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 Cat
health: Vaccination, infections and epidemiological studies
Cat
health: Digestive problems, kidney disease and poisoning
Cat
health: Other health issues
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Think I'll have him lightly toasted!
Pigment drives muscle movement in cats' eyes
Pigment in iris can control cats' pupils
source: New Scientist vol 212, no 2837, November 5 2011 p18
A pigment in the iris of a cat's eye can control the movement of the pupil. This is also true of hamsters, dogs and other animals which are active at dawn, dusk and during the night. Previously, messages from the brain were seen as the way the pupil changed size. A team led by King-Wai Ya, from Baltimore's John Hopkins University, have found that a pigment called melanopsin also controls pupil size. This may help prevent such animals from being dazzled by sudden bright light. Fish, amphibians and birds use the pigment in the same way.
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Animal empathy
Dogs and cats can develop empathy for humans
source: Mike Flattley
New Scientist vol 208 no 2791, 18th December 2010 p28
Humans can hunt more effectively when they can think like the prey they hunt, as is shown by the Kalahari bushmen. Anthropologists see this skill as part of the evolution of the human ability to develop strategies and influence events. More empathic predators are probably better hunters, and this may apply to cats and dogs. Both can understand human behaviour to some extent, and this has helped them to co-operate and live with humans. Cats and dogs behave differently when they relate to their own species. It is anthropomorphic to believe that only humans can understand others' behaviour. Evolution is likely to have favoured empathy as a useful survival trait.
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In or Out?
Should cats live indoors?
Source: Feline Advisory Bureau Volume 39 (2) 2001
Starts Page 48, 3 pages long
The introduction of cat litter in the 1950s meant that cat owners now had a choice about whether to let their cats out or keep them indoors, but it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of both indoor and outdoor lifestyles, based on the individual cat and owner circumstances. Risks of outdoor life include road traffic accidents, poisoning, disease and loss, but such risks can be minimised by vaccination against infectious diseases, keeping the cat in at nighttime and neutering. On the other hand indoor cats do not have the same stimuli as outdoor cats and may display behavioural problems because of this, such as urine marking. They may also be unable to cope with changes in the confines of their indoor territory and may also become overweight due to lack of activity. So it is important to keep an indoor cat stimulated with toys and games, and a pair of cats would have the chance to interact unlike a lone cat. Purpose built enclosures or cat proof fencing would offer the best of both worlds, providing a safe outdoor environment without the risks associated with free roaming.
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Cloners set sights on rare cats
Developments in cloning domestic and rare cats
source: Michael Le Page
New Scientist vol 185 no 2481, January 8 2005 p12
The first cloned cat was born in 2001, and this success has led researchers
to try cloning as a way to help the conservation of endangered wild cats.
A team led by Martha Gomez at the Audoben Center for the Research of Endangered
Species, New Orleans, has cloned seven African Wild cats, or Felis lybica.
The team is also seeking to clone Felis nigripes, or the black-footed cat,
and the rusty spotted cat. Meanwhile, Genetic Saving and Clone, a Californian
company, delivered a cat to a customer at the end of 2004, later than planned.
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Dogs, cats - and ferrets - win right to EU passports
Pet passports to be harmonised in European Union
source: Ian Black
Guardian November 28 2003 p8
New European rules are planned for harmonised pet passports. The European
commission has decided that pets travelling within the European Union (EU),
and outside the countries they come from should have standard European passports.
The passports will be effective from July 2004, and will record numbers unique
to each pet, corresponding to tattoos or microchips, as well as proof of vaccinations
against diseases such as rabies. This passport will be used for all countries
except for the UK, Sweden and Ireland, which also need proof that pets have
between treated for tapeworms and ticks. This plan also applies to countries
joining the EU in May 2004.
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Wild beast watchers pounce on new sightings
Big cats living wild in Britain
source: John Vidal
Guardian January 11 2003 p10
The number of sightings of big cats in the wild in Britain increased to a
new peak in 2002. The British Big Cat Society received over 1,000 reports
, and some zoologists believe that the population of big cats in the UK is
increasing. There have been sightings in every county, and a wide range of
big cats sighted, including jungle cats, ocelots, pumas, leopards and lynxes.
