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We all recognize that dogs are intensely social, with their human family, dogs, and even other pets. But how does the social environment affect dog's health?
In a recent study, researchers from the Dog Aging Project examined the social determinants of health and disease in companion dogs. They found that several factors in the dog's social environment were associated with their health and well-being.
The benefits of sociality
Social species spend their lives embedded in a rich social framework. Think of mice defending their territory from neighboring groups or chimpanzees calculating how to rise in the dominance structure. Wild animals that live in social groups not only form strong emotional bonds, but also develop cognitive abilities and knowledge about their environment through interactions with others.
Sociality allows animals to cooperate, share information, protect each other from predators, find mates, access resources more efficiently, and increase their chances of survival and reproductive success by living in groups.
So, it should not be surprising that positive social interactions are a major predictor of long-term health in many animals, including humans. The Centers for Disease Control report that people with stronger social bonds and connections are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.
The social lives of dogs
We are just beginning to understand how social relationships affect humans. But what about dogs? Our canine pets descended from wolves that live in a pack with intricate dominance relationships, social roles, and strong bonds.
Some have suggested that dogs do not have the same dominance hierarchies as wolves, but this may depend on the environment. A study of free-ranging dog groups reported that dominance hierarchies were present in each group. Rank was based on age and not usually acquired through fighting because subordinates rely on the guidance of elders.
As pets, dogs do not often live in large groups and many live without other dogs. Do humans then form the dog’s pack? This is a common idea, but dogs clearly know that humans are not dogs. However, after 15,000 years of living with humans, it is not surprising that dogs do form a close relationship with the humans in their environment.
How the Dog Aging Project is unraveling the effects of the social environment on dogs' health
The type of social interactions that dogs have with people and other dogs and how they impact health and wellbeing is something that we are just beginning to understand. Scientists working with the Dog Aging Project recently investigated how the social environment of dogs was related to their health and how this changed across the lifespan.
The Dog Aging Project is a large-scale study that has been following the health and well-being of thousands of dogs over many years. The study included survey data collected on 21,410 dogs. The researchers found that these environmental factors were most influential on the dogs health: financial and family stability, the owner’s age, and availability of other pets in the house.
Key findings from the study:
- Social support was the most important factor. Dogs who lived with other dogs or pets were more likely to have better health. This may be due to the social stimulation and companionship that these interactions provide.
- Dogs living in homes with financial challenges were more likely to have poorer health and lower physical mobility. This may be due to limited access to veterinary care, nutritious food, or exercise.
- Stability in the social environment was also important. Dogs living in homes with more residential turnover were also more likely to have poorer health. This may be due to stress from frequent changes in their environment.
- Interestingly, the owner's age was also found to be associated with the dog's health. The study found that older owners had a stronger influence on younger dogs’ health compared to older ones. This may be due to the fact that older owners are more likely to have more experience in caring for dogs and may be more likely to provide them with the care and attention they need.
Social companions are important for dogs' health
Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the social environment can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of companion dogs. Since dogs are social animals, having another canine companion might be the simplest decision that can make all the difference.
From my 40 years of experience as a pet parent, I can attest to how important a second dog has been to my best furry friends. After our dog Jacob passed, Toby hardly wanted to play or go outside despite receiving a lot of attention from us. After Blue arrived, Toby was like a new dog! He became active and playful with his new best buddy.
Focusing on social support for your dog may even help to maintain good health during times of financial challenges or changes in household stability.
Here are some ways to create a positive social environment for your dog:
- Spend time with your dog every day. Walks, playtime, training, and cuddling on the couch are important for every dog.
- Provide your dog with opportunities to socialize with other dogs. This could include having multiple pets at home, taking dogs to the dog park, enrolling them in doggy daycare, or setting up playdates with other dogs in your neighborhood.
- Create a safe and comfortable home environment for your dog. Providing your dog with a clean and comfortable place to sleep, plenty of toys, and access to fresh water.
- Make sure your dog gets regular veterinary care. This includes annual checkups, vaccinations, and dental care.
- Consider enrolling your dog in a training class. Not only can your dog learn good manners, but he can also socialize with other dogs.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your dog has a happy and healthy life.
Here we continue our exploration of endangered species with a look at those closely related to domestic dogs - the canids. As we saw in Part I endangered cat species, or felids, there are also quite a few dog species that are struggling to survive. There are 37 canid species and 42 felid species.
Identifying and saving endangered dog species
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (or the IUCN) is the group that maintains a database of animals that are endangered. It is called the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. And many conservation organizations are dedicated to improving the chances that these animals have to survive. They do this by working to preserve vital habitat, reduce conflicts with humans, develop recovery plans, attract funding to help the animals, and educate the public about the importance of the species. If you love your dog, why not take a moment to learn about their wild endangered relatives (including wolves, foxes, and wild dogs) that need your help!
