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Pet Health Insurance gains ground in North America
2007-06-13 17:02:00
Health insurance for companion animals can be almost as confusing as human health insurance, but it also can come in handy?particularly for an animal owner whose companion develops a major medical condition. In the United States, only a small percentage of pet owners carry health insurance for their animals. Pet insurance is the topic of many articles in the popular press, though, and insurers are selling more policies as pet owners become aware of the option. The AVMA supports the concept of companion animal health insurance. In part, the AVMA guidelines on pet health insurance state: "The Association recognizes that a viable companion animal health insurance program will be important to the future of the veterinary profession's ability to continue to provide high quality and up-to-date veterinary service." The National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues just recently launched a new benchmarking tool regarding pet health insurance: "Do your clients know how to cushion a fall...
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What you should know about selecting a cat
2007-06-12 16:48:00
Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason pets are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions before selecting a cat. What's special about cats? Cats make wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviors have endeared these animals to millions of owners for thousands of years. Easily house-trained and relatively low maintenance, cats make good indoor pets and most will readily adapt to a variety of environments. What choices do you have in cats? Purebred and mixed-breed cats come in a variety of shapes (head, ears, body, and tail), sizes, colors, personalities, and hair coats. Purebred cats have been selectively bred to enhance certain physical and behavioral charac...
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History of female veterinarians paved with individual struggles and triumph
2007-06-12 16:44:00
When Dr. Dorothy Segal enrolled in the Michigan State University preveterinary program in the 1930s, she had already overcome some challenges?a car crash delayed her planned entrance into college by almost six years?but it quickly became clear that there would be other hurdles in front of Dorothy and the other young women in her class. "There were seven girls in my class, and that was considered to be just an enormous amount (of women in veterinary school)," said Dr. Segal, now age 90. "The dean at the time (Dr. Ward Giltner) did not want women. He said, 'Go back to the kitchen.' He literally said that. The first speech he gave was, 'What are you doing here?' and he was not joking. I thought to myself, I'm going to make friends with that man if it kills me. ... Ultimately, we really became friends." Only two of the seven women bold enough to enter the Michigan State University veterinary program graduated and became veterinarians. Dr. Segal graduated in 1943, but she said she n...
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Cats Bone Structure
2007-06-08 14:40:00
A cat?s bone structure is among its unique characteristics. Although man is more than 15 times the size of a cat, a cat has more bones in its body, about 244 compared with 206 in man. Many of the cat?s bones are in its tail, which is an indicator of a cat?s mood. A cat carrying its tail high is usually displaying pride and contentment. An extended tail generally tells you the cat is stalking. A tail being thrust from side to side may warn you that the cat is angry. A cat?s hind legs are longer and stronger than the front legs, enabling him to jump with skill. Observe a cat and you will notice it calculates distance before jumping. Another observation will show you that the cat walks or runs by moving the front and back legs on one side, and then the front and back legs on the other side. The camel and the giraffe are the only other animals that move in this way. Other four-legged animals move the left front leg at the same time as the right hind leg, and their right front leg wit...
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Cats and Dogs -- 4 Keys to Keeping the Peace
2007-06-08 14:39:00
Cats and dogs can be wonderful companions. The key is to start them off right. Here are some tips to get you started. Try to create a good match. If you're looking to add a dog to your feline home, try to find one with a complementary personality. If you're looking at a shelter dog, find out its history, because you don't want a dog who was an avid cat chaser in his previous life. If your cat is very timid or nervous, don't pick a hyper dog who barks at everything. And training for the dog is essential. As soon as it's old enough (if it's a puppy), start doing basic training and socialization work. Your dog should be learning commands -- sit, stay, down, etc. Make proper introductions. Have your dog on a leash and come armed with lots of treats. The cat should be on the other side of the room (either in a cage or loose, depending upon his anxiety level). Work with your dog to have him focus on you -- and not the cat. The more the dog relaxes and doesn't zero in on Fluffy, th...
More About: Peace , Dogs , Cats , Cats and Dogs , Keys

