Category: Animals

  • The Mystery of Why Dogs Bury Their Bones

    The Mystery of Why Dogs Bury Their Bones

    The Mystery of Why Dogs Bury Their Bones

    The image of a dog burying its knuckles is iconic and captures with remarkable accuracy the essence of this puzzling and at the same time slightly comical behavior of our pets. But this act, witnessed by owners all over the world, is far from just a bizarre habit; it is steeped in evolutionary history and directly linked to the survival instincts of our furry companions. It is a fascinating mix of natural behavior, strategy and adaptation that reveals much about the complex nature of our canine companions. By investigating the reason for this habit, we can gain insight into the evolutionary process that has shaped our pets over the millennia, offering a glimpse into the survival mechanisms that have survived in quadrupeds today.

    Why do dogs bury their bones?

    • Resource Conservation

    One of the main reasons dogs bury bones is rooted in an instinctive drive to conserve resources. In the wild, food can be scarce, and the ability to save up for later is a valuable survival strategy. By burying bones, dogs are mimicking the behavior of their ancestors, who hid food to provide a reserve during times of scarcity. This behavior is natural, and even today, in the comfort of their homes, where food is abundant, this ancient instinct has survived.

    • Territorial Marking

    Burying bones is also a way for dogs to mark their territory. The act of burying something valuable, such as a bone or knuckle, in a certain area signals to other animals the boundaries of their domain. Scent markers, left by saliva and paw pads during the burying process, reinforce the marking and send messages to other quadrupeds. This behavior is a throwback to the needs of our pets’ wild ancestors to establish and maintain their territory – an essential aspect of their social structure and survival.

    • Natural Foraging Instinct

    The foraging instinct is another critical factor that drives dogs to bury their bones. In the wild, animals are natural foragers, constantly exploring their environment and seeking resources for survival – both for themselves and their pack. Burying bones, with its associated instinctive behavior, provides a form of mental stimulation and engagement with their surroundings. Burying and later digging up bones simulates the process of foraging, offering a satisfying challenge that meets their innate need to find and provide for themselves. This behavior entertains and engages dogs and serves as mental exercise, stimulating their cognitive functions.

    • Anxiety and Stress Relief

    For some dogs, burying bones can be a way to cope with anxiety or stress. Repetitive behaviors in canines often have a calming effect, distracting them from stressful stimuli or boredom. This coping mechanism allows dogs to focus their energy on a task at hand, providing a sense of purpose and relief from anxiety. The behavior can be especially prevalent in pets who experience separation anxiety or those who are not getting enough physical and mental stimulation, which highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of stress in pets.

    • Play and Fun

    Finally, burying bones can be a game and fun for dogs. The process of digging and the challenge of finding the perfect place to hide their “treasure” can be a delightful activity, offering physical exercise and mental engagement. This playful behavior is a healthy expression of instincts and provides an outlet for your four-legged companion’s energy and creativity.

    Individual differences between breeds

    Not all dogs show the same tendency to bury bones, and this is largely due to breed characteristics and hereditary instincts. Some animals are more strongly oriented towards storing resources, searching, digging and hiding objects, which makes them more prone to this behavior. For them, burying is not just a habit, but part of a deep-rooted instinct that has served for survival for millennia.

    This behavior is often characteristic of hunting and working dogs, which have a strong instinct to protect their “prey” from potential competitors. Breeds such as Beagles, Dachshunds, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Irish Setters often demonstrate this behavior, especially if they have access to a yard where they can dig.

    Terriers are also particularly fond of hiding bones. Built to hunt rodents and dig holes, they have an extremely strong burrowing and burying instinct. Jack Russell Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Border Terriers, and Fox Terriers all often turn any corner or sofa into a potentially dangerous place to hide treasures.

    Of course, every dog ​​has its own personality, but breed predisposition often plays a key role in whether you find a “stash” under your pillow or in the corner of the yard.

    Why Some Dogs Never Bury Their Bones

    Not all dogs have the habit of burying their bones, and this is often due to the way they were raised, as well as the environment they live in. A four-legged friend who grew up in a home where food was always abundant, did not have to compete with other animals, and never experienced hunger may not develop the instinct to store resources. Conversely, dogs that are rescued from the streets, adopted from shelters, or who live in multi-pet households are much more likely to develop the habit of burying food. For them, it is a survival strategy that helps them cope in uncertain conditions.

    The environment also plays an important role. A dog that lives in an apartment may not have the opportunity to dig and therefore may not exhibit this habit, even if it is built in. Instead, it may hide its treasures under pillows or in the corners of rooms.

    A sense of security is a key factor in a dog’s behavior. When a dog feels calm, protected, and confident, it does not need to stock up on food. For it, the world is predictable, and the owner is a reliable source of care and resources. Dogs that have a stable relationship with their people often exhibit less protective behavior around food.

    When to be concerned

    Although burying bones and other treats is a natural canine behavior, sometimes it can be a sign of deeper emotional issues. If your pet seems tense, aggressively guards his food, growls, or tries to hide everything, this may be a sign of insecurity.

    Dogs who have experienced hunger or competition often develop strong protective behaviors around their resources. They are afraid that their food will be taken away, so they try to hide it. The most important thing is not to punish the dog for this behavior. He is not doing anything “bad”, he is simply following his instincts.

    If the burying is moderate and does not cause problems, simply accept it as part of your four-legged friend’s character. However, if it leads to destruction at home or excessive anxiety, try to provide him with more security, mental stimulation, and a clear routine.

    Did you know that…

    • Dogs are extremely creative when it comes to hiding their “treasures”. Some choose flower pots, others – shoes, others – washing machines, pillows or even refrigerators.

    • Our pets have excellent spatial memory. Many of them remember their hiding places for days, weeks, and sometimes months.

    • Sometimes dogs discover old “treasures” and react as if they found them for the first time.

    In conclusion, burying bones, food and treats in dogs is far from such a mystery as it seems to many. This is not just a strange habit or whim, but a behavior deeply rooted in the nature of our four-legged companions and carries with it the memory of times when their ancestors relied on themselves to survive. Today, although our pets live in cozy homes and receive regular food, their instinct to “hide something for later” is still alive.

    Burying bones is a kind of expression of security, planning and even pleasure. For some dogs, it is a game, for others, it is a strategy, and for others, it is a way to cope with anxiety or insecurity. Individual differences between breeds, the character of each dog, and the environment in which it lives shape this behavior in a unique way. This is why some dogs zealously hide their “treasures” while others never show such interest. The most important thing for the owner is to understand these signals and accept the behavior not as a problem, but as part of the natural nature of their four-legged friend.

    In most cases, burying food is completely normal and even adorable. Only when accompanied by anxiety, fear, or aggression can it be a sign that your dog needs more security, attention, and stability.

    These little mysteries of canine behavior remind us that behind the warm eyes and happily wagging tail lies a descendant of the wild wolf – smart, resourceful, and driven by instincts that deserve our respect. When we understand them, we not only become better owners, but also build a deeper connection with our most loyal friend.

    Illustrative Photo by Doğan Alpaslan Demir: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-dogs-playing-in-the-water-on-the-beach-27301804/

  • What does it mean when your cat closes its eyes during petting?

    When we pet our cats and they close their eyes, we often wonder what exactly this behavior means. It turns out that this gesture is very meaningful and reveals a lot about the emotional state of our furry friends.

    Expression of trust and comfort

    Cats are naturally cautious animals that carefully choose when and where to relax. When a cat closes its eyes during petting, it demonstrates a high level of trust in its owner. In the animal world, closing its eyes is a sign of vulnerability; therefore, if your cat does it, it means that it feels safe and calm in your presence.

    Pheromones and marking territory

    Cats have special scent glands located around their muzzle, cheeks, and forehead. When you pet them in these areas, they not only enjoy the physical contact, but also take the opportunity to leave their scent on you. This is their way of marking you as part of their territory and social group, further strengthening the bond between you.

    Purring and closing their eyes: a double dose of pleasure

    Often, when your cat closes their eyes while petting you, they also start purring. Purring is a well-known sign of pleasure and contentment in cats. The combination of purring and closing their eyes is a clear indicator that your pet is feeling blissful and enjoying the moment.

    How to pet a cat correctly?

    To make the experience even more enjoyable for your cat, it is important to know where and how to pet them. Preferred places include:

    Chin: A gentle scratch under the chin is especially pleasurable for cats.

    Behind the ears: This area is sensitive and petting there often elicits a positive reaction.

    Cheeks: Petting the cheeks stimulates the scent glands and allows the cat to mark you with its scent.

    It is important to avoid petting the belly unless your cat specifically allows it, as this is a vulnerable area for them.

