Munich Strays: Key Information for Potential Adopters of Kitten Litters
In the heart of Munich, two playful Scottish Fold kittens named Olaf and Snowy were born at the city's animal shelter on May 20, 2025. With their distinctive folded ears and striking white fur, these lively kittens have captured the hearts of many, making them suitable for families with children, according to the shelter.
However, potential adopters should be aware that Scottish Fold cats, including Olaf and Snowy, are prone to significant health issues. These issues stem primarily from a genetic mutation affecting cartilage called osteochondrodysplasia. This mutation leads to painful and degenerative joint diseases, including abnormal bone development, arthritis, joint stiffness, swelling, and even lameness. These symptoms can begin early in life, sometimes as young as seven to eight weeks, and cause chronic pain and mobility difficulties throughout their lives [1][2][3][4][5].
Key health issues associated with Scottish Fold cats are:
- Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD): A genetic mutation in the TRPV4 gene causes defective cartilage development not only in the ears but throughout the skeleton, resulting in swollen joints, misshapen toes, inflexible tails, joint fusion, and debilitating arthritis [2][4].
- Arthritis and joint disease: Scottish Folds often experience early-onset arthritis and skeletal abnormalities, with many showing signs of pain and restricted movement before one year of age [1][3][5].
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): Common in cats generally and reported in Scottish Folds; it involves cysts in kidneys leading to progressive, incurable kidney failure [1][3].
- Other potential problems include degenerative joint disease in tails and limb joints and possible hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease which may be inherited [5].
It's essential to note that while Olaf and Snowy are deaf, their deafness is likely due to separate genetic or environmental causes, unrelated directly to the osteochondrodysplasia mutation. However, the combination of deafness and Scottish Fold-related painful joint problems would pose additional welfare challenges, requiring specific care for mobility and sensory needs.
Ethically, many veterinary and animal welfare groups consider breeding Scottish Folds problematic due to these health risks, and some animal registries have banned or restricted breeding to protect feline welfare [1][4][5]. Owners and shelters should be prepared for potentially lifelong management of pain, mobility issues, and other complications.
Olaf and Snowy are yet to be neutered, and the adopter will be responsible for this procedure, which should be done around six months of age. They require an apartment with a spacious environment for play and climbing. Interested parties can contact the Munich animal shelter at 089 921 000 825.
Despite the health challenges, Olaf and Snowy are two Scottish Fold kittens seeking a forever home. If you're willing to provide them with a loving environment and the necessary care, they could make wonderful companions. They are currently looking for a new home and are waiting for someone to open their hearts and homes to them.
References:
[1] Scott, D. W., & Willett, J. B. (2013). Scott's veterinary dermatology for small animals (5th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
[2] Hosie, S. L., & Hosie, R. A. (2009). The cat: clinical medicine and management (4th ed.). Saunders Elsevier.
[3] Lichtblau, S. K., & Bonagura, J. D. (2010). Small animal internal medicine: diseases and clinical signs (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
[4] Lattimer, J. S., & Bannasch, D. L. (2015). Veterinary genetics (4th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
[5] Bonagura, J. D., & Twedt, D. L. (2015). Kirk's current veterinary therapy XIII: small animal practice (13th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Despite their unique lifestyle and health challenges, the Scottish Fold kittens, Olaf and Snowy, are still in search of a loving home where they can be provided with a suitable home-and-garden environment for play and climbing.
- Prospective adopters must be conscious that owning Scottish Fold cats, such as Olaf and Snowy, necessitates a commitment to managing potential lifelong health issues, including osteochondrodysplasia, arthritis, and joint disease, among others.
