ScienceDaily: Cat News

White tiger mystery solved: Coat color produced by single change in pigment gene

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:33:33 EDT

White tigers today are only seen in zoos, but they belong in nature, say researchers reporting new evidence about what makes those tigers white. Their spectacular white coats are produced by a single change in a known pigment gene, according to a new study.

Over 80% of dogs suffer from hypothermia after surgery with anesthetic

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:53:53 EDT

Veterinarians have completed the first global study that clinically documents the prevalence of hypothermia in dogs after surgery and after diagnostic tests that require anesthetic. The 83.6% of the 1,525 dogs studied presented this complication, whereas in humans this percentage is between 30 and 60% of cases.

Dietary flexibility may have helped some large predators survive after last ice age

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:14:14 EDT

During the late Pleistocene, a diverse assemblage of large-bodied mammals inhabited the "mammoth steppe" of northern Eurasia and Beringia. Of the large predators -- wolves, bears, and big cats -- only the wolves and bears were able to maintain their ranges well after the end of the last ice age. A new study suggests that dietary flexibility may have been an important factor giving wolves and bears an edge over saber-toothed cats and cave lions.

Cat and mouse: One gene is necessary for mice to avoid predators

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:41:41 EDT

A new study involving olfactory receptors provides evidence that a single gene is necessary for a mouse to avoid a cat. A research team has shown that removing one olfactory receptor from mice can have a profound effect on their behavior. The gene, called TAAR4, encodes a receptor that responds to a chemical that is enriched in the urine of carnivores. While normal mice innately avoid the scent marks of predators, mice lacking the TAAR4 receptor do not.

Museum find proves exotic ‘big cat’ prowled British countryside a century ago

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:24:24 EDT

The rediscovery of a mystery animal in a museum’s underground storeroom proves that a non-native ‘big cat’ prowled the British countryside at the turn of the last century. The animal’s skeleton and mounted skin was analyzed and Aberystwyth universities and found to be a Canadian lynx – a carnivorous predator more than twice the size of a domestic cat.

A beautiful species of tree iguana redescribed 179 years after its discovery

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:23:23 EDT

The tree iguana, Liolaemus nigromaculatus, was the second species of the genus Liolaemus to be described and the nominal species of the group nigromaculatus. However, since its description, no scientific study further clarified the identity of this engaging species or its type locality. A recent study by Chilean biologists clarifies the mysteries around this tree iguana, characterizing the species and its dwelling areas.

Is pet ownership sustainable?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:11:11 EDT

There has been much talk about sustainability, but little attention has been paid to its nutritional aspects. Scientists have raised a number of important questions on the sustainability of pet ownership.

Study of pumas in Santa Cruz Mountains documents impact of predator/human interaction

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:01:01 EDT

In the first published results of more than three years of tracking mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains, researchers have documented how human development affects the predators' habits.

Molecular techniques are 'man's new best friend' in pet obesity research

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:30:30 EDT

Molecular biology technologies are making the mechanisms underlying the pet obesity epidemic more easily understood.

Plant proteins control chronic disease in Toxoplasma infections

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:29 EDT

A new discovery about the malaria-related parasite Toxoplasma gondii -- which can threaten babies, AIDS patients, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems -- may help solve the mystery of how this single-celled parasite establishes life-long infections in people. The study places the blame squarely on a family of plant proteins, known as AP2 factors.

Move over squirrels: Leopards are new backyard wildlife

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

Certain landscapes of western India completely devoid of wilderness and with high human populations are crawling with a different kind of backyard wildlife: leopards.

Mathematical butterflies provide insight into how insects fly

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:56:56 EDT

Researchers have developed sophisticated numerical simulations of a butterfly's forward flight.

For the first time Iberian lynx embryos are collected and preserved

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:07:07 EDT

A pioneering procedure in felines allows the collection of biological material from Iberian lynx females before castration. The preserved biological material of the lynxes will be used in future conservation breeding programs.

Putting the clock in 'cock-a-doodle-doo'

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:26:26 EDT

Of course, roosters crow with the dawn. But are they simply reacting to the environment, or do they really know what time of day it is? Researchers have evidence that puts the clock in "cock-a-doodle-doo.

