All articles tagged with #domestic cats
Recent genetic studies reveal that domestic cats originated in North Africa and only arrived in Europe around 2,000 years ago, challenging previous beliefs that linked their domestication to early Middle Eastern agriculture, and suggesting a complex, multi-regional history influenced by trade and Roman expansion.
Cats generally dislike water due to their evolutionary history, physical discomfort, and scent sensitivity, with individual experiences also influencing their reactions. While some breeds may enjoy water, most cats avoid it because their ancestors lived in dry environments and their fur becomes waterlogged, making movement cumbersome and masking their natural scent. Early socialization might influence a cat's comfort with water, but preferences vary among individuals.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have identified potential adaptation of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in domestic cats, following an outbreak in South Dakota where multiple cats died with neurological and respiratory symptoms. The study found that the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4.b virus, which has previously infected various bird and mammalian species, can cause severe neurological damage in cats. This raises concerns about the virus's ability to cross species barriers and adapt to mammalian hosts, potentially posing public health risks if cats act as mixing vessels for avian and mammalian influenza viruses.
A study published in Current Biology explores the genetics of Bengal cats, a hybrid breed created by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats in the 1960s. The research reveals that Bengal cats trace their heritage to species from millions of years ago and that their unique appearance is influenced by a small percentage of Asian leopard DNA. The study also uncovers that traits like the "glitter" coat in Bengal cats are caused by mutations in specific genes, offering valuable insights for cat lovers and scientists interested in hybridization and selection.