Articles tagged with Felines
Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.
In an experiment, pet cats were found to track their owner's location using the sound of their voice. Researchers discovered that cats can mentally map the location of their owners based on the unique acoustic characteristics of their voices.
A new study by the University of Exeter reveals that domestic cats rely almost entirely on their owner-provided food for nutrition. Despite being prolific hunters, cats only consume a small percentage of the prey they catch.
A new questionnaire revealed seven distinct feline personality and behavior traits, including activity playfulness, fearfulness, and aggression. Breed-specific differences were also found, with some breeds exhibiting more fearful or passive tendencies.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has released updated feline senior care guidelines, which provide emerging advances in feline medicine with respect to the aging cat. The guidelines emphasize the individual senior patient and recognize the impact caring for an aging cat has on the cat owner.
The International Society of Feline Medicine has published guidelines for blood transfusions in cats, emphasizing the need for careful consideration due to risks and limited donor availability. Blood typing and cross-matching are crucial to prevent potentially fatal reactions.
The updated guidelines outline four age-related life stages, from kittens to senior cats, with a focus on tailored care approaches and lifelong healthcare plans. Quick reference tables and lifestyle assessment forms aid veterinary professionals in developing evolving care plans that cater to each cat's unique needs.
Researchers found that catnip and silver vine contain intoxicating chemicals that repel mosquitoes when cats rub against them. The study identified nepetalactol as the most potent compound in silver vine leaves, which activates the opioid reward system in both domesticated felines and big jungle cats.
A research group found that cats use silver vine to repel mosquitoes due to its chemical defense properties. Nepetalactol activates a nervous system response in cats, which helps them transfer the substance to their fur for protection.
The new high-quality cat genome has helped confirm existing gene variants and identified a novel gene underlying dwarfism. The study also revealed genes linked to other diseases, providing valuable insights into feline biomedical research.
The article reviews recent insights into feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection pathogenesis using molecular techniques. It explains the various outcomes of FeLV infection, including progressive, regressive, focal, and abortive infections, highlighting the importance of understanding the cat's immune response and the virus.
The new guidelines update recommendations for feline vaccinations, encouraging veterinarians to consider individualized risk factors and lifestyle-based vaccine calculators. The guidelines aim to improve feline wellbeing by providing tailored vaccination protocols and educating pet owners about the importance of vaccination.
Researchers have found that Madagascar's forest cats are domestic cats from the Arabian Sea region, potentially introduced hundreds of years ago via trade ships. This discovery raises concerns about the impact on native species and ecosystems, particularly the fossa, a forest predator facing extinction.
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.
Researchers at LSU found that cats were less stressed when played cat-specific music, with lower cat stress scores and handling scale scores compared to classical music and no music. The study suggests that cat-specific music may benefit both cat welfare and owner experience.
Infected mice exhibit decreased general anxiety and increased exploratory behavior, as well as reduced aversion to various threats. The parasite achieves this through neuronal inflammation rather than direct interference with specific neuronal populations.
The AAFP has released updated Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management Guidelines, providing current information on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The guidelines aim to optimize care for feline patients infected with FeLV and FIV, and offer practical guidance for veterinarians and cat caregivers.
Fever in cats is often caused by infectious agents transmitted through fleas, ticks, and sandflies. Consistent use of products that rapidly kill vectors or prevent bites is crucial to preventing these diseases.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released updated guidelines for feline zoonoses, which are preventable diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The guidelines aim to educate veterinary teams and cat owners about these risks and provide recommendations for prevention and treatment.
Researchers found higher levels of tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in cats with hyperthyroidism, suggesting a link between the flame retardant and feline health. TDCIPP exposure correlated with air freshener use, house age, and furniture preference.
Researchers have found GS-441524 to be highly effective in treating FIP, with 26 out of 31 cats showing significant improvement in appetite and weight gain. The treatment has also been shown to be safe for cats of all ages and stages of the disease.
Gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) has been identified as a major contributor to feline cancer and chronic kidney disease, while morbillivirus has linked to tubulointerstitial nephritis. The viruses have no known zoonotic risk, but further research is needed.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released a consensus statement on feline feeding programs, highlighting the importance of allowing normal feeding behaviors such as hunting and foraging to occur in the home environment. This can help alleviate or prevent stress-related issues like cystitis and obesity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois created a unique study environment for cats to advance science and test an injectable contraceptive vaccine. The hybrid facility, dual-licensed as a USDA research facility and animal shelter, provided enriching conditions with furniture, toys, and outdoor enclosure.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released the first feline-specific anesthesia guidelines, aimed at reducing complications and mortality in cats undergoing anesthesia. The guidelines address specific causes of disparities and provide a standardized approach for administering anesthesia.
Researchers at UC Davis found that doubling cage sizes and providing double-compartment cages can significantly reduce upper respiratory disease in shelter cats. This simple change improves feline well-being, lowers staff stress, and increases adoptions, ultimately saving more lives.
Clinical trials have produced encouraging results for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in treating feline inflammatory diseases, such as chronic gingivostomatitis and enteropathies. However, further research is needed to answer questions about logistics and optimal use of the treatment.
Researchers funded by Morris Animal Foundation have made a breakthrough in treating feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal viral disease affecting cats. A clinical trial with 20 client-owned cats showed that most can be put into remission quickly, but achieving long-term remission is challenging.
A study found declawed cats exhibit increased risk of pain, aggression, and behavioral issues such as inappropriate elimination. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term health effects and exploring alternative solutions to reduce welfare concerns.
