Domestic Cat’s DNA Mostly Decoded

November 1, 2007

Domestic Cat’s DNA Mostly Decoded

Cinnamon the Cat, whose DNA was decoded, is a shy Abyssinian who is also highly inbred. That inbreeding made her a great candidate for genome sequencing.

The new data will, of course, lead to progress in treating feline diseases, but it will also help humans. Cats and humans share about 250 genetic diseases. Cinnamon carries the gene for retinitis pigmentosa—an eye disease that can lead to blindness—which affects 1 in 3,500 Americans.

Research on hereditary diseases will benefit, but research on infectious diseases will also benefit from the DNA sequencing. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is related genetically to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Scientists also decoded “genomic stretches” from retroviruses with known links to cancer.

The sequencing results will help in a number of other ways too:

“(in) parentage testing, forensic analysis, and studies of evolution, including the reconstruction of domestication processes, fancy breed development, and ecological adaptation among the great roaring cats.”

It’s interesting how much impact an inbred cat from Missouri may have on scientific progress.

October 31, 2007October 31, 2007

Adopt A Black Cat Or Dog Part II

Raven completing the window decoration after having knocked a fake raven off the windowsill

I’ve written before about reasons to adopt a black dog or adopt a black cat. And why they especially need to be adopted—they are the most overlooked in shelters.

Raven was our first reason to adopt a black cat. Crow is our second.

October 10, 2007October 10, 2007

Animal Wall Paper Stickers

There are some great wall paper stickers out there. Now, don’t you go running for the exits! These are not the surface designs that were popular in the 60’s & 70’s. Nor are they cutesy kids stuff. These are from hip designers in Denmark, France, and the U.S.

These cats are pretty fun. There’s also this kitty with his zig-zaggy tail. You can get more realistic cats to adorn your walls and maybe surprise your animals. Our Sage would be pretty alarmed to find more black cats lurking around the house besides our Raven.

Cats not your thing? How about this stunning gold fish. I love this guy. Or a koi pond? You can have some Keith Haring’s barking dogs too.

Availability in the U.S. may be a problem, but keep your eye out. Some companies offer designs in a removable form too, so adding some fun to your home doesn’t have to be a permanent commitment. Pretty nifty!

October 9, 2007April 21, 2010

DIY: Make A Sisal Rope Cat Scratching Post

I don’t know if it’s because Fall is here, but I’m in a Do-It-Yourself mood. Here’s an excellent tutorial on how to build your own sisal scratching post for your feline friends. There are lots of really useful tips and clear instructions. (Update: The creator of this tutorial suggested googling for 3/8 Brazilian sisal rope to find good sisal for your post.)

You can also apply much of the advice, such as recommended base size for a post, to making a cat tree—check out these other posts on how to build your own full cat tree and how to build this monster cat tree. Your kitties will love you and you’ll love how much money you can save!

October 8, 2007October 9, 2007

Connecticut Dog Given Order of Protection

Riley, with Brian and Mary Ann Reynolds and daughter Briana Carilli.

After allegedly kicking her ex-husband’s six month old dog with both feet, Cassandra Reynolds was ordered to have no contact with the Golden Retriever, Riley. The judge issued the order of protection under Connecticut’s new law called “An Act Concerning the Protection of Pets in Domestic Violence Cases”.

Pets are often victims in domestic abuse cases. Abusers use threats against pets to control their human victims. And abusers follow through with those threats to punish their humans victims. Agencies across the U.S. are realizing domestic violence, child abuse, and animal cruelty are often closely linked and where there is one form of violence, there may well be the others. Police, homeless shelters, and animal control services are learning to recognize and respond to the signs of animal cruelty, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Read more about the studies mentioned in the New York Times article—The Abuse of Animals & Domestic Violence: A National Survey of Shelter for Women Who Are Battered and Animal Welfare & Domestic Violence. Learn more about what can be done for victims of domestic violence who fear for their pets from the book Safe Haven For Pets: Guidelines for Programs Sheltering Pets for Women Who Are Battered(pdf), by Frank R. Ascione, Ph.D. Check if your community’s shelters and animal welfare agencies are cooperating to help victims of domestic violence and their pets.