    Closing their eyes while being petted is a clear sign that your cat feels happy, relaxed, and connected to you. This behavior compliments your relationship and shows that you have earned your pet’s trust. Continue to make time for gentle petting and watch your cat express their love and appreciation.

    Photo by Camel Min: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-petting-a-cute-black-and-white-cat-5862919/

  • When do cats go into heat

    With the arrival of spring, the lengthening of the day and the increase in natural light, our purring friends begin to go into heat. This is a natural physiological process in which female cats reach sexual maturity and become ready to mate, which leads to reproduction.

    The sexual cycle of cats is closely linked to the length of the day, with more light stimulating hormonal changes in their bodies. In our latitudes, the period from March to October is characterized by longer days and more intense sunlight, which coincides with the most active breeding period in cats.

    It is important to note that domestic cats that live in an environment with artificial lighting can go into heat throughout the year, as their biological rhythm can be influenced by the constant availability of light.

    If you have a female cat at home that has not been sterilized, you can expect her to go into heat if she is already between 6 and 9 months old. However, some breeds can reach sexual maturity earlier – even around 4-5 months of age. It is important for cat owners to be prepared for this period, as it can lead to significant changes in the pet’s behavior.

    Among the most common signs of heat are increased vocalization (loud meowing), affectionate behavior, rolling on the floor, raising the rear end of the body and the desire to escape outside. If the cat is not mated or sterilized, this process will repeat cyclically at certain intervals.

    How long does heat last

    The so-called estrus cycle in female cats can last from a few days to a few weeks, with an average duration of about 7 days, but it can vary in the range of 2 to 19 days. This depends on the individual characteristics of the cat, as well as on external factors such as the presence of male cats in the area.

    If mating does not occur, the cycle can be repeated every two to three weeks, meaning that an unspayed cat can be in heat multiple times over a period of several months. The length of the heat and its intensity can vary depending on the age, breed and environment in which the cat lives.

    The heat cycle in cats goes through several clearly defined phases:

    • Proestrus – lasts about 1-2 days and usually during this stage the cat does not yet show pronounced heat behavior. She may be more attached to her owners, but will not yet be attracted to male cats.

    • Estrus (true heat) – this is the active breeding period, which lasts an average of 7 days. During this stage the cat will be much more vocal, will roll on the floor, will raise her rear, will seek contact with male cats and may be nervous. It is during this period that she is capable of conceiving if mated. Cat owners should be prepared for intense meowing and increased activity.

    • Interestrus – if a cat has not been fertilized during estrus, she will enter this phase, which can last 13-18 days before the proestrus cycle begins again. During this period, the cat behaves normally until a new heat phase begins.

    • Anestrus – this is the period of sexual rest, during which the cat does not show signs of heat. Anestrus usually occurs during the winter months when daylight is limited. However, cats that live in homes with artificial lighting may not go through this stage and continue to have regular heat cycles throughout the year.

    At what age can cats get pregnant

    Cats can go into heat for the first time or become pregnant around 6-9 months. In some representatives, this period may occur earlier, around the fourth month, and in others (mainly larger breeds), heat may not occur until they are 1 year old.

    This means that it is extremely important for owners to be aware of the possibility of early pregnancy and to consider preventive measures if they do not want their cat to have kittens. In cats, pregnancy lasts about 63-65 days, which means that an unsterilized cat can give birth several times a year.

    If a cat does not become pregnant, she may go into heat every two to three weeks. This means that heat periods can be frequent and exhausting for both the animal and its owner. Repeated cycles can lead to behavioral changes, stress and anxiety, which makes sterilization one of the best solutions to prevent these problems.

    Signs of a cat in heat

    It is difficult to mistake when your cat is in heat. In male cats, this is even more obvious because you will smell the urine that he has used to mark a surface. This is often a problem with male cats, and if you want to save yourself the trouble, talk to your vet about when you can neuter him. Urine marking is not only unpleasant, but can lead to more aggressive behavior, especially if she senses the presence of other females in heat in the area.

    Females, on the other hand, do not mark when they are in heat, but they can become quite noisy and even annoying. Some of the signs that your furry companion is ready to mate include:

    • Loud and frequent meowing, which can continue 24/7

    • Rubbing and rubbing against all possible surfaces, including you

    • Excessive scratching at doors, toys, or furniture

    • Hanging around windows or the front door (especially if you are on a low floor or in a house) and trying to escape in order to find a male cat to mate with

    • Raising the rear of the body and arching the back when touched

    Should I neuter my cat

    Whether to neuter your pet is your choice and you have the right not to. However, it should be noted that the problem of stray animals is very large worldwide. Unsterilized domestic cats can contribute significantly to the increase in the stray cat population if they have access to the outside environment and mate with street animals.