Endangered dog, wolf, and fox species
1. Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
The Red Wolf is the most critically endangered wolf species. They are a medium sized wolf with large territories. Once found from Texas to Pennsylvania, the Red Wolves were declared extinct in the wild in 1980, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service captured the remaining 14 wolves and started a captive breeding program. The species became the first animal to be successfully reintroduced to the wild, on a small peninsula in northeastern North Carolina. Only about 15 are surviving in the wild, but 241 live in captivity.
2. Darwin's Fox (Lycalopex fulvipes)
The Darwin's Fox lives in the forests of Chile and is critically endangered with only a few hundred surviving in the wild. It is a small, dark colored animal that is more closely related to wolves than to foxes. Charles Darwin discovered this species on his expedition, thus it was named after him. Threats to the Darwin's Fox are from domestic dogs and their diseases, as well as hunting by humans. Learn more about Darwin's Fox at Fox Protection International.
3. Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis)
The Ethiopian Wolf is from the highlands of Ethiopia. It is a small reddish canid that looks similar to a jackal or fox but is most closely related to the grey wolf. Unfortunately, the Ethiopian Wolf is considered endangered, and is threatened by habitat loss, diseases from domestic dogs, and conflicts with humans. Today, less than 500 remain in the wild making the Ethiopian Wolf the most endangered African canid. Learn more at the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme.
4. African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)
The African Wild Dog is endangered living in packs scattered across arid or woodland habitats in east and southern Africa. They are also called Painted Dogs due to their mottled black, tan, and white markings. African Wild Dogs have many similarities to domestic dogs, being highly social with strong family bonds. They hunt in packs for medium-sized antelope. The main threat is from being shot or poisoned by humans. To learn more, visit the Painted Dog Conservation program.
5. dhole (Cuon alpinus)
The dhole - or the Asian Wild Dog - is an ancient canid living in Tibet and mountainous areas of SE Asia. It has reddish hair, a fluffy tail, and is considered rather cat-like due to its long backbone and slender limbs. The dhole is endangered with less than 2500 individuals, and suffers from habitat loss, human conflict, disease transmission from domestic dogs, and conflict with tigers and leopards. This little-known dog species has not attracted public and scientific attention like larger species. Learn more about the dhole from the Dhole Conservation Fund.
What can you do to help endangered dogs and other species?
There are many things you can do now to help endangered species survive. Here are five tips:
1. Learn about endangered species by reading, watching educational wildlife videos, and visiting wildlife refuge parks. The more you know, the more you will care.
2. Make your home wildlife friendly. Provide food and shelter for native wildlife, and don't use harmful chemicals in your yard.
3. Slow down and remain alert when driving. Many animals die when hit by cars.
4. Protect the planet. Recycle and buy sustainable products. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species.
5. Protect wildlife habitats. You can do this by supporting wildlife conservation organizations, parks, and measures to protect natural and open areas.
For more information, check out these tips from the Endangered Species Coalition.
Blue Toby was formed to give back to animals in need and support environmental conservation. We are doing our part to create sustainably produced pet products that last for years - keeping pet beds out of the landfill!
May 17th is Endangered Species Day! It's a great time to learn more about the amazing wildlife that we share the planet with and especially those species that are struggling to survive. We'll start with felids and review some of the wild relatives of our housecats that are endangered cat species. This means that there are very few of the animals left in the wild.
Designating wildlife that is threatened with extinction
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (or the IUCN) maintains a database on animals that are endangered. It is called the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species which was established in 1964. The Red List has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.
Today, more than 44,000 species are threatened with extinction. Even more concerning is that we only have the data on 28% of the species so far. Most species have not been studied enough to even make a determination.
The Red List evaluates species based on a number of factors. Then it divides them into nine categories regarding their population numbers and stability:
- Not Evaluated
- Data Deficient
- Least Concern
- Near Threatened
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
- Extinct
Endangered cat species
1. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
The Amur leopard is critically endangered and one of the rarest large cats in the world. Only about 100 are left in the wild. The Amur leopard lives in the rugged hills of Russia and China. They survive in a snowy, cold climate. Their territory is large as they follow their main prey, the sika deer. Check out this info about Amur leopards from World Wildlife Fund UK. While the outlook for this beautiful big cat is dire, a national park called the Land of the Leopard National Park was created in 2012 to protect their habitat. Fortunately, the numbers have been slowly increasing since then.
Photo credit: Wildcats Conservation Alliance
2. Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)
The Iriomote cat can only be found in one region: the Iriomote Island in Japan. The island has subtropical forests and slightly elevated areas. The Iriomote Cat prefers to inhabit areas near rivers, the edge of forests, and places with low humidity levels. Sadly, there are fewer than 100 of these small cats left in the wild and their future is still uncertain.
