“Dogs come when they’re called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” - Mary Bly
Happy Friday! Here's the scoop:
Cat lovers in Japan stepped up to pay for this important research
Should you be going on cat walks?
Your daily reminder that cats are superior
Why cats don't have a sweet tooth
True or False...
Cats walk like camels and giraffes.
(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Japan’s cat lovers donate $2M to Feline Kidney Research
When research on preventing kidney disease in cats lost its funding because of covid-19, Japan’s cat lovers stepped up to the plate.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo were studying a protein called AIM, which, when activated, helps keep the kidneys functioning well in cats. Their ultimate goal is to create an injection or a supplement containing this protein to reduce the risk of kidney disease in cats.
Luckily a news article about the University's research and need for funding went viral. Past and present cat owners from around Japan rallied together and donated to the worthy cause, raising about two million dollars for this important research. We’re happy that this project was saved and can’t wait to see the results of the study thanks to Japan’s cat lovers!
Should you take your cat on a walk? Plus: cat walk tips
Have you ever considered walking your cat? Experts say you should, or at least that you can, since it can be beneficial to felines. Cats do have fast metabolisms, but they still need daily activity. As long as you’re taking safety precautions and going outside doesn’t distress your cat, a walk is a great way for a cat to get some exercise while exploring new spaces.
So if your cat seems interested in going on a walk, make sure you invest in a quality harness, since you absolutely cannot use a leash with a regular cat collar. You might want to try a few to see which is most comfortable for your cat. Get your cat used to the harness by having them wear it for short periods of time indoors before you begin outdoor practice. Once they’ve gotten used to the harness you can start going outside into your yard or apartment hallway for very short lengths of time, gradually building up to a walk.
Once you’re outside, let your cat lead the way (within reason). They’ll want to sniff and explore, so let them enjoy the process, even if that means sacrificing a bit of exercise at first. The most important thing you can do is be patient - training a cat to go on walks takes time, and they’ll appreciate you taking it slow.
Unimpressed Cat
Want to be reminded that felines are superior? You’ll chuckle at this cat’s disdain for its new toy.
Why can’t cats taste sweet things?
Domestic cats, as well as some other felines, cannot taste sweet things. We’ve known this for a while, but what we didn’t know is why. Well, in 2005 scientists discovered that cats have a genetic deficiency that deletes the sugar detectors on their taste buds.
This makes sense, since cats in the wild exclusively eat meat. This deficiency seemingly helps cats ignore something that shouldn’t be a part of their diet. But if your cat does eat sweet things every now and then (perhaps they licked an empty ice cream bowl), it could simply be that the smell enticed them. They also might enjoy the texture of certain foods, or another flavor present in the dish. Either way, don’t be too sad that your cat can’t enjoy a cake: they prefer it that way!
True or False...
Answer: True! Cats walk first with both right feet and then with both left - the only other animals who do this are camels and giraffes!
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