https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/cats/ Cat news. Read about household contaminants affecting cats, allergies to cats and more. Also find stories on lions, tigers and leopards. en-us Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:13:29 EDT Wed, 09 Sep 2026 10:13:29 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/cats/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260907201558.htm The extinct “American cheetah” was not really a cheetah at all, but a puma relative with an unexpectedly flexible lifestyle. Fossils from the Yukon suggest northern populations survived partly by eating fish, possibly including salmon, while southern cats hunted on land. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:58:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260907201558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260906170145.htm A critically endangered roloway monkey has given birth just months after surgeons performed an unusual operation that saved her foot from amputation. Her new daughter, Lagertha, is an important addition to a species believed to number fewer than 2,000 in the wild. Mon, 07 Sep 2026 22:09:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260906170145.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260831015200.htm A meter-long scorpion with massive pincers stalked ancient Britain 415 million years ago, long before forests and the better-known age of giant insects. Its surprising size and possible semi-aquatic lifestyle could reshape ideas about how early arthropods became giants. Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:23:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260831015200.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260829235942.htm Wild monkeys in West Africa can climb vertical tree trunks using foot flexibility scientists did not realize they possessed. The discovery challenges a key assumption about what the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees looked like and how it moved. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:38:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260829235942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260819041226.htm Miocene South America was packed with giant prey—and the predators hunting them were just as spectacular. Fossil bite marks suggest crocodylians, especially the enormous Purussaurus neivensis, were more important predators than mammals in this ancient tropical ecosystem. At around seven meters long, Purussaurus may even have helped control populations of giant herbivores. Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:55:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260819041226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801093740.htm A massive crocodilian capable of attacking dinosaurs has been brought back to life as the first scientifically accurate mounted skeleton of Deinosuchus schwimmeri. The 31-foot replica at Georgia’s Tellus Science Museum was built from detailed fossil scans and more than 40 years of research by paleontologist Dr. David Schwimmer, for whom the species was named. Wed, 05 Aug 2026 06:50:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260801093740.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260714225525.htm An unusual leopard gecko that naturally develops aggressive tumors may become an important new model for cancer research. Scientists found its tumors share key genetic changes with human cancers, offering a rare opportunity to study the disease as it develops naturally. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:55:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260714225525.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000811.htm A fossilized Edmontosaurus skull with a Tyrannosaurus tooth still embedded in its face has given scientists rare evidence of a dramatic predator-prey encounter. The discovery suggests the giant carnivore delivered an incredibly powerful face-to-face bite, offering new clues about how Tyrannosaurus hunted. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:48:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713000811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003540.htm Two striking Asian praying mantis species that have rapidly spread across Europe have now been officially classified as invasive, raising new concerns about their impact on native wildlife. Boosted by climate change and urban environments, these fast-breeding predators are expanding northward, where they prey on native insects, pollinators, and even small vertebrates while also reducing native mantis populations through deadly mating interactions. Sat, 11 Jul 2026 08:53:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260710003540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623083113.htm A hidden population of South African leopards has revealed a remarkable evolutionary story. Researchers analyzing entire leopard genomes discovered that the Cape Floristic Region’s leopards are not only much smaller than most African leopards, but also genetically distinct after being isolated for roughly 20,000 years. Surprisingly, despite their small population, they have retained much of their genetic diversity. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:00:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260623083113.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621110957.htm Tyrannosaurus rex may have been a much slower grower than scientists realized. A new study of 17 tyrannosaur fossils found that the giant predator likely took about 40 years to reach its full size of roughly eight tons, extending previous estimates by 15 years. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:32:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621110957.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100426.htm Trees planted to protect farmland from wind may not be the biodiversity boost many assume. In Japan’s wetland farming landscapes, shelterbelts benefited some birds but sharply reduced grassland and wetland species that need open space. Researchers found grassland bird abundance dropped by more than 70% near shelterbelts. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:14:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100426.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100424.htm A surprising ecological makeover unfolded when mountain lions began frequenting a small preserve south of San Francisco. Deer activity dropped, plants recovered, and shifts among predators like coyotes, bobcats, and foxes followed. The study shows that powerful “trophic cascades” aren’t limited to remote wilderness—they can happen in small, suburban preserves too. Sat, 27 Jun 2026 22:12:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260620100424.