Photo credit: Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
3. Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)
The Iberian Lynx was once prevalent in the Iberian Peninsula region, but now they are critically endangered and found in southern Spain and northern Portugal. They spend most of their time in dense shrubs and open grasslands. Like other lynx species, they have a short tail, ears with a tuft of long hairs at the tip (known as brushes) and beards. Conservation measures are paying off for the Iberian lynx. The population had less than 100 individuals in 2002, which has grown to over 400 cats in the Mediterranean forests of the Iberian Peninsula. See details at Life+IBERLINCE.
4. Andean Mountain Cat (Leopardus jacobita)
The Andean cat is a small feline that is considered endangered. It can be found in the high Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. These cats live in arid environments with extreme temperatures, scarce vegetation, and rocky landscapes. The Andean cat and its prey (a small rabbit-like rodent) live in a highly fragile ecosystem. It has very large territories, and it is estimated that less than 1500 are left across the Andes. Learn more about the Andean Mountain cat at the multinational conservation group Alianza Gato Andino.
5. Bornean bay cat
The size of a housecat, the Bornean bay cat lives a secluded life on the island of Borneo. Little is known about this endangered cat, with the first image taken in 1998. Deforestation of its habitat for commercial logging and oil palm plantations constitutes the most significant threat to the species. It is estimated that only 1400 bay cats exist, and their numbers are still declining.
Photo credit: Sebastian Kennerknecht for Panthera
All dog-lovers know the happy feeling of seeing their dog approach with a bouncing step and a wagging tail! No matter how long you were gone, your dog always greets you with exuberance and joy when you come home. And we are taught that a dog wagging his tail means that he is friendly.
Tail wagging may be one of the most conspicuous of all animal behaviors
Dogs are common anywhere there are humans, and it is estimated that one billion share the planet with us. Given the close relationship between dogs and people, it is not surprising that we have developed many ways to communicate. Humans are especially attuned to the movements of the dog’s tail.
What is the science behind that swishing dog tail? You might be surprised to learn that we know little about this very common behavior. The authors of a recent evaluation of canine tail wagging published in Biology Letters commented that canine tail wagging may well be one of the most conspicuous of all animal behaviors for humans to observe.
In this post, I’ll review some of the interesting findings about this most common behavior.
Did you know this about canine tail wagging?
Animals use their tails for many reasons
Tails are used for many purposes. For animals like monkeys and cats, the tail helps with balance when running and jumping. Sometimes the tail is most useful for swatting flies – think of horses or elephants. Likely the most interesting are tail movements used in communication. If you pay attention to a cat’s tail, for example, you will learn a lot about what she wants or feels. Many birds use their tails during courtship displays. Dogs use their tails to communicate more than any other canid (dog relatives like wolves or foxes).
Wagging is asymmetric in dogs
Dogs don’t wag their tails in the same way all the time. They move their tails more to the right when they feel more positive, like seeing their pet parent. Wagging with a left bias is usually associated with withdrawal. This can happen when seeing an unfamiliar person or dog, or during aggressive interactions. While you may not have noticed this subtle difference, dogs understand the meaning of a right- or left-side bias when interacting with other dogs.
Tail wagging conveys information
Tail wagging and “tail carriage” (or the height of the tail when wagged) conveys information in response to dogs, humans, and even objects. These two factors indicate submission and subordination during interactions between dogs. For example, low tail carriage often signifies submission rather than aggression. Dogs wag their tails the most with their pet parent.
The evolution of dog tail wagging
Dogs start to wag their tails earlier and significantly more than wolves, their closest relative. How did tail wagging develop in dogs? Scientists believe it was during the process of domestication. The trait could have been specifically selected. Dogs that wagged their tails the most could have been prized by humans, perhaps due to our attention to rhythmic stimuli.
An alternative explanation could be that other traits were selected for, such as friendliness, and tail wagging happened to increase as well. Support for this idea comes from studies in fox domestication, in which selection for tameness resulted in other traits appearing (including tail wagging, floppy ears, and different color patterns).
Finally, the self-domestication hypothesis may have been important. The idea is that wolves that were naturally less afraid and more friendly to humans had advantages (like being fed). Over time, their natural behavior changed to benefit from a closer relationship with humans. Perhaps wolves that wagged their tails more were rewarded with food and protection, leading to more tail waggin’ pups being born.
The authors of the study emphasized the need for more study of this common, yet poorly understood, canine behavior. In the meantime, take a moment to think about your own pet and how his or her tail is telling you something. You might be surprised at what you learn.
