Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)

OCD is a health risk unique to Scottish Folds - the fold gene (the Fd gene) is linked to OCD, which is 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.

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. For this reason, responsible breeders will never do Fold x Fold pairings.

Why then do we still breed Scottish Folds? To the extent that it is ethical to breed pet animals at all, it is possible to ethically breed Scottish cats, included Folded ones.

At ChubbyBuddy, we are firmly committed to responsible and ethical breeding. We never breed Fold to Fold and therefore do not produce kittens with two copies of the Fd gene, which are at highest risk of severe skeletal disease. We also outcross our Folds to British Shorthairs for genetic diversity (the British Shorthair being a permitted outcross of the Scottish Fold for purposes of expanding genetic resilience and diversity). Through extensive DNA testing and breeding only cats with verified ancestry that have been x-rayed for soundness, the cats for our Scottish Fold programme are carefully selected and regularly assessed by veterinarians to ensure they do not exhibit signs of OCD prior to breeding. We also educate potential owners on the importance of understanding this disease, so every cat can enjoy a healthy and comfortable life in a loving home.