Feline facts!!!

If you are a devoted cat lover, you probably enjoy learning about their likes, dislikes, and what makes them so purrfectly perplexing. We’ve got some good “mews!” We rounded up five facts to help you discover a bit more about them. It’s in the DNA Throughout their lives, our cat companions face a number of serious health concerns, such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. Now, 99 Lives, a genome sequencing research collaboration, is developing genetic tools for cutting-edge feline healthcare. According to Leslie Lyons, PhD, professor of comparative medicine at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, the project is expected to not only prevent problems for future generations, but help to cure cats who are sick now. In doing so, researchers also hope to translate any gene and drug therapies they find for cats for use in humans and other species. The analysis is expected to be completed this fall, but the project’s early success with trios—a duo of two siblings, two distantly related cats of the same breed with the same disease, and a single cat with a rare recessive trait—is proving the project’s dataset is becoming useful for a “precision medicine” approach for cats, Lyons said. continue

Feral felines deployed in NYC war on rats.

Multitudes of feral cats roam New York City’s concrete jungle. Thanks to a new program, their health needs are being addressed and some now even have a job: They’re helping curb the city’s rat population. A group of volunteers trained by the NYC Feral Cat Initiative traps wild cat colonies that have become a nuisance or been threatened by construction, then spays or neuters and vaccinates them. The goal is to return them to their home territory, but some end up in areas rife with rats. Feline rat patrols keep watch over city delis, bodegas, car dealerships and even the grounds of a Greenwich Village church. Four cats roam the loading dock at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where food deliveries and garbage have drawn rodents for years. “We used to hire exterminators, but nature has a better solution,” said Rebecca Marshall, the sustainability manager at the 1.8-million-square-foot center. “And cats don’t cost anything.”About 6,000 volunteers have completed workshops where they’ve learned proper ways to trap cats. The program is run through the privately funded Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a coalition of more than 150 animal rescue groups and shelters. The alliance estimates as many as half a million feral and stray cats roam New York’s five boroughs. The life of a street cat is a tough one. Some are former pets, abandoned by owners. Plenty die of disease and malnutrition or are hit by vehicles. Others ingest poisoned cat food — set deliberately to get rid of them, cat advocates say. Many of the animals are displaced as a result of New York’s development. New construction creates perilous conditions for cats that once inhabited the city’s nooks and crannies, vacant lots, decaying factories and empty warehouses. One colony of two dozen cats living in a lot on Manhattan’s West Side are about to be displaced by construction on a new $3 billion office tower. A city council member is working with residents and developers to make sure the creatures are moved to a safe location. The Javits Center’s quartet of cats — Sylvester, Alfreda, Mama Cat and Ginger — were lured to its 56 loading docks about two years ago with pet food brought by animal-loving employees. On a recent fall morning, Sylvester stationed himself next to a commercial truck, ready to pounce if needed. The cats are predators but don’t necessarily kill rats. Instead, experts say the feline scent and droppings repel the rodents. “A mother rat will never give birth near a predator because the cats would eat the babies,” said Jane Hoffman, president of the mayor’s alliance. The cat population is controlled through spaying and neutering, provided free of charge by the Humane Society of New York and the ASPCA. In most cases, adoption is out of the question for feral cats because they are just too wild to be domesticated.more

Understanding diabetes in pets.

November is National Pet Diabetes Month, a time for pet owners to educate themselves on the signs of diabetes and its risk factors. While the existence of diabetes in humans is well-known, not everyone knows that diabetes can affect our pets too. If a pet is lethargic, excessively thirsty or frequently urinating, take it to be examined by a veterinarian because these signs may mean the pet is diabetic. With early diagnosis and proper care, a pet with diabetes can live a happy, healthy and active life with proper management based on diagnosis. Diabetic animals require frequent monitoring, including blood tests, and insulin-dependent diabetics typically require injections every 12 hours. It is much easier to prevent diabetes than it is to treat it, especially in cats, so maintain your pet at an appropriate weight and get regular veterinary exams. If your pet is displaying the signs of diabetes, have it examined very soon before it progresses to a life-threatening state. A study shows that diabetes can't always be prevented that is why obesity has shown to be a contributing factor, especially in pet cats. Age, genetics, disorders such as chronic pancreatitis or hyperthyroidism and neutering in males are among the risk factors in cats. While age, genetics and intact females are the risk for pet dogs. The breeds that have a higher risk of developing diabetes are Cocker Spaniels, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds. more

How a traumatized dog inspired a sharing economy business.

Before Aaron Hirschhorn went travelling, he put Rocky, his beloved golden labradoodle, into kennels. "But I came back to a $1,400 bill and my dog Rocky hiding under my desk, clearly traumatized, for about three days," he says. So he decided to start a company, Santa Monica-based DogVacay, to match travelling dog owners with host families, instead of traditional kennels. Mr Hirschhorn and his wife were the first hosts, looking after 110 dogs in their home in the first year. They earned $35,000 (£28,185) which they used to develop a website. DogVacay hosts - there are now 35,000 - are normally fellow dog owners, says Mr Hirschhorn. Owners can opt to receive daily photos of their pets by way of reassurance.The website and obligatory app feature profiles of the hosts, their locations, and charges. And you can book and pay online. continue

Halo purely for pets.

Ellen DeGeneres,the comedian and rescue advocate is a pet lover and co owner of the pet food company,Halo,purely for pets. The pet smart- line is about to roll out more pet products such as bowls,collars,leashes,apparels,pet carriers,shampoo and other grooming supplies. She loves pets and even wanted to be a veterinarian, "she thought that would be the best job in the world: helping and being with animals all the time." Ellen DeGeneres said Ever since I can remember I’ve loved animals. All kinds. Dogs, cats, birds – catbirds. All of ’em. When I was little all I wanted to be was a vetranar…a veteranari…it’s hard to spell…I wanted to be a vet. I thought that would be the best job in the world: helping and being with animals all the time. Well, it turns out I became a comedian and a talk show host instead – but animals are still my passion…oh and also a nice, thin crust, cheese pizza. check it One of the things I really believe is that if you’re going to have pets you should treat them like you’d treat yourself. I don’t mean you should treat them to new shoes or a fancy car – I’m talking about the basics; a nice bed, fun toys and good food. Anyway a few years ago I was looking for some pet food for one of my dogs who was allergic to everything…honestly, even his own fur. I tried everything, our vet tried everything and finally I found a little company that had the perfect food for him. It’s called Halo, Purely for Pets.continue

Diabetes in pets.

Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a condition that occurs when the body cannot use glucose normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is required for the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. In diabetics, glucose isn’t transported into the cells and there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally. Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed very successfully. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. Most dogs are diagnosed at 7 to 10 years of age while most cats are older than 6 years of age when diagnosed. The disease is more manageable if detected early. The good news is that with the help of your veterinarian, diabetic pets can enjoy long, happy lives with proper monitoring, treatment, diet and exercise. In human patients, diabetics are classified as Type I or Type II. Type I occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin. Type II occurs when the body cannot respond normally to the amount of insulin made by the pancreas. Although diabetes in pets is sometimes classified as Type I or II, the difference between the types is less clear in pets than in humans. Obese pets are at a higher risk for developing diabetes. Aging dogs and cats may also develop other diseases that can contribute to the development of diabetes, such as overactive adrenal gland in dogs or overactive thyroid gland in cats, pancreatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and skin infections. Using medications that contain corticosteroids long-term is also a risk factor for diabetes. The following signs are associated with diabetics,1)Increased urination as Pets may empty their water bowl several times a day.2) Weight loss, even though your pet’s appetite may increase.May see increased appetite because body cells aren’t getting all the glucose they need.3) Cloudy eyes, especially in dogs.4) Chronic or recurring infections, including skin infections and urinary infections. continue

How to Find the Right Vet After a Move.

Any pet owner knows that “find a new veterinarian” is on the top of the moving to-do list. In fact, for many, finding a new vet is higher on the list then finding a new doctor. Admit it! Our four-legged loved ones often come first! However, the task of finding a qualified vet for your beloved furry friend can be a hairy one. continue