Dogs, cats, and other pets are a great source of social and emotional support. And now there is proof that pets can even help our brain health as we age! A new study found that having a pet reduced cognitive decline in older people living alone. Why is this important? Read on to learn more about dementia and Alzheimer's disease - and how pets can help reduce the impacts of aging.
Dementia in our aging world population
Many younger people haven’t thought much about the health of their brain. But as we get older, we become more concerned about suffering from memory and cognitive decline. And for good reason. Did you know that dementia and Alzheimer's disease affect about 10% of people over the age of 65?
Dementia is considered the loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the World Health Organization, 55 million people around the world have dementia with 10 million new cases each year. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-70% of the cases. And women are affected more by dementia and Alzheimer’s than men.
The growing world population of older adults means that the number of people with dementia will skyrocket in the coming decades. Alzheimer’s Disease International estimated that 139 million people will be affected by 2050. In addition to the human losses, the annual cost for dementia care is expected to more than double by 2030 – to $2.8 trillion.
While research is advancing, no cures for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia exist today.
The influence of lifestyle habits on brain health
It is not all doom and gloom, though. There are many things that we can do to preserve our brain health. Research has shown that good lifestyle habits affect brain health. And it is never too early to start protecting your brain! The physical changes in the brain that result in Alzheimer's disease can start 20 years before symptoms.
Lifestyle habits that can change the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are called “modifiable risk factors”. To reduce the risk of these conditions, keep physically active, don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, manage blood sugar, prevent or manage high blood pressure, correct hearing loss, don’t drink to excess, and stay socially and mentally active. Addressing modifiable risk factors like these can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases!
Study on pets and cognitive abilities in older adults
A study just published in JAMA Network Open sought to understand the relationship between pet ownership and cognitive decline in older adults. The researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China were specifically interested in whether having a pet reduced the effects of living alone on cognitive decline. Previous studies found that older adults living alone are at high risk for developing dementia.
In the study of almost 8000 individuals, the scientists reported that having a pet was associated with slower rates of mental decline among individuals living alone. In fact, a pet completely offset the association between living alone and declining rates in verbal memory and verbal fluency measured through standardized tests.
The positive impact of having a pet was not found in study participants who lived with others, as they likely already had adequate social contact. This finding supports the idea that pets can be social companions, with similar benefits to brain health as having human companions. Pets can reduce loneliness, engage us in purposeful activities, and increase exercise. Dogs in particular were selected for friendly behaviors on the path of domestication from wolves.
Other studies have supported the benefits of pets to our mental and emotional wellbeing. However, it is unclear whether having a pet causes the improvement, or other variables are influencing the relationship. More research is needed to answer this question.
In the meantime, it is probably clear to all pet-lovers that our furry and feathered friends are good for our health. And this new research indicates that having a pet may reduce the chance of developing dementia.
We’ve all heard about the process of domestication. Animals (and plants) are adapted to meet human needs, such as for protection, work, food, or companionship. This often occurs when humans choose a wild animal and breed it to select specific characteristics. Over generations, the wild animal becomes “tame” and sometimes a new species arises.
The process of domestication is complex when talking about dogs. The common idea is that humans fed and raised wolves, gradually domesticating them for appealing behavior like protection, companionship, or assistance in hunting. For many animals, domestication could have happened when agriculture became common around 10,000 years ago. But dogs were domesticated thousands of years earlier when humans were hunter-gatherers (see Where did dogs come from?).
A newer idea about the domestication of dogs may have more to do with the wolves’ behavior. The idea is that some wolves were naturally less afraid and more friendly to humans. These wolves may have had an advantage, like access to the humans’ food, which continued to deepen the relationship. This “self-domestication” process of becoming more friendly was described by biologists Richard Wrangham and Brian Hare. Self-domestication may have occurred in species like dogs, cats, bonobos, and even humans. Evidence for dogs has come from studies of fox domestication. When foxes were selected for friendly behavior over generations, there were also changes in physical appearance. The foxes developed floppy ears, spotted coats, and curly tails – typical characteristics of dogs!
The history of the relationship between dogs and humans is amazing. We will continue to learn more as research continues to uncover the details of dog domestication.
For more reading on this topic, check out:
Handwork B. 2018. How Accurate Is the Theory of Dog Domestication in ‘Alpha’? Smithsonian.
Dugakatin LA. 2018. The silver fox domestication experiment. Evolution: Education and Outreach.
Nuwer R. 2021. Dog Domestication May Have Begun because Paleo Humans Couldn’t Stomach the Original Paleo Diet. Scientific American.
Here we continue our exploration of endangered species with a look at those closely related to domestic dogs - the canids. As we saw in Part I endangered cat species, or felids, there are also quite a few dog species that are struggling to survive. There are 37 canid species and 42 felid species.
