This study tells us how the fragmentation of the distribution of a population of wild cats negatively impacts genetic diversity and survival. Small population numbers lead to a reduction in genetic diversity which in turn can lead to sterility due … continue reading…
Your cat could be part Maine Coon but the only way you might be able to find out is with a DNA test (but see below). I can see that one so-called expert website states that you can confirm if … continue reading…
Do domestic cats come from big cats? The answer has to be no. The reason is because the big cats split off and formed their own path millions of years ago. This is a discussion about the taxonomy of the … continue reading…
Yes, cats do get sunburned sometimes. We see this quite a lot on the Internet and it is particularly relevant at the moment in many parts of the world where it’s very hot. The interesting aspect of domestic cats getting … continue reading…
As you probably know domestic cats employ the doggy paddle swimming technique. They should call it the ‘catty paddle’ as well. In fact, in the era of the use of woke language and acute sensitivities about equality and sexism, I … continue reading…
We know that the Scottish wildcat is either extinct in the wild in Scotland or very nearly so because of long-term hybridisation with domestic and feral cats. These two species i.e. the wildcat and the domestic cat readily mate. It … continue reading…
I’m told that cat DNA testing is booming. In the USA you can buy a test kit online for $40-$125. You use it to swab the inside of your cat’s cheek and send it to the DNA testing business who … continue reading…
If and when domestic cats use their paws to eat food or to drink water they do so in a very specific way. They scoop up the food such as dry food pellets or water from their bowl into their … continue reading…
Domestic cats still hunt because it is in their DNA to do so. It is a characteristic which is a genetic inheritance. It is hard wired into their brains and personalities. And it has not been removed by humans controlling … continue reading…
The difference between a wild cat and a feral cat is found in their origin and their history both individually and collectively. Taxonomically they are classified differently by the scientists based on their DNA. Feral cats are classified under domestic … continue reading…
You might think that the answer to the question depends on where you live but although the response will vary the outcome will probably be the same. If you walked into a vet clinic in the UK and asked the … continue reading…
You might know this. The classic way of working out the human equivalent age of cats and dogs used to be to multiply their age by seven. That method is too crude by modern standards. It is far better to … continue reading…
Lil Bub is probably the second most celebrated Internet cat after Grumpy Cat. Her name is a great success. Her appearance is characterised by her diminutive size and a tongue which is perpetually hanging out. She also has extra toes … continue reading…
Genetic testing is a growing market. It is used to assess inherited diseases and the likelihood of a dog (or cat) developing a specific disease in the future. Livescience.com reports the disturbing case of a 13-year-old pug, Petunia, who had … continue reading…
DNA testing of cats and dogs and for that matter of ourselves has become a fad. There appears to be a trend developing. You can call it ‘consumer DNA testing’. My immediate thoughts were that quite a lot of people … continue reading…
