Latest news with #Felidae
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Scientists May Have Found What Makes Cats Purr
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Our enigmatic little furry friends may have just given up one of their secrets, as scientists think they have discovered the gene which underpins purring in cats. Cats are believed to purr for various reasons, from expressive contentment and self-soothing to even helping promote bone regeneration and heal fractures. The study—which was undertaken by Yume Okamoto and colleagues at the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center in Japan—focused on variations in the so-called androgen receptor gene, which has been linked to various feline behaviors. "Through our research, we hope to deepen our understanding of cats and contribute to building happier relationships between cats and humans," Okamoto said in a statement. Stock image of a purring cat Stock image of a purring cat Konstantin Aksenov/iStock / Getty Images Plus In their study, the researchers worked with 280 domestic cats, all of whom were neutered or spayed mixed breeds kept as indoor pets. The team both conducted behavioral assessments on the felines and collected DNA samples—allowing them to compare the androgen receptor gene with those in the other species of Felidae, the wider cat family. The findings supported the hypothesis that a genetic basis exists for both purring and other forms of vocal communication in cats. Specifically, those cats with the "short-type" androgen receptor gene were reported as purring more by their owners than those with the "long-type" gene. Male cats with the short-type gene also tended to be more vocal with humans, while their female counterparts exhibited more stranger-directed aggression. When the researchers compared the domestic cats' DNA with those of 11 other Felidae species—including cheetahs, leopards and tigers—they found that domestic cats carried longer-type androgen receptor genes not found in other members of the Felidae family. The findings revealed that those cats raised by humans since kittenhood—which are typically pure-breed cats—tend to rely less on vocal communication. Previous studies have indicated that pure-breed cats are more likely to carry the long-type gene. Of the cats in the study, many of the mixed breed felines were former strays, suggesting that rescue cats may be more vocal. The team also noted that both the fishing and leopard cats—which are both closely related to domestic felines—possessed only the short-type version of the androgen receptor gene. Put together, the findings suggest that the emergence of the longer-type genes may be a result of genetic changes associated with domestication and selective breeding. With their initial study complete, the researchers are now planning to expand the focus of their research to include other species of the Felidae family. In the meantime, the findings may help us better understand our feline friends—and how best to care for them. "When we called for participants, we were moved to receive responses from 265 cat owners from across Japan in just a single day—and received kind messages," Okamoto said. She concluded: "This reminded us of the strong public interest in cat research." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about cats? Let us know via science@ Reference Okamoto, Y., Hattori, M., & Inoue-Murayama, M. (2025). Association between androgen receptor gene and behavioral traits in cats (Felis catus). PLOS ONE, 20(5).
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The history of cat domestication
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The domestic cat is one of the smallest members of the family Felidae — the group that includes lions, tigers, jaguars and cougars. It is also the only member of that family that has been domesticated. Cats have lived among humans for thousands of years. They probably started hanging around human grain stores, attracted by mice and other vermin, and eventually spread around the world as sailors brought them aboard ships. Today, cats still help humans control pests, as well as provide companionship. In the past few centuries, humans have bred some cats to display certain traits, like hairlessness, thereby establishing dozens of cat breeds. With their charming mix of aloofness and goofiness, cats continue to amuse and fascinate us. Cats were domesticated around 10,000 years ago. Today's domestic cats descend from Felis silvestris lybica, a wildcat subspecies found in Africa and the Middle East. Genes from cats found in archaeological sites in the Middle East, Europe and Africa reveal that about 10,000 years ago, in modern-day Turkey, cats started to associate with humans and split from their wild relatives. Despite having relatively small natural ranges, F. s. lybica showed up in eastern Europe by 4400 B.C., according to ancient cat DNA found at archaeological sites. This suggests that cats hitched rides aboard ships with traders, who probably appreciated that cats kept rats in check. Cats certainly traveled long distances: DNA from Egyptian cats has been found as far as a Viking site in northern Germany dating to between A.D. 700 and 1000. The oldest known burial of a domesticated cat comes from Cyprus, where a human and a cat were buried together 9,500 years ago. Cat bones also have been found buried in 5,300-year-old refuse pits in China. The ancient