Why Do Cats Roll Over Into Their Backs But Not Let You Touch Their Bellies?
It’s common knowledge dogs love to have their tummies rubbed when they freely lay down before you and roll onto their backs. But, if you’re also familiar with cats, you know that when they roll onto their backs with their bellies exposed, rubbing the belly will most likely result in bleeding. So why do they do this? advertisement An expression of trust Cat behaviorists will likely answer that it’s a sign of trust when cats roll over and expose their bellies. That is true, indeed. But is it also a request to rub their bellies? The fact that your cat
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Cats Are Perfect and Here’s Why
Cats have always captivated us with their charm and mystery. It’s no surprise for cat lovers that these felines are truly special. But what exactly makes them stand out in the world of evolution? Let’s explore the fascinating reasons behind their distinctive traits and their remarkable adaptation to various environments. Feline Physical Characteristics The idea of cats being evolutionary perfect stemmed from a book called “The Snow Leopard Project” by Alex Dehgan. In this book, Dehgan explores the existence of several cat species cohabiting in the landscapes of Afghanistan. This prompted the question: How can cats look so similar despite being different species? At first glance, it might appear that cats exhibit considerable variations in their various breeds and coat colors. However, a closer look reveals a surprising similarity in their physical characteristics. Unlike many mammals, cats maintain infantile facial features throughout their lives. In simple terms, an adult cat looks much like a larger kitten. This sets them apart from the typical mammalian development. In contrast, dogs undergo significant changes from puppyhood to adulthood, with short, round faces as puppies and longer, snouty faces as adults. This variation allows breeders to create dogs with diverse face shapes. Cats, on the other hand, lack this developmental variation, limiting breeders primarily to altering coat colors. The Key to Kitty Success The secret to cats’ evolutionary success lies in their unwavering specialization. All members of the carnivoran order, including cats and dogs, possess specific teeth designed for slicing meat. While many carnivorans have molars behind these slicing teeth to process various foods, cats have dispensed with this feature. This specialization explains why foxes can rummage through garbage while leopards prefer hunting livestock. Whether it’s a small Bengal cat or a magnificent lion or tiger, their core physical traits remain almost identical. Cats have perfected their hunting skills to such a degree that they need little variation to thrive. They are specialists, excelling in their niche. In contrast to cats, bears showcase ecological diversity. A small number of bear species each adopt distinct lifestyles. For instance, giant pandas are specialized herbivores, mainly consuming bamboo. Spectacled bears prefer fruits and bromeliads, while polar bears are carnivorous marine mammals. Black bears, grizzlies, and sloth bears further diversify the bear family tree. While they excel in their respective niches, bears exhibit ecological versatility instead of specialization, making them the opposite of cats in the animal kingdom. The Cat Paradox The cat paradox challenges traditional notions of evolutionary biology, where diversity is often regarded as a sign of success. While other groups like bats and rodents boast numerous species engaged in various activities, they do so because they haven’t perfected a single role. They explore different niches to survive. Few vertebrate groups can rival cats in their unique evolutionary path. Monitor lizards, often called the “cats of the reptile world,” exhibit vast body size variations while retaining identical ecological roles. These dedicated carnivores mirror cats’ mastery in their domains. Skull Evolution and the Slowly Evolving Cats Recent
Silver Vine: A Purr-fect Alternative to Catnip for Your Feline Friend
