Articles tagged with Felines
A study published in Scientific Reports documents the first molecular characterization of Marfan syndrome in domestic cats, Gary and Shaggy. The feline siblings' condition was caused by a variant of the FBN1 gene, but their partially disrupted gene allowed some normal function to remain, enabling them to survive into adulthood.
A new study published in PLOS One finds that cats and dogs prefer kibble containing microbial proteins over standard animal-derived protein in a short-term preference test. The study involved 30 dogs and 30 cats, who were offered two bowls of food simultaneously for four consecutive meals over two days.
A global study of over 700 bacterial genomes found that 87% of the bacteria from dogs and cats belonged to strains identified in humans. The study also revealed high levels of antibiotic resistance, with nearly half of animal-derived samples carrying genes resistant to clinically important antibiotics.
A study by Hebrew University researchers found that iron and bromine may contribute to the development of feline corneal sequestra, a condition causing chronic eye discomfort. The findings suggest biochemical processes involving inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role in the disease's progression.
A recent study found that over half of NYC's free-roaming cats are infected with zoonotic parasites. Young male cats, in particular, act as 'super-shedders' of roundworm (Toxocara) eggs, posing public health risks.
Researchers have identified Rickettsia typhi in cat fleas collected from domestic cats in the Rio Grande Valley, a region with high numbers of human cases of murine typhus. Controlling flea infestations on cats is crucial for protecting both animal and human health.
A large-scale study on Swedish children with asthma found that living with cats did not worsen asthma outcomes. The study of 30,277 children over 24 months showed similar asthma severity and lung function in cat-exposed and non-exposed groups.
A study found that elevation of artemin could serve as a disease marker and potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis in cats. The researchers confirmed that TRP channels commonly associated with osteoarthritis pain were expressed and functional in healthy cat DRG neurons, and increased artemin blood concentrations were correlate...
Researchers have discovered that feline infectious peritonitis virus infects a broader range of immune cells, including B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. The findings suggest that the virus can persist in these cells even after treatment, potentially leading to long-term immune problems.
A study published in Insect Conservation and Diversity analyzed over 17,000 social media photos and videos to understand domestic cats' prey in urban settings. The research found that cats hunt a diverse range of arthropods, including Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Blattodea.
Researchers found that 1% penciclovir cream is safe and well-tolerated when used to treat feline herpesvirus type 1-related eye infections. The cream maintained antiviral levels for over eight hours, suggesting twice-daily use could effectively manage the condition.
A Cornell University study detected disease-causing microbes like Salmonella, Cronobacter, and E. coli in raw cat foods sold frozen, refrigerated, and freeze-dried. These pathogens can transfer from pets to humans, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Research suggests that exposure to dog allergens in the home may reduce the risk of developing childhood asthma by five years old. Babies with higher levels of Can f1, a dog skin protein, had around a 48% lower risk of developing asthma and better lung function.
A Dartmouth study found that people without pets donate more than cat owners, who in turn give more often and diversely. The researchers analyzed over $70 billion in donations from approximately 63 million donors, suggesting that personality traits may play a role in philanthropic behavior.
A new class of targeted therapy showed promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in pet cats, with 35% of patients experiencing controlled disease. The drug, which targets the transcription factor STAT3, also raised levels of PD-1, a protein associated with an immune response to cancer.
Scientists found brain changes similar to those of people with Alzheimer's disease in cats with dementia, including a build-up of toxic protein amyloid-beta. This discovery may lead to new treatments for both cats and humans with the condition.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that cats' purring behavior is linked to genetic variation, specifically the short-type androgen receptor gene. Cats with this gene exhibit higher owner-assessed purring scores than those with the long-type gene.
A study published in PLOS One found that domestic cats can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on their odor. Cats spend longer sniffing the odor of a stranger than that of their owner, suggesting they can identify human scent patterns.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, nanotechnology-based praziquantel formulation that increases efficacy and reduces dosage for treating worms. The new formulation, requiring only half the usual dose, demonstrates greater efficacy in eliminating schistosomes than the active ingredient alone.