Identifying and saving endangered dog species
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (or the IUCN) is the group that maintains a database of animals that are endangered. It is called the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. And many conservation organizations are dedicated to improving the chances that these animals have to survive. They do this by working to preserve vital habitat, reduce conflicts with humans, develop recovery plans, attract funding to help the animals, and educate the public about the importance of the species. If you love your dog, why not take a moment to learn about their wild endangered relatives (including wolves, foxes, and wild dogs) that need your help!
Endangered dog, wolf, and fox species
1. Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
The Red Wolf is the most critically endangered wolf species. They are a medium sized wolf with large territories. Once found from Texas to Pennsylvania, the Red Wolves were declared extinct in the wild in 1980, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service captured the remaining 14 wolves and started a captive breeding program. The species became the first animal to be successfully reintroduced to the wild, on a small peninsula in northeastern North Carolina. Only about 15 are surviving in the wild, but 241 live in captivity.
2. Darwin's Fox (Lycalopex fulvipes)
The Darwin's Fox lives in the forests of Chile and is critically endangered with only a few hundred surviving in the wild. It is a small, dark colored animal that is more closely related to wolves than to foxes. Charles Darwin discovered this species on his expedition, thus it was named after him. Threats to the Darwin's Fox are from domestic dogs and their diseases, as well as hunting by humans. Learn more about Darwin's Fox at Fox Protection International.
3. Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis)
The Ethiopian Wolf is from the highlands of Ethiopia. It is a small reddish canid that looks similar to a jackal or fox but is most closely related to the grey wolf. Unfortunately, the Ethiopian Wolf is considered endangered, and is threatened by habitat loss, diseases from domestic dogs, and conflicts with humans. Today, less than 500 remain in the wild making the Ethiopian Wolf the most endangered African canid. Learn more at the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme.
4. African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)
The African Wild Dog is endangered living in packs scattered across arid or woodland habitats in east and southern Africa. They are also called Painted Dogs due to their mottled black, tan, and white markings. African Wild Dogs have many similarities to domestic dogs, being highly social with strong family bonds. They hunt in packs for medium-sized antelope. The main threat is from being shot or poisoned by humans. To learn more, visit the Painted Dog Conservation program.
5. dhole (Cuon alpinus)
The dhole - or the Asian Wild Dog - is an ancient canid living in Tibet and mountainous areas of SE Asia. It has reddish hair, a fluffy tail, and is considered rather cat-like due to its long backbone and slender limbs. The dhole is endangered with less than 2500 individuals, and suffers from habitat loss, human conflict, disease transmission from domestic dogs, and conflict with tigers and leopards. This little-known dog species has not attracted public and scientific attention like larger species. Learn more about the dhole from the Dhole Conservation Fund.
What can you do to help endangered dogs and other species?
There are many things you can do now to help endangered species survive. Here are five tips:
1. Learn about endangered species by reading, watching educational wildlife videos, and visiting wildlife refuge parks. The more you know, the more you will care.
2. Make your home wildlife friendly. Provide food and shelter for native wildlife, and don't use harmful chemicals in your yard.
3. Slow down and remain alert when driving. Many animals die when hit by cars.
4. Protect the planet. Recycle and buy sustainable products. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species.
5. Protect wildlife habitats. You can do this by supporting wildlife conservation organizations, parks, and measures to protect natural and open areas.
For more information, check out these tips from the Endangered Species Coalition.
Blue Toby was formed to give back to animals in need and support environmental conservation. We are doing our part to create sustainably produced pet products that last for years - keeping pet beds out of the landfill!
May 17th is Endangered Species Day! It's a great time to learn more about the amazing wildlife that we share the planet with and especially those species that are struggling to survive. We'll start with felids and review some of the wild relatives of our housecats that are endangered cat species. This means that there are very few of the animals left in the wild.
Designating wildlife that is threatened with extinction
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (or the IUCN) maintains a database on animals that are endangered. It is called the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species which was established in 1964. The Red List has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.
Today, more than 44,000 species are threatened with extinction. Even more concerning is that we only have the data on 28% of the species so far. Most species have not been studied enough to even make a determination.
The Red List evaluates species based on a number of factors. Then it divides them into nine categories regarding their population numbers and stability:
- Not Evaluated
- Data Deficient
- Least Concern
- Near Threatened
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
- Extinct
Endangered cat species
1. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
The Amur leopard is critically endangered and one of the rarest large cats in the world. Only about 100 are left in the wild. The Amur leopard lives in the rugged hills of Russia and China. They survive in a snowy, cold climate. Their territory is large as they follow their main prey, the sika deer. Check out this info about Amur leopards from World Wildlife Fund UK. While the outlook for this beautiful big cat is dire, a national park called the Land of the Leopard National Park was created in 2012 to protect their habitat. Fortunately, the numbers have been slowly increasing since then.