Trichomonosis is a common infectious cause of large bowel diarrhea in cats, characterized by 'cow pie' consistency and mucus/blood in faeces. The infection is caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, which can be transmitted from cat to cat via the faecal-oral route.
Only about 300 jaguars remain in Brazil, with fragmented habitats and frequent human contact posing major threats. GPS tracking data reveals jaguars' limited mobility, with males having larger home ranges than females.
The International Society of Feline Medicine has published consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in cats. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, highlighting challenges such as routine blood pressure monitoring being performed infrequently in cats.
A review of existing empirical evidence suggests that food puzzles can improve cats' physical health by aiding weight loss, and their emotional wellbeing by reducing aggression and fear. By introducing food puzzles, owners can provide cats with stimulation and exercise, leading to a more balanced lifestyle.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a model system to test drugs against feline herpes virus 1 (FHV-1) in cats. Early results show that the antiretroviral drug raltegravir is effective against FHV-1, even when administered once daily.
A special issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery defines common physical and functional changes in cats during aging. The issue provides assessment criteria for veterinary practitioners to provide the best care to ageing pet cats, as well as resources for future clinical research.
The new Guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners provide a concise explanation of what veterinary professionals know about the etiology and pathogenesis of clinical feline hyperthyroidism. The guidelines outline six clinical categories with associated management strategies to treat all hyperthyroid cats, regardl...
Chronic kidney disease affects over a third of cats over 10 years old, causing significant quality of life compromise. The ISFM Consensus Guidelines provide practical diagnostic and treatment options, including dietary management and antihypertensive medication use.
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that levetiracetam significantly reduced myoclonic seizures in cats with feline audiogenic reflex seizures, improving their quality of life. In contrast, phenobarbital showed limited efficacy and persistent side effects.
The article reviews the use of antivirals in managing retrovirus-infected cats, with a focus on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Best practice recommendations are presented for treatment regimens that may include zidovudine, plerixafor, or feline interferon omega.
The discovery of an ancient Iberian lynx specimen provides new insights into the evolution and origins of this endangered feline species. The fossil remains, dated to 1.6-1.7 million years ago, reveal a larger and heavier body than the modern species.
Researchers found that mice exposed to cat urine early in life can't avoid it later due to positive reinforcement and hormone changes. The molecule L-Felinine is responsible for this effect, blocking pregnancy and reducing litter size.
A recent review highlights the impact of stress on cat behavior and welfare, including changes in exploratory behavior, social grooming, and urine marking. Strategies to prevent or reduce stress include a three-phase reintroduction protocol, environmental enrichment, and breeding strategies that promote well-balanced temperament.
A new study has found that high-pitched sounds can cause seizures in older cats, with certain breeds and triggers identified. The study, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, reveals that audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS) occur in pedigree and non-pedigree cats, often triggered by loud noises such as crinkling tin fo...
Researchers found that cats undergoing surgery benefit from classical music, particularly George Handel compositions, which reduce respiratory rate and pupil diameter. The study suggests using calming music in surgical environments could decrease anaesthetic doses and promote patient safety.
The ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats provide evidence-based advice for veterinary teams. Key findings include the importance of weight control, using appropriate diets, and insulin therapy, as well as close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.
A survey of UK veterinary students found that over 50% lacked confidence in discussing oral health with clients. To address this, a two-part special issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to feline dentistry, featuring expert articles on examination techniques, periodontal disease, and anaesthetic protocols.
A Kansas State University epidemiologist has found that climate, physical environment, and socio-ecologic conditions contribute to tularemia infections among domestic cats. The study identified newly urbanized areas, residential locations surrounded by grassland, and high-humidity environments as key factors in the disease's prevalence.
Research reveals widespread ignorance among cat owners about their pets' reproductive cycles, leading to millions of unplanned litters and health problems for mother cats and kittens. Improving owner knowledge could significantly reduce the numbers of accidental litters.
College of Veterinary Medicine researcher Yunjeong Kim is working on a novel approach to combat feline coronavirus and calicivirus infections, which cause life-threatening illnesses in cats. She has identified a promising compound that targets the virus protease, essential for successful replication.
The updated guidelines offer recommendations for vaccination of household pet cats, shelter house cats, and cats in breeding catteries based on risk assessment. The new protocols prioritize comprehensive physical examinations and consultation to determine each cat's specific vaccination requirements.
Researchers identified a possible new feline disease in Scotland, characterized by robotic-like movements in cats. Meanwhile, an X-ray investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy revealed insights into cat burial practices, including treatment with natron and intricate wrapping techniques.
Researchers create cats with intrinsic immunity to feline AIDS by inserting protective protein genes. The technique, called gamete-targeted lentiviral transgenesis, also makes the offspring glow green for tracking purposes.
Researchers found that male sabertoothed cats were indistinguishable in size from females, suggesting a possible lack of aggression. This contrasts with the American lion, where males are significantly larger and more aggressive than females.
A recent study published in Chemical & Engineering News reveals that many cats lack the sensitivity to catnip due to genetic variation. The chemical compound nepetalactone is responsible for triggering behaviors in sensitive felines, but its potency can be preserved by storing it in the freezer.
A University of Florida researcher has developed a feline AIDS vaccine that the federal government has approved for commercial use. The vaccine, expected to be available this summer, is based on viruses from long-term nonprogressor cats and may aid in human HIV development.