What are the common hereditary diseases in Scottish Fold cats?
Scottish Fold cats look cute and endearing, with a soft, gentle and docile personality and a naturally pitiful charm. Many people are fooled by their appearance when choosing a pet. In fact, Scottish Fold cats usually have hereditary diseases, so you should consider carefully when choosing one. Next, we will introduce what hereditary diseases Scottish Fold cats have.
1. Hereditary bone disease
The folded ears of the Scottish Fold are the most obvious sign of hereditary bone problems. Because the body's cartilage and bone softening has not developed fully, the ears of the Scottish Fold droop, and over time joint function gradually degenerates, the limbs become stiff, and later movement difficulties appear. For example, some affected cats cannot wag their tails.
2. Respiratory disease
Scottish Fold cats have hereditary bone disease, which not only affects the movement of their limbs but also has a considerable impact on the respiratory tract. Because of poor cartilage development, the respiratory tract is compressed and becomes narrowed, making it difficult for the Scottish Fold to breathe. In severe cases of respiratory disease, the cat needs to go to the hospital to have the respiratory tract dilated. In addition, a Scottish Fold may develop a nosebleed from sneezing due to a cold, so we must be careful when caring for a Scottish Fold.
3. Heart disease
Scottish Fold cats can also have heart disease. Because of their own bone problems, they move inconveniently and their amount of exercise is very small, otherwise it will trigger heart disease. Heart disease in Scottish Fold cats is similar to cancer in humans; it is usually already in the late stage when discovered and begins to threaten their lives. Moreover, once heart disease develops, the Scottish Fold needs medication for life.
4. Weak constitution
Scottish Fold cats have so many diseases, and they are hereditary in nature. Their constitution is very weak, their resistance is low, and they are very prone to illness. Their body weight is only two-thirds that of a normal cat, so it is not easy for every Scottish Fold to survive. Especially newborn kittens need careful care so that they can grow up healthily.
Most Scottish Fold cats are very gentle in temperament and are well suited to being kept at home. So there are still many people who buy them. Because demand is large, many merchants seize this money-making opportunity and breed Scottish Fold cats in large numbers. In fact, Scottish Fold cats have many hereditary diseases, and most live in great pain. The best way to love Scottish Fold cats is to stop breeding them.