Cats, with their keen sense of smell, are known to be intrigued by various scents. Catnip, the most famous of these scents, often triggers playful reactions in our feline companions. However, what if your cat doesn’t seem too interested in catnip? The solution might lie in lesser-known alternatives like silver vine, honeysuckle, or valerian. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of silver vine and why it’s gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts. What is Silver Vine Silver vine, scientifically known as Actinidia polygama, is indigenous to the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Russia. This unique plant is a member of the kiwi family (Actinidiaceae) and gets its name from the silver-white marks adorning its leaves. It boasts white, cup-shaped flowers and dioecious characteristics, meaning each plant is either male or female, necessitating both for fruit production. The plant’s orange, egg-shaped fruit contains an impressive five times more vitamin C than black currants, making it a remarkable natural source of this essential nutrient. In traditional medicine, silver vine is considered a medicinal plant, occasionally employed in alternative medicine preparations. In larger quantities, its leaves are known to have mild hallucinogenic effects on humans. Silver Vine’s Effects on Cats Indoor cats thrive on a variety of stimuli to keep them content. Silver vine offers a euphoric experience for cats akin to the effects of catnip. When a cat encounters silver vine, the effects are immediate and last for around 30 minutes. These effects include behaviors such as sedation, hyperactivity, rolling, and licking. In some Asian countries, the reaction of cats to silver vine is humorously referred to as the “matatabi dance.” Research conducted at Harvard University has uncovered that one of the active components in silver vine, nepetalactol, stimulates the reward and pleasure center in a cat’s brain. This reaction is similar to the way the human opioid system responds to morphine. Remarkably, silver vine is not addictive for cats. Furthermore, cats that rub against this plant gain the added benefit of a natural insect repellent. Silver Vine vs. Catnip: Who Wins? A 2017 study revealed that nearly 80% of cats responded positively to silver vine, surpassing the 68% of cats that responded to catnip. Interestingly, approximately 75% of cats unresponsive to catnip displayed a positive reaction to silver vine. However, it’s worth noting that kittens under 8 months old and pregnant females are less likely to respond to silver vine, or their reactions may be less pronounced. Both catnip and silver vine produce allomones, which induce reactions through smell rather than ingestion. Catnip’s active component is nepetalactone, while silver vine contains six active ingredients similar to nepetalactone, along with two additional active compounds: actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide. How to Offer Silver Vine to Your Cat The most potent formulation of silver vine is powder derived from the silver vine gall fruit. Silver vine sticks, on the other hand, aid in tartar removal from your cat’s teeth due to the chewing action. However, it’s crucial to supervise your cat while they
Cat Purring is Weirder Than You Think
We love our cat’s sounds, but we especially love to hear her purr. However, the mechanism behind this soothing sound has recently been a subject of scientific curiosity. Recent research led by voice scientist Christian T. Herbst from the University of Vienna, published in Current Biology, has discovered purring is actually quite weird! Cats are known for their vocalizations, and studies have also uncovered many of their sounds have been crafted to speak to humans specifically. In terms of sound production, these vocalizations originate in the cat’s larynx, much like the vocalizations of humans and many other mammals. However, the cat’s purring has always been considered unique. Traditionally, it was believed that a cat’s purring resulted from a specialized mechanism involving the cyclical contraction and relaxation of muscles in the vocal folds within the larynx. This process required continuous neural input and control from the cat’s brain. The recent study by Christian T. Herbst at the University of Vienna challenges this long-held belief. Controlled laboratory experiments have provided compelling evidence that domestic cats can produce their signature purring sounds without the need for these cyclical muscle contractions or constant neural input. Instead, the observed sound production mechanism in cats resembles what humans know as “creaky voice” or “vocal fry.” This surprising discovery suggests that the traditional understanding of cat purring is incomplete. Anatomical investigations have uncovered a distinctive ‘pad’ within a cat’s vocal folds, possibly explaining how these small creatures, weighing just a few kilograms, can consistently generate sounds at astonishingly low frequencies ranging from 20 to 30 Hz (cycles per second). To put this in perspective, these frequencies are even lower than the lowest bass sounds produced by human voices. While this groundbreaking research doesn’t entirely disprove the previous theory, it undeniably indicates that our understanding of cat purring is far from complete. The study’s findings beckon further research into this aspect of feline behavior, inviting us to delve deeper into the secrets of our feline friends’ vocal abilities.
