Telehealth can improve care for cats with chronic health issues
UC Davis researchers found that video telehealth visits help cat owners better care for arthritic cats without the stress of clinic visits. Owners appreciated personalized tips to improve their cat s comfort at home, and most said they'd pay for this convenient service. It s a game-changer for Read more
Genetic basis of purring in cats
Whether you are lucky enough to have a cat companion or must merely live this experience vicariously through cat videos, Felis catus is a familiar and comforting presence in our daily lives. Unlike most other feline species, cats exhibit sociality, can live in groups, and communicate both with other Read more
Scientists track down mutation that makes orange cats orange
Many an orange cat-affiliated human will vouch for their cat's, let's say, specialness. But now scientists have confirmed that there is, in fact, something unique about ginger-hued domestic felines. In a new study, researchers have discovered the long-posited but elusive genetic mutation t Read more
Evolution of pugs and Persians converges on cuteness
Through intensive breeding, humans have pushed breeds such as pug dogs and Persian cats to evolve with very similar skulls and 'smushed' faces, so they're more similar to each other than they are to other dogs or cats. Read more
Microplastics detected in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy
In a small study of eight cats at early stages of pregnancy, researchers detected 19 different kinds of microplastic particles in fetuses from two cats and in the placentas of three cats. Read more
Understanding the immune response to a persistent pathogen
Researchers show that the immune system can recognize and control the latent stage of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, a finding that can inform the study of latency in other infections of the nervous system. Read more
Death by feral cat: DNA shows cats to be culprits in killing of native animals
Feral cats have long been suspects in killing native species reintroduced into Australian conservation areas. DNA testing of the carcasses puts felines firmly in the frame. Read more
Pioneering work generates feline embryonic stem cells in boon for cats
Researchers have succeeded in generating high-quality feline embryonic stem cells using sperm and eggs from testes and ovaries discarded during sterilization surgery. Read more
Near-complete skull discovery reveals 'top apex', leopard-sized 'fearsome' carnivore
A rare discovery of a nearly complete skull in the Egyptian desert has led scientists to the 'dream' revelation of a new 30-million-year-old species of the ancient apex predatory carnivore, Hyaenodonta. Read more
Tigers in the neighborhood: How India makes room for both tigers and people
In India, tigers haven't just survived they're making a comeback. Despite a growing population and increasing pressure on their habitats, the number of wild tigers is rising. The reason? According to a new study, it's a combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and Read more
Ecologist's studies on the effects of prey depletion on populations of large African carnivores
Studies determine how prey density affects African wild dogs and lions. Read more
Individual leopards can be identified by their roars
In the first large-scale paired camera trap and autonomous recording survey for large African carnivores, researchers were able to identify individual leopards by their vocalizations with 93% accuracy. Read more
Toxoplasma gondii parasite uses unconventional method to make proteins for evasion of drug treatment
A study sheds new light on how Toxoplasma gondii parasites make the proteins they need to enter a dormant stage that allows them to escape drug treatment. Read more
Uganda: Major survey brings new light to carnivore conservation
Lion numbers in the country are at a critical low while hyenas are faring well across four major protected areas in Uganda, according to new survey findings. Read more
Early North Americans made needles from fur-bearers
Paleoindians at Wyoming's LaPrele mammoth site made needles from the bones of fur-bearers, likely to creat garments from the animals' furs to keep warm in a cool climate. Read more
Mountain lions coexist with outdoor recreationists by taking the night shift
Mountain lions in greater Los Angeles are proactively shifting their activity to avoid interacting with cyclists, hikers, joggers and other recreationists, finds a new study. Read more
Rangers lead ground-breaking effort to monitor Uganda's lion population in critical stronghold
New study highlights the vital role of wildlife rangers in lion conservation and identifies Uganda's Nile Delta as a key area for protection. Read more