Egyptians revered cats. Here, we see statuettes and figurines depicting cats and Egyptian deities found in a cache dating to the Egyptian Late Period (around the fifth century B.C.). (Image credit: Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images) Cats took on a starring role in ancient Egypt. Scientists aren't yet sure whether the Egyptians domesticated cats separately from the Middle East lineage, or whether the cats spread from Turkey to Egypt. Either way, Egyptians treasured cats' protectiveness and independence and saw the traits of their gods in cats. Cats were sometimes even mummified lovingly next to their deceased owners, but they were also sacrificed in large numbers during religious rituals. Bastet, a feline-headed goddess, was worshipped as a protector and as a deity of pregnancy and childbirth. Related: Why were the ancient Egyptians obsessed with cats? You might hear that cats "domesticated themselves." This is because ancient wildcats likely chose to hang around human agricultural settlements, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between cats and humans. These settlements provided ample food and shelter for cats. Because the cats helped keep vermin at bay, the people who inhabited these settlements tolerated — and eventually welcomed — cats' presence. Whereas humans domesticated dogs through artificial selection by breeding for desirable traits, domestic cats evolved simply through natural selection, as friendlier and more docile cats thrived in close contact with humans. Cats are not as domesticated as dogs are. Whereas cats were domesticated about 10,000 years ago, genetic evidence suggests that dogs were domesticated between 14,000 and 30,000 years ago. It's still up for debate exactly how and why some wild wolves evolved into friendly house pets, but it is clear that humans have spent much more time and effort shaping the genetic makeup of domestic dogs. In fact, scientists say that even today, cats are "only just" domesticated. Many domestic cats are actually feral, meaning they live outside of human captivity and can fend for themselves. Feral cats and house cats also regularly interbreed, so house cats retain many of their "wild" instincts. People also bred domestic dogs for thousands of years based on their skills and personalities, whereas humans started breeding domestic cats only within the past few centuries. This means dogs' temperaments tend to be more predictable and aligned with human needs than cats'. Even now, modern-day cats are categorized primarily by appearance. Although appearance is also a factor in canine breeding, historically, abilities such as tracking game, herding sheep and guarding property were more important. —Did cats really disappear from North America for 7 million years? —Are cats and dogs smarter than babies? —Cat brains are shrinking, and it's all humans' fault
Jordan News
23-03-2025
- Science
- Jordan News
The Egyptian Caracal: Why Did It Attack Israeli Soldiers Despite Its Fear of Humans? - Jordan News
If you were to ask zoologists about the characteristics of the desert lynx (Caracal), one of the main features they would highlight is that it is a solitary and shy animal that fears humans, which is why it prefers to live in remote areas, forests, or mountainous regions. Therefore, the recent news of one of these animals, which had crossed into Israel from Egypt, attacking Israeli soldiers seemed rather odd, as such attacks on humans are extremely rare. اضافة اعلان According to the Israeli newspaper *Yedioth Ahronoth*, the Egyptian Caracal, which had crossed into Israel from Egypt, attacked several Israeli soldiers in the Harif Mountain area near the Egyptian border. The soldiers then requested assistance from Mark Katz, the inspector of the Nature and Parks Authority, who arrived at the scene. The animal was found hiding in one spot, chewing on artificial grass, and was eventually captured with the help of a local veterinarian. Dr. Amr Abdelsamia, a molecular biologist at Cairo University and a research fellow at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, explains that the Caracal, which belongs to the Felidae family (which includes lions, tigers, leopards, and domestic cats), is usually afraid of humans and tends to flee when it encounters one. However, the fact that it was found chewing on artificial grass suggests that it may have been struggling with a lack of prey. This is one of the main reasons it might have ventured into human-populated areas and attacked them. The Caracal usually preys on small animals like rabbits, rodents, and birds. However, the destruction of its natural habitats and overhunting have affected its numbers, and this may have driven it to approach human areas in search of food or shelter, which could explain the attack on the Israeli soldiers, Abdelsamia explains. While the lack of prey is the most likely explanation, there is another possible reason that Abdelsamia doesn't rule out—rabies. Rabies is one of the most dangerous viral diseases affecting the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, either through bites or scratches. After an incubation period that can last from weeks to months, the disease manifests through symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue, eventually leading to severe neurological disorders, such as agitation, hallucinations, and difficulty swallowing. Abdelsamia points out that it is well known