The cat society aims to collect evidence using special cameras able to take
photos at night. The big cats usually follow streams and railway lines, and
have become accustomed to cars and people. They only present a risk to the
public if they are surprised or cornered. The cats could interbreed, which
may lead to a population explosion.
Zoologists who believe that there are many wild cats in Britain include London
zoo's Quentin Rose, who has identified 18 reports of ocelots and jungle cats,
that he believes are reliable, as well as 27 leopard sightings and 32 sightings
of pumas. Glasgow zoo's Paul Paterson believes that big cats are being imported
by rich owners, and are then being dumped. Some of these exotic imports can
breed with domestic pet cats, with some hybrids also producing offspring.
He believes that the Dangerous Wild Animals Act may have led many people to
dump exotic pets. Meanwhile, the police are calling for more controls of dangerous
animals, while a government wildlife officer argues that there is little hard
evidence, like road kills, and killings of livestock, to support these claims.
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Kitty cash
Air Canada loses pet cat in transit
source: Independent on Sunday
September 1 2002 p13
Air Canada lost a pet cat in transit in August 2002. The cat's owners have
tried a number of methods to find the cat in San Francisco airport, including
traps and sniffer dogs, and are suing Air Canada for three million pounds
sterling.
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Quarantine rules that have dogged US pets are lifted
Cats and dogs can be brought to the UK from Canada and US
with no quarantine
source: Michael McCarthy
Independent November 21 2002 p12
The UK government has decided to extend the Pet Travel Scheme to allow cats
and dogs from North America to visit the UK, with no need for quarantine.
This will allow diplomats and other people from Canada and the US to take
their pets to the UK. The US embassy has been lobbying for this move for some
time. The risk of rabies transmission from the US or Canada is judged to be
low, according to UK Animal Health minister, Elliot Morley. The Pet Travel
Scheme was first set up for Western Europe, and was then extended to Japan,
New Zealand and Australia. Requirements for pets in the scheme include microchipping,
rabies vaccinations, and anti-tick and tapeworm treatments prior to travel.
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Thereby hangs a tail
Debate on Munchkin cat breed
source: Sarah Hall
Guardian March 29 2002 p12
Animal welfare groups in Britain are concerned about the arrival of a new
breed of cat, the Munchkin, which has very short legs. Cat Association of
Great Britain director, Therese Clarke, sees the cats as similar to freaks
of nature, and thinks it unfair to breed cats unable to hunt, climb and jump.
Cat Fancy is also concerend, as is the British Small Animals Veterinary Association,
which sees possible welfare and health implications arising from breeding
animals that have extreme features in their anatomy. The importers of the
cat, a couple from Essex, argue that the cats are normal, except for thier
short legs, and vets say the breed has no apparent problems. Mucnhkins were
developed in Louisiana in the early 1980s. Munchkin kittens are born when
a Munchkin is mated with a normal cat.
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In a league of their own
History of Cats Protection and cats as pets in Britain
source: Justine Hankins
Guardian, Weekend May 4 2002 p69
Cats Protection (CP) is an organization that was set up in London, England,
in 1927 to teach the general public about cats and improve their status. It
has changed its name from the Cats Protection League.
The way that people see cats has changed since the 19th century, when there
were many cats in cities. There was a cat in nearly every home, according
to the RSPCA in a publication that came out in 1857. Harrison Weir was an
early pioneer in public relations for cats, and he organized the first cat
show, at Crystal Palace, London, in 1871.
The Cats Protection League started out at a time when there were no shelters,
few urban vets, and rehoming had not begun. One of the organization’s
early drives was to ensure that cats were killed humanely, and CP even made
an appeal for equipment for chloroforming cats. The organization later advised
on cat care in the 1939-1945 war, such as feeding cats using rations, and
ensuring they were safe in air raids. The war resulted in a population explosion
for feral cats.
Cats became companion animals for ordinary people for the first time during
the 1950s. This was partly because ordinary people were better off, and because
it was easier to neuter cats, with a drop in the cost and more vets available
to do it. Cheap flea and worm treatments and cat food also became available.
A later trend towards women working outside the home, and more single-person
urban households has tended to favour cats, and more people now prefer cats
than dogs.
The position of cats has improved since CP was set up, but cats still need
help. CP has 29 shelters and helps some 170,000 cats annually, with 250 voluntary
branches. The organization’s phone number is 01403 221919, and it has
a website at www.cats.org.uk.
