Tag

Cats

All articles tagged with #cats

Sealook Sparks Pet Screen-Time Frenzy, But Ozzy Isn't Convinced
entertainment18 days ago

Sealook Sparks Pet Screen-Time Frenzy, But Ozzy Isn't Convinced

Netflix’s Sealook, a simple, colorful, dialogue-free cartoon about seals, has become a surprising hit with dogs and cats online, turning some pets into accidental viewers and fueling social-media buzz. Experts say movement, contrast, and sounds that resemble prey help hold their attention, while the creators say they didn’t intend Sealook to be a show for animals. In a playful test, the author’s dog Ozzy shows fleeting interest but ultimately wanders off, suggesting canine stardom on screen may be more hype than hustle for now.

Bolivia's cloud-forest cats: new Leopardus tilcayo identified
science21 days ago

Bolivia's cloud-forest cats: new Leopardus tilcayo identified

Genome analysis of 38 wild cats across South America identified Leopardus tilcayo as a distinct new species in Bolivia’s cloud forests (about 45–50 cm long, 1.4–2 kg; tail ~25 cm). A Peruvian subspecies, Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo, was also described. Published in Current Biology, the finding shows tiger cats are a multi-species radiation and underscores conservation needs as habitats shrink and climate change pressures intensify.

Early-Childhood Cats Linked to Higher Risk of Kids’ Mental Health Issues
health28 days ago

Early-Childhood Cats Linked to Higher Risk of Kids’ Mental Health Issues

A Spanish study of nearly 2,000 mother-child pairs found that having a cat at ages 4–5 is linked to higher risk of internalizing (anxiety/depression) and externalizing (disobedience, hyperactivity) problems by ages 7–8, while owning less common pets like rabbits, hamsters, fish, turtles, or salamanders at ages 1 and 4–5 predicted fewer problems. Dogs and birds showed no significant mental-health impact, and researchers caution that cats may be chosen for families with preexisting concerns or that effects may emerge later in adolescence.

Spotting Dementia in Aging Dogs and Cats: Signs and Support
pets1 month ago

Spotting Dementia in Aging Dogs and Cats: Signs and Support

Dementia, or cognitive dysfunction, can affect aging dogs and cats, with signs often emerging earlier in dogs (as young as 8 years; about 10% affected, rising to ~80% by 18) and in cats around age 10 (more than half over 15 show signs). Early symptoms include wandering, accidents in the home, trouble navigating stairs or doors, changes in hearing, and increased vocalizing; cats may over‑groom. Since these signs overlap with arthritis or other illnesses, vets use owner questionnaires and a thorough history, plus exams and blood tests to rule out other conditions; MRI can definitively diagnose brain changes but is costly and requires anesthesia. There is no cure, but management focuses on regular exercise, mental stimulation, a stable environment, and diet/supplements (e.g., MCTs, antioxidants, omega-3s) as well as medications when appropriate, all aimed at maintaining quality of life and the bond with the pet.

Big-Nosed Biscuit's Battle: A Cat's Growth Nose and a Family's Unwavering Love
pets1 month ago

Big-Nosed Biscuit's Battle: A Cat's Growth Nose and a Family's Unwavering Love

Seven-year-old Biscuit, a beloved orange cat, developed a rapidly growing nose after a cryptococcal fungal infection. Despite intensive medical treatment and a feeding tube, the swelling persists due to scar tissue, and surgery isn’t an option. Her fungal levels have improved and she remains healthy, happy, and deeply loved by her family who share her journey online.

Ancient kinship: how dogs and cats evolved from a shared carnivore ancestor
science1 month ago

Ancient kinship: how dogs and cats evolved from a shared carnivore ancestor

Dogs and cats diverged from early carnivoran ancestors about 42.5 million and 30 million years ago, respectively. The first true dog, Hesperocyon, appeared in North America, while the first true cat, Proailurus, arose in Eurasia. Both lineages trace back to miacids, early carnivorans, and all mammals share a Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) from about 4 billion years ago. Genetically, humans are slightly closer to cats in chromosome arrangement than to dogs.

Tacoma Cat Rescue: 60 Cats Saved From Sailboat as Investigation Continues
local1 month ago

Tacoma Cat Rescue: 60 Cats Saved From Sailboat as Investigation Continues

Tacoma police say 60 cats were removed from a 40-foot sailboat near Owens Beach, with the vessel still treated as an active crime scene after a six-day rescue operation. Most cats went to the Tacoma Humane Society, others to foster homes; authorities warn the public not to board the boat during the ongoing investigation. A private rescuer who briefly boarded the boat and captured two cats faced a potential citation for tampering with evidence.

Tacoma Police Rescue 60 Cats From Sailboat After Welfare Check
local1 month ago

Tacoma Police Rescue 60 Cats From Sailboat After Welfare Check

Tacoma police and animal-control removed 60 cats from a sailboat anchored near Point Defiance Park after a welfare check found no humans aboard but a large feline population. Over several days they located and removed cats, including some found by drilling into the hull; a bystander illegally boarded the boat and took two cats. All cats were taken to the Humane Society for health evaluations, with owner identification and potential charges to be determined. The boat remains a crime scene while authorities plan to remove it.

Rescue Under Way After About 30 Cats Found on Abandoned Sailboat Near Owen Beach
local-news2 months ago

Rescue Under Way After About 30 Cats Found on Abandoned Sailboat Near Owen Beach

Authorities found an abandoned sailboat off Owen Beach near Tacoma filled with about 30 free-roaming cats. The Tacoma Police Marine Services Unit and animal control removed nearly all of the felines, with 10–15 remaining hidden on the boat. The cats were frightened and malnourished, and they will be taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County as investigators continue to determine who abandoned the vessel and why.