Blue Cross urges people to think twice before purchasing or adopting Scottish Fold Cats

National pet charity, the Blue Cross is urging people to think twice before purchasing or adopting a Scottish Fold Cat amid a rising trend in demand for 'designer cat breeds'. 
 
Scottish Fold Cats have significant issues due to a mutation that affects the development of cartilage, most obvious in the cat's ear fold which bends forward, giving them their famous appearance. 
 
This affects the rest of the cat's skeleton and causes defective bone and cartilage development and leads to severe and painful arthritis. As well as being incredibly uncomfortable for the cat, potential new owners may not be aware of the heavy vet costs likely to be incurred as a result of this.
 
Furthermore, these characteristics may impact communication between cats due to the breed not being able to move their ears 'normally', and likewise, owners not being able to understand how their pet is feeling. 
 
We'd ask people to consider more than just the looks and consider rehoming an animal from a rescue charity like Blue Cross Devon who will match them to a pet who has been vet checked and assessed and is right for them.