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Man who shot cat must pay 2,000 pounds sterling in penalties
Telford magistrates fine man for shooting cat
source: Paul Watson
Independent February 7 2001 p4
Magistrates in Telford, England, have fined Michael Wootton 700 pounds sterling
for shooting a cat, in addition to costs impsed of 1,000 pounds, and vets’
fees of 227 pounds. He has also had a 12-month ban imposed on keeping animals.
Ootton had told neighbours that he shots cats with an air rifle, to prevent
them from using his garden. His neighbours heard the sound of a shot, and
found their black cat wounded. He died after a week. Wooton stated that the
sight of the cat on his Volvo car had annoyed him.
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Meet copycat - the world’s first cloned kitten
Kitten cloned at Texan university
source: Independent February 15 2002 p1
A kitten has been cloned at A and M University, Texas, as part of a project
mostly funded by philanthropist, John Sperling, who has set up Genetic Savings
and Clone, a Texan company. The kitten is healthy at two-months-old, and is
the only surviving kitten from 87 clone embryos that were implanted.
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Top cats
Cats in Britain and at the Supreme Show
source: Michael Holden
Guardian Weekend November 10 2001
starts p 40, 6 pages long
There are some eight million cats in Britain, and cats have become more popular
than dogs, since they fit better into urban lifestyles with owners who may
live alone and be out all day. Feral cats are increasing, as are GM cats.
The Mammal Society is concerned about cats as cruel hunters.
The Supreme Cat Show is held in Birmingham, and is a major event for some
British cat owners. Cats have to win qualifying heats to be allowed to compete.
The show started in 1976, though cat showing took off in the late 19th century.
The Governing Council of Cat Fancy (GCCF) was set up in 1910, and still operates,
setting standards for cat breeds.
There is intense competition at the Supreme Cat Show, though competitors
do not seek monetary rewards, and competition is said to be more intense at
dog shows. Cat breeders can however, make large amounts of money, though the
sums involved are sometimes exaggerated.
New breeds often appear from the US, and are fashionable for a while. They
include lightweight Singapura cats, Ragdoll cats that appear boneless, since
they are very relaxed, and Bengal cats that reportedly have leopard in them.
Some new breeds are seen as unacceptable by the GCCF, such as Ultra Persians,
which suffer from breeding problems. Bengal cats have achieved celebrity status,
and are confident cats with a domestic nature, despite their looks, according
to Simon Gubb, who shows the breed.
Attitudes to cats are contradictory, with some people seeing them as dependent,
and taking great care to feed them well, while also seeing them as liking
to do their own thing. There are concerns about cats shows, and deliberate
breeding of cats, when more than 100,000 cats are in rescue centres, and the
UK has an estimated one million feral cats. Cats are also living creatures,
so there are problems with seeing them as art forms.
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Green-eyed monsters
Case of missing Turkish angora cat, and the history of
the breed
source: Malcolm Macalister Hall
Independent on Sunday March 18 2001
starts p10, 4 pages long
A couple from Lowestoft, England, claim that their Turkish angora cat, called
Toni, has been kidnapped. Reports of the cat’s value have appeared in
the press, and range between 75,000 pounds sterling and 250,000 pounds. Dealers
argue, however, that Turkish angoras are sold from between 300 pounds and
500 pounds.
Turkish angoras are not recognised by the Governing Council of Cat Fancy
(GCCF), though the Cat Association of Great Britain does recognise them. The
GCCF instead recognises ‘British angoras’, said to be a cross between
Balinese and Siamese cats. There are claims that the GCCF does not recognise
Turkish angoras due to the British angora breed having been started by one
of the GCCF’s executive.
Pedigree cats are not always well cared for, according to Celia Hammond,
who rehomes cats. She finds that people often neglect pedigree cats, and want
to rehome their breeding stock when they find cat breeding is less lucrative
than they thought. Cats may be confined in sheds and not groomed.
Turkish angoras have been bred in Turkey, at Ankara zoo. Press reports claimed
that the breed had become rare due to an epidemic, but the zoo denies this,
and has 17 pairs of the breed, all pure whites and original-line, and will
sell kittens for a price estimated at 40 pounds sterling for one kitten. One
estimate gives 300 Turkish angoras in Germany, where they are especially popular,
and 600 of this cat breed in the whole of Europe. There are restrictions on
exporting white Turkish angoras from Turkey, though they are sometimes smuggled
out.