Photo credit: Wildcats Conservation Alliance
2. Iriomote Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis)
The Iriomote cat can only be found in one region: the Iriomote Island in Japan. The island has subtropical forests and slightly elevated areas. The Iriomote Cat prefers to inhabit areas near rivers, the edge of forests, and places with low humidity levels. Sadly, there are fewer than 100 of these small cats left in the wild and their future is still uncertain.
Photo credit: Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center
3. Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)
The Iberian Lynx was once prevalent in the Iberian Peninsula region, but now they are critically endangered and found in southern Spain and northern Portugal. They spend most of their time in dense shrubs and open grasslands. Like other lynx species, they have a short tail, ears with a tuft of long hairs at the tip (known as brushes) and beards. Conservation measures are paying off for the Iberian lynx. The population had less than 100 individuals in 2002, which has grown to over 400 cats in the Mediterranean forests of the Iberian Peninsula. See details at Life+IBERLINCE.
4. Andean Mountain Cat (Leopardus jacobita)
The Andean cat is a small feline that is considered endangered. It can be found in the high Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. These cats live in arid environments with extreme temperatures, scarce vegetation, and rocky landscapes. The Andean cat and its prey (a small rabbit-like rodent) live in a highly fragile ecosystem. It has very large territories, and it is estimated that less than 1500 are left across the Andes. Learn more about the Andean Mountain cat at the multinational conservation group Alianza Gato Andino.
5. Bornean bay cat
The size of a housecat, the Bornean bay cat lives a secluded life on the island of Borneo. Little is known about this endangered cat, with the first image taken in 1998. Deforestation of its habitat for commercial logging and oil palm plantations constitutes the most significant threat to the species. It is estimated that only 1400 bay cats exist, and their numbers are still declining.
Photo credit: Sebastian Kennerknecht for Panthera
Not sure how to meet a cat? You might be a new cat parent, want to know how to get along with your friend’s cat, or maybe you are a “dog person” who just doesn’t "get" cats.
There are some pointers to consider, especially if you are more familiar with dogs, that will provide a basis of understanding cats. This post will also help you to know enough about cat communication so that you can meet a cat using proper cat etiquette.
Key facts about cats to remember
Cat domestication
Cats were domesticated only about 10,000 yrs ago. Sounds like a long time, but that is not nearly as long as dogs (at almost 40,000 yrs ago) or many other farm animals.
This matters because cats are closer to their wild ancestors, with a hardwired predatory instinct, and less time being selectively bred to be a pet. You may not know it, but until recently, domestic cats were mainly outdoor pets used to hunt rodents. So cats haven’t had nearly as much time in close contact with families. On the other hand, for thousands of years dogs have been bred to pay close attention to people, to communicate with us, and to happily serve our needs.
Check out this fascinating timeline on the domestication of animals (from Visual Capitalists). And click here to learn more about dog domestication.
Solitary animal
Pet cats (Felis catus) and all wild cats except lions are solitary by nature. This is quite different from dogs, who descended from wolves and naturally live in groups or packs.
Yet even solitary animals will meet up with others from time to time. Then, it is important to quickly understand if a stranger is a friend or foe. Cats have developed specific communications to keep distance from others and decide when to come into closer contact with others. This is an important point to remember when meeting and greeting a cat.
The ways cats communicate
In terms of visual cues, humans are used to focusing on faces and eyes, because we have almost 50 facial muscles that allow for complex facial expressions. But cats don’t have the same facial muscles that we have. Instead, they use complex body language, vocalizations, and scents to express themselves.
This background means that we may have to work harder to understand what cats are saying to have a good relationship.
How do we meet a cat so it is calm and friendly?
Given these basics, what can we do to when we are meeting and greeting a cat to ensure that he or she responds in a friendly way? Here are four pointers to help.
1. Think like a cat – and not a dog
If you are a dog owner, you may be tempted to behave the same way around a cat. While dogs engage quickly with new people - and often rush up and hug/lick you – remember, cats are solitary. You need to take your time and consider the cat's behavior before approaching.
2. Smell like a cat
Cats know their territory by the scent. They use pheromones to scent mark the environment so that it feels like home. And scent marking doesn't end with the furniture! Cats will spread their scent on other cats, animals, or people in the environment. Scent glands exist on a cat's head, feet and flank.
Cats don’t usually like new smells. This is quite different from Fido who LOVES all new smelly stuff (and may even roll in particularly smelly items)! To a cat, a new person may smell foreign and something to stay away from.