    Some pets do not show very obvious signs of heat, which makes owners decide not to neuter them. Some male cats do not mark (however, their urine acquires a very strong, obtrusive odor), and some female representatives can remain relatively calm and not show such annoying behavior.

    But even in these cases, sterilization has its advantages, including reducing the risk of certain diseases, such as pyometra (an infection of the uterus) and mammary gland cancer in females, as well as testicular and prostate problems in males.

    Neutering is a routine procedure and does not pose a danger to animals if they do not have other diseases. The veterinarian will consider the animal’s needs and take the necessary precautions to safely perform the procedure, even if your cat has another underlying health condition. After neutering, cats become calmer, and the risk of wandering and fighting with other cats is significantly reduced.

    Illustrative Photo by Mustafa ezz: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-short-fur-assorted-color-cats-979503/

  • When do cats entering puberty

    When does puberty begin?

    This is the stage in the life of your purring pet when it reaches sexual maturity. Sex hormones begin to be formed, and this process starts approximately from the third to the fifth month of your kitten’s life.

    In females, estrogen is formed, which controls the female reproductive system. Another important hormone is progesterone. It prepares the uterus for the fertilized egg, maintains pregnancy and promotes the development of mammary glands for future lactation. Most likely, your female cat will go into heat for the first time between the sixth and twelfth month.

    In males, testosterone appears, which is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system. Most cats reach sexual maturity between five and seven months.

    Of course, these periods depend on many other factors such as breed, lifestyle and the body of the kitten itself. In general, you can assume that your purring pet goes through puberty in about six months. Some breeds reach sexual maturity earlier, such as Siamese, Abyssinian cats and Burmese.

    In long-haired cats, it is more typical for sexual maturity to occur later. You can expect this from a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat.

    Signs that your cat is in heat

    You may be experiencing déjà vu from your own puberty, as cats also experience changes in behavior and mood. Of course, puberty in your purring friend is much shorter and milder, compared to humans.

    What can you expect from your cat during this period?

    • Mood swings and tail movement

    Your pet’s tail can often signal that they are in heat. At these times, it will be raised upwards, combined with rubbing against furniture or you.

    Also, don’t be surprised if you are playing with your purring pet and he suddenly starts hissing and acting aggressively with his toy. Don’t worry, this is simply due to a change in his mood. Just like humans, cats going through puberty can go from one emotional state to another in seconds.

    • Scratching furniture

    Although cats generally scratch or sharpen their claws, during this period they may show interest in your new sofa, which they have been indifferent to until now. The reasons could be related to the fact that your purring friend wants to leave his mark, to make it clear that this is his territory.

    Possible solutions are either to trim your cat’s nails or to provide her with more scratching posts. It is best to scatter them around your home so that your temperamental pet has a place to sharpen its claws at any time and not choose the sofa.

    • Aggression towards you

    As incredibly cute as they are, cats are predators. Although they have long been domesticated by humans and are wonderful pets, wild nature runs strongly in their veins.

    During a period in which your pet grows and enters puberty, there is a risk of showing unusual aggression. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be directed at you and your limbs. The ankles or fingers are the most affected.

    To avoid incurring additional wounds and problems, provide toys. Every time your cat heads for a toy and not you – reward it with a treat or catnip. This way, the animal will know that if it bites a toy, it will get a treat.

    • Marking

    When it reaches sexual maturity, your purring companion will start looking for sexual partners. At this point, male cats start marking various places with urine. It contains scents, and has two functions – it attracts potential females and deters competitors.

    The problem here is that in domestic cats, marking happens on your furniture. To avoid this inconvenience altogether, it is best to neuter your pet. If possible, this is done either before he starts marking or at the beginning of puberty.

    • Female cats go into heat

    Both males and females start looking for mating partners the moment they reach sexual maturity. To impress males, females roll on the floor, meow, rub themselves everywhere and look for every opportunity to cuddle.

    Since your house cat can’t find a mate nearby, she can become very attached to you at this point. This period varies between 10-14 days, and can sometimes be quite difficult for both the kitten and the owners.

