breed of shorthaired cat known for its round-eyed, wistful expression and its small, rounded ears, the tips of which fold over to completely cover the ear opening; coat is dense and elastic and may be almost any normal color or combination thereof; tail is thick, medium-length, and flexible; eye color matches that of fur; is a good mouser, yet fond of indoors; bears 5 kittens per litter, but usually only 2 will have folded ears, which develop only after 3 to 4 weeks of age; modern breed descended from mutant kitten born on Scottish farm in 1960s; folded ears may impair hearing or harbor ear mites.