A cattery in Belgium has been closed due to illegal breeding of fold cats.

Entrepreneurs sold sick and too small kittens

A Belgian cat breeder’s permit has been revoked for illegally breeding Scottish Fold cats, a cat breed made famous by singer Taylor Swift. This cat breed has been banned in Belgium since 2021. However, the breed has become incredibly popular, especially among fans of the American singer.

The Scottish Fold cat was banned in Belgium in 2021 because the animals have a genetic deformity, but this hasn’t stopped many from trying to breed them in response to their growing popularity.

A Belgian breeder in Dilbeek has had his permit revoked for illegally breeding Scottish Folds, announced Flemish Animal Affairs Minister Ben Weitz.

“Let this be a clear signal. If breeders don’t follow the rules, we will intervene,” Weitz said. “Breeding animals with a genetic defect like these folded ears causes a lot of suffering to the animals.”

The folded ears are what helped the breed become famous, as it gives the animal an owl-like appearance, which breed lovers find cute. This is a genetic defect associated with many health problems and constant pain that the animal suffers from, as it also leads to damage to the cartilage in the ears as well as in the joints, which become completely deformed.

These cats usually do not show their pain and discomfort; it is still noticeable in their behavior. They will never be seen running around the house or jumping on cabinets. But since folding ears are their “cutest” feature, it became a desirable defect.

“You really shouldn’t distribute animals with a terrible handicap just because it looks good in a photograph,” Weitz said.

Animal welfare inspectors and police found several other violations of animal welfare laws at the Dilbeck breeder, including the sale of sick and too-small kittens. Several animals were also not sterilized.

“Now the breeder will be prohibited from breeding for two years,” Weitz said. He added that compared to a few years ago, there are now many more checks being carried out on the ground, both by local police and the animal welfare inspectorate.

If we remember that the cat became too popular thanks to the American singer. The thing is that Taylor Swift is the owner of three cats, two of which are Scottish Fold. Fans decided to massively have pets similar to their idol’s cats.