What affects us affects cats
Polydactylism in domestic cats—often affectionately linked with Ernest Hemingway’s famous multitoed cats—is a well-known example of a genetic trait resulting from alterations in limb development regulation. Here’s an overview of the genetics behind this condition: 1. Autosomal Dominant Inheritance 2. The Role of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and Its Enhancer 3. Mechanistic Summary 4. Conclusion …
To the cat fancy domestic cat ears can be an anatomical feature that enhances appearance and which is ranked under the breed standard. Specifically, this is a reference to the ear flap. For Maine Coons they should be large and impressive in line with the impressive appearance of this breed. For Persians, the ear …
The nighttime reflective eyes of the domestic cat are well-known and admired. They signal the crepuscular and nighttime hunting activities of our beloved companions if allowed outside. This infographic attempts to add a little bit of knowledge about this distinctive feline anatomy. Reflective eyes are synonymous with the domestic cat and indeed all cats. …
The infographic explains the salient differences between the digestive tracts of cats and humans which informs us about dietary requirements. Some more: The digestive tract of a domestic cat (Felis catus) differs significantly from that of humans (Homo sapiens) due to their distinct dietary adaptations. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive system is …
As might be expected this is all about evolution and survival. The fundamental reason why the domestic cat’s iris constricts the pupil to a slit as opposed to an oval – as occurs for the tiger – is that it makes survival easier as a small, crepuscular, ambush predator. The infographic explains this more …
Although nearly always described as ‘retractile’ claws, the claws of the domestic cat are technically ‘protractile’ for the reasons stated and illustrated in the infographic below. Here is an extended treatise of the above infographic. The claws of domestic cats (Felis catus) are retractile, though the term “protractile” is technically more accurate. Here’s how …
People who are unsure about domestic cats sometimes say that they are aloof and standoffish. This alleged aloofness can be seen, they’d say, when they don’t turn their heads towards you when you speak to them. This is not aloofness in the human meaning of the word. It is the behaviour of a different …
I confirmed some of the information in the infographic by discussing it with AI (ChatGPT). Here is a transcript of that conversation. I started by reading Dr Desmond Morris’s book Catlore on this topic, hence the question in the dialogue. Question: Can domestic cats taste sweetness? Response: No, domestic cats cannot taste sweetness. Cats, …
