Why are scottish fold cats so common in Asia?

They are especially common in Japan, but I've never seen one here in the states. Keep in mind that they need to be bred with non-scottish fold cats to prevent physical deformities, which mean each litter has an average of 50% scottish fold kittens.

i can't speak for their popularity in japan, but i'd guess that it may be the fad of the moment. it is due to those deformities that it is not a breed shown or bred in the UK, so that may account for one reason it is more popular in other countries. ironic, considering it was originally found in scotland, eh?

i've seen plenty here, even have a "breeder" who regularly brings us his cast-offs when he can't find homes for the kits before wanting to breed his queen again. and he doesn't discriminate between breeding two scots together or switching one out with a british/american shorthair like you're supposed to. so most of his have deformities. nice, isn't it? people like him make me sick and are one reason why it is so hard to breed deformities out of the breed.

and while they may be straight-eared due to the special breeding program needed, the average is a bit higher than 50% that they'll have folded ears. folded ears is the dominant gene.

personally, i think they're adorable cats, one of my faves...but not the breed for everyone. they need special care because of their ears, and it takes a dedicated breeder to carry the breed on responsibly.