To help a cat get used to you, don’t meet a new cat after handling a strange cat or dog. Stay away from heavily scented soap or perfume. If you are visiting a friend with a cat, don't rush your introduction to the feline friend. Let your scent become less scary with time.
3. Greet like a cat
Give the cat some space to get used to you. Keep your distance at first and focus on something else. This will be less threatening. Often, the individual who isn’t interested in cats is the one the cat approaches!
Another good tip is not to stare at a cat! This is threatening behavior and the cat may think that you are stalking him. You can use cat behavior patterns to help the cat understand that you are friendly. Blink your eyes slowly. This is a sign of a friendly approach.
Another tip is to get on the cat’s level. Don’t tower over him or her, which can be threatening to cats (and most other animals).
4. Respond like a cat
When cats meet other cats, they behave in particular ways, so it is good to watch for behavioral cues. Cats often hold their tail up or in a question-mark shape, may make a quiet trill, and sit down when approaching you.
Be sure to let the cat make the first move. Your new feline friend should initiate and end the interaction. If you see that the cat is interested in interacting, offer bent finger at nose level. This is similar to the way cats might approach each other by bumping noses. Watch for the cat's response to this and only proceed if the cat is calm and has not backed away.
Are you ready to pet the cat? Great! Cats usually want to be touched between the eyes and ears and on the upper back. Most do not like to be touched on the tail, stomach, or feet. For more details, see this article from Animal Wised.
Any time you are meeting and greeting a cat, be sure to watch for signs that the cat is ready to end the interaction. Stop engaging immediately if the cat bites, hisses, flattens its ears, or twitches its tail.
Keep in mind that all cats are not the same. Due to rearing, environment, and genetics, they might display behaviors in different ways. But this basic info should help get you started.
All dog-lovers know the happy feeling of seeing their dog approach with a bouncing step and a wagging tail! No matter how long you were gone, your dog always greets you with exuberance and joy when you come home. And we are taught that a dog wagging his tail means that he is friendly.
Tail wagging may be one of the most conspicuous of all animal behaviors
Dogs are common anywhere there are humans, and it is estimated that one billion share the planet with us. Given the close relationship between dogs and people, it is not surprising that we have developed many ways to communicate. Humans are especially attuned to the movements of the dog’s tail.
What is the science behind that swishing dog tail? You might be surprised to learn that we know little about this very common behavior. The authors of a recent evaluation of canine tail wagging published in Biology Letters commented that canine tail wagging may well be one of the most conspicuous of all animal behaviors for humans to observe.
In this post, I’ll review some of the interesting findings about this most common behavior.
Did you know this about canine tail wagging?
Animals use their tails for many reasons
Tails are used for many purposes. For animals like monkeys and cats, the tail helps with balance when running and jumping. Sometimes the tail is most useful for swatting flies – think of horses or elephants. Likely the most interesting are tail movements used in communication. If you pay attention to a cat’s tail, for example, you will learn a lot about what she wants or feels. Many birds use their tails during courtship displays. Dogs use their tails to communicate more than any other canid (dog relatives like wolves or foxes).
Wagging is asymmetric in dogs
Dogs don’t wag their tails in the same way all the time. They move their tails more to the right when they feel more positive, like seeing their pet parent. Wagging with a left bias is usually associated with withdrawal. This can happen when seeing an unfamiliar person or dog, or during aggressive interactions. While you may not have noticed this subtle difference, dogs understand the meaning of a right- or left-side bias when interacting with other dogs.
Tail wagging conveys information
Tail wagging and “tail carriage” (or the height of the tail when wagged) conveys information in response to dogs, humans, and even objects. These two factors indicate submission and subordination during interactions between dogs. For example, low tail carriage often signifies submission rather than aggression. Dogs wag their tails the most with their pet parent.
The evolution of dog tail wagging
Dogs start to wag their tails earlier and significantly more than wolves, their closest relative. How did tail wagging develop in dogs? Scientists believe it was during the process of domestication. The trait could have been specifically selected. Dogs that wagged their tails the most could have been prized by humans, perhaps due to our attention to rhythmic stimuli.
An alternative explanation could be that other traits were selected for, such as friendliness, and tail wagging happened to increase as well. Support for this idea comes from studies in fox domestication, in which selection for tameness resulted in other traits appearing (including tail wagging, floppy ears, and different color patterns).
Finally, the self-domestication hypothesis may have been important. The idea is that wolves that were naturally less afraid and more friendly to humans had advantages (like being fed). Over time, their natural behavior changed to benefit from a closer relationship with humans. Perhaps wolves that wagged their tails more were rewarded with food and protection, leading to more tail waggin’ pups being born.
