Positive Impact of Nutritional Interventions on Serum Symmetric Dimethylarginine and Creatinine Concentrations in Client-Owned Geriatric Cats

A prospective study was conducted in client-owned geriatric cats to evaluate the short- term effects of a test food on serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and creatinine (Cr) concentrations. Test food contained functional lipids (fish oil), antioxidants (vitamins C and E), L-carnitine, botanicals (vegetables), highly bioavailable protein, and amino acid supplements. Cats (n = 80) were fed either test food or owner’s-choice foods (non-nutritionally controlled cohort). Cats were included based on age (≥ 9 years), indoor only, neutered, and free of chronic disease. At baseline, all cats had serum Cr concentrations within the reference interval. Renal function biomarkers and urinalysis results at baseline and after consuming test food or owner’s-choice foods for 3 and 6 months were evaluated. Cats consuming test food showed significant decreases in serum Cr and BUN concentrations across time. Overall, cats consuming owner’s-choice foods showed significant increases in serum SDMA concentrations at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline (P ≤ 0.05), whereas in cats consuming test food serum SDMA concentrations did not change. At baseline or during the 6-month feeding trial, 23 (28.8%) cats had increased serum SDMA, but normal serum Cr consistent with IRIS Stage 1 chronic kidney disease. This included 6 cats fed test food and 17 cats fed owner’s-choice foods. In the 6 cats fed test food, serum SDMA decreased in 3 cats and remained stable in 1 cat, whereas in the 17 cats fed owner’s-choice foods, serum SDMA increased in 13 cats and decreased or remained stable in 4 cats. The increase in serum SDMA concentration was significant (P = 0.02) only for cats fed owner’s-choice foods. These results suggest that nonazotemic cats with elevated serum SDMA (early renal insufficiency) when fed a food designed to promote healthy aging are more likely to demonstrate stable renal function compared with cats fed owner’s-choice foods. Cats fed owner’s-choice foods were more likely to demonstrate progressive renal insufficiency.     

Paw preferences in cats (Felis silvestris catus) living in a household environment

Unrestrained, naı̈ve cats (Felis silvestris catus) (n=48: 28 males and 20 females), living in a natural domestic environment, were studied for paw preferences using a food reaching test. A total of 46% were right-preferent, 44% were left-preferent and 10% were ambilateral. 60% of the cats in our sample used one paw 100% of the time. This preference was stable over time (10 weeks), and was not influenced by the presence of food residue on the cats' non-preferred paw. There was no difference between male and female cats in the proportions of left and right paw-preferent individuals. We have reviewed the literature reporting paw preferences in cats and conclude that in static food-reaching tests, domestic cats show a marked paw preference with an equal distribution of left- and right-preferent individuals. They do not, however, show a group or population bias toward the use of any one paw. There are no significant sex differences. In contrast, there is previously published evidence which appears to suggest that moving-target reaching tests uncover a left-sided behavioural asymmetry.     

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Household Cats in Korea and Risk Factors

Several epidemiological surveys have reported the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in stray cats in Korea, but little information is available on T. gondii infection in household cats. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection among household cats reared in Seoul, Korea. A total of 474 blood samples were collected from clinically healthy household cats. All samples were tested using ELISA and PCR. The risk factor analysis was based on a questionnaire filled out by the owners. The overall positive rate for ELISA and PCR assays was 2.2% (10/437) and 2.1% (10/474), respectively. With regard to the origin of cats, the positive rates among cats adopted from the animal shelter and veterinary clinic for stray cats were significantly different (P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that the positive rate of T. gondii infection in household cats was low and that this low prevalence was assumed to be associated with keeping the cats indoors and restriction of eating raw food and uncooked meat. Therefore, we suggest that the owners check the origin of the cats prior to adoption to prevent infection of other animals, including humans.     

