Scottish Fold — Color Genetics & EMS Calculator

The Scottish Fold's defining folded-ear phenotype is produced by a dominant allele (Fd) at the Fold locus causing cartilage abnormality, but this locus is entirely independent of all pigmentation loci, leaving the EMS color range for SFS among the broadest in the FIFe registry — accepting all B-locus alleles, colourpoint series, full tabby pattern range, and white-spotting spectrum. Note: the Scottish Fold (SFS = straight-eared) and Scottish Fold (SFO = folded-eared) share the same genetic color background; EMS prefix SFS covers both straight (Fd/+) and folded (Fd/Fd is lethally malformed; thus Fd/+ is the breeding phenotype) ear variants. Feline genetics management for Scottish Fold programs requires simultaneous attention to the Fd locus (never Fd/Fd breeding) and the full multi-locus EMS color calculator framework.

Scottish Fold colour genetics: frequently asked questions

Which recessive colours do Scottish Fold cats commonly carry?
All color-locus recessives (b, bl, d, cs) are present in SFS/SFO populations, sourced from British Shorthair and American Shorthair outcross foundations. Colourpoint (cs/cs) Scottish Folds are accepted. Inhibitor (I) locus silver and golden series variants are common. The Fd allele is dominant and heterozygous (Fd/+) — homozygous Fd/Fd produces severe osteodystrophy and is never intentionally bred.
What colour restrictions apply to the Scottish Fold breed standard?
No color or pattern restrictions apply. Fd/Fd (homozygous fold) pairings are prohibited on animal welfare and health grounds by most registries and veterinary bodies; FIFe has specific regulations concerning SFS/SFO breeding protocols. Dominant White (W) is accepted. Amber (e) is not specifically listed for SFS in FIFe standard. Note: FIFe suspended SFS/SFO recognition between 2023 and ongoing review due to welfare concerns — breeders should verify current registration status.
Which coat patterns are typical for the Scottish Fold?
All four tabby patterns (22, 23, 24, 25) are accepted. Colourpoint (cs/cs) SFS/SFO are valid. Silver and golden series via the Inhibitor locus are common from BSH genetic background. Bicolors, van patterns, and white (W) are all accepted.

Popular EMS Colors

SFS aBlue (solid) — classic 'British Blue' type
SFS n 24Black Spotted Tabby
SFS bs 24Chocolate Silver Spotted Tabby
SFS fBlack Tortie (solid)
SFS a 33Blue Colourpoint
SFS ns 11Black Silver Shaded

Calculate Colors for Scottish Fold

Free online cat color genetics calculator. Select the breed and appearance of the sire and dam to predict kitten coat colors, patterns and probabilities based on feline color genetics.

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Enter the appearance of both parents to calculate color predictions.

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