Animal charity calls for ban on Taylor Swift’s favorite cats over health concerns
Scottish Folds, who have a genetic condition, could be banned in the future
Welfare organization Cats Protection wants the breeding of cats to be banned
The cats are very prone to crippling arthritis at a younger age than other breeds
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Their small folded ears and saucer-wide eyes have made them a favorite with celebrity cat lovers, including Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
But Scottish Folds, which owe their distinctive appearance to a genetic condition, could be banned if animal activists get their way.
Welfare organization Cats Protection wants the breeding of cats to be banned due to concerns about their health. It is also not satisfied with A-listers because they have caused a huge surge in demand for the pets.
Scottish Folds, which owe their distinctive appearance to a genetic condition, could be banned if animal activists get their way
The cartilage in Scottish Folds’ ears is abnormally weak due to an inherited condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which causes defective cartilage elsewhere in their bodies, especially the joints.
As a result, the cats are highly prone to crippling arthritis at a much younger age than other breeds.
Pop star Taylor regularly shares photos of her two Scottish Folds with her 230 million Instagram followers, while Sheeran has created a separate social media profile for the one he owns.
The Mail on Sunday has found sellers offering Scottish Folds online for over £1,000 each, as part of a wider pedigree trend – created by mating cats with the same aesthetically desirable characteristics.
The cartilage in Scottish Folds’ ears is abnormally weak due to a hereditary condition called osteochondrodysplasia that causes defective cartilage elsewhere in their bodies, especially the joints
However, this lack of genetic diversity increases the risk of hereditary diseases.
A Cats Protection report revealed that 38 per cent of cats bought in the past 12 months were pedigree, with Scottish Folds rising this year from ‘negligible’ quantities to 110,000 in 2021 – one per cent of the entire UK cat population. .
“Our report found that more and more prospective owners want purebred cats with rare physical characteristics, such as Scottish Folds, who can have serious health problems,” said Madison Rogers, Cats Protection’s chief advocacy group.
Ms Rogers also said the rise in popularity may have been fueled by “influential celebrities.”
“We urge them to be aware of the health problems that arise when a cat has extreme features and to consider their own position as role models,” she added.
There are currently no regulations governing the breeding of cats in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, but Scotland prohibits the breeding of cats in poor health, including Scottish Folds
There are currently no regulations governing the breeding of cats in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, but Scotland prohibits the breeding of cats in poor health, including Scottish Folds.
A spokesman for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department said: ‘Anyone breeding cats in England must protect them from unnecessary suffering. Failure to comply can result in jail time, a fine, or both.
“Owners considering breeding cats should seek advice about the risk of hereditary conditions.”