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#cats

Global News

Cat Lovers Rejoice: 30-Year Ban on Cats in Government Housing Lifted!

Singapore has recently made a groundbreaking decision to lift the 30-year ban on owning cats in government housing, providing millions of felines with the opportunity to become citizens. This move comes as a significant relief to cat owners who have long desired to legally keep their beloved companions in their homes. Previously, Singapore's strict regulations prohibited the ownership of cats in government housing, which accounted for about 80% of the population's residences. While dogs were allowed, cat lovers faced challenges such as the inability to register for pet insurance or access certain veterinary procedures. The change in legislation is believed to have been prompted by a recent survey among government housing occupants, where an overwhelming majority of 90% expressed that cats make good and non-disruptive pets. This positive sentiment undoubtedly played a crucial role in the authorities' decision to lift the ban. The lifting of the ban not only brings joy to cat owners but also raises questions about how many previously hidden cats will now come out of the shadows. It will be interesting to see how strictly the law will be enforced when it comes to cat ownership in government housing. This progressive move signifies a step forward for Singapore's pet-owning community after three decades of restrictions. With cats now granted citizenship in government housing, countless feline companions will have the chance to live happily alongside their human families.

15 Jan 2024
Global News

The Whys and Hows

The Clouded Leopard: A Cat That Can Walk Upside Down in Trees and Has Fangs That Resemble Sabers!

Name: Neofelis nebulosa, commonly referred to as the mainland clouded leopard. Its home is in Southeast Asia. It consumes mammals, including rodents, primates, and ungulates. Unwrapped Fact: Clouded leopards may kill victims by biting the back of their neck with their enormous fangs. They can also swivel their ankle joints nearly 180 degrees! Why it's fantastic: Because they have adapted to live in the tropical woods of southeast Asia, clouded leopards lead more arboreal lives than African lions and cheetahs, which hunt or sprint across wide plains in search of food. Because of their unusual way of existence in the trees, they have developed amazing ankles that can rotate over 180 degrees. They may fall headfirst down tree trunks because of their very flexible joints. Although experts believe these cats mostly hunt on the ground, they have been spotted in captivity climbing upside down along horizontal branches and hanging down by their rear feet, enabling them to pounce down upon prey below.The short, stocky legs, petite body (ranging from 27 to 42.5 inches; 69 to 108 cm) and long tail (the longest of all cats in relation to body size) of clouded leopards aid in their ability to balance in trees. They range in weight from 11 to 23 kilos (25 to 50 pounds).  In relation to their body size, clouded leopards have the biggest upper canines of any cat now in existence. The proportions of their teeth are comparable to those of several ancient sabertooth species, according to a study published on October 6 in the journal Science Advances. “Why should I stretch? Does a cheetah stretch before it chases its prey?” — Ken Griffy Jr.  

12 Dec 2023
The Whys and Hows

New Method for Analyzing Cat Hair Makes 'Cat-ching Criminals' Easier

Analyzing cat hair has become a powerful tool in catching criminals, thanks to a new method developed by researchers at the University of Leicester. The innovative DNA analysis technique focuses on the unique DNA mutations found in cat hair, providing a sure-fire way to link criminals to crime scenes or their homes. The study, published in Forensic Science International, reveals that almost every cat has a rare DNA type, making it highly informative for forensic investigations. While human DNA may not always be available for testing in criminal cases, pet hair, especially from cats, can serve as valuable linking evidence. Lead author Emily Patterson, a Leicester Ph.D. student, explains that cat hair lacks the hair root necessary for traditional DNA analysis. However, the team at the University of Leicester has significantly increased the detail with which they can analyze mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mothers to their offspring and shared among maternally related cats. The researchers successfully tested the method in a lost cat case, where they matched DNA from the skeletal remains of a missing female cat with hair from her surviving male offspring. This breakthrough has already been used in a murder case, where it identified the DNA of the perpetrator's cat. With this new method, the analysis of cat hair has become an invaluable tool in the fight against crime, providing a promising avenue for forensic scientists and law enforcement agencies.

6 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Positive Reads

Purrfectly Explained: The Fascinating Reason Why Cats Love Climbing Into Boxes

Cats and boxes have a long-standing relationship, with many feline lovers observing their pets' peculiar behavior of climbing into boxes. But what causes this behavior?  According to a study, cats are instinctively drawn to enclosed spaces, such as boxes, because they provide a sense of security and comfort. Boxes provide a safe space for cats to retreat to when they feel threatened or anxious. The enclosed space of a box allows cats to hide from potential predators and observe their environment without being seen. The study also found that boxes stimulate a cat's natural hunting instincts, providing a form of mental and physical stimulation. When a cat climbs into a box, it can observe its surroundings and plan its next move, simulating the hunting process. Furthermore, cats are naturally curious animals, and boxes provide a new and exciting space for them to explore. Boxes are also a great place for cats to nap, as they provide a cozy and comfortable environment. The study's findings have been widely embraced by cat owners, who have long been fascinated by their pets' love for boxes. Many pet owners are now providing their cats with boxes and other enclosed spaces to satisfy their feline instincts.

18 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

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