[ First “Application Aspect” for my new Gens kitty, NightjarKit of UrchinClan =D ] Scottish Fold Research: [ Section One: What is a Scottish Fold? ] The Scottish Fold is a breed of cat developed from a spontaneous genetic mutation in the 1960’s and originates from Scotland. This mutation makes the cat's ears bend or fold in towards their head, representing what we know as folded ears. Because of this fold, the cat's face inherits a large, round-like appearance and makes their eyes look larger. [ Section Two: How it Develops] Folded ears are caused by a genetic anomaly that affects cartilage all throughout the cat's body. This trait is typically inherited through genes from the cat's biological family. [ Section Three: Health Risks ] Diseases that could be caused by the Scottish Fold are Scottish Fold Disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Polycystic Kidney Disease. Affects on the cats for each are: { Scottish Fold Disease } - The Scottish Fold affects cartilage throughout the cat's body, not just their ears, which will cause pain like arthritis and behavioral changes. Signs and symptoms such as sleeping more frequently, poor grooming technique, aggression, reduced playfulness, and hesitation before jumping are all symptoms of Scottish Fold Disease. Currently, there is no cure for Scottish Fold Disease. It's also known as osteochondrodysplasia. (Try saying that three times fast .<.) { Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy } - A common heart condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood properly. Hereditary, a mutation in the genes, is the typical cause of this health condition (totally can spell it, totally .<.), but can also be caused by high blood pressure, cancer, and hormonal imbalance. Signs and symptoms are not regularly shown at first, though symptoms are usually diagnosed early on if a veterinarian hears the heart murmur. Later stages of this include shortness of breath, lethargy, and even loss of appetite. { Polycystic Kidney Disease } - This disorder causes cats to develop cysts in the cat's kidney, which can cause irreversable kidney damage. Symptoms of PKD are increased thirst, frequent restroom breaks, muscle wasting, weight loss, and a decrease in appetite. Symptoms of PKD typically appear when a kit is 7+ years of age, but can also appear in kittens as young as 6 months old. [ Section Four: How Folded Ears Affect the Cat ] It doesn't affect the cat drastically other than the diseases listed above (or, at least, none that my research website states). [ Section Five: Credits ] Research Website: https:HOWDY//www.petmd.comHOWDY/catHOWDY/breedsHOWDY/scottish-fold Research Done by: Me Generations RP by:
