Both cats and dogs often enjoy playing fetch with their owners
Although more common in dogs, 4 in 10 pet cats also choose to play fetch with their owners, Mikel Delgado from Purdue University, US, and colleagues report in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, publishing September 4, 2024.
Dogs are well-known for playing fetch, but some cats also engage in fetching behavior. Fetching may have its roots in the natural hunting behaviors of cats and dogs, but how it was shaped by domestication into the playful actions we see in our pets today is unclear. Researchers analyzed data from online surveys of cat (Felis catus) and dog (Canis familiaris) owners conducted between 2015 and 2023, which included questions about the fetching behavior of their pets.
Protecting just 0.7% of world’s land could help save a third of most unique and endangered species
Conservation efforts directed towards just 0.7% of the world’s land mass could help protect one third of the world’s threatened and unique tetrapod (four-limbed vertebrate) species, new research by Imperial College London, On the Edge, and ZSL has shown.
The study, led by researchers at Imperial College London and published this week in Nature Communications, finds that large gains in conservation are possible by focusing on areas home to exceptional biodiversity and species with high levels of evolutionary distinctiveness and global endangerment.
Meet the 27-Year-Old Vet Revolutionizing Cat Care—Her Story Will Inspire You!
At just 27 years old, Dr. Brittney Kilgore has already accomplished what many veterinarians dream of—a new graduate from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine and now the proud owner of her very own cat-focused veterinary clinic. Recognized as Vet Candy’s Rising Star, Dr. Kilgore is not only a trailblazer in feline medicine but also an advocate for creating a more inclusive, stress-free environment for both cats and their owners.
From ER Vet to Best-Selling Author: Dr. Lynsey Rinelli's Heartwarming Book on Pet Loss Will Make You Tear Up!
Dr. Lyndsey Rinelli is no ordinary veterinarian. A dedicated emergency vet, proud single mom, and passionate advocate for the human-animal bond, she has built her career on helping animals and their families through some of the most challenging moments they face. Now, Dr. Rinelli is stepping into a new role as an author with the release of her first children’s book,Goodbye For Now, a heartfelt exploration of pet loss and grief aimed at helping families navigate the difficult topic of euthanasia.
Cornell researchers find ideal place to take reptiles’ pulse rate
Stethoscopes don’t tend to work well on reptiles, but recently, researchers at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) have discovered they can consistently measure reptiles’ pulse rate in an easy-to-reach spot on the back of the head, and that pulse rate corresponds to the heart rate in healthy reptiles. The technique requires an ultrasonic Doppler flow detector, a common instrument found in most veterinary clinics.
Shocking Truth Revealed: Are Cavapoos, Cockapoos, and Labradoodles Really Any Healthier Than Purebreds?
Designer crossbreed dogs, such as Cavapoos, Cockapoos, and Labradoodles, have surged in popularity across the UK, with many prospective owners drawn to them by the perception that crossbreeds are healthier than their purebred ancestors. This belief is based on the concept of 'hybrid vigor,' or heterosis, which suggests that offspring from the intentional crossing of distinct breeds should exhibit improved health and vitality. However, scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of designer crossbreeds is limited, prompting a need for more robust research to inform potential dog owners.