Cat Box Diseases
2007-06-07 14:49:00
You are more likely to contract a disease from another human than from your cat. However, if you are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system, we want you to know that a parasite sometimes found in cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we suggest you wash your hands thoroughly after handling used cat box filler. Or ask someone else to assume the litter box changing responsibilities at this time. For more information on toxoplasmosis, contact your doctor.
More About: Diseases , Ease , Seas

ACTIONS REQUESTED OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT
2007-06-07 14:47:00
On May 22-24, 2007 representatives of the United States Government met with representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China to request rapid action to accomplish certain goals related to food safety, as outlined below. U.S. representatives presented this request during several bilateral sessions conducted in conjunction with the second cabinet-level meeting under the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in Washington D.C. Detailed information about the Chinese government's procedures, methodology, and technology for testing and quarantine, as well as information about its control measures; Raw data and the results of the testing by Chinese government entities of regulated products; The results of all tests for melamine in ingredients destined for human or animal consumption, on an ongoing basis; The imposition of a requirement for mandatory registration of Chinese firms that intend to export food and feed products to the U.S.; The prohibition of e...
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The 'Essentials' of a Dog's Healthy Coat from AVMA
2007-06-05 17:15:00
What a dog looks like on the outside is likely an indication of what is going on in the inside. If a dog's coat is matted, dull or has an unkempt appearance, chances are that the animal needs more essential fatty acids (EFAs) in its diet, according to a study appearing in the June 1 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). The study indicates that EFAs such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids play a critical role in the health of a dog's skin and coat and also contribute to the animal's overall good health. Pet owners are cautioned, however, that more is not necessarily better for healthy dogs. Only dogs in which skin and coat problems have been diagnosed by a veterinarian should receive essential fatty acid supplements like linseed oil or sunflower oil. "Pet foods are manufactured to maintain the health of healthy pets" and already contain adequate essential fatty acids, says Dr. John Bauer, a professor of clinical nutrition at Texa...
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Ongoing recall investigation unraveling the facts
2007-06-05 16:59:00
Congress holds another hearing, considers legislation relevant to safety of pet foodMonths after the recalls of pet food began in mid-March, developments continued to unfold in response to the adulteration of ingredients from China. One of the revelations was that the ingredients in question were not wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate, as the labels indicated. Both of the ingredients were actually wheat flour containing melamine and cyanuric acid. Another revelation was that some of the ingredients went into fish food for industrial aquaculture. The Food and Drug Administration previously traced pet food with the ingredients to hog and poultry operations. The Department of Agriculture released the hogs and poultry for processing after determining meat from the animals posed little risk to human health. By mid-May, Congress already had held three hearings relevant to the situation. The FDA's new assistant commissioner for food protection, David Acheson, MD, testified about th...
More About: Facts , Recall , Investigation , Invest , Going

FDA Announces U.S. Source of Melamine-Contaminated Fish, Cattle, Sheep and
2007-06-01 14:08:00
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? The FDA announced today that a U.S. company?Tembec BTLSR Inc. of Toledo, Ohio?has been identified as producing a melamine-contaminated ingredient used in domestic livestock feed as well as in domestic and exported fish feed. This is a separate contamination from the nationwide pet food recall that began March 16, in which the melamine-contaminated ingredient was imported from Chinese manufactures. Tembec has used the contaminated ingredient as a binding agent in two of its commercial fish feeds, AquaBond and Aqua-Tec II, intended for domestic use as well as for export. The company also shipped the contaminated binding ingredient to Uniscope, Inc. of Johnstown, Colo., for use in domestic livestock feed, Xtra-Bond, for cattle, goats and sheep.The FDA has advised that the contaminated fish feeds be recalled, but has not advised that the contaminated livestock feeds be recalled because they contain lower levels of melamine and melamine-related compounds, and therefor...
More About: Fish , Melamine , Source , Sheep , Nate

Tembec and Uniscope Voluntary Recall Feed Ingredients FDA Asks Feed Manufac
2007-06-01 14:07:00
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting livestock and fish/shrimp feed manufacturers about a voluntary recall of products used in feed production because several have been found to contain melamine and related compounds. The feed ingredients were made by Tembec BTLSR Inc. of Toledo, Ohio and Uniscope, Inc. of Johnstown, Colo. Tembec, a contract manufacturer for Uniscope, makes AquaBond and Aqua-Tec II, which it distributes for Uniscope. Uniscope makes Xtra-Bond using ingredients supplied by Tembec. All of the products are binding agents that are used to make pelleted feed for cattle, sheep, and goats, or fish and shrimp. The companies have confirmed that Tembec added melamine as part of the formulation of the products to improve the binding properties of pelleted feed. Melamine is not approved as an additive for animal or fish/shrimp feed. The companies have stopped adding melamine to the feed products. Based on the levels of melamine and related compounds in the in...
More About: Recall , Ingredients , Feed , Voluntary , Manu

Pet food probe: Who was watching suppliers?
2007-05-31 13:45:00
Even some pet-food companies say they don't always know what's really in the food they sell. Or where the ingredients come from. If you long suspected pet food contained mystery meat, this won't surprise you. But for a $15 billion industry whose profits depend on consumers' trust, the admission may be the biggest revelation of all from the 8-week-old pet-food recall. Tuesday, federal officials said the contaminated pet-food ingredient from China that sickened dogs and cats nationwide was actually wheat flour ? not wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate. That had escaped the pet-food makers who thought they bought wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate. Five pet-food companies also recently said the company that made food for them added rice protein concentrate without their knowledge or consent. That came to light, the pet-food companies say, because the foods had to be recalled after the contamination was discovered. The Food and Drug Administration speculates that the whea...
More About: Suppliers , Pet Food , Watching , Probe

Tainted pet food: Flour, in disguise, is the culprit
2007-05-31 13:44:00
The contaminated ingredients from China that led to the massive pet-food recall were both actually flour, mislabeled to look more valuable than they actually were, federal officials said Tuesday. The flour, thought to be wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate, contained melamine to appear higher in protein, the Food and Drug Administration speculated. The mislabeling went undetected by pet-food makers who used the ingredients, the importers who imported them and the FDA for weeks. The FDA also said some of the contaminated product was used to make fish feed sold to U.S. fish farms. There's no evidence that any of the fish were eaten by humans, but the health risk would be low, said David Acheson, FDA's assistant commissioner for food protection. The feed was manufactured by Skretting of Vancouver, British Columbia, and sold by a subsidiary, Bio-Oregon, which specializes in feed for young salmon, trout and steelhead. Because they take 18 months to 2½ years to grow from fry to m...
More About: Pet Food , Flour , Taint

Cicadas: A Nuisance for Humans, a Snack for Pets? AVMA advises pet owners n
2007-05-31 13:38:00
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? As billions of periodical cicadas emerge from the ground across Northern Illinois and neighboring states for the first time since 1990, many residents are wondering about the other critters in their lives: their pets. While most of us will try to keep contact with cicadas at a minimum, our pets might be eager to play with the buzzing bugs, or possibly sample a few as a mid-day snack. And that's perfectly fine, says Chicago veterinarian and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) member Shelly Rubin, DVM, who has been researching cicadas in anticipation of this year's invasion and subsequent questions from concerned clients. "Pet owners have nothing to worry about," says Dr. Rubin. "While they might be a nuisance to humans, they're no danger to us or our pets. They don't sting, they don't bite, they don't carry disease, and they can be eaten without any problem at all." Dr. Rubin says that the cicadas are a good source of protein and are eaten as part...
More About: Pets , Snack , Vise , Owner , Uman

FDA Announces U.S. Source of Melamine-Contaminated Fish, Cattle, Sheep and
2007-05-31 13:36:00
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? The FDA announced today that a U.S. company?Tembec BTLSR Inc. of Toledo, Ohio?has been identified as producing a melamine-contaminated ingredient used in domestic livestock feed as well as in domestic and exported fish feed. This is a separate contamination from the nationwide pet food recall that began March 16, in which the melamine-contaminated ingredient was imported from Chinese manufactures. Tembec has used the contaminated ingredient as a binding agent in two of its commercial fish feeds, AquaBond and Aqua-Tec II, intended for domestic use as well as for export. The company also shipped the contaminated binding ingredient to Uniscope, Inc. of Johnstown, Colo., for use in domestic livestock feed, Xtra-Bond, for cattle, goats and sheep.The FDA has advised that the contaminated fish feeds be recalled, but has not advised that the contaminated livestock feeds be recalled because they contain lower levels of melamine and melamine-related compounds, and therefor...
More About: Fish , Melamine , Source , Sheep , Nate

More News on Pet Food Recall
2007-05-23 14:47:00
More details have emerged about events leading to the major recall of pet food and about the importation of ingredients from China that contained melamine, an adulterant that seems to have an association with kidney problems in cats and dogs. Some of the specifics came to light during an April 24 hearing at the House of Representatives regarding the ability of the Food and Drug Administration to ensure food safety and security. The witnesses testified about recent recalls of human and pet foods. "Foodborne illnesses and pet food contamination demonstrate serious flaws in our food safety network," said Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan, chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations within the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. "With more and more of our food, fruits, produce, and vegetables being imported, there appears to be less and less government inspection or oversight and no enforceable safety and health standards." Later that week, the FDA announced that cyanuri...
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Feeding Your Senior Cat
2007-05-23 14:43:00
As cats grow older, their dietary needs change. Older pets are often more finicky about what they?ll eat and may prefer to eat smaller portions at a sitting. Some have fewer and more sensitive teeth than in their younger days and find it harder to eat food that requires a lot of chewing. Digestion takes longer for older pets, and their metabolism slows down. ?In general, the older the animal becomes, the less active it?s going to be,? says Dottie LaFlamme, D.V.M., Ph.D., a veterinary nutritionist with Ralston Purina. ?With less activity comes a reduction in lean muscle mass and lean body mass, so the energy requirements of the older animal tend to be reduced.? A common mistake made by owners is to feed their elderly pets the same amount of calories as was needed when the animal was younger and more active, resulting in an overweight pet; though some older animals do remain active, and require the same caloric intake to maintain their weight. ?Excess weight is especially hard on a...
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Cats and Dogs -- 4 Keys to Keeping the Peace
2007-05-18 15:40:00
Cats and dogs can be wonderful companions. The key is to start them off right. Here are some tips to get you started. Try to create a good match. If you're looking to add a dog to your feline home, try to find one with a complementary personality. If you're looking at a shelter dog, find out its history, because you don't want a dog who was an avid cat chaser in his previous life. If your cat is very timid or nervous, don't pick a hyper dog who barks at everything. And training for the dog is essential. As soon as it's old enough (if it's a puppy), start doing basic training and socialization work. Your dog should be learning commands -- sit, stay, down, etc. Make proper introductions. Have your dog on a leash and come armed with lots of treats. The cat should be on the other side of the room (either in a cage or loose, depending upon his anxiety level). Work with your dog to have him focus on you -- and not the cat. The more the dog relaxes and doesn't zero in on Fluffy, th...
More About: Peace , Dogs , Cats , Cats and Dogs , Keys

Chenango Valley Pet Foods Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Pe
2007-05-18 14:01:00
Contact:Dennis J. Bobita(610) 821-0608 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 17, 2007 -- Chenango Valley Pet Foods previously recalled dry pet foods manufactured with a shipment of rice protein concentrate supplied by Wilbur-Ellis that possibly contained melamine contamination. Chenango Valley Pet Foods is now expanding the recall action to include those pet foods that do not contain rice protein concentrate but were manufactured during periods when rice protein concentrate formulas were processed. The recall of these products is precautionary due to the possibility of cross-contamination. The following dry pet foods are involved in this recall action: DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH LAMB & BROWN RICE FORMULA ADULT DOG FOOD, NET WT. 6 LBS. (UPC 25141 28244), 15 LBS. (25141 30074), and 30 LBS. (UPC 25141 06043); Date Codes: Best By Feb 09 09 and Best By Feb 26 09; SHOP RITE REDI-MIXT DOG FOOD FOR DOGS, NET WT. 25 LB. (UPC 41190 00555), Date Code: Code C7107; LICK YOUR CHOPS KITTEN & CAT...
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Cat Box Diseases
2007-05-17 16:05:00
You are more likely to contract a disease from another human than from your cat. However, if you are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system, we want you to know that a parasite sometimes found in cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis. Therefore, we suggest you wash your hands thoroughly after handling used cat box filler. Or ask someone else to assume the litter box changing responsibilities at this time. For more information on toxoplasmosis, contact your doctor.
More About: Diseases , Ease , Seas

Arthritis
2007-05-17 16:04:00
What is the condition of arthritis? Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. It is a progressive disease that once started, doesn't stop. It is seen most often in older cats, but can develop at any age. Cats do not seem to develop arthritis as commonly as dogs or humans. The most common forms of arthritis in cats are: Traumatic Arthritis (sprain) - Caused by sudden injury to a joint, such as impact with a moving vehicle, involvement in a cat fight, or due to an awkward fall or landing. Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) - This condition that we associate in people also affects cats. It's a chronic disease of aging that occurs after wear and tear on a joint that slowly destroys the thin layer of protective cartilage protecting the joint surface, particularly of the elbow and shoulder. How can you determine if your cat has developed arthritis? Feline arthritis often isn't detected until the cat begins to show obvious signs, such as stiff, swollen, or painful joints. Stiffn...

Cat's Nap, but Do They Dream?
2007-05-17 16:01:00
If you?re a pet owner, you?ve probably already guessed that the answer to this is YES! But are they really dreaming ? and if so, what in the world do they dream about? Many scientists say there is evidence to support the notion that dogs, cats, and in fact, every mammal that?s been studied, does experience dreams. There are two main types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and slow wave sleep (SWS). SWS and REM sleep in pets are very similar to that of humans. During this time, the brain processes information learned during the day. Think of it as sorting new information into different mental file folders. At some point during these two kinds of sleep, dreams take over ? in humans as well as in pets. Thus, the twitching, tail wagging, yipping, and pawing your dog does in his sleep, or the tail whipping, chattering, yowling and swatting from your napping cat is likely a reliving of whatever experiences he?s had while awake. Of course, human dreams also get a lot of their mater...
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Your Indoor Cat CAN Get Fleas!
2007-05-17 15:59:00
Fleas can find their way into your home even if your cat never goes outside. If you keep windows open on the ground level, fleas can still jump onto your cat. Many cats enjoy sitting at the window to catch the gentle breeze and watch the birds, unaware that those determined little fleas are planning an attack. For indoor cats, fleas can also be a problem if another family pet is allowed outdoors. It's very common for the family dog to carry the fleas into the house, where the fleas discover the added bonus of another four-footed meal -- the indoor cat. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, he is truly at risk for flea and tick infestation. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate flea-prevention product for your kitty and start using it early in the season. Just because you don't see fleas on your cat doesn't mean they aren't there. Cats are such fastidious groomers that they often ingest the fleas. If you part your cat's hair and take a good look, you may see o...
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Senate hearing examines safety, recall of pet food
2007-05-16 14:50:00
Testimony focuses on measures to prevent contaminationand limit exposure. The recent recall of cat and dog food has raised broad concerns about food safety, oversight of pet food, and manufacturing practices. At an April 12 Senate hearing, veterinarians and other witnesses offered their perspectives on the issues. The experts said no one could have foreseen that melamine, which has uses as a fertilizer in Asia and in the production of plastics, might contaminate the wheat gluten that is an ingredient in certain pet foods?or that melamine or an accompanying agent might contribute to kidney failure in cats and dogs. In hindsight, though, some legislators believe regulations and response still could have been better. "There are a lot of questions to ask, and we need answers," said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who called for the hearing. "That's why we're here today?to learn who's inspecting pet food manufacturing plants, what goes into that food, and whether we need to update our f...
More About: Safety , Food , Pet Food , Recall

Royal Canin USA expands recall
2007-05-16 14:47:00
Royal Cani n USA has announced the nationwide recall of eight Sensible Choice dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products. This announcement is based on the identification of trace amounts of a melamine derivative in a tainted Chinese ingredient labelled as rice protein concentrate, which was provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois. For more information see the FDA press release at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/roya lcanin05_07.html.
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Somali Cat
2007-05-15 16:22:00
Color: The CFA recognizes the Soma li in four colors; ruddy, red, blue and fawn.Coat: Despite its medium-length coat, it does not tolerate the cold.National Breed Club: Somali Cat Club of America Inc.; www.ladybear.com/Somalis class=bold>Personality: Light and quick on its paws, the Somali is swift as a fox and every bit as intelligent.