Scientists at UPF and the Royal Veterinary College have generated 3D reconstructions of cat hearts to analyze thrombi formation. The study reveals a similar risk pattern between cats and humans, highlighting the importance of heart morphology in blood clotting.
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
William Murphy, a genomicist at Texas A&M University, was named the 2025 SEC Professor of the Year. He studies genome structure, function and evolution to understand genetic basis of species traits and diseases.
A study by Washington State University found that therapy cats exhibit similar behavioral traits to therapy dogs, such as high sociability and attention-seeking. The research suggests that expanding AAS programs to include felines could make therapy more accessible to a wider range of people.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells, a major breakthrough for veterinary regenerative medicine. The high-quality stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and be transplanted to restore internal damage.
A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.
A nearly complete skull of the ancient apex carnivore Bastetodon has been discovered in the Egyptian desert, revealing a new species of hyaenodonta. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of hyaenodonts and their global distribution, with findings suggesting they spread from Africa to Asia, Europe, India, and North America.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has revealed new insights into treating cats exposed to toxic lilies. The study found no significant difference in acute kidney injury prevalence between inpatient and outpatient groups, suggesting that outpatient management may be a viable option fo...
Veterinary scientists at Université de Montréal have created a way to scan the brains of cats while they're awake by concealing electrodes in crocheted wool caps. This new technique uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) and can help alleviate chronic pain in cats.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated high-quality feline induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without a genetic footprint. These cells exhibit properties similar to human iPSCs and can differentiate into various cell types, making them a promising tool for veterinary regenerative medicine research.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 4 in 10 cat owners report their feline companions playing fetch, while 78% of dog owners say their canine friends engage in the behavior. The research also highlights differences in fetching behavior between breeds and demographic factors.
Researchers discovered that a 30-million-year-old feline ancestor had both brown and gray-eyed individuals, paving the way for modern felid iris color diversity. The study found a correlation between yellow eyes and round pupils, as well as an ancestral population with brown eyes only before gaining gray-eyed individuals.
Researchers used feline taste-testers to identify flavor compounds in cat food sprays. The cats preferred sprays with proteins broken down further and containing more free amino acids, leading to more savory and fatty flavors.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.
Research reveals that environmental and behavioral factors such as the presence of children, play levels, and personality traits significantly impact cats' scratching behavior. Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can help alleviate stress and engage cats in constructive activities.
A study by Washington State University found that cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at high risk of experiencing serious adverse effects from products containing eprinomectin. Cats without this mutation appear safe when using these products, but many cases of severe reactions have been reported.
A new study published in Current Biology explores the genetics of Bengal cat coat coloration and patterning. Researchers found that domestic cat DNA, not Asian leopard genes, is responsible for the breed's distinctive 'glittery' coats.
Pet owners are most likely to help their overweight pets lose weight when veterinarians caution about the impact of obesity on life expectancy. Impact on life expectancy is the top concern for cat owners, while life expectancy and arthritis are the top concerns for dog owners.
Fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time, providing a rare and unusual behavior that sheds light on their ecology. This unexpected finding may help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
Researchers have uncovered novel perspectives on domestic and wild cat evolution through the use of cutting-edge genome sequencing and assembly technologies. The study highlights distinct genetic changes that will aid in future disease studies and provide crucial information for those studying feline diseases, behavior, and conservation.
A survey of 924 cat owners found that 59% of cats who played fetch did so up to ten times per month, with cats initiating and ending games more often than their owners. Cats tend to control games of fetch with their owners and may continue play until owners end them.
A new study by University of California, Davis researchers reveals that domestic cats use bacteria living in their anal glands to produce unique scents that convey important information. These volatile organic compounds are essential for cat behavior, social lives, and territorial marking.
Researchers found that as cats gained weight, their gastrointestinal transit time decreased, reducing nutrient extraction. The study also revealed changes in gut microbial composition, with an increase in Bifidobacterium and a decrease in Collinsella, opposite to what has been seen in overweight humans.
A new method extracts DNA from cat hair, linking suspects and crime scenes, with potential applications in dog cases too. Researchers found a single cat hair contains usable DNA, which can be sequenced for a more powerful link.
A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.
A survey of 1,369 cat owners found that those on vegan diets tended to report fewer veterinary visits and less medication use compared to those on meat-based diets. While the differences were not statistically significant, these findings support the healthfulness of vegan diets for cats.
Researchers found that declawing larger cat species results in significantly lighter muscle density and mass, particularly in the deep digital flexors, leading to reduced strength and functionality. This study highlights the cruelty of declawing practices on exotic animals.
Researchers created a detailed analysis of the domestic cat's nasal airway, revealing two distinct regions of air flow during inhalation. The study suggests that the cat nose functions as an efficient dual-purposed gas chromatograph, capable of detecting and separating chemicals quickly and efficiently.
A research team at Leibniz-IZW identified molecular markers for testicular cell types in domestic cats and four wild feline species, allowing for the clear identification of Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and advanced germ cell stages. This breakthrough enables the maturation process of male germ cells in vitro.
A new analysis suggests that US dog and cat owners experienced greater reductions in stress and loneliness during the reopening period, while cat owners showed more stress and loneliness. The study also found that pet ownership was linked to less loneliness related to romantic relationships.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that non-fearful and sociable cat personalities, as well as clean litterboxes, can decrease litterbox issues. The research identified 34 variables associated with two behavioural traits: house soiling and litterbox fussiness.
The study, conducted by the University of Malaga and others, analyzed the skeleton and brain architecture of Miracinonyx trumani, finding that it had retractable claws and was able to grapple with its prey like cougars. Its brain surface also showed differences from cheetahs, suggesting an intermediate form between the two species.
A new study pinpoints the first-ever domestication of cats to nearly 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region. Genetic analysis reveals that humans' transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers sparked the bond between humans and rodents-eating cats, leading to their migration with humans worldwide.
A study found that fearful cats tend to display excessive grooming and aggression towards humans. Early socialization with humans is crucial in reducing fearfulness and related behavioral issues in cats. The research also discovered a correlation between litterbox issues and aggressive behavior in households with multiple cats.
The new guidelines aim to improve the cat's emotional experience during veterinary visits. They provide practical tips on creating a more reassuring environment, such as minimizing visual stimulation and using synthetic feline pheromones. The guidance also emphasizes the importance of remaining 'cat-focused' during interactions.
A new study reveals that people with strong emotions are more interested in interacting with cats, contrary to the common perception that cat interactions are less appealing. The research found that universities can benefit from including both dogs and cats in their animal-assisted interventions to reach a broader audience.
Researchers have reverse-engineered a virus linked to chronic kidney disease in cats and described its mechanism of infection. The feline morbillivirus, or FeMV, can spread from host to host through urine, similar to the zoonotic Nipah virus.
The 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines provide essential information for veterinarians to diagnose FIP, a fatal viral disease affecting young cats. The guidelines offer helpful tips, images, and tables to assist clinicians in recognizing FIP symptoms.
A recent study found that US animal shelters experienced a surge in dog and cat intake following climate-linked disasters. The influx of animals lasted for up to a year, highlighting the need for preparedness and resources for affected facilities.
A new study explores relationships between domestic cats' hormone levels, gut microbiomes, and social behaviors in cohabitating groups. The research found that low testosterone and cortisol concentrations enabled cats to share space, while high oxytocin levels were associated with less affiliative behavior.
Researchers discovered that cats exposed to wildfire smoke and injuries are prone to forming deadly blood clots, associated with cardiovascular disease. The study also identified a novel receptor on cat platelets that may play a role in clotting.