of the problem as the "fold ear gene" in the first place, no matter what combination.

In Chuck's view, the rule against mixing "fold x fold" is to cut off the risk of not being born with the most severe disabilities, but as a cat herder, the most important thing is to "observe and take the younger to check up" because even if it is a standard folding ear, we still have to keep the joint and take the best care of him. 🥰

Who's raising Scotty Folds? How to nourish your joints? Let's share your knowledge. 👇🏻

📚 Academic Reference Source (For friends who want to read, go to search the topic now):

Delve into the TRPV4 mutant gene: Takanosu et al. (2016) - "Osteochondrodysplasia and the c.1024G > T variant of TRPV4 gene in Scottish Fold cats."

Symptom Study in All Types of Folding Ear Cats: Malik et al. (1999) - "Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold Cats"

Animal welfare summary from UFAW: "Genetic Welfare Problems - Scottish Fold"

# Cat # Cat with folded ears # Significant to know # Cat story # Scotty Folds