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034229.htm A newly identified crocodile species nicknamed “Lucy’s hunter” prowled Ethiopia’s rivers when Lucy’s species walked the Earth more than 3 million years ago. The giant predator was likely the most dangerous animal in the ecosystem and may have regularly hunted early human relatives. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:13:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260613034229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612021000.htm Researchers in South Korea have recreated the legendary “sea silk” once prized by emperors, using fibers from a clam cultivated in Korean coastal waters. They discovered that its famous golden shine comes from tiny protein structures that reflect light rather than from pigments or dyes. Because the color is built into the fiber’s structure, it can remain vibrant for centuries. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:02:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612021000.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260611024610.htm A potentially dangerous tapeworm linked to severe, cancer-like disease has now been found in the Pacific Northwest, marking its first detection in wild animals along the U.S. West Coast. Researchers discovered the parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis, in 37% of coyotes tested around Puget Sound—a surprisingly high rate for a region where it had never been reported until recently. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:31:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260611024610.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260526021950.htm A sweeping new study of wild snakes in the southeastern US has revealed a hidden health crisis slithering beneath the surface. Researchers found that many snakes are carrying multiple infections at once, with a dangerous fungal disease called ophidiomycosis — or snake fungal disease — emerging as one of the biggest threats. Pygmy rattlesnakes appeared especially vulnerable, frequently infected with both the fungus and a parasitic “snake lungworm.” Tue, 26 May 2026 07:29:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260526021950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260525000459.htm Scientists have peered inside the skull of a 380-million-year-old Antarctic fish that was closely related to the first animals to walk on land, revealing surprising clues about how life began its move out of the water. Using advanced neutron imaging, researchers discovered that Koharalepis jarviki had features suited for living near the water’s surface, including openings in its skull that may have helped it gulp air and a light-sensitive organ linked to day-night rhythms. Mon, 25 May 2026 09:30:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260525000459.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260523103943.htm Scientists have cracked open the “black box” of feline cancer in a landmark study that genetically analyzed nearly 500 cat tumors from around the world. The research uncovered striking similarities between cancers in cats, dogs, and humans — including shared cancer-driving genes tied to aggressive breast cancers. Sun, 24 May 2026 08:35:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260523103943.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260519224319.htm Scientists in Australia are using cutting-edge DNA techniques to help save one of the world’s rarest marsupials — the critically endangered Gilbert’s potoroo, with fewer than 150 left in the wild. By analyzing tiny traces of DNA in the animals’ scat, researchers uncovered clues about the elusive fungi the potoroos depend on for survival. The findings could help conservationists identify safer new habitats and establish backup populations before disasters like bushfires wipe them out. Wed, 20 May 2026 00:45:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260519224319.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260427050613.htm A mysterious “golden orb” found more than two miles deep in the Gulf of Alaska left scientists baffled for over two years, sparking wild speculation about its origins. After an intensive investigation combining deep-sea expertise, microscopic analysis, and advanced DNA sequencing, researchers finally cracked the case. The strange object turned out not to be an egg, sponge, or anything alien, but the remains of tissue from a giant deep-sea anemone. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:05:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260427050613.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260423031521.htm The golden oyster mushroom may be a culinary hit, but it’s becoming an ecological problem. Scientists warn it’s spreading quickly through U.S. forests, where it outcompetes native fungi and reduces biodiversity. In just a decade, it has appeared in more than 25 states, largely due to human cultivation and transport. Its silent expansion is now raising concerns about long-term impacts on forest ecosystems. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260423031521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260415043623.htm A massive, bus-sized “terror croc” that once preyed on dinosaurs has been brought back to life in stunning detail with the first scientifically accurate full skeleton of Deinosuchus schwimmeri. Stretching over 30 feet long, this ancient apex predator ruled the southeastern U.S. more than 75 million years ago—and now visitors can see it up close at the Tellus Science Museum, the only place in the world with this replica. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:23:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260415043623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401022027.htm Old canned salmon turned out to be a time capsule of ocean health. Researchers found that rising levels of tiny parasitic worms in some salmon species suggest stronger, more complete marine food webs. Because these parasites depend on multiple hosts—including marine mammals—their increase may reflect ecosystem recovery over decades. What looks unappetizing may actually be a sign of a healthier ocean. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:20:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260401022027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260323005532.htm Two new species of black bass have been officially identified after decades of confusion with similar fish. Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass stand out not just in appearance, but in their DNA, revealed through detailed genetic analysis of hundreds of specimens. Scientists say this breakthrough helps preserve a record of these species as habitat changes and hybridization threaten their future. What was once overlooked could soon be at risk of vanishing. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:19:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260323005532.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033111.htm Malaria parasites contain tiny spinning crystals that have puzzled scientists for years. New research reveals they’re powered by a rocket-like reaction that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, releasing energy. This motion may help the parasite detoxify harmful chemicals and manage iron more efficiently. The discovery could lead to new drugs and spark innovations in microscopic robotics. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:19:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184221.htm Scientists have uncovered a crucial weakness in the malaria parasite that could open the door to new treatments. Researchers identified a protein called Aurora-related kinase 1 (ARK1) that acts like a traffic controller during the parasite’s unusual cell division process, ensuring its genetic material is properly separated as it multiplies. When scientists switched off ARK1 in laboratory experiments, the parasite could no longer replicate correctly and failed to complete its life cycle in both humans and mosquitoes—effectively halting its ability to spread. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:03:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184221.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303050628.htm In Yellowstone’s wild chess match between wolves and cougars, it turns out the real power play is theft. After tracking nearly a decade of GPS data and thousands of kill sites, researchers found that wolves often muscle in on cougar kills—sometimes even killing the cats—but cougars never return the favor. Instead of fighting back, cougars adapt. As elk numbers dropped, they shifted toward hunting more deer, which they can eat quickly and in safer terrain, helping them dodge wolf encounters. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:10:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260303050628.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260226042502.htm Baby dinosaurs weren’t coddled like lion cubs or elephant calves—they were more like prehistoric latchkey kids. New research suggests that young dinosaurs quickly struck out on their own, forming kid-only groups and surviving without much parental help, while their massive parents lived entirely different lives. Because juveniles and adults ate different foods, faced different predators, and moved through different parts of the landscape, they may have functioned almost like separate species within the same ecosystem. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:08:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260226042502.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260224023218.htm A newly identified ichthyosaur from the UK’s Jurassic Coast is rewriting part of the prehistoric playbook. Nicknamed the “Sword Dragon of Dorset,” the three-meter-long marine reptile lived during a poorly understood window of evolution when major ichthyosaur groups were disappearing and new ones emerging. Its beautifully preserved skeleton — complete with a blade-like snout and possible last meal — helps pinpoint when this dramatic transition occurred. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:50:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260224023218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000328.htm Flea and tick medications trusted by pet owners worldwide may have an unexpected environmental cost. Scientists found that active ingredients from isoxazoline treatments pass into pet feces, exposing dung-feeding insects to toxic chemicals. These insects are essential for nutrient cycling and soil health. The findings suggest everyday pet treatments could ripple through ecosystems in surprising ways. Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:24:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221000328.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211073016.htm Avian malaria is spreading across Hawaiʻi in a way scientists didn’t fully grasp until now: nearly every forest bird species can help keep the disease alive. Researchers found the parasite at 63 of 64 sites statewide, revealing that both native honeycreepers and introduced birds can quietly pass the infection to mosquitoes—even when carrying only tiny amounts of it. Because infected birds can remain contagious for months or even years, transmission keeps simmering almost everywhere mosquitoes exist. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:04:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211073016.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040619.htm Your cat’s purr may say more about who they are than their meow ever could. Scientists discovered that purrs are stable and uniquely identifiable, while meows change dramatically depending on context. Domestic cats, in particular, have evolved highly flexible meows as a way to communicate with humans. The purr, meanwhile, stays constant—making it a reliable marker of individual identity. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:56:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040619.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232246.htm Pumas returning to Patagonia have begun hunting mainland penguins that evolved without land predators. Scientists estimate that more than 7,000 adult penguins were killed in just four years, many of them left uneaten. While the losses are dramatic, models show that pumas alone are unlikely to wipe out the colony. Greater dangers come from poor breeding and low survival among young penguins. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:05:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207232246.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050512.htm Researchers have finally assigned a strange 3.4-million-year-old foot to Australopithecus deyiremeda, confirming that Lucy’s species wasn’t alone in ancient Ethiopia. This hominin had an opposable big toe for climbing but still walked upright in a distinct style. Isotope tests show it ate different foods from A. afarensis, revealing clear ecological separation. These insights help explain how multiple early human species co-existed without wiping each other out. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:48:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050512.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251122044327.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising second type of lion roar, using AI to decode vocal signatures with remarkable precision. This breakthrough sheds new light on how lions communicate and offers a powerful new tool for conservationists racing to protect shrinking populations. Sat, 22 Nov 2025 04:43:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251122044327.