Don’t scottish folds have joint issues due to the gene that messes up the cartilage that results in their ear shape?

pangur-and-grim:

followthebluebell:

Yep!  It’s called osteochondrodysplasia.  That super cute ear fold is a direct result of a cartilage malfunction.  Which would be fine if it ONLY affected cartilage in the ear, but it doesn’t.  It affects cartilage development throughout the body, causing severe defects in the limb bones and arthritis.  It can be extremely painful for the cat.  I’ve personally seen cases of scottish fold kittens with ingrown claws because they literally can’t use their paws properly. 

There are scottish folds WITHOUT this defect; straight-eared Scottish folds exist and they live perfectly fine lives.  They keep the super cute round face shape of traditional folds, but have normal ears.

a famous example of a Scottish Straight is Maru the box cat!

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