Freerunning and entrained circadian rhythms in activity,eating and drinking in the cat

Abstract

Because cats with pontile lesions exhibit an abnormal behavior that is under photoperiodic control, and because circadian rhythms are implicated in photoperiodic control mechanisms, an effort was made to detect circadian rhythms in the cat. Cats were isolated from all extraneous stimuli in soundproof chambers for extended periods of time. Photocells were used to monitor activity, eating and drinking in different LD cycles, in constant light at two intensities, and in constant dark. Freerunning circadian rhythms were found in the constant conditions, and entrained nocturnal patterns occurred in most of the LD cycles. The higher intensities of ambient illumination disrupted the freerunning rhythms. The freerunning rhythms were always greater than 24 h, ranging from 24.2 to 25 h. Measurements of food intake of cats living in a large colony room, obtained by weighing the food, revealed that a nocturnal pattern of entrainment was not present in the majority of the cats. Instead, most cats in the colony exhibited a random pattern of eating throughout the light and dark period of the LD cycle. However, the variation among the cats in the colony was considerable, extending from nocturnal to diurnal patterns of eating. A diurnal pattern of human activity was present in the colony and may account for the disruption of a basic nocturnal pattern. The presence of circadian rhythms in the cat leads us to consider the coincidence models for photoperiodic induction as possible explanations of the photoperiodic control of the lesion‐induced abnormal behavior.     

Behavioural budgeting by wild coyotes: The influence of food resources and social organization

Daytime behavioural budgets of coyotes (Canis latrans) living in the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming, were analysed in order to determine how activity patterns were influenced by food resources and social organization. In winter, coyotes rested more and hunted less than in other seasons. Pack-living coyotes rested more and travelled less than resident pairs or solitary residents or transients during winter months when the major food resource was ungulate (predominantly elk, Cervus canadensis) carrion. A mated female living in a pack rested significantly more and travelled significantly less than a mated female living only with her mate (as a resident pair) during winter. We predict that in times of food shortage, pack-living coyotes, and particularly reproductive females, might be at an advantage when compared to resident pairs and solitary individuals.     

Seasonal Variation in the Voluntary Food Intake of Domesticated Cats (Felis Catus)

There are numerous reports about seasonal cycles on food intake in animals but information is limited in dogs and cats. A 4-year prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted to assess differences in food intake in 38 ad-libitum-fed adult colony cats, of various breeds, ages and genders. Individual food intake was recorded on a daily basis, and the mean daily intake for each calendar month was calculated. These data were compared with climatic data (temperature and daylight length) for the region in the South of France where the study was performed. Data were analysed using both conventional statistical methods and by modelling using artificial neural networks (ANN). Irrespective of year, an effect of month was evident on food intake (P<0.001), with three periods of broadly differing intake. Food intake was least in the summer months (e.g. June, to August), and greatest during the months of late autumn and winter (e.g. October to February), with intermediate intake in the spring (e.g. March to May) and early autumn (e.g. September). A seasonal effect on bodyweight was not recorded. Periods of peak and trough food intake coincided with peaks and troughs in both temperature and daylight length. In conclusion, average food intake in summer is approximately 15% less than food intake during the winter months, and is likely to be due to the effects of outside temperatures and differences in daylight length. This seasonal effect in food intake should be properly considered when estimating daily maintenance energy requirements in cats.     

Strong spatial segregation between wildcats and domestic cats may explain low hybridization rates on the Iberian Peninsula

