Cheetahs need more space: Reintroduction in India must consider their spatial ecology
In autumn 2022 and winter 2023, a total of 20 cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa were introduced to Kuno National Park in India to establish a free-ranging population -- for the first time since their extinction in India 70 years ago. Although the idea may be commendable, getting it right is not Read more
Common infections linked to poorer cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults
A new study found that signs of common infections in a sample of middle-aged and older adults were associated with poorer performance on a test of global cognitive function. Read more
Living with pet cats or dogs is associated with fewer food allergies in young children, study finds
In an analysis of over 65,000 infants from Japan, children exposed to pet cats or indoor dogs during fetal development or early infancy tended to have fewer food allergies compared to other children. Read more
Sea otters killed by unusual parasite strain
An unusually severe form of toxoplasmosis killed four sea otters and could pose a threat to other marine wildlife and humans, finds a new study. Read more
How the 'marsupial sabertooth' thylacosmilus saw its world
A new study investigates how an extinct, carnivorous marsupial relative with canines so large they extended across the top of its skull could hunt effectively despite having wide-set eyes, like a cow or a horse. The skulls of carnivores typically have forward-facing eye sockets, or orbits, which hel Read more
Cats' non-fearful and sociable personality as well as a clean litterbox appear to decrease litterbox issues
Researchers have identified several links between various risk factors and feline litterbox issues. Identifying a range of risk factors makes it possible to modify conditions in the cat's environment, thus preventing and reducing litterbox issues. Read more
Glacier National Park could provide climate haven for Canada Lynx
Glacier National Park is home to around 50 Canada lynx, more than expected, surprising scientists who recently conducted the first parkwide occupancy survey for the North American cat. The survey reveals the iconic predator resides across most of Glacier's 1,600 square-mile landscape, although Read more
Are our pets leaking information about us?
Pet and animal-related apps are creating cybersecurity risks to their owners, new research has shown. Read more
Canine distemper now threatens big cats in Nepal
Researchers have confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus (CDV), which can cause fatal neurological disease, in tigers and leopards in Nepal. Read more
Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth
Researchers have discovered the active compound from an edible mushroom that boosts nerve growth and enhances memory. Read more
Economics trump environment to save big cats, say ecologists
Rapid economic growth has pushed rare species of big carnivores to the brink of extinction, but ecologists have suggested our appetite to once again live alongside big cats is increasing. Read more
Cat locomotion could unlock better human spinal cord injury treatment
Cats always land on their feet, but what makes them so agile? Their unique sense of balance has more in common with humans than it may appear. Researchers are studying cat locomotion to better understand how the spinal cord works to help humans with partial spinal cord damage walk and maintain balan Read more
A deep red, cranberry-tinted lipstick that's also antimicrobial
Lipstick can be a confidence booster, enhance a costume and keep lips from chapping. But sharing a tube with a friend or family member can also spread infections. To develop a version with antimicrobial properties, researchers have added cranberry extract to the formulation. Their deep red cream qui Read more
Smilodon's sabre teeth
Researchers have tested the biting efficiency of Smilodon, an extinct species of carnivore close to the extant felines. Using high-precision 3D scans and simulation methods, the team has just revealed how these animals managed to bite despite the impressive length of their teeth. Read more
Parasite may create risk-taking wolves in Yellowstone
New research suggests that a common parasite associated with cats turns Yellowstone National Park wolves into risk takers, who when infected are much more likely to disperse across the landscape and become pack leaders. Read more
Feline genetics help pinpoint first-ever domestication of cats
Nearly 10,000 years ago, humans settling in the Fertile Crescent, the areas of the Middle East surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, made the first switch from hunter-gatherers to farmers. They developed close bonds with the rodent-eating cats that conveniently served as ancient pest-control Read more