Five-million-year-old saber-toothed cat in newly discovered genus discovered in Florida

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:09:09 EDT

A new genus and species of extinct saber-toothed cat has been discovered in Polk County, Florida. The 5-million-year-old fossils belong to the same lineage as the famous Smilodon fatalis from the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, a large, carnivorous apex predator with elongated upper canine teeth. Previous research suggested the group of saber-toothed cats known as Smilodontini originated in the Old World and then migrated to North America, but the age of the new species indicates the group likely originated in North America.

'Marshall Plan' for African wildlife?

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:34:34 EST

African lions and villagers would benefit from fences to protect them from each other, according to a new study.

India: Leopards in the backyard

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:38:38 EST

A new camera-trapping study in India has revealed that leopards can occur at high densities in densely-populated and heavily-modified agricultural environments.

Almost half of Africa's lions facing extinction, new report confirms

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:46:46 EST

A new report concludes that nearly half of Africa's wild lion populations may decline to near extinction over the next 20-40 years without urgent conservation measures. The plight of many lion populations is so bleak, the report concludes that fencing them in -- and fencing humans out -- may be their only hope for survival.

Where the wild things go … when there's nowhere else

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:57:57 EST

The presence of endangered cats and primates in swamp forests might be seriously overlooked. Recent research concludes that swamp forests beg further exploration as places where endangered species have preserved their numbers -- and where humans could potentially preserve them into the future.

Cryopreservation: A chance for highly endangered mammals

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:19:19 EST

Oocytes of lions, tigers and other cat species survive the preservation in liquid nitrogen. Scientists have now succeeded in carrying out cryopreservation of felid ovary cortex.

Raw meat diet may not be enough for cats (or tigers): Pet owners risk increased pathogens, nutrient imbalances

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:14:14 EST

Should your cat eat steak? Researchers report that raw meat diets can lack important nutrients. Though raw meat is a good source of protein for felines, pet owners need to supplement diets.

Diagnosis and treatment now possible for osteoarthritic cats

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:06:06 EST

Scientists have found a way to recognize and treat osteoarthritis in cats -- a condition that the owner might not notice and that can make even petting painful.

Caring for dogs to reduce spread of parasite eggs harmful to humans

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:21:21 EST

New research has shown that dogs act as a major source of the parasite egg, Toxocara, which can potentially contaminate the public environment and infect humans.

Invasion of feral cats could see the end of a seabird endemic to the Mediterranean

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:06:06 EST

The population of Yelkouan Shearwater of the French island of Le Levant is seriously under threat due to the invasion of feral cats, according to a French and Spanish joint study. The archipelago is home to the main colonies of this species. Feral cats are considered one of the most dangerous invading species for animals native to Mediterranean Islands.

Cats and humans suffer from similar forms of epilepsy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:03:03 EST

Epilepsy affects the very core of our being, our brain. Epileptic attacks can lead to seizures throughout the body or in parts of it. Clouding of consciousness or memory lapses are also possible. The causes are still only partially understood but in some cases brain tumors, infections, inflammations of the brain or metabolic diseases have been implicated.

Stable fisher population found in the Southern Sierra Nevada

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:12:12 EST

After experiencing years of population decline on the West Coast, a recent study examining fisher populations found that -- at least in the southern Sierra Nevada -- the animal's numbers appear to be stable.

New research throws doubt on earlier 'killer walrus' claims

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:59:59 EST

Palaeontologists who examined a new fossil found in southern California have thrown doubt on earlier claims that a "killer walrus" once existed.

Leopards and tigers in India: New genetics research underscores importance of protecting forest corridors

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:30:30 EST

As rapid economic expansion continues to shape the Asian landscape on which many species depend, time is running out for conservationists aiming to save wildlife such as tigers and leopards. Scientists have used genetic analysis to find that the natural forest corridors in India are essential to ensuring a future for these species. According to two recent studies, these corridors are successfully connecting populations of tigers and leopards to ensure genetic diversity and gene flow.

Evidence contradicts idea that starvation caused saber-tooth cat extinction

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:28:28 EST

The latest study of the microscopic wear patterns on the teeth of the American lions and saber-toothed cats that roamed North America in the late Pleistocene found that they were living well off the fat of the land in the period just before they went extinct.

Tigers roar back: Great news for big cats in key areas

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 15:30:30 EST

Biologists have reported significant progress for tigers in three key landscapes across the big cat’s range due to better law enforcement, protection of habitat, and strong government partnerships.

Study turns parasite invasion theory on its head

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 15:26:26 EST

Current thinking on how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite invades its host is incorrect, according to a new study describing a new technique to knock out genes. The findings could have implications for other parasites from the same family, including malaria, and suggest that drugs that are currently being developed to block this invasion pathway may be unsuccessful.

