Holistic Pets

Your cat’s pancreas produces enzymes and hormones to aid digestion.  Pancreatitis in cats occurs when this vital organ becomes inflamed.  This allows digestive enzymes to escape and possible cause damage to nearby organs.  This condition can affect felines of any breed, age, or sex. 

Causes

This condition routinely occurs for no known reason.  However, certain things can increase the risk of it occurring.  A common cause is traumatic injury that causes damage to the pancreas.  Cat pancreatitis also occurs because of certain medications, infections, and diseases such as distemper.

Symptoms

Cats with pancreatitis exhibit a variety of signs.  Lethargy and loss of appetite are among two of the most common symptoms.  Some cats experience a drop in body temperature while others can develop a fever.  Other common symptoms of this disease include vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Diagnosis

Unfortunately, pancreatitis in cats can be difficult to diagnose.  While urine and blood tests are enough to diagnose most other problems, it isn’t enough for this disease.  An x-ray usually doesn’t help either when trying to diagnose this disease.  In order to diagnose this condition, an ultrasound and surgery are needed.

Treatment

Fluids will be withheld to treat most cases of pancreatitis.  This gives the pancreas a chance to rest and recover.  To replace the fluids and prevent dehydration, your cat will receive intravenous fluids.  Food may also be withheld if your cat experience episodes of vomiting.  Your veterinarian will also likely prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics to help stave off secondary infections.

Historical perspective and origins.

This vegetable plant has its origins in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, and has spread to other tropical and subtropical countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres (Kokwaro, 1976). Dispersal is by birds or wind when the capsules dehisce. Cat’s whiskers is widely distributed in the drier parts of the world like Asia, Africa, and the Americas (Iltis, 1960, 1967; Kuhn, 1988), where it grows and is regarded as a weed. There are, however, no known varieties or cultivars as yet.

The crop

The natural habitat of C. gynandra is wasteland and arable land with annual species as well as grasslands. The plant has a C4 photosynthetic pathway, which is an adaptation that enables the plant to survive in dry and hot environments. It does well in semi-arid, sub humid and humid climates about 1000 m above sea level (asl). The crop is adapted to many soil types, but does very well in soils fertilized with organic manure.

Cultivation

Cleome gynandra plants are propagated by seeds, which may be sown on seedbeds or broadcast at 30 cm spacing. Seedlings emerge after 6-8 days and do not require transplanting. Thinning can be done after three weeks and the thinnings may be consumed as food.

Cat’s whiskers respond positively to increased soil fertility. Use of farmyard manure, where available, is highly recommended, but inorganic fertilizers may also be used. Generous application of nitrogen fertilizers delays flowering of plants and hence extends leaf-harvesting time. A study on the effect of deflowering showed that it increased leaf yield and quality of C. gynandra plants (Maumba, 1993). Deflowering decreases plant height and increases number of branches per plant and hence leaf yield. Leaf yield of cat’s whiskers increases with increasing plant age, until about the 7th week, when yield begins to decline.

The plants do not have dense foliage and therefore are not able to compete effectively with weeds. It is thus necessary that weeding be done at all times. Weeding is by shallow cultivation or hand pulling and should not damage the plants as this may adversely reduce leaf yield and quality.

When the plants reach a height of about 15 cm, they can be harvested by topping, cutting back to ground level or picking individual leaves or leafy branches at frequent intervals. Harvesting starts 4-6 weeks after seedling emergence and may last 4-5 weeks (Maundu et al. unpublished). Biweekly removal of tender leaves allows regeneration of branches hence increasing yield.

Cumulative yields of up to 30 tons per hectare may be obtained, while seed yields may be about 500 kg per hectare.

Pests and diseases

C. gynandra is attacked by pests like pentatomids (Acrosternum gramineum and Agonoselis nubilis) and their parasitoids, locusts (Schistocera gregaria), nematodes (Meloidgyne species), flea beetles (Phyllotreta mashonana), green vegetable bugs (Nezara species), cabbage sawfly (Athalia species), cotton jassids (Empoasca species) and hurricane bugs (Bagrada species). Attack by these insects is more prevalent during dry periods, and can be effectively controlled by spraying with an appropriate insecticide.

Young seeds may be eaten by weaverbirds (Quelea quelea) and the plant is also host to mildew fungus (powdery mildews Sphaerotheca fuliginea, Oidiopsis taurica and Cercospora uramensis (Atheya and Mathur, 1966; Singh, 1983).

Uses

Several studies on the nutritional value of cat’s whiskers have been conducted and the results have revealed that leaves of this plant could be more nutritious than most exotic leafy vegetables. Results further indicate that the plant responds positively to increased soil fertility, although the harvest index is reduced. The plant’s nutritional value may vary with soil fertility, environment, plant type, plant age and the production techniques. Seeds of C. gynandra were analyzed for crude protein and fatty acid content (Chweya 1990). The crude protein composition ranged from 17.9% to 31.4%. Other nutrients that are contained in C. gynandra include carbohydrates (1.3 – 1.4%), lipids (25.1% – 29.6%) and several amino acids like palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, valine, glutamine among others. The leaves also contain a lot of nutritional mineral elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper. All of these are important for the various metabolic processes for normal functioning of the body.

Throughout Africa, the tender leaves or young shoots are eaten boiled as a potherb, relish or side dish. In East Africa, fresh leaves are used as ingredients in other mashed foods, and the dried leaves are ground and incorporated in weaning foods (Chigumira, 1995).

According to FAO (1990), C. gynandra is important as a leafy vegetable in African countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa. Leaves of this plant may be crushed to make a concoction that is drunk to cure diseases such as scurvy. In many cultures, boiled leaves are regarded as a medicinal meal. In other communities, leaves are boiled and marinated in sour milk for 2-3 days and eaten as a nutritious meal, which is believed to improve eyesight, provide energy and cure marasmus. It is a highly recommended meal for pregnant and lactating women. In some communities, consumption of the vegetable by pregnant women is almost mandatory as its intake eases childbirth and reduces the length of their labour.

Many medicinal uses of C. gynandra exist in different communities. The following are some of the reported uses of cat’s whiskers; a) sap from leaves may be used as an analgesic for headaches, b) sap from pounded young leaves is squeezed into ears, nostrils and eyes to treat epileptic fits and earache, c) a decoction or infusion of boiled leaves or roots is administered to facilitate childbirth in pregnant women, treat conjunctivitis, relieve chest pains and treat severe thread-worm infection.

Other than having medicinal use in human beings, C. gynandra has also been observed to have insecticidal, antifeedant and repellent characteristics (Chandel et al., 1987). Leaves have anti-tick properties that are repellent and acaricidal for larvae, nymphs and adults of ticks. Ticks have been observed to avoid C. gynandra and found to keep 2-5 m away from the plant. Ethanol extract from the plant is toxic to insect pests of cabbages and can thus be used as vegetable insecticide. C. gynandra also acts as forage for bovines and game animals that graze the leaves.

The many uses of C. gynandra make it a versatile species with characteristics that call for its conservation and utilization. In summary these characteristics are; a) it is highly nutritious, b) it can be easily and cheaply cultivated by rural farmers for sale and consumption, c) it can mitigate problems of malnutrition due to lack of vitamins, d) it has many medicinal characteristics which can be harnessed, e) it has insecticidal effects, f) it acts as forage for other animals and g) its seeds are oleaginous and have potential for use as edible oil and animal feed. The list is endless.

During the entire 9 months of pregnancy, expectant mothers receive a constant influx of information regarding what they should and shouldn’t do in order to protect and care for their unborn child. They keep lists of what they can and cannot eat. They avoid caffeinated beverages, and abstain from the majority of pharmaceuticals. They regularly elevate their legs, rearrange their entire schedules around doctor appointments, and even overly concern themselves with the temperature of their bath water. In the midst of all these concerns arises the question regarding cats. Should they keep their beloved feline? Should they avoid cats in general?

Rumors abound when it comes to cats and babies, and just about everyone you meet has an opinion. However, in order to make an informed decision regarding pregnancy and cats, one must set aside old wives’ tales and stick to the actual facts. What are the dangers associated with having both a pregnant woman and a cat in the same living space?

The primary risks involve potential parasitic infections that may harm the unborn baby. The most common concern is the chance that the expectant mother may contract a toxoplasmosis infection. A parasitic organism by the name of Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for the problem. This organism can cause serious harm to a developing fetus during its first trimester (such as congenital defects). Cats may come in contact with these toxoplasmosis-causing parasites if they ingest wildlife that has already been contaminated with the parasites. The T. gondii parasite relies upon the cat for its life cycle. It can live quite comfortably in a cat’s digestive tract, passing on its eggs through the cat’s feces.

It important to understand that the only way a cat can pass on the parasitic organisms is through its feces. In order to become infected, a pregnant woman must swallow a parasite or parasite egg.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that an expectant mother not handle cat litter. If she must do so, she should wear rubber gloves and follow extra hygiene precautions. Cat feces must be incinerated or flushed daily. To minimize risk of infection, it is essential that the cat be kept away from kitchen counters and tabletops. Pregnant women should also wash their hands after spending time with their pet cat. Cats should also be taken to their local veterinarian to make sure that their worming and vaccination schedules are up to date.

Interestingly enough, cats are not the sole source of toxoplasmosis. Eating either undercooked meat, or foods grown in soil contaminated with the parasites, also places pregnant women at risk. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, and not drink unpasteurized milk. As a further precaution, pregnant women should wear gloves when gardening.

Of course, proper precautions must be taken, but it is possible for both cats and pregnant women to coexist safely in the same home.

Cat Allergies: Cats, like humans, can suffer from a wide range of allergies. The most common allergy among cats is flea allergy. As cats get older, their sensitivity to flea bites increases. Food allergies account for another 5-10% of cat allergies. Food allergies might manifest themselves as dermatitis and severe itching, or vomiting and diarrhea, but may take up to 10 years to show up.

Vomiting: Some cats vomit all the time, while others rarely do. One of the most common reasons for vomiting is hairballs. All cats benefit from regular brushing to help minimize shedding and ingestion of hair. To check to see if your cat has vomited as a result of hairballs, examine the vomit carefully for small grayish pellets or lumps, regardless of your cat’s hair color. Hairballs can occur even with shorthair cats. Another reason for vomiting might be that your cat is allergic to its food. Try switching to another brand with substantially different ingredients and no food colorings to see if that helps. Sometimes cats vomit when they have worms. Consult your vet for a worming appointment. Periodic throwing-up can also be a sign of an overactive thyroid or kidney infection. This is particularly common in older cats. Your vet can do a blood test to find out about either. You know your cat’s habits. If it vomits more than usual or in some way demonstrates a departure from its normal habits, take it to the vet. The main thing is to give it plenty of fluids so it does not become dehydrated.

Diarrhea: If your cat has persistent diarrhea, you can try changing its diet. You can try boiled rice, cottage cheese, bread, plain yogurt, boiled chicken, chicken broth or strained meat. Choose the ones your cat prefers. If symptoms continue for more than two days, take your cat to the vet with a stool sample. You should also call your vet immediately if your kitten is weak or listless, or refuses to take fluids.

Feline Urinary Syndrome: (FUS) Feline urinary syndrome, or FUS, is an inflammation, irritation, and/or obstruction of the lower urinary tract. The inability to pass urine can become a life and death situation if not treated quickly. FUS is far more common among male cats than females. Your cat might have FUS if it strains to urinate, has blood in the urine, makes frequent trips to the litter box with only small amounts voided, or forgets how to use the litterbox.

Diabetes: Diabetes occurs in cats who cannot properly regulate their blood sugar level. Symptoms may include excessive thirst and urination; loss of weight or obesity. Older cats are more likely to develop diabetes than younger ones. Diabetic cats should be kept indoors to prevent accidental feeding that could elevate its blood sugar.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: (FIV) Though this disease is related to HIV, it is NOT possible to contract AIDS from a cat with FIV. FIV is passed through open wounds such as cat bites, resulting in an impaired immune system. As there is currently no vaccine for this disease, FIV-positive cats should be kept inside and away from other cats.

Upper Respiratory Disease Upper respiratory disease will manifest itself in your cat by cold or flu-like symptoms, like a runny nose and sneezing combined with reddened, runny eyes.

Feline Herpes Virus: Don’t worry, you can’t get herpes from your cat! FHV affects only cats.

Chlamydia Psittaci: Chlamydia is a bacteria-like organism that inhabits the tissues around the eyes. The most common symptom is conjunctivitis, which is generally seen in one eye at first, then spreads to both eyes.

Parasites.

A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism.Parasites are dependant on other organisms for their survival.They derive food and nourishment from organisms which host them.The relationship between a parasite and its host favours the parasite while the latter doesnt benefit.

Parasites may be classified into two categories as follows:

1.External parasites – They live on organisms i.e externally e.g on fur and hair.Such parasites include Fleas, Ticks, Mites, Lice.

2.Internal parasites – They live within the organisms body e.g in the intestines, In the heart. Such parasites include Roundworms, Hookworms, Dirofilaria Immitis.

Parasites may seem harmless but if not checked and treated, they harm and damage their hosts health which may eventualy cause death. Cats are animals which can host various parasites within and on on their bodies.

Common external parasites which harm cats.

External parasites derive nourishment from Cats by sucking blood, water and other body fluids via the skin. They cause discomfort by irritating the skin. A parasite infested Cat will keep various parts of its body or shake its head from time to time. This is mainly because of the discomfort  brought about by parasite infestation. External parasites are also responsible for transmitting several diseases and ailments to Cats.

The following are common parasites that live on Cats.

Earmites.

This mites invade the ear canals and areas that surround the ears. They are especially common in kittens. They are difficult to see since they are tiny and the use of a microscope  may be required. A sign that your Cat is hosting earmites is that it will keep shaking its head from time to time or it will scratch about its ears due to the irritation caused by the earmites.

Serious earmites infestation may cause bleeding of the ear canals. Also, a Cat may scratch its ears to the point that it causes bleeding wounds around its ears.If not controlled and treated, earmites can damage the earcanal and eardrum causing partial or permanent hearing loss TO Cats.

Fleas.

They invade the Cats skin. They cannot be seen easily since they hide in the fur that coats Cats bodies. Fleas sometimes can be seen when you turn your Cat on its back. They can be identified as black or dark drown specks on the Cats belly. A sign that your Cat is Flea infested is excessive scratching on its body especally where the Fleas are bitting to suck blood. Fleas cause mild irritation to severe itching and Cat scratch disease. A Cat may also scratch itself to the point that it causes open sores on its skin. Flease may cause diseases such as Anaemia, Rickettsioss and plagues such as Bubonic, Septimetic and pneumonic plagues.

Ticks.

Cats are also infested by Ticks. They tend to attach themselves on soft areas such as on a Cats face or neck. Tick bites cause skin irritation, itching and scratching. They may also cause diseases such as Lyme disease, Babesios, Ehrliochisis and Anaemia.

Fly Larvae.

The Larvae is deposited under the skins surface. This causes a hole over a lump that contains the  Larvae. A sign that your Cat is infested is that one recognises a hole situated within a lump on the Cats skin or beneath its feet.

For all the scientific advances of the industrial age (since late 1930s) cats, dogs and humans are on a very slippery slope in this, the early 21st Century.

Gastrointestinal and immune diseases are epidemic. There are over 150 million domestic cats and dogs in the United States alone! If only 10% of them are unhealthy that represents some 15 million cats and dogs. It is good to be a veterinarian today.

Cats and dogs suffer with; Allergies, Arthritis, Diabetes, Constipation, Crohns Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Kidney and Urinary Infections, Feline Leukemia, and Dog Cancer, to name just a few of the human diseases and disorders afflicting them.

How many people and pets do you know who are taking multiple medications? Do you know any person or pet that has been cured by taking medication? Me neither. It would seem medications are not the answer. So what is?

Well, self control, for starters. Do you really think a few pharmaceutical pills can make up for a lifetime of bad habits? And what toll do both of these take on future generations? Clearly, they come with a high price.

What exactly do we share in common with our pets? We breathe, eat, drink, and sleep. We live ever more stressful lives. Within these most basic shared elements lay the answers to: Why?

The United States population doubled since 1950! Housing, feeding and transporting 300+ million people comes at the expense of cutting down billions of acres of oxygen giving forests.

AIR: Increasingly, each generation since 1950 is breathing a lot less oxygen and a lot more carbon dioxide. Chemical cleaners can be very toxic, especially to pets walking and breathing nearest the floor. These chemicals can burn. Pets often lick their paws to remove the burn only to ingest the chemicals. These can not be good things, but they are not the most pressing issues.

WATER: Bottled water has become a multi-billion dollar industry because we rightfully fear the innumerable chemical residues commonly found in tap water; let alone what even more dangerous chemical combinations these toxic residues might become. This is a biggie, but not the biggest!

We are multi-tasking our tails off, juggling bills, work, family, home, relationships- now that is stress! Where sharing full course meals daily with family was once common, meals have been reduced to a necessity; mostly ingested on the fly, or in front of the computer.

SLEEP: Deprived does not begin to describe our collective condition. People are overworked, underpaid and sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation contributes to stress. Pets are very sensitive to your stress. It adds to theirs.

FOOD: Out of necessity, it has become a Fast Food World, loaded with empty calories, and refined sugars; meaning they contain little to no fuel to support our bodies immune systems. We turn to caffeine and refined sugars for a buzz. Coca Cola sells 500 million bottles every day! What does not help keep us healthy makes us unhealthy!

If you want to get healthy, and stay healthy, you only need to look at what healthy minded people are doing. While they struggle with many of the same stresses, they are minimizing their health risks by not drinking, cooking, and probably not even bathing or doing laundry in tap water. While they may cheat from time to time, they seldom eat fast foods, junk foods, or drink colas; many have sleep numbered beds and air purifiers.

They shop in natural food markets, which also offer alternative foods for cats and dogs. And while that is a step in the right direction, the best and simplest way to restore and maintain your pets health is to look at what their wild relatives eat- fresh kill with a side of soil based organisms (SBOs)!

When a house cat or dog gets a chance, they will head right for grass and dirt. Why? They instinctively know that grass and dirt contain microflora and soil based organisms (SBOs) that are essential digestive aids. SBOs are in fact, the missing link to restoring and maintaining GI health.

Quote: Fully 90% of all disease is caused by an unhealthy intestinal system. Royal Society of Medicine Great Britain

Most domestic cats and dogs have little exposure to grass, besides, urban and most suburban grass is bathed in pesticides, insecticides, chemical runoff, and inorganic fertilizers. The SBOs you and your pets need must now be grown and harvested under strict laboratory conditions.

The next best diet to fresh kill for cats and dogs consists of raw (or very lightly cooked) fish, chicken and meat that are antibiotic and hormone free. Seeming miracles take place when raw foods are given along with SBOs, vital oils and digestive enzyme .

SBOs are helping people and pets regain and maintain their health and vitality, even those struggling with the effects of chemo-therapy and toxic cancer medications.

That stated, millions of people (and pets) are so weakened from long term exposure to poor choices, as well as (and this being no fault of theirs) because they were born to generations of ever weakened mothers, or weaned prematurely from mother’s milk.

While everyone should supplement their diets with omega 3 based oils, and digestive enzymes, pets and people who are chronically ill need these, plus anti-inflammatory products. Until inflammation is resolved, no food, vitamin, mineral, or medication can work as intended. This fact is overlooked by most veterinarians and doctors.

Individually any of the basic stress related elements we share with our pets can cause disease. Collectively, they represent a stacked deck. It is often said that: Knowledge Is Power. Now that you have it, what will you do with it?

Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com

The systems in animals are accustomed to raw food and use it effectively for maintaining good health and well-being. In this way, in the wild animals live long and healthy lives. However, in our homes, we tend to give our dogs and cats cooked food or processed food bought from supermarkets. They may affect their natural vitality and immune systems and make our pets prone to infections, allergies and other diseases. Raw food diets for dogs and cats are generally advantageous in terms of the nutritional support they provide to the body, promoting the immune system and making it strong enough to fight off diseases.

Studies have revealed that commercially processed foods lack several vital nutrients; this can make a dog hypersensitive and extremely susceptible to allergies. Moreover, consumption of too the quantity of grains that these processed foods contain can also be harmful for the dog’s teeth. In one particular study carried out with 900 cats over 10 years, it was found that the rate of degeneration was higher in cats that were not fed on raw foods than cats fed on raw foods. Cats fed on two-thirds raw meat and one-third raw milk with little cod liver oil diets were found to do better than cats that had processed food of identical calorific value. The study also revealed that cats fed on cooked food were at higher risk of heart problems, thyroid complications, vision problems, infections of kidneys, liver, testes and bladder and even paralysis and meningitis. Irritation and sexual displeasure were also some of the symptoms that the cats fed on cooked foods displayed.

Many owners are afraid to put their dogs and cats on raw food from the fear of contracting infections by the pets from parasites, salmonella and harmful bacteria that raw foods may contain. However, such thoughts are reasonably misplaced, as dogs and cats have short alimentary tract with strong acidic environment that ‘kills’ these harmful organisms and prevent their proliferation in the body. Owners can also add Fulvic acid to the raw food diet of dogs and cats; this acid is an excellent neutralizer of toxins and can drastically cut down the risk of food poisoning.

Raw food diets for dogs and cats can have several choices and may include raw meat such as chicken, pig feet, beef heart, raw vegetables including sea vegetables, raw eggs, chia seeds, coconut oil, raw garlic, grounded or pureed raw carrots and other greens and nutrients. The bones in the meat are excellent source of dietary calcium that dogs and cats require abundantly for good health and vitality.

BANGKOK, Thailand – It seemed like a good idea at the time: Remove all the feral cats from a famous Australian island to save the native seabirds.

But the decision to eradicate the felines from Macquarie island allowed the rabbit population to explode and, in turn, destroy much of its fragile vegetation that birds depend on for cover, researchers said Tuesday.

Removing the cats from Macquarie “caused environmental devastation” that will cost authorities 24 million Australian dollars ($16.2 million) to remedy, Dana Bergstrom of the Australian Antarctic Division and her colleagues wrote in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology.

“Our study shows that between 2000 and 2007, there has been widespread ecosystem devastation and decades of conservation effort compromised,” Bergstrom said in a statement.

The unintended consequences of the cat-removal project show the dangers of meddling with an ecosystem — even with the best of intentions — without thinking long and hard, the study said.

“The lessons for conservation agencies globally is that interventions should be comprehensive, and include risk assessments to explicitly consider and plan for indirect effects, or face substantial subsequent costs,” Bergstrom said.

Located about halfway between Australia and the Antarctic continent, Macquarie was designated a World Heritage site in 1997 as the world’s only island composed entirely of oceanic crust. It is known for its wind-swept landscape, and about 3.5 million seabirds and 80,000 elephant seals arrive there each year to breed.

The cats, rabbits, rats and mice are all nonnative species to Macquarie, probably introduced in the past 100 years by passing ships. Authorities have struggled for decades to remove them.

The invader predators menaced the native seabirds, some of them threatened species. So in 1995, the Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania that manages Macquarie tried to undo the damage by removing most of the cats.

Several conservation groups including the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Birds Australia said the problem was not the original eradication effort itself — but that it didn’t go far enough. They said the project should have taken aim at all the invasive mammals on the island at once.

“What was wrong was that the rabbits were not eradicated at the same time as the cats,” University of Auckland Prof. Mick Clout, who also is a member of the Union’s invasive species specialist group. “It would have been ideal if the cats and rabbits were eradicated at the same time, or the rabbits first and the cats subsequently.”

Liz Wren, a spokeswoman for the Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania, said authorities were aware from the beginning that removing the feral cats would increase the rabbit population. But at the time, researchers argued it was worth the risk considering the damage the cats were doing to the seabird populations.

“The alternative was to accept the known and extensive impacts of cats and not do anything for fear of other unknown impacts,” Wren said. “Since cats were eradicated, the grey petrel successfully bred on the island for the first time in a century and the recovery of Antarctic prions has continued since the eradication of feral cats.”

Now, the parks service has a new plan to finish the job, using technology and poisons that weren’t available a decade ago.

Wren said plans to eradicate both rabbits as well as rats and mice from the island will begin in 2010. Helicopters using global positioning systems will drop poisonous bait that targets all three pests. Later, teams will shoot, fumigate and trap the remaining rabbits, she said.

Some of the earlier critics are now behind this latest eradication effort, saying it should help the island’s ecosystem fully recover because it would remove the last remaining invasive species.

“Without this action, there will be serious long-term consequences for the majestic seabirds which nest on the island including the four threatened albatross species, and for the health of the island ecosystem as a whole,” said Dean Ingwersen, Bird Australia’s threatened bird network coordinator.

“We believe that the process they are going to follow uses best practice for this type of work,” Ingwersen said. “And that all possible ramifications have now been considered.”

Cats, also referred as Felis catus, house cats and domestic cats are small, cute carnivorous mammals. For cat lovers around the world, who wish to know more about these adorable pets, below is a physiology of cats. To start with, studies reveal that around 69 billion of cats are present in the U.S. homes.

They are the second most favored pets after dogs. They can be interbred and have to be registered as pedigree pets. Human beings value cats very much for their superior companionship and capabilities to hunt rodents.

Researchers suggest that association of cats with human dates back some 9500 years ago. They believed that ancient Egyptians were first to domesticate cats, as they considered cats as religious animals. However, recent study shows that, people in other continents also domesticated cats around the same time.

Cats are expert predators and can hunt more than 1000 types of species. However, cats are easily teachable to obey commands. Some cats learn without training such as they can bolt the lock and work on simple mechanisms.

Their vocalizations vary and they use different body languages to communicate. The common vocalizations include meowing, hissing, grunting and growling.

Size And Skeleton Of Cats:

An adult domestic cat weighs about 4.5 -6.8 kilograms. Female feline weighs anywhere between 6 – 10 pounds, about 2.7 – 4.8 kilograms. The height of the cat is about 8 to 10 inches, which means they are around 20-25 centimeters in height.

The length of cat from its nose tip to the tail base averages between 18- 20 inches (46-51 centimeters) long. The size of the cats also depends on their skeleton size. The skeleton of the cat is very prominent. Their spines (backbone) have more bones because it supports the tail.

Their vertebral columns are not rigid as in human being. However, they are extremely flexible. This peculiar feature of flexibility helps them to bend their backs, twist, and twirl their bodies, so that they can squeeze through minimum gaps.

Secondly, a cat does not possess collarbone (Clavicle). If it had a collarbone, then it may not have been able to slip away through the narrow spaces. The skeleton of the cat is symmetrical and starts from the head region to entire body. The general structure of the cat’s skeleton includes of three subunits.

The first skeletal subunit includes appendicular skeleton, which contains bones of fore limbs and hind limbs. The second subunit includes axial skeleton, which contains cranium, ribs, spine, and sternum. Third skeletal subunit is the visceral skeleton, which constitutes parts of other bodily organs such as ossicles (middle ear) and paws.

Functions Of Cat’s Skeleton:

Cat’s skeleton mainly carries out four functions. First, it supports and shields the body. Secondly, the bones work as levers to execute the muscular action. The skeleton also functions as the storehouse for phosphorous, calcium and other vital elements.

Lastly, cat’s skeleton also serves as storage space for RBC (red blood cell), WBC (white blood cells) and fats.

People describe cats as tree climbing animals. Proailurus was the first true descendent of the cat that was found 33 million years back. Cats earlier resided in rain forests and were great hunters.

Their razor sharp claws helped them ascend deftly, hiding on trees to escape danger or climbing to wait for a prey. Climbing in other words was immensely helpful for survival and eventually became a way of life.

Domesticated cats have a general fondness for heights. A household cat will always feel very contented in an elevated part of the room be it a window perch or a high shelf. Instinctive knowledge plays an important role in verifying this standard feline desire. Cats instinctively search for hideaways, as it is their natural behavior for shelter and hunting. Do not be surprised, if a cat’s eyes are seen gleaming from some corner.

Theories For Fondness Of Heights:

Below mentioned are some reasons that state why a cat loves heights:

1. Height in some way signifies the rank of a cat. If there are many cats residing in the same household, the cat who reigns the topmost perches generally governs the rest. The governing cat is factually the ‘top cat’.

2. Height enables a cat to observe the surroundings effectively. The cat can thus be more vigilant about the activities of individuals and other pets. An upper position in the wild, functions as a hidden area from where the cat can hunt for its prey.

3. A cat may feel warmer, if it climbs a high place.

4. A high perch enables a cat to escape from any factor, which makes it scared or anxious.

Buy A Cat’s Furniture According To Its Lifestyle:

An individual may find out a pet cat’s character and personality by careful observation and accordingly select the furniture, which best suits the cat’s lifestyle.

1. A brave mountain lion keen to climb an apartment perch: Younger, energetic cats’ favor the highest perch one may provide preferably a ground to ceiling tree. An extremely tough mega tree is necessary for a cat, which likes to dash up the tree.

2. A temporary explorer who regularly occupies a secure middle position: Many segments between two to seven feet will suit the cat’s requirements. A 39″ tall curved penthouse will be suitable accompanied with an ideal observation deck.

3. A demure savanna occupant that prefers a soft floor level pillow: Older cats and those suffering from ailments will favor a comfortable pyramid bed.

Cats Survive After Falling From Great Heights:

Cats have survived falls from 32 stories. Humans die after falling from such a great height. Interestingly the rate of survival and the severity of damage were the same even if the cat fell from seven stories or from 32 stories. In fact, sometimes, the injuries were much less.

This is because cats achieve maximum speed at 60 mph or only after five stories. When a cat reaches this speed, its balancing organs become less functional. This causes the cat to relax, which distributes the collision force uniformly.