New Study Discovers Cats Like to Play Fetch (With a Catch)
When you imagine a game of fetch, the image of a lively dog darting back and forth might come to mind. However, a groundbreaking study published in the journal Scientific Reports has unveiled an intriguing twist: cats also enjoy playing fetch, albeit on their own distinct terms. Researchers from the University of Sussex and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom conducted a survey involving nearly 1,000 cat owners and 1,154 cats to investigate the phenomenon of fetching among felines. The results were nothing short of fascinating. Close to 95% of cat owners revealed that their cats engaged in fetching items instinctively, without any overt training. Astonishingly, some cats returned the toy entirely of their own accord, as if they’d crafted their own rulebook for the game. This fetching behavior was most commonly observed when cats were under one year old, suggesting that it might be a youthful fancy or perhaps a manifestation of their playful spirit. What truly sets feline fetch apart is that cats dictate the terms of engagement. They decide when they want to participate in fetching sessions and actively influence their owners’ play behavior. To cat enthusiasts, this comes as no surprise – cats love to be the masters of their domains. In essence, this speaks to cats’ inherent need for control, whether it’s in their interactions, their environment, or even, some might argue, over us, their adoring owners. However, the motivation behind cats fetching objects differs significantly from that of dogs. Cats tend to engage in this activity with items that resemble prey, mirroring their hunting instincts. For dogs, play is more social in nature, often involving interaction with other dogs or humans. In the grand scheme of things, play holds substantial benefits for both pets and owners alike. It not only helps deter aggression toward owners but also mirrors the act of preying on real animals, a vital facet of play behavior for these natural-born hunters. So, whether your cat plays fetch or not, the takeaway is clear: engaging them in play is a fantastic idea. Playtime has an array of advantages, contributing to your feline’s well-being and providing a delightful bonding experience for you both. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of being an attentive and responsive owner to your beloved fur baby.
How to Tell if Your Cat Knows Her Name
Have you ever wondered if your cat recognizes its name among the many words and sounds it hears daily? Cats are known for their independence and mysterious ways, but recent research suggests they might be paying more attention to us than we thought. The Name Test To find out if your cat knows its name, you can try a simple experiment at home. Say four random words to your cat, each separated by about 15 seconds. These words should have the same length and intonation as your cat’s name. After the random words, say their actual name. Watch closely for any signs of recognition. This test is essentially what a group of Japanese scientists did in a recent study. They played recordings of a cat’s owner saying four words, each mimicking the cat’s name’s length and accent, before uttering the feline’s actual name. The results were intriguing. Cat Reactions to Their Names The cats became less interested as the random words, all nouns, played. But when they heard their name, most exhibited noticeable reactions. Their ears swiveled, heads perked up, and sometimes, they even got up. This response was consistent whether their name followed the names of other cats they lived with or if a stranger spoke the words. Why Cats Recognize Their Names The question arises: Why do cats recognize their names? Scientists suggest a couple of theories. First, cats might associate their name with something positive, like petting or food. Humans often use their cat’s name when offering these rewards, creating a positive link. Another possibility is that cats recognize their names because we say it more frequently to them than other words. Our cats hear their names regularly, making it a familiar sound in their environment. Complexities for Cats in CafĂ©s Interestingly, not all cats perform equally well in this recognition task. Cats that lived in cat cafĂ©s, where numerous felines mingle with visitors, could distinguish their name from random nouns but struggled to differentiate it from the names of other cats they shared the cafĂ© with. This could be due to the fact that cafĂ© visitors call out the names of many cats, but only a few receive the reward of pets or treats, leaving the others in confusion. The Significance of the Findings These findings are groundbreaking as they provide experimental evidence that cats have some level of understanding of the words we say to them. While trained cats may grasp commands like “sit” or “jump,” it’s possible they rely on additional cues like hand gestures. The ability to recognize their name, however, could enhance our interactions with our feline companions. Imagine consoling your cat during a stressful vet visit by softly cooing its name. It might just help reassure them. Nevertheless, the researchers note that whether cats truly understand that their name is their name remains a mystery. Cats may simply associate it with the promise of a treat or some affection. In the end, the enigmatic world of cats keeps surprising us with
Could This Protein Double Your Cat’s Lifespan?
