What’s Making Global Cat and Dog News Today?
The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:
United Kingdom (BBC) Study to explore how dogs' spots link to diseases
In Brief: Researchers at the University of Bath and Lancaster University are undertaking a four-year study titled "Spot the Difference," examining the genetic mechanisms behind the unique spotted coat of Dalmatians. The study aims to provide insights into how these genetic patterns correlate with mammalian diseases, particularly focusing on how genes involved in pigmentation affect the development of immune systems and behavioral traits. Dr. Kit Yates, leading the research, highlighted the connection between the lack of melanocytes in Dalmatians and a high incidence of congenital deafness in the breed. This research could extend beyond understanding canine health, offering broader implications for human genetics and disease susceptibility.
United States (USA Today) 'Gentle giant' named Kevin is now the world's tallest dog
In Brief: Kevin, a Great Dane from West Des Moines, Iowa, has recently been recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest living dog, standing at 3 feet, 2 inches tall (0.97m). Owned by Tracey and Roger Wolfe, Kevin is described as a gentle giant who, despite his size, is quite timid around everyday household items like vacuums. His name, inspired by the character from the movie "Home Alone," reflects his significant presence in the Wolfe family. Kevin’s stature not only sets him apart but also showcases his unique personality, embodying both the physical height and the gentle nature of a truly remarkable dog.
Japan (Asahi Shimbun) Japan’s beloved cats get healthcare help from AI
In Brief: In Japan, an aging population and a declining birthrate have made pets, particularly cats, an increasingly central part of many households. To enhance the health and wellbeing of these beloved animals, a new AI-driven smartphone application, CatsMe!, has been developed by tech startup Carelogy and researchers at Nihon University. The app, which has been trained on 6,000 cat photos, helps cat owners like Mayumi Kitakata detect when their pets are in pain, thereby reducing unnecessary trips to the vet. With an accuracy rate over 95%, CatsMe! aims to improve early detection of health issues in cats, thus extending their lives and enhancing their quality of life. This innovative tool reflects the growing role of technology in pet healthcare, offering a significant aid to pet owners in managing their animals' health.Australia (Kids News) Twenty top scientists rule dingoes are just dogs and not a threatened species
In Brief: Clare Pooley explores the deep emotional connection between readers and canine characters in literature, highlighting the backlash authors can face when a beloved dog character meets a tragic end in their stories. In her article, Pooley reflects on her own experiences with reader reactions to the fate of a fictional dog, Keith, from her debut novel, revealing that many readers expressed profound concern for the character's well-being. This concern is echoed across the literary world, where the death of a dog often leads to negative reviews and diminished ratings, as readers feel particularly betrayed when harm comes to these innocent and empathetic characters. Pooley advises authors to tread carefully when considering the fate of animal characters in their books and suggests that concerned readers check resources like doesthedogdie.com to avoid emotional distress.United Kingdom (MNR Journal) Bath Cats and Dogs Home offer Animal Welfare Education Programme to local schools
In Brief: Australia's top taxonomists have recently classified the dingo as a standard dog breed, Canis familiaris, aligning them with other ancient dog lineages rather than recognizing them as a unique or threatened species. This reclassification, led by the Australasian Mammal Taxonomy Consortium (AMTC), contrasts a previous 2019 study which identified dingoes as a distinct native species due to their unique characteristics and long history of geographic isolation in Australia. The new findings categorize dingoes within the east Asian dog lineage, which includes several Asian village dogs and the New Guinea singing dogs. This shift raises significant questions about the future of dingo protection and management policies in Australia, particularly regarding their status in wild dog control programs and conservation efforts.
United Kingdom (The Guardian) Deals on food and homemade toys: seven ways to cut the cost of cat ownership
In Brief: Harriet Meyer offers practical advice for reducing the costs associated with cat ownership. While the average lifetime expense for a cat can exceed £11,100, Meyer suggests several strategies to manage these costs effectively. Key tips include selecting less expensive cat breeds or adopting from shelters, securing comprehensive pet insurance early, and opting for budget-friendly food options. Additionally, she recommends DIY approaches such as making homemade cat toys and treats, buying secondhand pet accessories, and considering alternative solutions for pet care expenses like veterinary costs and cat litter. These strategies can significantly alleviate the financial burden of caring for a cat.
China (South China Morning Post) Scientists find feeding domesticated dogs in ancient China human food may be a tradition as old as time
In Brief: A new study published in the journal "Antiquity" has shed light on the dietary habits of domesticated dogs in ancient China, revealing that these animals likely consumed grains cooked by humans. Conducted at the Kangjia Neolithic excavation site, researchers analyzed dental fossils and found evidence of starch from grains like millet, wheat, and rice on the dogs' teeth. This suggests that dogs, along with pigs, were not only crucial to the early Chinese settlements but also shared a significant part of their diet with humans. The findings also reflect broader social and cultural practices of the time, indicating that dogs may have played various roles in these communities, from companionship to participation in ritual feasts. This study provides valuable insights into the domestication practices and the intertwined lives of humans and animals in ancient Chinese societies.