The Collinses argue that their cat could have been worth 250,000 pounds,
taking stud fees into account, and have made allegations relating to who could
have taken the cat.
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Bravecat
Study of Scottish wildcats and interbreeding with domestic
cats
source: Claire Ainsworth
New Scientist April 14 2001 p15
A team from Reading University, England, has studied how far Scottish wildcats
have been affected by interbreeding. The team used genetic fingerprint analysis
of a sample of 230 wildcats, together with 74 domestic cats from Scotland
and England. The team has found many wild hybrid cats, but they have also
discovered a group of wildcats that is genetically distinct, with no recent
interbreeding with domestic cats.
European wildcats, or Felis silvestris silvestris, are found in woodland
areas throughout Europe, though not in Wales and England. There are also African
wildcats, Felis silvestris lyhica, which share a common ancestor with European
wildcats. European and African wildcats are thought to have diverged over
20,000 years ago. Domestic cats are descendants of African, rather than European
wildcats.
Scottish wildcats show more hybridisation than Italian wildcats, and this
is because Scottish wildcats almost became extinct after persecution by gamekeepers
during the early 20th century and 19th century. Male wildcats will seek feral
domestic cats to breed, if no female wildcats are available. Wildcats enjoy
legal protection, but proof is needed that any cats killed are wildcats arther
than feral tabbies or hybrids. A genetic test to prove this is likely to be
developed.
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Millenium moggies
The future for cats in the 21st century
source: Mike Morse
Your Cat January 1999
starts p5, 3 pages long
The cat's standard of living has improved enormously over the past 100 years,
with his own foods and bedding and even his own rescue services. Some grocery
superstores already have doctors' surgeries inside the store, and in the future
we may see in-store vets. Grooming services are already available in some
pet superstores. Sociable cats and their owners are now often to be found
spending time with the elderly in residential and nursing homes, and it is
likely that the demand for such cats will continue to grow. The Anchor Trust
charity even provides homes for the elderly where residents' pets are made
welcome if possible. However, animal welfare organizations still have to deal
with many neglected and cruelly treated cats.
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Devon's little devils
Devon Rex cats
source: Your Cat January 1999
starts p33, 4 pages long
The Devon Rex cat is thought to have first appeared in Devon in 1960 and
with its naturally curly coat, was compared with the curly coated Cornish
Rex, which appeared 10 years earlier. However the Devon Rex is smaller than
the Cornish Rex and it has a pixie-like appearance. They are known to be mischievous
and are easily bored, but are extremely affectionate and should not be left
alone all day. Not only is their fur curly, even the eyebrows and whiskers
are kinked, although they are soft to the touch.
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Help the homeless
Charities fight the rising tide of animals on the streets
source: Your Cat February 1999
starts p4, 4 pages long
There has been a massive increase in the number of animals abandoned on the
streets over the past year, particularly kittens and pregnant cats. The reasons
for abandonment include divorce, family break-ups, allergies and financial
hardship. The highest number are found in cities, and charities are becoming
full to capacity, whilst the offers of good homes are drying up. The large
animal welfare charities will often pay for neutering and offer neutering
vouchers for people on welfare benefits, but many people don't know that this
kind of help is available. There are also low-cost neutering clinics.
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It's good to talk
The Cats Protection League national helpline desk for
cats
source: Mike Morse
Your Cat February 1999
starts p18, 3 pages long
The national helpline desk for the Cats Protection League hears heart-rending
and heart-warming tales and the job can be very stressful. The team are trained
in basic veterinary care, and are able to offer basic advice on health queries,
although they will urge a caller to take their cat to a vet. They try to reassure
the caller and aim to be approachable.
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Natural beauty
Singapura cats
source: Your Cat March 1999
starts p34, 4 pages long
Singapura cats were first seen in 1971 in Loyang by American, Hal Meadow,
who thought they looked like odd-coloured Abyssinians. Singapuras became a
recognized breed in America, with their fine short coat of antique ivory,
overlaid with dark brown ticking. They have a gentle nature and are very people-orientated.
They require stimulation and interaction but are happy to live indoors if
that's all they have known.