Imagine doubling your beloved feline friend’s lifespan, granting you many more years of companionship and joy. It may sound like a far-off dream, but a remarkable discovery by Professor Miyazaki at the University of Tokyo could be the key to this extraordinary feat. His groundbreaking research on the “AIM” protein has the potential to revolutionize feline healthcare, offering hope to cat owners worldwide. AIM: A Protein with a Puzzling Purpose Two decades ago, Professor Miyazaki stumbled upon the AIM protein during his research, which opened the doors to a fascinating journey of discovery. AIM, or “apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage,” was initially identified at the prestigious Basel Institute for Immunology in Switzerland. Its primary role, Professor Miyazaki found, was to prevent the death of macrophages, a type of white blood cell. While AIM’s function was evident, unlocking its secrets in practical terms proved challenging. It wasn’t until an unexpected encounter with Nobel laureate Professor Joseph Goldstein that the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. The Chance Exchange that Changed Everything During his time as an associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Professor Miyazaki faced a frustrating roadblock in his research. Despite years of effort, AIM’s role in mice remained elusive. That was until he crossed paths with Professor Goldstein, renowned for his groundbreaking work in cholesterol metabolism. Their conversation led Professor Miyazaki to conduct a seemingly unconventional experiment. He decided to feed mice without the AIM gene a high-fat diet to induce obesity. The results were astonishing. These AIM-deficient mice displayed worsening obesity and fatty liver conditions compared to their AIM-carrying counterparts. The revelation was a eureka moment for Professor Miyazaki. It not only unveiled AIM’s importance but also emphasized the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research. Breaking down the barriers between academic disciplines became pivotal in his quest to understand diseases comprehensively. AIM and Cat Longevity So, what does this groundbreaking discovery mean for your feline friend? Professor Miyazaki’s research has now turned towards improving kidney function in cats, with AIM at the center of attention. Kidney function is a critical factor in a cat’s overall health and longevity. By developing medications that leverage the power of AIM to enhance kidney function, Professor Miyazaki aims to significantly extend the lifespan of cats. This ambitious endeavor holds the promise of granting cat owners the gift of more years with their beloved pets. A Future of Hope While the practical applications of AIM research in feline healthcare are still in development, the potential is nothing short of extraordinary. Doubling a cat’s lifespan could revolutionize how we care for our furry companions, offering more precious moments together. Professor Miyazaki’s journey from discovering AIM to its potential impact on cat longevity reminds us that scientific breakthroughs often stem from unexpected encounters and unconventional approaches. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity and interdisciplinary collaboration in unraveling the mysteries of life and health. As Professor Miyazaki continues his research, cat owners around the world eagerly await
The Sand Cat: Nature’s Desert Survivor
In the harsh and arid landscapes of the world’s deserts, a small yet incredibly resourceful feline thrives – the sand cat (Felis margarita). This adorable creature has adapted exceptionally well to its challenging environment, showing nature’s capacity for resilience and survival. Masters of Concealment Sporting a coat that ranges from pale yellow to light gray, the sand cat expertly blends into the desert’s sandy backdrop. This camouflage is further enhanced by darker facial and back markings, effectively breaking up its outline. Such an ability to disappear into the surroundings proves crucial for survival in the desert, where visibility is often limited. Nocturnal Predators Unlike our domestic crepuscular kitties, the sand cat is entirely nocturnal. With very little light to help them navigate their hunt, they rely on their acute senses of hearing and sight to locate prey like small rodents, lizards, and insects. To detect prey, sand cats skulk close to the ground and use their enhanced sense of hearing. In response to the sounds of a potential meal burrowing beneath the ground, sand cats dig rapidly to expose and capture the prey. Once captured, they may cover the kill and return later to eat it. Extreme Temperature Survival Adaptations to cope with the desert’s