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090735.htm Migratory birds that fill North American forests with spring songs depend on Central America’s Five Great Forests far more than most people realize. New research shows these tropical strongholds shelter enormous shares of species like Wood Thrushes, Cerulean Warblers, and Golden-winged Warblers—many of which are rapidly declining. Yet these forests are disappearing at an alarming pace due to illegal cattle ranching, placing both birds and local communities at risk. Sat, 22 Nov 2025 08:35:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090735.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105735.htm Across the planet, animals are increasingly suffering from chronic illnesses once seen only in humans. Cats, dogs, cows, and even marine life are facing rising rates of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity — diseases tied to the same factors affecting people: genetics, pollution, poor nutrition, and stress. A new study led by scientists at the Agricultural University of Athens proposes a unified model linking these conditions across species. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 03:21:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105735.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094154.htm Cockroach infestations don’t just bring creepy crawlers, they fill homes with allergens and bacterial toxins that can trigger asthma and allergies. NC State researchers found that larger infestations meant higher toxin levels, especially from female roaches. When extermination eliminated the pests, both allergens and endotoxins plummeted. The findings highlight how pest control is vital for cleaner, healthier air indoors. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:39:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205001.htm UC Davis scientists uncovered Aptostichus ramirezae, a new trapdoor spider species living under California’s dunes. Genetic analysis revealed it was distinct from its close relative, Aptostichus simus. The species was named after pioneering arachnologist Martina Ramirez. Researchers warn that shrinking coastal habitats could threaten both species’ survival. Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:28:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102205001.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102011141.htm The debate over Nanotyrannus’ identity is finally over. A remarkably preserved fossil proves it was a mature species, not a teenage T. rex. This discovery rewrites how scientists understand tyrannosaur evolution and Cretaceous predator diversity. For the first time, T. rex must share its throne with a smaller, faster rival. Sun, 02 Nov 2025 03:26:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102011141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251101000353.htm Fringe-lipped bats from Panama hunt like miniature lions, using a “hang-and-wait” strategy to capture large, energy-rich prey. High-tech biologging revealed they spend most of their time conserving energy and strike with remarkable accuracy. With success rates around 50%, they outperform even apex predators like lions and polar bears. Older bats become even more efficient, showing that experience sharpens their deadly precision. Sat, 01 Nov 2025 02:10:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251101000353.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023751.htm Extinction rates are not spiraling upward as many believe, according to a large-scale study analyzing 500 years of data. Researchers found that species losses peaked about a century ago and have decreased since, with different drivers shaping past and present threats. Whereas invasive species once caused most island extinctions, habitat destruction now looms largest on continents. Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:32:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251027023751.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251024041828.htm Scientists have unveiled Khankhuuluu, a new Mongolian dinosaur species that predates and closely resembles early Tyrannosaurs. With its long snout, small horns, and lean build, it represents a transitional form between swift mid-sized predators and giant apex hunters like T. rex. The find also suggests that large Tyrannosaurs first evolved in North America following an ancient migration from Asia. Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:01:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251024041828.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250925025310.htm Shark experts tested four innovative wetsuit materials to measure how well they reduce shark-bite injuries. The results show they can lessen major trauma, blood loss, and even save lives when compared to standard neoprene. While not a perfect shield, these suits represent a leap forward in personal protection. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:53:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250925025310.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021207.htm Researchers have shown that stress and retrovirus levels are tightly linked to disease in koalas. High KoRV loads make koalas more vulnerable to chlamydia, worsening epidemics in stressed populations. Protecting habitats, careful breeding, and antiviral trials are now being pursued to give koalas a fighting chance at survival. Tue, 23 Sep 2025 21:56:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250923021207.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250921090841.htm In Jezero Crater’s Bright Angel formation, Perseverance has found rocks rich in organic molecules and minerals linked to microbial metabolism. Their arrangement hints at redox reactions that resemble Earth’s life-driven chemistry. While not proof of Martian life, the findings qualify as “potential biosignatures” and make the stored sample a top candidate for return to Earth. Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:41:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250921090841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175502.htm Orangutans, humans’ close evolutionary relatives, have developed remarkable strategies to survive in the unpredictable rainforests of Borneo. A Rutgers-led study reveals that these apes balance protein intake and adjust their activity to match food availability, avoiding obesity and metabolic disease. Unlike humans, who often overeat processed foods without adjusting energy use, orangutans switch between fruits, leaves, and even stored body fat depending on the season. Their ability to maintain protein levels and conserve energy during scarcity offers insights not only into their survival but also into healthier dietary habits for people. Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:47:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175502.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083611.htm Cats can naturally develop dementia with brain changes strikingly similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, including toxic amyloid-beta buildup and loss of synapses. A new study shows these similarities could make cats valuable natural models for research, potentially leading to treatments that benefit both species. The research also revealed that brain support cells may contribute to synapse loss, and findings could help owners recognize and manage dementia symptoms in aging pets. Thu, 14 Aug 2025 02:23:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083611.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250806094118.htm A prehistoric predator changed its diet and body size during a major warming event 56 million years ago, revealing how climate change can reshape animal behavior, food chains, and survival strategies. Wed, 06 Aug 2025 23:53:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250806094118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233059.htm An intriguing new study reveals that over 80% of parasites found in the ancient poo of New Zealand’s endangered kākāpō have vanished, even though the bird itself is still hanging on. Researchers discovered this dramatic parasite decline by analyzing droppings dating back 1,500 years, uncovering an unexpected wave of coextinctions that occurred long before recent conservation efforts began. These hidden losses suggest that as we fight to save charismatic species, we may be silently erasing whole communities of organisms that play crucial, yet misunderstood, ecological roles. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:16:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233059.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000849.htm After devastating wildfires scorched the Brazilian Pantanal, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded—more jaguars began arriving at a remote wetland already known for having the densest jaguar population on Earth. Scientists discovered that not only did the local jaguars survive, but their numbers swelled as migrants sought refuge. This unique ecosystem, where jaguars feast mainly on fish and caimans and tolerate each other’s presence unusually well, proved remarkably resilient. Researchers found that this floodplain may serve as a natural climate sanctuary, highlighting its crucial role in a changing world. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:30:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250716000849.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081533.htm Cats overwhelmingly choose to sleep on their left side, a habit researchers say could be tied to survival. This sleep position activates the brain’s right hemisphere upon waking, perfect for detecting danger and reacting swiftly. Left-side snoozing may be more than a preference; it might be evolution’s secret trick. Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:51:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250624044319.htm Two Ice Age wolf pups once thought to be early dogs have been identified as wild wolves, thanks to detailed DNA and chemical analysis. Surprisingly, their last meals included woolly rhinoceros meat—an unusually large prey item—hinting that ancient wolves might have been bigger than today’s. Their well-preserved bodies also shed light on wolf pack behavior and Ice Age environments. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:24:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250624044319.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172914.htm UC Davis researchers found that video telehealth visits help cat owners better care for arthritic cats without the stress of clinic visits. Owners appreciated personalized tips to improve their cat s comfort at home, and most said they'd pay for this convenient service. It s a game-changer for supporting cats with chronic conditions in a low-stress, familiar setting. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:29:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172914.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124402.htm Whether you are lucky enough to have a cat companion or must merely live this experience vicariously through cat videos, Felis catus is a familiar and comforting presence in our daily lives. Unlike most other feline species, cats exhibit sociality, can live in groups, and communicate both with other cats and humans, which is why they have been humans' trusted accomplices for millennia. Despite this intimacy, there is still much that we don't know about our feline friends. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:44:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124402.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132118.htm Parasitic worms that infect humans are not interbreeding with those that infect cattle as previously thought. This is good news for when it comes to controlling schistosomiasis, a disease caused by these worms that affects more than 200 million people globally. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:21:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528132118.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131557.htm Many bat species native to Germany, such as the Leisler's bat, are forest specialists. However, as it is becoming increasingly hard for them to find tree hollows in forest plantations, so they are moving to settlements instead. Using high-resolution GPS data from bats, a team led by scientists has analyzed in greater detail than ever before how Leisler's bats use their habitats, which tree species they look for when searching a roost, and which forest types they avoid. They found that these bats increasingly seek refuge in old trees in urban areas and in old buildings such as churches. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:15:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131557.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250523120439.htm A new study shows that monitoring and managing select bird species can provide benefits for other species within specific regions. Fri, 23 May 2025 12:04:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250523120439.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522125530.htm New research examining 11,700 years of bowhead whale persistence throughout the Arctic projects that sea ice loss due to climate change will cause their habitat to severely contract by up to 75 per cent. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:55:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522125530.htm