Latest news with #JuliaHenning
The Star
23-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Is your cat ignoring you? That means it trusts you, or rather, your scent
Domestic cats respond differently to the odour of their owner than that of an unfamiliar human. — AFP It is often believed that cats deliberately ignore us. In reality, this apparent coldness hides a sophisticated form of olfactory recognition. Indeed, a Japanese study published in the journal PLOS One reports that domestic cats identify their owners mainly by their scent. As such, they know they these familiar humans are part of their inner circle. As part of this study, Yutaro Miyairi and colleagues at Tokyo University of Agriculture conducted a revealing smell test with 30 domestic cats (11 males and 19 females, with an average age of seven) in their owners' homes. Each animal had to identify three samples: the scent of its owner, that of a stranger, and a control tube with no scent. The samples were collected from behind the ears, under the armpits, and between the toes, after asking participants to avoid alcohol, tobacco, spices and perfumes. The researchers found that the cats spent significantly less time sniffing their owner's scent than that of a stranger. This difference suggests immediate recognition: familiar scents require only a brief check. According to the researchers, this shorter sniffing time suggests that cats quickly recognise their owner's scent before moving on to something else. When faced with an unfamiliar person, they investigate longer to gather information. The study also reveals that cats prefer to use their right nostril to analyse unfamiliar smells, then switch to the left once the information has been processed. This mechanism suggests that the right hemisphere of their brain processes new information, while the left hemisphere handles routine information. A social compass Another intriguing discovery was that many cats did not simply sniff the odours presented to them by the researchers. They frequently rubbed their faces against the sample tubes, favouring the side that had just been used for exploration. This behavior indicates a direct link between olfactory exploration and territorial marking. Personality also influences these olfactory behaviours. More anxious cats first examine the odorless tubes, while the more sociable ones head for their owner's males, this correlation is particularly marked: the most anxious cats make multiple trips back and forth, while the more serene creatures explore calmly. All these discoveries teach us a little more about our feline your cat sulks when you return from vacation, it may be because you smell unusual. Try taking a shower with your usual products and putting your old clothes back on to make it easier for your cat to warm to you again. Similarly, if your cat spends all its time sniffing a visitor, don't be jealous. This sign of attention simply means that the scent is new to them. Indeed, smell is king of the feline senses. Only 54% of cats recognise human faces, as Julia Henning, a PhD student in feline behaviour at the University of Adelaide, points out in an article in The Conversation. But a smell, they never forget. So "cat parents' can rest assured: your scent has earned you entry into the very exclusive club of "trusted smells' – those that can be safely ignored. With cats, being met with total indifference is the highest form of flattery. – AFP Relaxnews
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Expert reveals why you should NEVER feed your cat milk - even though they love it
Along with purring and hairballs, cats are also well known for their love of milk. But you should never give your cat a bowl of the white stuff, an expert has revealed. Like all mammals, cats begin life drinking from their mother and constantly meowing for more. However once they are past kittenhood, milk is a completely unnecessary part of their diet, experts say. Julia Henning, from the school of animal and veterinary science at the University of Adelaide, explained that the majority of cats are actually lactose intolerant. After they have finished weaning, at around six to 12 weeks of age, kittens stop producing the enzyme lactase – required to digest lactose in milk - she said. If they are then given cow's milk – which contains much higher levels of lactose than the milk of mother cats – they can experience unpleasant symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cats who drink milk or dairy regularly are at increased risk of these health complications. And it could even become deadly, as chronic diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Previous studies have suggested that cats may initially enjoy cow's milk because of the high levels of protein and fats in it. Cow's milk has also been linked to a calming effect in our feline companions. So, is it okay to give them a bit of milk every now and then? 'The short answer is no,' Ms Henning told The Conversation. 'Dairy is not a natural part of cats' diet. While they may like the taste, milk is likely to cause your furry friend discomfort and health issues, so it's best to avoid entirely. 'And if you're thinking your cat is one of the lucky few that isn't lactose intolerant, think again. 'Cats are very good at hiding discomfort because, in the wild, showing weakness would make them a target for predators. 'If you absolutely must, opt for lactose-free milk or milk formulated specifically for cats, and keep it as a very occasional treat. 'While it won't upset their stomachs in the same way as regular cow's milk, it still won't offer your cat any nutritional benefit.' Milk alternatives such as oat, soy or almond milk are also likely to cause digestive upset, as they are an unusual addition to a cat's diet, she added. 'The bottom line? Don't give your cat milk,' she said. 'They don't need it, they probably can't digest it and it's likely to cause more pain than it's worth.' A previous study, published in 2023, found that some cats like to play fetch in the same way as dogs. A survey of nearly 1,000 owners also suggests cats like to be in control of the game and respond best when they lead the play. While fetching is not typically associated with felines, the researchers believe the behaviour is instinctive – often happening without any formal training. Based on their findings, published in the journal Nature, the academics are urging cat owners to be more attuned to their pets' needs and their preferences for play. They say that playing fetch may be beneficial for the welfare of the cat and may strengthen the bond between the pet and its owner. Cats are often branded aloof and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting their human owner's demise, but such characterisations could not be further from the truth. In fact, our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language. In her eye-opening new book Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat, author Lili Chin - with the help of animal behaviourists - explains how to interpret your pet's movements. Below are some of the most common behaviours and what they could signal.