extreme temperature fluctuations are impressive, to say the least. When the sun blazes during the day, it retreats to its burrow, insulated from the scorching heat. As night descends and temperatures drop, the sand cat reemerges, its fur acting as a natural insulator. Moreover, the sand cat’s kidneys are extraordinarily efficient at conserving water, allowing them to go weeks without drinking any water. A Species Under Threat Unfortunately, the future of the sand cat is uncertain. Habitat loss due to human encroachment, development, and competition from other predators has exerted immense pressure on sand cat populations. Overhunting and disease outbreaks have further intensified the threat, leading to the sand cat being classified as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation Nevertheless, conservationists are rallying to safeguard the sand cat and its habitat. Their initiatives include creating protected areas, educational campaigns within local communities to stress the significance of sand cat preservation, and measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, captive breeding programs are working to bolster sand cat populations. The sand cat is a captivating and tenacious creature that plays a pivotal role in the desert’s intricate ecosystem. Beyond its physical adaptations, it represents a testament to the marvels of evolution in adversity. Its role as a predator controlling rodent populations is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the desert. By comprehending its unique adaptations and acknowledging the challenges it confronts, we can contribute to ensuring its survival for generations to come.
4 Ways to Know if Your Cat Thinks You’re Her Mom
Have you ever wondered if your cat thinks you’re her mom? TikTok user @gatofather breaks down the top 4 ways you can tell: @gatofather Does your cats do those things? #cat #fyp ♬ Spongebob Tomfoolery – Dante9k Remix – David Snell “Did you know your cat thinks you’re their mom if they do these things? 1. If they make biscuits on you. Kittens need their mom’s belly to stimulate milk, and your cat finds the same comfort on you as their own mom. 2. If they sleep with you. In the wild, cats are vulnerable when they sleep, but they feel much safer when they sleep next to their mom. 3. If they respond to their names when you call them. Cats have 64 muscles in their ears just to ignore humans unless you’re their mom. As most kittens talk to their mom for attention. 4. If they show their butt to your face. Cat moms lick their newborn kittens butts to help them poop easily. As a natural predator, exposing their behind is dangerous unless they trust you 100% like their mom. But you don’t have to lick it, though.”
Recent Study Finds Cats Have At Least 276 Distinct Facial Expressions
The stereotype of cats as distant and mysterious animals has been challenged by a recent discovery: cats possess at least 276 distinct facial expressions, shedding light on their capacity for emotional expression and communication. This unexpected finding goes against the common belief that cats are unresponsive and uninterested in human interactions. It suggests that these various expressions have developed over thousands of years of domestication, resulting from the intricate communication between humans and cats. Our extensive history with cats has fueled a growing interest in deciphering their emotions. Brittany Florkiewicz, a comparative and evolutionary psychologist from Lyon College in Arkansas, led a groundbreaking study to explore this further. The study builds on previous research that primarily examined facial signals in cats during interactions with humans or when experiencing pain. Florkiewicz’s study, however, delves deeper by investigating how cats communicate with each other and with humans. What better place to investigate than a cat cafe? Florkiewicz and her colleague Lauren Scott, co-principal investigator in her lab, spent 150 hours observing 53 domestic shorthair cats at the CatCafe Lounge in Los Angeles, California. This nonprofit shelter allows visitors to interact with up to 30 cats available for potential adoption. Their observations revealed an array of expressions, combining eye, ear, and lip movements. Surprisingly, the majority of these expressions conveyed friendliness rather than aggression. Some familiar expressions, like forward-pointing ears and whiskers with closed eyes, indicated friendliness. However, some expressions, such as what the researchers termed “play face,” featuring forward ears and whiskers with the corners of the mouth pulled back, lacked obvious meanings. Notably, while signifying anticipation of a treat, a lip lick could take on an unfriendly tone when