Researchers find first evidence of Ice Age wolves in Nevada

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:11:11 EST

A research team recently unearthed fossil remains from an extinct wolf species in a wash northwest of Las Vegas, revealing the first evidence that the Ice Age mammal once lived in Nevada.

New study brings long-sought vaccines for deadly parasite closer to reality

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:17:17 EST

One major cause of illness from food-borne diseases is the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). New insights into how the immune system combats T. gondii are provided in a new study. The findings could lead to the development of long-sought vaccines to protect against T. gondii and related parasites.

Cane toads can be stopped

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:09:09 EST

It may be possible to stop the spread of can toads into new areas of Australia, according to new research.

Injured tiger saved by village

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:09:09 EST

The village of Nidugumba in Karnataka State in southwest India acted swiftly to save an injured tiger that had become caught in a barbed wire fence last week.

Virus-host co-evolution: How specialized should a strain of a multi-host virus be?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:31:31 EST

A new study of canine distemper virus (CDV) provides the first evidence that the virus occurs as specialist strains that emerge in response to strong evolutionary selection in the large global domestic dog population, and as generalist strains adapted to infect a broad range of carnivore species that occur as smaller host populations. The study not only unraveled one key mechanism which led to the evolution of specialist and generalist strains, it also showed that specializing on one host species comes at the cost of a reduced ability to infect other host species.

How common 'cat parasite' gets into human brain and influences human behavior

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:32:32 EST

Toxoplasma is a common 'cat parasite', and has previously been in the spotlight owing to its observed effect on risk-taking and other human behaviors. To some extent, it has also been associated with mental illness. A study led by researchers in Sweden now demonstrates for the first time how the parasite enters the brain to influence its host.

Lions are rapidly losing ground in Africa

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:58:58 EST

A new study confirms that lions are rapidly and literally losing ground across Africa's once-thriving savannahs due to burgeoning human population growth and subsequent, massive land-use conversion. Representing the most comprehensive assessment of the state and vitality of African savannah habitat to date, the report maintains that the lion has lost 75 percent of its original natural habitat in Africa – a reduction that has devastated lion populations across the continent.

African savannah -- and its lions -- declining at alarming rates

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:55:55 EST

About 75 percent of Africa's savannahs and more than two-thirds of the lion population once estimated to live there have disappeared in the last 50 years, according to a new study.

Camera trap photo of rare cat wins prize

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:17:17 EST

A photo of a little known Bolivian cat species called an oncilla has been taken by a camera trap.

A rather thin and long new snake crawls out of one of Earth's biodiversity hotspots

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 10:15:15 EST

A team of Ecuadorian and American scientists have discovered a new species, belonging to a neotropical group of remarkably long arboreal (tree-dwelling) snakes: the blunt-headed vine snakes, from the Choco biodiversity hotspot in northwestern Ecuador. DNA data suggest that the closest relative of the new species lives on the other side of the Andes.

Call for global monitoring of infectious diseases in dogs and cats

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:10:10 EST

Most emerging infectious diseases of humans come from animals. International health agencies monitor these diseases, but they do so only for humans and livestock, not for companion dogs and cats. A new study recommends a global system is needed to monitor infectious diseases of companion dogs and cats.

City birds adapt to their new predators

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 07:30:30 EST

Urban growth alters the behavior of birds. Faced with the same threat, city and country birds do not react in the same way despite being from the same species. According to a new study, urban birds have changed their anti-predator behavior in new environments.

Saber-toothed cats and bear dogs: How they made cohabitation work

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 19:16:16 EST

The fossilized fangs of saber-toothed cats hold clues to how the extinct mammals shared space and food with other large predators 9 million years ago.

New cat breed, Selkirk Rex, genetically different from other curly-haired cats

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:14:14 EDT

Pet owners and animal breeders are frequently attracted by curly-haired animals. Indeed, three curly-haired varieties of cat are already recognized and have been developed into competitive breeds. Serina Filler at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna now shows that a fourth curly-haired breed, Selkirk Rex, is genetically distinct from previously known breeds and presents a genetic analysis of the new cats.

Where does a 500-pound sea lion spit?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:28:28 EDT

One expert sees studying zoo animals as a perfect opportunity to continue his groundbreaking research on how saliva can signal stress, health risks, and illness in the human body, and apply this research to endangered species as well.

