Scottish folds are fun-loving, playful cats that love to spend their time around humans. They come in different fur lengths and various colors, ranging from black and white to cream and grey, which is often referred to as blue. Grey Scottish folds are not a separate breed, but simply a variation in color within the breed.
These cats are famous for their folded ears and cute appearance, which is why many love to have them as pets. But how did these lovely cats come to be? And what made them so popular?
Read on to learn more about the grey Scottish fold’s origins and history.
The Earliest Records of the Grey Scottish Fold in History
Scottish folds have been around for quite some time, beginning with a barn cat called Susie. This cat was found in Scotland in 1961, and people were amazed by her slightly folded ears, which was uncommon for cats at the time.
She gave birth to kittens with the same genetic mutation—their ears were also folded. These kittens caught the attention of a local farmer, William Ross. He registered the breed in the UK in 1966 when it was formally recognized by the Governing Council of The Cat Fancy (GCCF).
After the recognition, William began breeding this species, which would soon become popular worldwide. During the first 3 years, William bred 72 kittens, but only 42 had folded ears.
The spreading of this breed first started in Europe, but it wasn’t going as smoothly as supposed to. The GCCF withdrew its registrations in 1971 because the breed wasn’t allowed to show in Europe due to the health concerns it carried. Many Scottish folds had issues with their genes, causing limb deformities and issues with ears and tails, which is why Europe didn’t accept the breed.
However, the breed was exported to the USA around the 1970s, where breeders continued to produce new cats, pairing the Scottish folds with other breeds, such as American shorthairs and British shorthairs.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized this breed in 1973 and gained championship status in 1978. This was a recognition of the short-haired varieties of Scottish folds. The long-haired variety didn’t get its recognition until the mid-1980s.
How the Grey Scottish Fold Gained Popularity
The grey Scottish folds gained instant popularity because of their interesting appearance. Their first popularity rise was in Europe in 1966, but it significantly decreased after the GCCF withdrew the registration of this breed in 1997 due to an array of health problems.
However, while their popularity in Europe decreased, it rose in the USA. This breed came to America around the 1970s, and it’s been famous ever since. These felines are much more common in the USA, and you’ll rarely see them in Europe.
Formal Recognition of the Grey Scottish Fold
The first formal recognition of the grey Scottish fold began in 1966 when the Governing Council of The Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognized this breed. They withdrew their registration in 1971, but the breed was already exported to the USA.
In the US, the breed gained formal recognition in 1973 by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and even gained championship status in 1978. The variety of Scottish folds with long fur got its recognition much later, during the mid-1980s. The long-haired variety gained its championship status in 1993.
The breed is also accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA).
Top 3 Unique Facts About Grey Scottish Folds
Scottish folds are truly unique, and there are a lot of things that set them apart from other cats. Below are some interesting facts about this cat breed.
1. Scottish Folds Have Folded Ears Due to a Genetic Mutation
While many believe that all Scottish folds have folded ears, that’s not the case. Some representatives of this species have a genetic mutation that results in cute, folded ears, but some do not. However, while this look makes Scottish folds stand out, it also carries a lot of potential health problems, which is something to keep in mind if you want to keep this feline as a pet.
2. These Cats Are Born with Straight Ears That Fold Over Time
Many assume that Scottish folds are born with folded ears. However, this breed is actually born with straight ears that fold over time. Some Scottish folds don’t have this genetic mutation and may grow old with straight ears instead of having them folded.
3. These Cats Were First Called Lop-Eared Cats Instead of Scottish Folds
Scottish folds were primarily known as “lop-eared” cats. However, after some time, they gained their current name, which represents a combination of their origin and their most intriguing trait—their folded ears.
Does the Grey Scottish Fold Make a Good Pet?
The grey Scottish fold makes an excellent pet, especially for families with kids. These cats are playful, energetic, and social, which is why you’ll love them.
They are talkative, smart, and affectionate, so they’re perfect for indoor conditions. Grey Scottish folds get along with other pets quite well, so you can own this breed even if you already have other pets.
These felines are easy to care for as they’re typically low maintenance. If you provide your grey Scottish fold with the proper care and love, it will make a perfect pet for your family.
Conclusion
Grey Scottish folds are beautiful cats that have been around for ages, and they are universally loved for their unique looks. There is certainly some controversy surrounding the breeding of these cats due to their health issues, and that’s something to keep in mind before bringing one home.
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Featured Image Credit: Natakay, Pixabay