The authors of the study emphasized the need for more study of this common, yet poorly understood, canine behavior. In the meantime, take a moment to think about your own pet and how his or her tail is telling you something. You might be surprised at what you learn.
Dogs, cats, and other pets are a great source of social and emotional support. And now there is proof that pets can even help our brain health as we age! A new study found that having a pet reduced cognitive decline in older people living alone. Why is this important? Read on to learn more about dementia and Alzheimer's disease - and how pets can help reduce the impacts of aging.
Dementia in our aging world population
Many younger people haven’t thought much about the health of their brain. But as we get older, we become more concerned about suffering from memory and cognitive decline. And for good reason. Did you know that dementia and Alzheimer's disease affect about 10% of people over the age of 65?
Dementia is considered the loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. According to the World Health Organization, 55 million people around the world have dementia with 10 million new cases each year. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-70% of the cases. And women are affected more by dementia and Alzheimer’s than men.
The growing world population of older adults means that the number of people with dementia will skyrocket in the coming decades. Alzheimer’s Disease International estimated that 139 million people will be affected by 2050. In addition to the human losses, the annual cost for dementia care is expected to more than double by 2030 – to $2.8 trillion.
While research is advancing, no cures for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia exist today.
The influence of lifestyle habits on brain health
It is not all doom and gloom, though. There are many things that we can do to preserve our brain health. Research has shown that good lifestyle habits affect brain health. And it is never too early to start protecting your brain! The physical changes in the brain that result in Alzheimer's disease can start 20 years before symptoms.
Lifestyle habits that can change the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are called “modifiable risk factors”. To reduce the risk of these conditions, keep physically active, don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, manage blood sugar, prevent or manage high blood pressure, correct hearing loss, don’t drink to excess, and stay socially and mentally active. Addressing modifiable risk factors like these can prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases!
Study on pets and cognitive abilities in older adults
A study just published in JAMA Network Open sought to understand the relationship between pet ownership and cognitive decline in older adults. The researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China were specifically interested in whether having a pet reduced the effects of living alone on cognitive decline. Previous studies found that older adults living alone are at high risk for developing dementia.
In the study of almost 8000 individuals, the scientists reported that having a pet was associated with slower rates of mental decline among individuals living alone. In fact, a pet completely offset the association between living alone and declining rates in verbal memory and verbal fluency measured through standardized tests.
The positive impact of having a pet was not found in study participants who lived with others, as they likely already had adequate social contact. This finding supports the idea that pets can be social companions, with similar benefits to brain health as having human companions. Pets can reduce loneliness, engage us in purposeful activities, and increase exercise. Dogs in particular were selected for friendly behaviors on the path of domestication from wolves.
Other studies have supported the benefits of pets to our mental and emotional wellbeing. However, it is unclear whether having a pet causes the improvement, or other variables are influencing the relationship. More research is needed to answer this question.
In the meantime, it is probably clear to all pet-lovers that our furry and feathered friends are good for our health. And this new research indicates that having a pet may reduce the chance of developing dementia.
We’ve all heard about the process of domestication. Animals (and plants) are adapted to meet human needs, such as for protection, work, food, or companionship. This often occurs when humans choose a wild animal and breed it to select specific characteristics. Over generations, the wild animal becomes “tame” and sometimes a new species arises.
The process of domestication is complex when talking about dogs. The common idea is that humans fed and raised wolves, gradually domesticating them for appealing behavior like protection, companionship, or assistance in hunting. For many animals, domestication could have happened when agriculture became common around 10,000 years ago. But dogs were domesticated thousands of years earlier when humans were hunter-gatherers (see Where did dogs come from?).
A newer idea about the domestication of dogs may have more to do with the wolves’ behavior. The idea is that some wolves were naturally less afraid and more friendly to humans. These wolves may have had an advantage, like access to the humans’ food, which continued to deepen the relationship. This “self-domestication” process of becoming more friendly was described by biologists Richard Wrangham and Brian Hare. Self-domestication may have occurred in species like dogs, cats, bonobos, and even humans. Evidence for dogs has come from studies of fox domestication. When foxes were selected for friendly behavior over generations, there were also changes in physical appearance. The foxes developed floppy ears, spotted coats, and curly tails – typical characteristics of dogs!
The history of the relationship between dogs and humans is amazing. We will continue to learn more as research continues to uncover the details of dog domestication.
For more reading on this topic, check out:
Handwork B. 2018. How Accurate Is the Theory of Dog Domestication in ‘Alpha’? Smithsonian.
Dugakatin LA. 2018. The silver fox domestication experiment. Evolution: Education and Outreach.
Nuwer R. 2021. Dog Domestication May Have Begun because Paleo Humans Couldn’t Stomach the Original Paleo Diet. Scientific American.