Short Takes

A study reported in Current Biology shows that most cats are securely attached to their owner and use them as a source of security.

WBIR-TV in Knoxville, TN, reports that a local animal lover was caring for a bobcat kitten, not realizing it wasnt a lost domestic kitten.

According to the Naples (Fla.) Daily News, deputies responded to a possible burglary in progress only to find the culprit was a cat.

Upper respiratory infections are common in cats. Treatment can be frustrating, especially since the primary culprit is often feline herpes virus (FHV). While FHV infections arent usually life-threatening, infected cats sneeze, may develop corneal ulcers, and have nasal discharge and conjunctivitis. Currently, treatment is aimed at supportive care, with antibiotics added if there are signs of secondary bacterial infections.

An article in the June 2019 Journal of Applied Gerontology looked at using pets to help senior citizens with pain. Cognitive behavioral self-management strategies are used to help seniors deal with chronic pain, and this study looked to see if pets might be incorporated into these strategies with a positive end.

A study from Applied Animal Behaviour Science used tiny cameras to follow 16 cats throughout their neighborhoods. The camera was about the size of a golf ball and attached to the cat (originally, 21 cats were selected, but five said no thanks).

A publication by members of the Section of Ophthalmology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine highlights the innovative use of a smartphone with an open-source 3D printed smartphone indirect lens adapter.

A study in Environmental Science & Technology associated hyperthyroidism with flame retardants, using silicone pet tags like the popular wristbands people wear for charitable causes.

Felinine is a sulphur (cysteine) amino acid found in cat urine. It works as a pheromone. This sulphur amino acid is what causes the strong scent in urine marking by intact male cats.

Angelo’s Pizza in Matawan, N.J., is “delivering more than just food,” according to CBS NewYork Channel 2.

Angelo’s Pizza in Matawan, N.J., is “delivering more than just food,” according to CBS NewYork Channel 2.

The American Veterinary Medical Assocation lists these numbers for cat ownership in the United States: