http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/cats/ Cat news. Read about household contaminants affecting cats, allergies to cats and more. Also find stories on lions, tigers and leopards. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:05:02 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/cats/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105351.htm Researchers in Spain have confirmed a higher presence of the parasite Anisakis in anchovies of the Atlantic South East coast and the Mediterranean North West coast, and they insist on freezing or cooking fish before consuming it. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121050.htm Despite their fearsome fangs, male sabertoothed cats may have been less aggressive than many of their feline cousins, says a new study of male-female size differences in extinct big cats. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171204.htm The legendary "man-eating lions of Tsavo" that terrorized a railroad camp in Kenya more than a century ago likely consumed about 35 people -- far fewer than popular estimates of 135 victims, according to a new analysis. The study also yields surprises about the predatory behavior of lions. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111909.htm The American Physiological Society announced that it has endorsed the recommendation of a National Academy of Sciences report calling for the identification of new suppliers to replace Class B dealers as providers of random source dogs and cats for medical research. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019123118.htm A shocking decline in the Russian Federation's wild tiger population highlights the importance of eliminating trade in and demand for tiger parts, the International Tiger Coalition has said.  Research shows that Siberian tigers may have suffered a serious drop in numbers over the past four years. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019123118.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009120839.htm The secret lives of some of Africa's iconic carnivores, including big cats, are revealed in a new study. The results shed light on how different habitats are used by some of Tanzania's most elusive meat eaters, such as the leopard. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009120839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htm You might watch your daily calorie intake or glance over nutritional information on food packages, but do you do the same for your pet? Veterinarians say there are several guidelines to follow when feeding your pet to ensure that it maintains good health. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911145030.htm A wide-ranging study of big cat skulls has shown that tigers have bigger brains, relative to their body size, than lions, leopards or jaguars. Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911145030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901164046.htm Veterinarians have found a solution to the challenge of providing effective pain relief to some of their most difficult patients: big cats. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901164046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819123937.htm Immunology researchers have found that bacteria present in the human gut help initiate the body's defense mechanisms against Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819123937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143838.htm In 2002, leopards in were legally -- but unsustainably -- hunted by trophy hunters, and illegally hunted by farmers because of the threat they pose to livestock. In order to reduce leopard killings, scientists have worked with local policy makers to create sustainable conservation solutions. In 2006, recommendations were successfully implemented and by 2008 data showed that the plans were working. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135537.htm Biologists welcome the news of an estimated 121 breeding tigers in four protected areas in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal as announced by the government in Kathmandu, July 27, 2009. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713121348.htm Anyone who has ever had cats knows how difficult it can be to get them to do anything they don't already want to do. But it seems that the house cats themselves have had distinctly less trouble getting humans to do their bidding, according to a new report. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713121348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100639.htm Scientists are describing discovery and successful tests of the first once-a-month pill for controlling both fleas and ticks in domestic dogs and cats.  Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703111301.htm Oscar the bobcat is healing by leaps and bounds after a team of surgeons repaired injuries he sustained after being hit by a car. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703111301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144323.htm A marker in the blood of both cats and humans that was identified in a recent study might signal both species' susceptibility for a painful bladder disorder called interstitial cystitis, a condition that is often difficult to diagnose. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609220721.htm Researchers have discovered a group of closely related living species that independently repeated the different step-like changes that occurred in the major diversification of their kind during the Cretaceous Period, roughly 100 to 90 million years ago. But remarkably, this group of species arose some 80 million years later. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609220721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617123443.htm Sport hunters are depleting lion and cougar populations as managers respond to demands to control predators that threaten livestock and humans, according to a new study. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617123443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522171901.htm In the Japanese art of paper folding, a series of folds can make the same sheet of paper into a ballerina or baby elephant. But try unfolding the baby elephant and making it into a ballerina. It's like trying to make a neuron from a kidney cell. Epigenetics, it turns out, isn't much different from this old Japanese art: Each fold, or epigenetic crease, both limits and permits further potential folds in a way that mirrors how epigenetic changes seal a cell's fate. Mon, 25 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522171901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084717.htm A new species of yeast has been discovered deep in the Amazon jungle. Biologist have identified novel characteristics of Candida carvajalis sp. nov. Fri, 22 May 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507192933.htm Around thirty Europeans, including twenty French citizens, have recently contracted a viral infection linked to their pet rat. Fri, 08 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507192933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415141210.htm The parasite that causes African sleeping sickness is like a thief donning a disguise. Every time the host's immune cells get close to destroying the parasite, it escapes detection by rearranging its DNA and changing its appearance. Now scientists reveal how the parasite initiates its getaway, by cleaving both strands of its DNA. Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415141210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415120959.htm The red panda is the first non-primate mammal to display a liking for the artificial sweetener aspartame. This unexpected affinity for an artificial sweetener may reflect structural variation in the red panda's sweet taste receptor. The findings may shed light on how individual taste preferences and diet choice are shaped by molecular differences in taste receptors. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415120959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413185728.htm In a genetic leap that could help fast track vaccine and drug development to prevent or tame serious global diseases, researchers have discovered how to destroy a key DNA pathway in a wily and widespread human parasite. The feat surmounts a major hurdle for targeting genes in Toxoplasma gondii, an infection model whose close relatives are responsible for diseases that include malaria and severe diarrhea. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413185728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200722.htm Scientists studying a mysterious neurological affliction in cats have discovered a surprising ability of the central nervous system to repair itself and restore function. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330200722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326181720.htm "Falling all over" a pet usually refers to indulging or pampering a four-legged companion, but a new report shows that many Americans, particularly the elderly, are falling over their dogs and cats literally... and hurting themselves. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326181720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085151.htm Scientists have discovered how the toxoplasmosis parasite may trigger the development of schizophrenia and other bipolar disorders. They have shown that the parasite may play a role in the development of these disorders by affecting the production of dopamine -- the chemical that relays messages in the brain controlling aspects of movement, cognition and behavior. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304114254.htm About one in 3,500 people are affected with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a disease of the retina's visual cells that eventually leads to blindness. Now researchers have identified a genetic link between cats and humans for two different forms of RP. This discovery will help scientists develop gene-based therapies that will benefit both cats and humans. Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090304114254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227081835.htm A new effort for tiger conservation across its range has been started. There are no exact numbers for wild tiger populations, both historical and current. But two hundred years ago the total number of wild tigers was likely to have been between 100,000 to 500,000 compared to today's total of around about 5,000 tigers, including 2,300 breeding adults. Tigers are listed by IUCN as endangered. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227081835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227082603.htm A survey of the Sahara has captured the first camera-trap photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah in Algeria. Overall, the survey identified four different Saharan cheetahs --- a subspecies of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) --- using spot patterns unique to each individual. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090227082603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212125130.htm Scientists have discovered a protein in T. gondii that is essential for the parasite's growth. The group's work points the way toward a new model system that can be used in studying other parasitic diseases and could one day lead to an effective target for drug intervention. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212125130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210134448.htm The jaguar (Panthera onca) has become an animal in danger of extinction over recent decades, due to the fragmentation and deterioration of its habitat, as well as hunting and illegal animal smuggling. As a result of this vulnerability, no individuals have been seen in the centre of Mexico since the start of the 20th Century. However, Mexican and Spanish scientists have now managed to photograph a male jaguar in this region. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210134448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126163011.htm DNA from an extinct sub-species of tiger has revealed that the ancestors of modern tigers migrated through the heart of China -- along what would later become known as 'the Silk Road' -- scientists report. Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126163011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129122531.htm Times are tough for wildlife living at the frontier between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Armies are reportedly encamped in a national park and wildlife preserve on the Congolese side, while displaced herders and their cattle have settled in an adjoining Ugandan park. Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090129122531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127131652.htm Dog owners who sleep with their pet or permit licks on the face are in good company. Surveys show that more than half of owners bond with their pets in these ways. Research done by a veterinarian found that these dog owners are no more likely to share the same strains of E. coli bacteria with their pets than are other dog owners. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090127131652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119210537.htm Sea otters living along the central California coast risk higher exposure to disease-causing parasites as a consequence of the food they eat and where they feed. Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119210537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222113524.htm The cat is the main host for Toxoplasma and spreads the infection in its droppings. Previous research has shown that isolated island groups without cats are in reality free of the parasite. New research suggests that migratory birds are a probable source of infection for the Arctic fox population on Svalbard (the Spitsbergen archipelago). Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081222113524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090110084246.htm Keeping water vole and mink populations apart is vital if efforts to reintroduce water voles, one of Britain's most endangered mammals, are to be successful. Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090110084246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090112093523.htm Removing an invasive species from sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, a World Heritage Site, has caused environmental devastation that will cost more than A$24 million to remedy, ecologists have revealed. Writing in the new issue of the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology, they warn that conservation agencies worldwide must learn important lessons from what happened on Macquarie Island. Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090112093523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081223091318.htm A new study suggests that college students may handle stressful situations better if they have a pet. Research has already shown that pets can improve the quality of life for people who are aging or those who are chronically ill. But researchers have recently found that many college students may also benefit from owning a cat or a dog.  Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081223091318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081212101539.htm A novel x-ray technique allowing the observation of molecular motion on a time scale never reached before has just been developed. This discovery opens promising prospects for the study of chemical and biological systems. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081212101539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081203184533.htm A new study suggests that evolution can behave as differently as dogs and cats. While the dogs depend on an energy-efficient style of four-footed running over long distances to catch their prey, cats seem to have evolved a profoundly inefficient gait, tailor-made to creep up on a mouse or bird in slow motion. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081203184533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081107071827.htm The lion is one of the world's most charismatic carnivores. In a new study, researchers provide insights into the genetic structure and history of lion populations. Their work refutes the hypothesis that African lions consist of a single, randomly breeding population. It also indicates the importance of preserving populations in decline as opposed to prioritizing larger-scale conservation efforts. Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081107071827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030123951.htm The world's rarest big cat is alive and well. At least one of them, that is, according to researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society who captured and released a female Far Eastern leopard in Russia last week. Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030123951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081031102304.htm The sabertooth cat, one of the most iconic extinct mammal species, was likely to be a social animal, living and hunting like lions today, according to new scientific research. The species is famous for its extremely long canine teeth, which reached up to seven inches in length and extended below the lower jaw of the cat. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081031102304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026094351.htm A novel defense strategy displayed in response to marine viruses by some of the most abundant unicellular organisms found in our oceans has recently been demonstrated. The results enable a clearer understanding of the origin of, and reasons for, sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081026094351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081023175133.htm Trees in a hyper-diverse tropical rainforest interact with each other and their environment to create and maintain diversity, researchers report in the journal Science. This study was conducted in the Yasuni forest dynamics plot of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, a diverse tropical forest site. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081023175133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013200305.htm Scientists are tracing the family tree of Toxoplasma gondii, one of the most widespread parasites of warm-blooded vertebrates. Understanding how T. gondii has evolved and disseminated will help parasitologists and public health officials improve methods for controlling the parasite in humans and animals. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013200305.htm