The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is an endangered felid impacted by genetic introgression with the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus). The problem of hybridization has had different effects in different areas. In non-Mediterranean regions pure forms of wildcats became almost extinct, while in Mediterranean regions genetic introgression is a rare phenomenon. The study of the potential factors that prevent the gene flow in areas of lower hybridization may be key to wildcat conservation. We studied the population size and spatial segregation of wildcats and domestic cats in a typical Mediterranean area of ancient sympatry, where no evidence of hybridization had been detected by genetic studies. Camera trapping of wild-living cats and walking surveys of stray cats in villages were used for capture–recapture estimations of abundance and spatial segregation. Results showed (i) a low density of wildcats and no apparent presence of putative hybrids; (ii) a very low abundance of feral cats in spite of the widespread and large population sources of domestic cats inhabiting villages; (iii) strong spatial segregation between wildcats and domestic/feral cats; and (iv) no relationship between the size of the potential population sources and the abundance of feral cats. Hence, domestic cats were limited in their ability to become integrated into the local habitat of wildcats. Ecological barriers (habitat preferences, food limitations, intra-specific and intra-guild competition, predation) may explain the severe divergences of hybridization impact observed at a biogeographic level. This has a direct effect on key conservation strategies for wildcats (i.e., control of domestic cats).     

Free-Ranging Farm Cats: Home Range Size and Predation on a Livestock Unit In Northwest Georgia

This study’s objective was to determine seasonal and diurnal vs. nocturnal home range size, as well as predation for free-ranging farm cats at a livestock unit in Northwest Georgia. Seven adult cats were tracked with attached GPS units for up to two weeks for one spring and two summer seasons from May 2010 through August 2011. Three and five cats were tracked for up to two weeks during the fall and winter seasons, respectively. Feline scat was collected during this entire period. Cats were fed a commercial cat food daily. There was no seasonal effect (P > 0.05) on overall (95% KDE and 90% KDE) or core home range size (50% KDE). Male cats tended (P = 0.08) to have larger diurnal and nocturnal core home ranges (1.09 ha) compared to female cats (0.64 ha). Reproductively intact cats (n = 2) had larger (P < 0.0001) diurnal and nocturnal home ranges as compared to altered cats. Feline scat processing separated scat into prey parts, and of the 210 feline scats collected during the study, 75.24% contained hair. Of these 158 scat samples, 86 contained non-cat hair and 72 contained only cat hair. Other prey components included fragments of bone in 21.43% of scat and teeth in 12.86% of scat. Teeth were used to identify mammalian prey hunted by these cats, of which the Hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) was the primary rodent. Other targeted mammals were Peromyscus sp., Sylvilagus sp. and Microtus sp. Invertebrates and birds were less important as prey, but all mammalian prey identified in this study consisted of native animals. While the free-ranging farm cats in this study did not adjust their home range seasonally, sex and reproductive status did increase diurnal and nocturnal home range size. Ultimately, larger home ranges of free-ranging cats could negatively impact native wildlife.     

Asynchrony between solitary bee emergence and flower availability reduces flower visitation rate and may affect offspring size

Climate change can disrupt plant-pollinator interactions when shifts in the timing of pollinator activity and flowering occur unequally (i.e., phenological asynchrony). Phenological asynchrony between spring-emerging solitary bees and spring-flowering plants may cause bees to experience food deprivation that can affect their reproductive success. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of food deprivation on solitary bee reproduction remain unknown. We investigated 1) whether food deprivation caused by phenological asynchrony affects solitary bee reproduction by influencing female lifespan and/or visitation to flowers, and 2) the relationship between the magnitude of asynchrony and bee responses. We simulated phenological asynchrony by depriving emerged female Osmia cornifrons (a spring-active solitary bee species) of nectar and pollen for 0 to 16 days. Following asynchrony treatments, we used flight cages to monitor 1) post-treatment female lifespan, 2) flower visitation, and 3) reproduction (i.e., total offspring, offspring weight, sex ratio). We found that post-treatment female lifespan was not affected by phenological asynchrony treatments, but that flower visitation rate and offspring weight decreased as the magnitude of asynchrony increased. Due to low offspring production and a lack of female offspring across treatments, we were unable to assess the effects of phenological asynchrony on total offspring produced or sex ratio. Findings suggest that post-emergence food deprivation caused by phenological asynchrony may affect offspring size by influencing nest-provisioning rates. In solitary bees, body size influences wintering survival, fecundity, and mating success. Thus, phenological asynchrony may have consequences for solitary bee populations that stem from reduced flower visitation rates, and these consequences may increase as the magnitude of asynchrony increases. Because many wild flowering plants and crops rely on pollination services provided by bees for reproductive success, bee responses to phenological asynchrony may also affect wild plant biodiversity and crop yields.     

