Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)

OCD is a health risk unique to Scottish Folds - the Fd gene is linked to OCD, a genetic skeletal disorder that affects the development of cartilage and bone. Cats with OCD may develop thickened, inflexible tails, shortened or misshapen limbs, and stiffness or lameness that worsens with age. The severity of the disease can vary greatly — some cats may show mild signs, while others experience significant discomfort and reduced quality of life.

At madwomen, we are firmly committed to responsible and ethical breeding. We will never breed Fold to Fold and therefore do not produce kittens with two copies of the Fd gene, which are associated with severe forms of OCD. The Fd gene is autosomal dominant, which means you only need one copy of the gene to potentially cause disease. When cats carry two copies of the Fd gene, the genetic defect will lead to abnormalities in the bones during the growth phase, which causes severe lameness, pain, and progressive arthritis.

Our breeding cats and generations of cats before our breeding cats have been carefully x-rayed and regularly assessed by veterinarians to ensure they do not exhibit signs of this condition. Moreover, we outcross our Folds to British Shorthairs for genetic resilience and diversity. Most importantly, we educate potential homes on the importance of understanding this disease, so every Fold can enjoy a healthy and comfortable life in a loving home.