What affects us affects cats
The domestic cat is the same as the North African wildcat in terms of genetics; they both have 19 pairs of chromosomes (38 total). Therefore the domestic and wildcat can mate and produce fertile hybrids. But there are major fertility differences between these cats. Both are seasonal breeders but whereas the female wildcat has …
A study has concluded that the brains of domestic cats have shrunk during the time that they have been domesticated. And having shrunk I have concluded that domestic cats are probably more stupid today than they were at the time of the Ancient Egyptians. And I suspect that they will go on becoming a …
In a recent study published in the journal Ethology, researchers investigated how domestic cats (Felis catus) adjust their vocal behaviour when greeting their human caregivers, and found a notable difference depending on whether the returning person was male or female. (Phys.org) The study, led by a team including Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas at Ankara University, …
For many years, I and others, have referred to research and a nice archaeological photograph from the island of Cyprus (see below) which established – it was thought -that the North African wildcat was first domesticated about 9,500 years ago. New research referred to in a Times article (‘Tiddles turned up 4,000 years later …
A little tip that I employed today for my indoor/outdoor cat to which this applies (obviously). Like a lot of cats, mine sometimes leaves wet food in the bowl uneaten. Or he’ll ask for food and not eat it. If this happens in the early morning, I place the bowl outside in the backyard …
Here is why your cat is allegedly starting to look like your dog (and vice versa). Recent studies suggest that domestic cats and dogs are exhibiting increasingly similar physical traits, a phenomenon largely attributed to human influence through domestication. This convergence in appearance and behavior is rooted in the concept of “domestication syndrome,” a …
Despite a strong modern trend to keep domestic cats indoors all the time (depending on the country) there is still a strong contingent of cat caregivers who believe in the ‘indoor/outdoor cat’ despite the hazards and despite the danger to wildlife. My gut feeling is that many of these cat owners stay indoors when …
This is a 2-page infographic which explains why the domestic cat is such an exceptional jumper; something that we as cat caregivers are accustomed to and expect. We don’t really see anything exceptional about it but the skill is exceptional and amazing; all thanks to an anatomy designed by nature over millions of years. …
