The Scottish Fold is a breed of domestic cat recognizable by its unique folded ears. Scottish Folds come in a variety of colors and patterns, but the two most common coat colors are black and white. These classic colorings give the Scottish Fold its signature look. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins, genetics, and standards behind the black and white Scottish Fold.
History of the Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold breed originated in Scotland in the 1960s when a farmer named William Ross discovered a cat with naturally folded ears in his barn. This cat, a white barn cat named Susie, was bred with various other cats to produce kittens with folded ears. These kittens were the foundation of the Scottish Fold breed.
Early Scottish Folds came in a variety of colors and patterns, including black, white, tabby, and bicolors. Black and white folds became popular for their striking contrast and classic tuxedo cat look. To achieve pedigree status, cat fancier breeding programs fixed the folded ears trait and standardized the black and white colors.
Genetics of Coat Color
In cats, coat color is determined by several genes that control the production and distribution of melanin pigment. The genes for black and white coats are:
| Gene | Effect |
|---|---|
| B/b | Black fur (dominant) |
| s/S | White spotting (variable) |
The B gene codes for black fur. The dominant B allele produces black pigment, while the recessive b allele allows the coat to default to red or orange.
The white spotting gene S codes for variable white patching. The recessive s allele results in solid color fur, while the dominant S allele causes white spotting in patterned distributions.
Black Scottish Folds
Black Scottish Folds have glossy, dense black fur. They will always inherit at least one dominant B allele that enables black pigment production. However, they may also carry recessive b alleles, hidden behind the dominant black.
The coat appears darkest in cats that are BB homozygotes. Bb heterozygotes may occasionally show subtle brown tinges or “rusting” in the black coat.
White Scottish Folds
White Scottish Folds have predominantly white coats due to the dominant S allele for spotting. However, the pattern and distribution of white areas can vary:
| Spotting Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Solid | Completely white coat |
| Bi-color | White body with colored head and tail |
| Van | Colored head and tail with white body spotting |
| Harlequin | Mostly white with torn patches of color |
| Piebald | White spotting with color patches |
In the show ring, Solid whites and bicolors tend to be preferred. However, any degree of white spotting is allowed.
Black and White Scottish Folds
When both black and white genes are present, they produce the striking black and white tuxedo pattern that Scottish Folds are known for.
These cats inherit at least one B allele for black fur. They also inherit at least one S allele that limits the black areas to the cat’s “points” – the face, ears, legs, and tail. The body between the points remains snow white.
The black and white contrast creates a bold yet elegant look. Breeders favor symmetry and crisp delineation between the black and white areas. Too much mottling or flecking between the colors is considered a fault.
Show Standards
In the cat fancy, Scottish Fold coat colors are judged according to the following standards:
| Color | Standard |
|---|---|
| Black | Dense coal black with no rusty or brown tinges |
| White | Pure snow white with no yellowing |
| Black and White | Crisp definition between black points and white body |
For showing and breeding, the colors should be sound with no white hairs in the black or vice versa. Even a small patch of off-color fur can be considered a serious fault.
Personality and Temperament
Beyond their striking coats, Scottish Folds are known for their calm, loyal personalities. They tend to be very attached to their owners and families.
Scientists have studied how coat colors may correlate with behavior in cats. Overall, research hasn’t found strong links between cat personality and fur color. White, black, and bicolor cats exhibit similar traits.
However, one study did note that solid white cats can be slightly more aggressive and active than colored cats. Still, every cat has unique individual quirks and temperament. Coat color alone doesn’t determine personality.
Caring for Black and White Scottish Folds
All Scottish Fold colors have the same basic care needs:
– Annual veterinary checkups to monitor their sensitive ears and joints
– Weekly ear cleaning to prevent infections
– Brushing 2-3 times per week to remove loose fur
– Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
The long dense coat does require extra grooming for black Scottish Folds. The white portions also stain easily and need wiping to stay clean.
Health and Genetic Issues
Scottish Folds can inherit serious genetic disorders include osteochondrodysplasia and cardiomyopathy. Reputable breeders screen parent cats to avoid passing on defective genes.
Deafness is also common, especially in the dominant white color. The S spotting gene is linked to higher deafness rates. Before adopting a white or mostly white Scottish Fold kitten, be sure it has been tested for hearing impairment.
Finding a Healthy Scottish Fold Kitten
When searching for a Scottish Fold kitten, don’t let color sway your decision. Focus on health and temperament over coat appearance.
Prioritize cats from screened breeding lines without congenital disorders. Meet both parents whenever possible to evaluate joint mobility and sociability.
Avoid breeders who can’t provide health documentation for parent cats. Also be wary of low prices or readiness to ship unweaned kittens. These are red flags for irresponsible breeding practices.
With a little patience, you can find an healthy, well-socialized Scottish Fold in your preferred black, white, or black-and-white pattern.
Conclusion
The black and white coat gives the Scottish Fold its signature elegance. But behind the refined appearance lie genetic complexities and potential health risks. Conscientious breeding is needed to produce hardy, long-lived cats with the Fold’s gentle personality and endearing folded ears. By acquiring your cat from a reputable source, you can enjoy a Scottish Fold’s companionship in a black tuxedo, black smoker’s jacket, or classic black-and-white palette.