With their distinctive flat faces and bent-over ears, they’re a unique – yet highly controversial – breed.
For although Scottish Fold cats are hailed as cute on social media and loved by stars such as Taylor Swift, they are also genetically prone to severe illness.
Now, amid growing concerns about animal cruelty, a new crackdown on the cats is being planned in their native Scotland – with increased enforcement to stop people breeding Scottish Folds.
In recent years, the breed – first established at a farm in Tayside in the 1960s – has surged in popularity worldwide thanks to the influence of famous owners such as US superstar Ms Swift, British singer Ed Sheeran, Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague and German supermodel Claudia Schiffer.
Yet experts have warned Scottish Folds’ characteristic looks are based on a genetic mutation that condemns them to health problems and chronic pain.
In a written response to a question at Holyrood, agriculture minister Jim Fairlie revealed plans to prevent unscrupulous breeders profiting from rising demand for the cats – whose kittens can sell for £800 each.
He said: ‘The government recognises that there are health concerns linked with cats with extreme characteristics, such as the Scottish Fold.’
Officials then confirmed that, although there is already a licensing scheme in place, not enough is currently being done to stop breeders.
Taylor Swift with one of her Scottish Fold cats
The singer is known for her love of the Scottish Fold breed, which is known to be genetically prone to severe illnesses
A Scottish Fold cat. The breed was first established at a farm in Tayside in the 1960s.
A government spokesman said: ‘We are aware that there is an issue with how the restrictions are enforced, and we are looking at ways to improve the enforcement of existing legislation.’
In Scotland, professional cat breeders need a licence from their local council.
Animal welfare laws from 2021 state ‘no cat may be kept for breeding if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of its genotype, conformation, behaviour or state of health, that breeding from it could have a detrimental effect on its health or welfare, or the health or welfare of its offspring’.
As such, licences to breed Scottish Folds are unlikely to be granted. However, the rules are often ignored, partly because some breeders believe they will not get caught due to a shortage of inspectors.
A loophole also means the regulations apply only if a cat breeds three or more litters of kittens a year. The Cats Protection charity last night welcomed the government’s move – but also called for a requirement for a licence if anyone breeds just two litters a year.
It also wants a hotline to be set up for the public to confidentially report unregulated breeders.
Advocacy and government relations manager Alice Palombo said: ‘The harsh reality is the extreme physical characteristics that often make these cats popular, like the Scottish Fold’s “cute” folded ears, cause a lifetime of pain and suffering.’
The most famous Scottish Folds are Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey, which travel the world with billionaire singer Ms Swift, who often shares pictures of them with her millions of followers.
A survey last month by Cats Protection showed 55 per cent of people with Scottish Folds admitted a celebrity or influencer had shaped their choice.
Meanwhile, research suggested an astonishing 50,000 Scottish Folds were bought or bred in the UK last year.