combined with narrowed pupils and flattened ears. Whisker orientation proved surprisingly revealing, with content or joyful cats typically pointing their whiskers forward. Back in the lab, the team employed the Facial Action Coding System (CatFACS) for a more detailed analysis. CatFACS allowed trained observers to identify even the subtlest muscle movements. Each movement called an “action unit,” was meticulously documented and assigned a number using the video software ELAN. This approach facilitated creating and editing a video timeline capable of discerning expressions down to the millisecond. This meticulous analysis uncovered 26 distinct muscle movements that, in various combinations, yielded an astonishing 276 facial expressions. These expressions were categorized as 46% friendly, 37% unfriendly, and 17% falling into both categories. This detailed examination of facial expressions has unveiled nuanced meanings akin to distinguishing between genuine and forced smiles in humans. Although both involve smiling, subtle differences, such as eye movements, can indicate whether the smile is authentic. While many feline expressions have been decoded, some remain enigmatic. The research team plans to conduct follow-up studies to decipher these mysterious signals fully. The process of domestication has enriched the spectrum of social interactions among cats of the same species. Domesticated felines are known to engage in a diverse range of social behaviors, encompassing both non-affiliative interactions and a plethora of affiliative behaviors. These affiliative
New Study Suggests Cats Respond to Owner’s Baby Talk
Most of us can’t resist adopting a baby-like tone when communicating with our feline friends. We raise our voices, elongate our vowels, and ask repetitive questions like, “Whooo’s a good boy?” or “Whooo’s a pretty kitty?” Studies have shown that dogs tend to appreciate this “caregiver speech” and pay more attention when spoken to in this manner. Research has uncovered that cats also respond to this baby talk, but there’s a twist: they do so primarily when their owner is the one doing the talking. This finding adds weight to the idea that cats, like dogs, may form bonds with their human companions akin to infants’ relationships with their caregivers. Charlotte de Mouzon, an ethologist at Paris Nanterre University, embarked on this research journey due to a lack of studies on cat behavior in France. As a former cat behaviorist, she decided to delve into cat-human communication during her Ph.D. research. First, de Mouzon confirmed something many cat owners already know: we tend to use baby talk when addressing our feline pals, a habit she confesses to. But do cats, like dogs, genuinely react more positively to this ‘cat-directed speech’? To investigate, de Mouzon recruited 16 cats and their owners, who happened to be students at the Alfort National Veterinary School near Paris. To create a cat-friendly environment, de Mouzon transformed a standard room in the students’ dormitory into an impromptu animal behavior lab equipped with toys, a litter box, and hiding spots. The students brought their cats into this room and remained silent while de Mouzon played a speaker’s recorded phrases. In one set of recordings, each cat heard their owner say five phrases, such as “Do you want to play?” or “Do you want a treat?” The first three phrases were spoken in “adult-directed” speech, imitating how owners converse with other grown-ups. The fourth phrase was delivered in cat-directed speech, while the fifth reverted to adult-directed speech. This experiment aimed to determine if the fourth phrase would capture the cats’ attention. Dogs typically exhibit unmistakable reactions when they hear “dog-directed” speech, like turning their heads or perking up their ears. Cats tend to be more subtle. To gauge their responses, de Mouzon assigned scores based on the cats’ reactions, such as ear movements or slight head turns, ranging from zero to 20, with 20 indicating the strongest reaction to the sound. As the cats heard their owners’ first three phrases in adult-directed speech, their reactions gradually declined, with an average score dropping from 13 to four. However, when de Mouzon played the fourth phrase in cat-directed speech, the cats’ average reaction scores jumped to 14. Their scores then dropped again to around six upon hearing the fifth, adult-directed recording. In contrast, when the same experiment was conducted with a stranger’s voice, the cats’ reaction scores started high (around 15) but failed to recover, dropping to about five, even when the stranger used cat-directed speech. On the other hand, dogs tend to perk up even when addressed by strangers,