Don't be so fast to judge a cat by its color, new study warns

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:48:48 EDT

Just like humans, domestic cats are often judged by their color, and the media and folklore help perpetuate these stereotypes. Take the snobbish, aloof, white kitty who promotes "Fancy Feast," and spooky images of black cats, which can be associated with bad luck and witches, especially around Halloween. A new study warns that typecasting cats according to their color can negatively impact adoption rates at shelters.

Kittens: Their microbiomes are what they eat

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:36:36 EDT

For animals as well as people, diet affects what grows in the gut. The gut microbial colonies, also known as the gut microbiome, begin to form at birth. Their composition affects how the immune system develops and is linked to the later onset of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Common wisdom is that cats, by nature carnivorous, are healthiest when fed high-protein diets. Researchers wanted to find out if this is true.

DNA confirms genetically distinct lion population for Ethiopia

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:53:53 EDT

A team of international researchers has provided the first comprehensive DNA evidence that the Addis Ababa lion in Ethiopia is genetically unique and is urging immediate conservation action to preserve this vulnerable lion population.

Go west, young lion: New study shows mountain lions dispersing from Nevada to California

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:32:32 EDT

A new study has identified two genetically distinct populations of mountain lions in California and Nevada and discovered -- to the surprise of scientists -- that portions of Nevada's Great Basin Desert are serving as a "source" for animals moving west to the Sierra Nevada mountains shared with California.

Onset of flu season raises concerns about human-to-pet transmission

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:10:10 EDT

As flu season approaches, people who get sick may not realize they can pass the flu not only to other humans, but possibly to other animals, including pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets. This concept, called “reverse zoonosis,” is still poorly understood but has raised concern among some scientists and veterinarians.

Taking the battle against the toxic trio beyond 'Leaves of three, leave it be'

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:38:38 EDT

With more than half of all adults allergic to poison ivy, oak and sumac, scientists are reporting an advance toward an inexpensive spray that could reveal the presence of the rash-causing toxic oil on the skin, clothing, garden tools, and even the family pet. Using the spray would enable people to wash off the oil, or avoid further contact, in time to sidestep days of misery.

How the sub-Saharan cheetah got its stripes: Californian feral cats help unlock biological secret

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:11:11 EDT

Feral cats in Northern California have enabled researchers to unlock the biological secret behind a rare, striped cheetah found only in sub-Saharan Africa, according to researchers. The study is the first to identify a molecular basis of coat patterning in mammals.

CT scan and 3-D print help scientists reconstruct an ancient mollusk

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:57:57 EDT

Using a combination of traditional and innovative model-building techniques, scientists have created a lifelike reconstruction of an ancient mollusk, a multiplacophoran, offering a vivid portrait of a creature that lived about 390 million years ago, and answering questions about its place in the tree of life.

Canadian homes a kill zone for up to 22 million birds a year, researchers estimate

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Researchers estimate a staggering 22 million birds die from colliding with windows of homes across Canada annually.

Why claws come out over feral cat management: Finding common ground among 'cat people' and 'bird people'

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:16:16 EDT

A national survey shows that "cat people" and "bird people" have heated differences of opinion, complicating the challenge of managing more than 50 million free-roaming feral cats while protecting threatened wildlife. A new study identifies why the claws come out over feral cat management and which approaches might be useful in finding common ground among those with polarized opinions.

University opens obesity clinic for pets

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:17:17 EDT

The United States' obesity epidemic reaches far beyond adults and children to our pets, who share our homes and often our dietary habits and lack of exercise. To address this, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has created the nation's first obesity clinic geared especially for pets and overseen by a full-time, board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

Rare find: Feathered dinosaur feasted on flying food

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:19:19 EDT

Researchers found evidence that a feathered, but flightless dinosaur was able to snag and consume small flying dinosaurs.

Common parasite may trigger suicide attempts: Inflammation from T. gondii produces brain-damaging metabolites

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:04:04 EDT

A parasite thought to be harmless and found in many people may actually be causing subtle changes in the brain, leading to suicide attempts. New research adds to the growing work linking an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite to suicide attempts.

How elephants produce their deep 'voices': Same physical mechanism produces vocalizations in elephants and humans

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:15:15 EDT

Elephants rely on the same mechanism that produces speech in humans (and the vocalizations of many other mammals) to hit the extremely low notes they use to communicate.