Pebble just turned 3 months — is it normal that her ears haven't fully folded yet?
I don't want to alarm anyone or myself unnecessarily, but I think I read that Scottish Fold ears are supposed to fold around 3-4 weeks and Pebble's still seem to be in a sort of in-between state at 3 months? She's happy and active and eating fine, so I'm probably overthinking this, but I wanted to ask people with more experience before I worry myself into a vet visit that might not be necessary. Is a gradual fold over a longer timeline normal, or should I actually be checking in with my vet about this specifically?
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Good instinct to ask rather than assume, Stephanie. For anyone researching Scottish Folds and the breed's known genetic considerations before buying: allinpets.com/pets/cats/scottish-fold — and if you need a vet check nearby: allinpets.com/services
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King doesn't have folded ears (Maine Coon) so I don't have direct experience, but just wanted to say I don't think you're being paranoid at all, especially with everything that's been said here before about the breed's genetics. Hope the vet visit puts your mind at ease either way 🐾
I don't think you're overthinking it at all — with this breed specifically I'd rather ask a slightly unnecessary question than miss something related to the known health concerns. Better safe than sorry given everything tied to that particular gene.
Worth noting that fold degree in Scottish Folds isn't always binary — some cats have a single fold, others a tighter double or triple fold, and the timeline for the fold to fully set can vary somewhat cat to cat. That said, given the genetic link Jasmine mentioned, any vet visit is a good opportunity to also have joints checked proactively.
This is worth mentioning to your vet, not because it's necessarily a problem, but because ear fold timing and degree can vary, and your vet should already be monitoring Pebble's joints given the breed's known cartilage condition linked to the same gene. A check-in is reasonable here regardless of the ear specifically — better to ask now than wonder.