Eight Sensible Choice Dry Dog Food Products, Seven Kasco Dry Dog And Cat Fo
2007-05-15 16:19:00
Contact:Erik Mueller 636-926-1089 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Charles, Missouri -- May 11, 2007 -- Royal Canin USA is announcing today the voluntary nationwide recall of eight Sens ible Choi ce dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products. This announcement is based on the company's ongoing extensive review of its manufacturing and quality assurance testing procedures, which identified trace amounts of a melamine derivative from tainted Chinese rice protein concentrate provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois. "We deeply regret the concern and anxiety this announcement today will cause our loyal customers and the entire pet community," Olivier Amice, President and CEO of Royal Canin USA, said. "While a very limited number of Sensible Choice and Kasco products in this recall tested positive for trace levels of a melamine derivative, Royal Canin USA is voluntarily withdrawing these products out of an ab...
More About: Products , Food

Activate Your Cat!
2007-05-12 15:26:00
Your cat needs activity to stimulate her mind and body. An indoor cat left home alone all day, with no one to play with and nothing to do, may become either sluggish or destructive. If you can provide some interesting, active playtime with your cat each day, you'll have a happy, energized cat. Bonus ? you'll probably notice that your affection for one another increases dramatically! So set aside 15 minutes a day for pure cat time. Here?s a whole week?s worth of fun activities as ideas for your play session. Make up your own, too. 1. Paper Bag Playground: Lay paper bags on the floor, with the openings facing each other. As your cat enters one bag, scratch your finger on the outside bottom of the bag. Once he?s scuffling inside that bag, scratch the bottom another bag. This should cause kitty to fly out of one bag and dive into the other. 2. Trapped Prey: Get a small lightweight ball, like a ping-pong ball or foil ball and a cardboard box, laundry basket or plastic storage tub. Let...
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Facts and Fallacies Concerning Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
2007-05-12 15:25:00
Of great concern to cat owners is the problem of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats. Misinformation about urinary tract disease persists. Identifying what is fact and what is fallacy should provide cat owners a deeper understanding of FLUTD. A recent study indicates that five percent of cats presented to veterinary clinics were diagnosed with FLUTD.FALLACY: Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) describes lower urinary tract disease. FACT: This term is too limiting. Too often it becomes associated with a specific disease. The affected cat could be suffering from one of several urinary diseases that have common symptoms. Factors associated with lower urinary tract disease include stress, obesity, viral and bacterial infections, anatomic abnormalities, genetics or differences among breeds (Persians have a higher incidence and Siamese a lower incidence). Other forms of FLUTD involve the formation of struvite crystals or stones which can cause obstruction of the urinary tract. T...
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Bone Structure
2007-05-11 14:28:00
 cat?s bone structure is among its unique characteristics. Although man is more than 15 times the size of a cat, a cat has more bones in its body, about 244 compared with 206 in man. Many of the cat?s bones are in its tail, which is an indicator of a cat?s mood. A cat carrying its tail high is usually displaying pride and contentment. An extended tail generally tells you the cat is stalking. A tail being thrust from side to side may warn you that the cat is angry. A cat?s hind legs are longer and stronger than the front legs, enabling him to jump with skill. Observe a cat and you will notice it calculates distance before jumping. Another observation will show you that the cat walks or runs by moving the front and back legs on one side, and then the front and back legs on the other side. The camel and the giraffe are the only other animals that move in this way. Other four-legged animals move the left front leg at the same time as the right hind leg, and their right front leg...
More About: Bone , Structure