Animal experts urge people to think twice before getting Taylor Swift’s famous cat breed as a pet

Taylor Swift is probably one of the most phenomenal musicians of all time and has fans who almost worship her. Apart from paying exorbitant sums to secure passes for her concerts and also falling for scams to see her perform, fans also splurge on Taylor Swift merch. The singer is also known for being a proud cat parent with three wonderful cats that are very dear to her. She regularly shares their photos and videos on social media, and they have even been featured in several of her music videos and ads. The Grammy-winning singer has also opened up about how her furry companions have greatly influenced her career. However, animal welfare experts are now advising Swifties to refrain from buying the breed of cats called Scottish Folds, which she owns, just to follow her.

Scottish Folds are born with a genetic condition that gives them their trademark round faces and folded ears, but this very trait also causes them immense pain and suffering. The gene responsible for their appearance leads to floppy ear cartilage, which in turn causes osteochondrodysplasia. As reported by The Guardian, this disorder results in arthritis, abnormal bone growth, and chronic pain that never goes away.

This is probably why breeding Scottish Folds is now banned in Scotland, the original home of the species. In Norway, Australia, the Netherlands, and a few other nations, the breed is also subject to restrictions for the sake of animal welfare.

However, due to the breed's ability to hide pain, many owners are unaware of the severity of their condition. In recent years, Cats Protection, a UK-based cat welfare charity, surveyed cat owners across the country. The findings revealed that approximately 100,000 of the 10.6 million cats in the UK are Scottish Folds. Sarah Elliott, the charity’s central veterinary officer, also addressed this issue. She said, “We are not saying that Taylor herself is at fault for owning them. The breeders are not really giving them the information that they need. This is something owners find out later, and often it’s quite devastating to find out that your cat has this condition that can’t be cured, and that they’re going to be in pain for life.”

Elliott also said, “Our message is really to think twice and do a lot of research before you think about getting a cat. Don’t just look at TikTok and influencers [but consult] a vet or an animal charity who can give you a more scientific recommendation about a breed.” The Governing Council of Cat Fancy, the organization responsible for registering pedigree cats in the UK, does not officially recognize the breed. The GCCF chair, Steve Crow, said, “There is no intention to recognize this breed because the gene which produces the folded ears also causes skeletal abnormalities, producing stiffness of the limbs and tail, which increases with age. We strongly advise members of the public not to try to acquire cats of this breed.”

Meanwhile, over the years, Swift has often shared why she feels such a deep connection to cats. She has described them as dignified, independent, and fully capable of handling their own lives. Her love for cats has even had a positive impact. Before her Eras Tour made its way to Houston, a local animal shelter decided to lower its cat adoption fees in honor of Swift’s passion for furry creatures, as reported by People Magazine.