Animal welfare experts are urging Taylor Swift fans not to adopt Scottish Fold cats, as this breed often suffers from pain due to a genetic mutation.
For fans of American singer Taylor Swift, her beloved pets are just as famous as their owner, often appearing in Swift’s social media posts.
Ahead of Swift’s upcoming Eras tour in the UK next month, animal welfare experts in the UK are advising fans not to emulate their idol in raising Scottish Fold cats, as the characteristics that make this breed appear cute are also the cause of their frequent pain.
Swift has three cats, two of which are named Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey, both Scottish Fold cats. This breed carries a natural gene mutation affecting cartilage throughout the body, causing the ears to fold down, giving them a resemblance to owl-like appearance. However, this gene also leads to abnormal bone development, joint inflammation, and pain.
Ironically, in Scotland, the birthplace of this breed and the first location in the UK where Swift chose to tour on June 7th, there is a ban on breeding Scottish Fold cats. Some other countries like the Netherlands, Australia, and Norway also restrict this due to animal welfare concerns.
Cats Protection, a UK charity for cat welfare, notes that these issues have not stopped the increasing numbers of Scottish Fold cats in recent years. Surveys indicate that out of 10.6 million cats kept in the UK, 1% are Scottish Fold breeds, and 3% of cats sold last year were of this breed.
Earlier this year, the action-comedy film “Argylle” drew attention with the appearance of a “cat actor” named Chip, a Scottish Fold cat belonging to director Matthew Vaughn’s family. The director’s daughter decided to adopt this breed after watching Swift’s documentary film “Miss Americana” in 2020, demonstrating how influential the singer is on her fans. A cat welfare organization issued a warning after the film’s release.
“We’re not saying Taylor is to blame for owning this breed,” said Sarah Elliott, a Cats Protection veterinarian, noting that “most cat owners who buy from breeders aren’t told about the gene mutation. Owners often only find out after bringing the cat home and are usually heartbroken to learn their pet suffers from an incurable condition and must endure pain for life.”
Swift often expresses her love for her three cats, with two of them named Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey being Scottish Fold cats. This breed, known for its adorable appearance, has a naturally occurring gene mutation affecting the cartilage throughout the body, causing the ears to fold down, often likened to an owl’s appearance. However, this gene also leads to abnormal bone development, joint inflammation, and pain.
Ironically, in Scotland, the birthplace of this breed and the location of Swift’s upcoming Eras tour scheduled for June 7th, breeding Scottish Fold cats is banned. Other countries like the Netherlands, Australia, and Norway also restrict this due to animal welfare concerns.
Cats Protection, a UK-based feline welfare charity, mentioned that these issues haven’t prevented an increase in Scottish Fold cats in recent years. Surveys show that out of 10.6 million pet cats in the UK, 1% are Scottish Folds, and 3% of cats bought last year were this breed.
Earlier this year, the action-comedy film “Argylle” sparked attention with the appearance of a “cat actor” named Chip, owned by director Matthew Vaughn’s family. The director’s daughter decided to adopt this breed after watching Swift’s documentary film “Miss Americana” in 2020, demonstrating Swift’s significant influence on fans. A feline welfare organization issued a warning after the film was released.
“We’re not recognizing it because the folded ear gene also causes abnormalities in bone development, stiff limbs, and tail, and these symptoms worsen with age. We strongly advise against people owning this breed,” the GCCF declared.
“Please think twice, do thorough research before getting a cat. Don’t just watch TikTok or follow celebrities; consult a veterinarian or animal welfare organizations to get the most scientific information about the breed you intend to adopt,” Elliot said.
Taylor Swift, 34, known as the “princess of country music” in the United States, made her debut in 2006 and quickly achieved many milestones. Besides her beautiful voice, Taylor Swift has also left her mark with her songwriting talent and as the main songwriter for her career. With 10 albums, Taylor Swift has won 12 Grammy Awards, 29 Billboard Awards, and has had success with numerous international tours. Last year, she launched The Eras Tour, which has now grossed over a billion USD, making Taylor Swift the only billionaire primarily based on music, according to Forbes.