Differences in food preferences between individuals and populations of domestic cats Felis silvestris catus

The food preferences of 64 cats, of which 28 were domestic pets and 36 were free-ranging animals on three farms, were tested using five food types; a sixth type was also tested on the farm cats. Information was also gathered on the background diet of the house cats (individually) and of each farm cat colony. Consistent differences were found between the predefined groups of cats in their preferences for three foods, Hard Dry (HD), Canned Meat (CM) and Raw Beef (RB), the greatest differences being between house cats and farm cats as a whole. The three colonies of farm cats showed distinct differences in preference, for RB and/or CM, and for the sixth food, Soft Dry (SD). Differences between farms could be explained by a reduced preference for items similar to major components of the background diet of each colony, i.e. selection in favour of foods that were temporally rare. Differences between house and farm cats, and within the house cats, could not be explained in this way; the house cats were neophobic towards RB, and the farm cats ate little of the HD food, possibly because they found it difficult to ingest.     

江西鄱阳湖流域中华秋沙鸭越冬期间的集群特征

2010年11月—2011年3月,采用样线法对江西鄱阳湖流域8个河段的中华秋沙鸭Mergus squamatus的集群特征进行了研究。中华秋沙鸭的集群类型包括雄性群、雌性群、混合群、雌性孤鸭和雄性孤鸭5种类型。越冬期间共记录到89群次,432只次中华秋沙鸭。其中,混合群是最多的一种集群方式,孤鸭也是越冬期间出现频次较高的一种特殊的集群方式。集群类型存在时间变化(P<0.01)。混合群中,大多数群体中雌性个体数多于雄性个体或者是一雌一雄。89群次中,孤鸭和2—8只群占总群数的87.64%,提示中华秋沙鸭主要以集小群分散活动。中华秋沙鸭越冬期间的群体大小是(4.85±4.97)只/群。不同集群类型的群体大小差异较大。集群大小可能与采砂、捕鱼、食物的丰富度等环境因子有关。调查结果显示,中华秋沙鸭越冬期间的性比是1∶0.74(n=432)。中华秋沙鸭群体大小与性比有一定的关系。     

Relationships Between Cat Lovers and Feral Cats in Rome

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between cat lovers and feral cats in Rome. One hundred and fifty-eight cats from 3 populations were observed for 1108 hours of data collection: some demographic characteristics of the colonies were investigated, together with the behavior of cat lovers (those who fed and cared for the cats). The quantity of food eaten and uneaten by the cats was recorded, and the cost to support each colony calculated. The quantity of food provided ranged from 20.47 to 264 kg/month. The mean quantity of food eaten/day by each cat in the study areas never surpassed 130.4 g. In total, the quantity of food wasted ranged from 522 g to 34.05 kg/month. The results of this study can help public administrations decide on how to allocate funds for the management of feral cats. Indeed, they provide statistics on the individual food intake/cat/day, as well as information on the type of collaboration one should expect from cat lovers. In addition, this study outlines advantages and limits of the “Roman model” where the Public Veterinary Services (PVS) and associations of cat lovers cooperate to manage feral cats.     

Foods of feral house cats (Felis catus L.) in forest of the Orongorongo Valley,Wellington

