The Scottish Fold was discovered by an old farmer in Scotland about 30 years ago.
At the time the cat was revered for it's owl-like appearance.
The farmer and his wife were both cat fanciers, or cat enthusiasts.
They brought this unique feline to a few cat shows and soon began breeding the cat to bring out it's unmistakable features.
The most distinguishable of this cats features is it's ears.
The Scottish Fold has very small ears which fold over.
This is where that cat got it's nicknames the munchkin or ear-less cat.
This particular breed of cat is very popular in western Europe and a bit more uncommon in the United States.
Unfortunately, along with it's trademark ears the Scottish Fold is also known for its genetic imperfections.
Many Scottish Folds have sever skeletal deformities that can cause very painful arthritis in the joints, limbs and tail.
This is a repercussion of the inbreeding that was used to further accentuate its unique appearance.
The common deformities form in this amazing little cat have become so severe that breeding them is considered animal cruelty in certain circles.
The GCCF, or Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, in Great Britain claims that due to the animals sever physical deformities, they refuse to acknowledge the cat as it's own breed.
Although it may be unclear if breeding the Scottish Fold can be considered animal cruelty.
What can be said about this amazing cat is that it is truly unique and has a wonderful, friendly disposition.