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Choose the right kitten for you
Choosing a kitten
source: Your Cat April 1999
starts p 22, 4 pages long
It is important to choose a kitten carefully, to suit you and your lifestyle.
Longhair kittens are very appealing but they require a lot of attention with
regard to grooming. Semi-longhairs are also attractive but they are not so
demanding about grooming, and shorthair cats are easy to care for. With a
pedigree cat you have the advantage of knowing about its temperament, health
and looks, but non-pedigree cats will also have nice temperaments and hardy
consititutions.
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Bold and beautiful
Burmese cats
source: Your Cat April 1999
starts p 34, 4 pages long
The Burmese breed known today is descended from a brown cat called Wong Mau,
who first appeared in 1930. She was crossed with a Siamese and the kittens
displayed darker points while others had solid brown coats. The breed attained
official recognition from American Cat Fancier's Association in 1936. Burmese
cats are elegant and their coats are smooth and close-lying. Their playfulness
as kittens often lasts into adulthood and they are known to be strong-willed,
requiring interaction and company.
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Frisky cats abandon traditional values
Study of Italian cats' mating habits
source: Roger Dobson
Independent December 11 2000 p8
Researchers from Milan University, Italy, and Claud Bernard University, France, have studied the mating habits of cats in a square in Rome, Italy. The researchers observed 81 cats for three months, and found that the female cats had relationships with as many as 10 toms over three days. Cat society used to be organised round controlled polygamy, with each male controlling a patch and permitting two or three females onto his territory. Female cats chose their areas according to the abilities of males to produce high quality kittens. Changes in the urban environment have changed cats' behaviour. Food is more plentiful, and feral domestic cat populations have grown to high densities. Individual territories have disappeared, and big multi-female and multi-male groups have emerged, the researchers say.
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Control of feral cats
Researchers develop cat-selective poison
source: Kit Sturgess
Feline Advisory Bureau vol 38, 1 2000 p18
Cats represent serious threats to Australian wildlife, and researchers have developed a poison that is cat-selective, causing death in an hour under laboratory conditions, due to haemolytic anaemia. The discovery was reported in 'The Veterinarian', an Australian journal, issue for Sep 1999. It is unclear whether the method is humane, or what happens to cats that do not eat a lethal dose. Chemical neutering may be a better way of tackling the problem of feral cats.
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An evil trade
Cats in China slaughtered for their fur
source: Mike Morse
Your Cat January 2000
starts p52, 2 pages long
Trade in cat and dog furs in China has been uncovered after an 18th month investigation by members of the Humane society of the US and Humane Society International. In the province of Hebei cat breeding farms were found, along with factories that 'process' cats into furs. Around half a million cats are estimated to have been killed between October and February each year. The pelts are exported overseas and the finished product could end up as fur trim on hats, coats and gloves. Much of the cat and dog fur is exported to Russia, where a product labelled as cat or dog fur seems acceptable to consumers.
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Little pumas with hearts of gold
Abyssianian cats
source: Your Cat April 2000
starts p32, 4 pages long
The Abyssinian cat breed is well established and they are thought to originate from the sacred cats of Egypt, although some believe they are the domestic strain of the African wild cat. The breed nearly died out during the world wars but dedicated breeders were successful in their efforts to maintain the breed. Abyssinians are of medium size, classified as foreign type, and have fine short and close lying coats. Each hair is ticked, and the original cats are termed as 'usual', which have been modified to produce a blue coloring. The sorrel colour has been modified to produce fawn. Abyssinians are full of energy, and are intelligent and obedient. They are affectionate, enjoy company and can even be taught simple tricks.
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Providing volumes of care
Library Cat Society set up in Minnesota
source: Kirsten Rosenberg
The Animals' Agenda March-April 2000 p17
Phyllis Lahti set up the Library Cat Society with its own newsletter, after she rescued a cat from a storm in Minnesota and housed it in the library where she worked, since her own two cats would not accept a newcomer. The cat's preferred spot in the library became the reference room. The society's members provide homes for cats abandoned in and near libraries. Library mascots generally receive a good reaction from the public, though some library board members are less keen.
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See also:
Cat
health: Vaccination, infections and epidemiological studies
Cat
health: Digestive problems, kidney disease and poisoning
Cat
health: Other health issues
Cats:
Effect on Human Health
Cats:
Behaviour and training
Reviews
of Cat books, including books on health and behaviour
|