that animals infected with rabies exhibit extreme behavioral changes, such as losing their fear of humans and becoming more aggressive. This could explain the Caracal's attack on the Israeli soldiers. Previous studies have indicated that the Caracal might be a potential carrier of rabies, with documented cases in Alaska and Canada where Caracals infected with the virus exhibited unusual aggressive behaviors. The Israeli Nature and Parks Authority is currently investigating this incident, and its findings may raise broader questions about the impact of environmental changes on the behavior of wild animals. "With the increasing erosion of natural habitats, some species might be forced to adapt to new environments, including military zones, increasing the chances of direct interaction with humans and the potential for rabies transmission," Abdelsamia notes. "There have been recorded cases of rabies in Caracals in Europe, suggesting that the disease is not limited to dogs or foxes." **Caracal Adaptation: A Marvel of Nature** Should this incident be proven to be a new pattern of interaction between humans and wildlife, it wouldn't be entirely surprising given the Caracal's remarkable ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. An Iranian study published in the journal *Global Ecology and Conservation* highlighted the Caracal's ability to thrive in various habitats, including deserts, savannas, open forests, and mountainous areas. Researchers listed several factors that contribute to the Caracal's high adaptability, such as its ability to survive long periods without drinking water, relying on the fluids found in its prey. This adaptation allows it to survive in dry, desert-like environments. Rapid reproduction is another key survival tool for the Caracal. In places like South Africa and Namibia, it is targeted in predator control programs due to its attacks on livestock. However, these programs have been largely ineffective because of the Caracal's quick reproduction rate. According to a study published in *South African Journal of Zoology*, Caracals do not have specific breeding seasons. Instead, they breed year-round depending on food availability and environmental conditions, increasing the likelihood of young surviving at various times of the year. The female Caracal is highly dedicated to raising her young, with a care period lasting several months. During this time, she teaches the cubs hunting skills and survival techniques. Caracal cubs quickly learn to be independent after weaning, which increases their chances of survival and their ability to move into new areas shortly after weaning. Caracal adaptation extends to its fur color, which can be reddish-brown or yellowish-tan. This helps the animal blend in with its surroundings, especially in dry, open areas like plains and deserts, making it less susceptible to predators and enabling it to approach prey undetected. Numerous studies have documented the Caracal's camouflage strategy based on its fur color. When it senses danger or the approach of a predator, it can flatten itself against the ground, making it nearly impossible for predators to see, as it blends seamlessly with its environment due to its color and stillness. Caracals are also known for their quiet, graceful movements, which allow them to sneak up on prey without being detected. Their ability to leap up to 3 meters helps them catch birds and small animals without being discovered. **A Predator's Play** One of the interesting behavioral traits of Caracals, beyond their adaptability, is their tendency to "play with their prey." This behavior is seen when a Caracal catches its prey but does not immediately kill it. Instead, it delivers swift blows to the prey, making it attempt to escape, then catching it again. This behavior has various explanations offered by researchers. One possible explanation is that it is a way for the Caracal to demonstrate dominance and assert its prowess as a hunter in its natural environment. Another explanation is that it serves as a form of practice to improve and sharpen its hunting skills, especially when the prey is small or not a significant threat. This "play" could be a form of training that helps the Caracal maintain its reflexes and speed. It could also be a strategy to exhaust the prey's energy before delivering the final blow, making it less resistant. Alternatively, this behavior could be a sign that the Caracal is not immediately hungry and uses this interaction to satisfy its natural hunting instincts. Finally, this "play" behavior may be a method for teaching young Caracals how to hunt. In contrast to this behavior that reflects an abundance of food, Caracals have been observed engaging in a different behavior when food is scarce. They will sometimes store part of their prey for later consumption, a behavior known as "hoarding" or "storing." Research has documented that Caracals will drag their prey to a safe location, such as under trees or into dense bushes, or they may bury part of it under leaves or dirt. This strategy allows them to extend the availability of the prey, particularly when food is scarce or when they do not need to consume it all at once. In conclusion, the Caracal, with its extraordinary ability to adapt and survive, is a fascinating creature of nature. The incident involving its attack on Israeli soldiers has offered us an intriguing opportunity to explore its remarkable behaviors.