Abstract

The foods of feral house cats in forest in the Orongorongo Valley, Wellington, were studied over 3 years and related to the availability of prey. Some cats were trapped, tagged, and released, and could be identified individually by coat colour and pattern. The number of cats, estimated from live-trapping and sightings, was stable during the study. Examination of 677 scats revealed that mammals (rat, rabbit, opossum, mouse, and stoat, in descending order of importance) formed the bulk of the diet by weight. Remains of birds occurred in 12% of scats, but birds were estimated to form only 4.5% by weight of the diet. Insect fragments were present in many scats; wetas (Orthoptera), cicadas (Hemiptera), and beetles (Colcoptera) were important seasonally. Although eaten in large numbers, they contributed very little by weight to the diet. Populations of rats, rabbits, and opossums were fairly stable during the study; mice were abundant for most of the first 18 months, but were scarce in the last year. The literature on the food habits of feral house cats is reviewed; it emphasises that cats are primarily predators of small mammals (rodents and lagomorphs). Predation by feral cats can be important in holding rat and rabbit populations at low densities and in reducing seasonal fluctuations in their numbers. Cats can also exert heavy predation pressure on low-density mouse populations. Although the cats now eat few birds, they may have been responsible for reducing the numbers of some forest birds in the past.     

PCR-Based Molecular Characterization of Toxocara spp. Using Feces of Stray Cats: A Study from Southwest Iran

Feces of stray cat are potential sources of gastrointestinal parasites and play a crucial role in spreading and transmitting parasite eggs, larvae, and oocysts through contamination of soil, food, or water. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection in stray cats in Ahvaz city, southwest Iran. Eggs of Toxocara spp. in feces of stray cats were detected by the sucrose flotation method, and identification was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Of the 140 fecal samples that were randomly collected from public environments during the months of January to May 2012, 45% were found to harbour Toxocara spp. eggs. The highest prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs was found in the central area of Ahvaz city (28.6%). T. canis eggs were found in 4 (6.34%) of the 63 positive samples. Stray cats are found in parks, playgrounds, and other public places and may be a potential contamination risk. Identification of Toxocara spp. using molecular methods is sufficiently sensitive to detect low levels of parasites and identify the different Toxocara spp. in feces. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara spp. infection may continue to increase due to lack of effective environmental hygiene control in Iran. Consequently, there is a need to plan adequate programs to detect, identify, and control this infection as well as stray cats in the region.     

Seasonal Hair Growth in the Adult Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

Determination of amino acid requirements by the factorial method requires an estimate of the amount of amino acids required for the replacement of hair. Hair growth rates in a total of 39 adult male and female domestic short-haired cats were determined throughout the year using the mid-side patch technique. The ratio of hair on the mid-side area to total hair on the body was also determined to allow conversion of mid-side hair growth rates to hair growth rates over the entire body. The mid-side hair growth rate showed a sinusoidal pattern throughout the year, similar to that found for day length and daily mean air temperature, with a maximum hair growth rate of 289 μg/cm²/day in summer and a minimum hair growth rate of 62 μg/cm²/day in winter. The peak hair growth rate for the female cats was reached earlier than that for the male cats. Sine-functions describing day length, minimum and maximum daily air temperatures and daily hair growth rates are presented. Adult domestic short-haired cats were found to grow 32.7 g of hair per kg body weight per year. Monthly amounts of hair growth per unit of body weight and body surface area are calculated.     

Reflexogenic changes in the spontaneous and evoked activity of the parafascicular neurons in the rat thalamus during electroacupuncture stimulation

Acute experiments on cats were made to study the electroacupuncture (EAP) effect on neuronal impulse activity in the parafascicular complex (PFC) of the thalamus in response to solitary peripheral nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimuli. EAP stimulation affects the pattern of spontaneous and evoked activity of PFC neurons and forms their new functional status. It is suggested that the analgetic effect is brought about by the changes in neuronal activity in subcortical structures of the brain including the thalamic nuclei which transmit the ascending nociceptive input.     

Ethologisch fundierte Empfehlungen für eine artgemäße Zoohaltung von Schwarzfußkatzen Felis nigripes Burchell, 1824

The Blackfooted Cat (Felis nigripes), also called Small Spotted Cat, is a species endemic to the drier areas of Southern Africa. Ethological observations can give insight into their specialised adaptations to their environment. The investigations were carried out at the base of Karoo Cat Research. The large nature-type enclosures allow the cats to show a wide range of their natural behaviour. This study was done in the hope that it will lead to improved zoo-keeping and husbandry of the Blackfooted Cat in zoological gardens.It is alarming to note that worldwide the zoo populations of these cats, having always been quite low, have dramatically decreased recently, especially in Europe, where at present only 5 males and 2 females are kept at 3 different sites. Worldwide, most cats die at a rather young age from either Amyloidosis, a kidney disease, or from respiratory tract infections. The possibility is discussed that both diseases are, at least partly, due to inadequate keeping conditions.It is imperative, though not always easily accomplished, that these cats are kept in enclosures that, at least in part, provide desert conditions: a dry climate (relative air humidity of 30 to 40%), and a preponderantly sandy substrate with fitting vegetation. As Blackfooted Cats habitually cover large distances during their nightly prowls, they would require larger enclosures than other cats of the Genus Felis. The enclosures should also give the cats adequate shelter to allow them to hide from disturbances caused by the public. Failing to provide this may be the cause of numerous, possibly lethal, stress-related diseases. Due to the Blackfooted Cat's extremely shy nature and solitary way of living, especially in respect of keeping their progeny healthy, the choice of the right curator is of utmost importance.The experiment of having young Blackfooted Cats reared simultaneously by their own mother and by humans aimed to avoid an imprinting-like bond but at the same time to create the basis for a lasting relationship of trust towards the human carers. The Karoo Cat Research Station proved to be a suitable observation area, offering the possibility of caring for three young Blackfooted Cats from the age of 6 to 16 weeks together with their mother. The behaviour patterns defining the opposites “tame” and “shy” were evaluated numerically and presented in diagram form. The result of this experiment was a stress-free and relaxed relationship between the animals and their carers that was not only observed in the kittens but was also maintained with the adult cats.The activity rhythm of seven Blackfooted Cats in human care in South Africa was studied throughout two seasons with considerable temperature variations.In graphic representations, data are presented, such as the weather or sexual differences, which could not be influenced by humans but have a clearly recognisable effect on the activity rhythm.Altered keeping conditions had an important influence on the divergence of the rest periods of the three young Blackfooted Cats from the usual diaphasic activity pattern of most felid species.The behaviour of wild-caught animals was studied and compared with that of well integrated or zoo-born individuals. Here too an important reduction in activity was noted. The effect of behavioural enrichment measures, such as play, feeding methods, olfactory stimuli, as well as the rearing of young, on a positive increase in diurnal activity is discussed.     

Toxoplasma gondii B1 Gene Detection in Feces of Stray Cats around Seoul,Korea and Genotype Analysis of Two Laboratory-Passaged Isolates

The increasing prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the human population in the Republic of Korea (= Korea) is due to various reasons such as an increase in meat consumption. However, the importance of cats in transmitting T. gondii infection through oocysts to humans has seldom been assessed. A total of 300 fecal samples of stray cats captured around Seoul from June to August 2013 were examined for T. gondii B1 gene (indicating the presence of oocysts) using nested-PCR. Fourteen (4.7%) of 300 cats examined were positive for B1 gene. Female cats (7.5%) showed a higher prevalence than male cats (1.4%). Cats younger than 3 months (5.5%) showed a higher prevalence than cats (1.5%) older than 3 months. For laboratory passage of the positive samples, the fecal suspension (0.2 ml) of B1 gene positive cats was orally inoculated into experimental mice. Brain tissues of the mice were obtained after 40 days and examined for the presence of tissue cysts. Two isolates were successfully passaged (designated KNIH-1 and KNIH-2) and were molecularly analyzed using the SAG5D and SAG5E gene sequences. The SAG5D and SAG5E gene sequences showed high homologies with the ME49 strain (less virulent strain). The results indicated the importance of stray cats in transmitting T. gondii to humans in Korea, as revealed by detection of B1 gene in fecal samples. T. gondii isolates from cats were successfully passaged in the laboratory for the first time in Korea.