    There’s no mistaking the meowing of a female cat in heat. The problem is that they become extremely loud, can annoyingly follow you around the apartment, and literally won’t leave you alone. Although rare, they may urinate around your home to spread pheromones. Like the males, for females it is recommended to be neutered even before the first signs of heat appear.

    • High self-esteem

    Your cat is growing not only in size, but also in self-esteem. You will notice this when your cat starts to show inclinations towards higher cabinets, trees (if he goes outside) and jumps higher and higher without feeling afraid. The reason for these new heights is that he needs to impress the female, so showing off is certainly the key to winning her heart.

    Cats are very sensitive animals by nature. The moment they reach sexual maturity, they start to behave strangely. Marking, purring, mood swings are typical signs of puberty.

    Illustrative Photo by Marko Blazevic: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cute-gray-kitten-standing-on-a-wooden-flooring-774731/

  • Moroccan authorities kill 3 million stray dogs for World Cup

    The Moroccan authorities have decided to kill up to 3 million stray dogs in the African country to make it more welcoming to tourists who will visit it in 2030, as Morocco is one of the host countries of the World Cup, along with Spain and Portugal.

    However, the decision of the authorities was met with fierce criticism from a number of international environmental organizations and activists. According to local media, to achieve the goal, the authorities will apply some of the most inhumane methods, including the use of poison such as strychnine and even shooting in public places.

    Some non-governmental organizations claim that in certain regions of the country the plan is already in effect and some of the animals are being killed with shovels until they die.
    The International Coalition for Animal Welfare and Protection has referred the case to FIFA, demanding that the world football headquarters strip Morocco of hosting if the killings of the animals continue.

    FIFA has not yet officially commented on the topic.

  • Polar bears split from brown bears 70,000 years ago, research shows

    White (polar) bears separated from their brown relatives only 70,000 years ago – relatively recently by evolutionary standards, according to a Danish study.

    A team of molecular ecologists from the University of Copenhagen has found that it was at this time that polar bears developed unique characteristics that allowed them to survive in a harsh and frosty environment.

    In their study, published in the journal BMC Genomics, the team analyzed the genomes of polar bears, brown bears and a pair of fossilized polar bears. The researchers’ goal was to learn more about the timeline associated with the development of traits such as white fur and the ability to survive a high-cholesterol diet.

    Previous research has shown that polar bears are closely related to brown bears, but until now it was not known when the two species diverged. With this study, the team from Denmark set themselves the task of finding the answer.

    Some of the main differences between brown bears and polar bears are the color of their fur, but also the types of fur. Brown bears have one layer of fur and white bears two, which helps them keep warm and dry.

    Polar bears have also developed the ability to eat fattier meat without it harming them. If brown bears were fed this way, they would develop cardiovascular disease and die young.

    To learn more about when the two species diverged, the team analyzed the genomes of the two bear species, particularly genes related to fur type and color and cardiovascular system functions.

    Comparing the genomes of 119 polar bears, 135 brown bears and the pair of fossilized polar bears, the researchers found differences dating back about 70,000 years. This suggests that they evolved their unique characteristics much sooner than previously thought.

    Specifically, the team found seven genes associated with adaptation to polar conditions. The comparison also shows that the divergence was more gradual than scientists had thought.

    The research team concluded that the differences in the genes related to the adaptation of the polar bears were probably influenced by their relatives who lived towards the end of the last ice age.

  • Denmark introduces €100 per cow ‘carbon emissions’ tax

    Denmark to charge farmers €100 per cow with first agricultural carbon tax

    A front-page article in the Financial Times said Denmark is introducing the world’s first agricultural carbon tax, “which will see farmers charged almost €100 a year for the greenhouse gas emissions of each of their cows”.

    The material continues: “After months of tense negotiations with trade organizations and environmental groups, Denmark’s governing coalition on Monday evening agreed on an effective tax rate of 120 Danish kroner (16 euros) per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from livestock, including cows and pigs…

    Countries around the world are struggling to reduce emissions from food production, which accounts for almost a quarter of global emissions, including land-use change – while maintaining food security.”

    Already in 2020, the magazine “New Scientist” wrote that scientists from New Zealand made cows of the Holstein breed lighter in order to make the livestock more resistant to global warming.

    For this purpose, the specialists used gene editing technology. As a result of the experiment, calves with a gray-white color were born.

    Today, agriculture suffers more than other sectors of the economy from climate change. This is due to the fact that many breeds of animals are not adapted to prolonged drought or hot weather and are therefore susceptible to a number of diseases and pests.

    Holstein cows, for example, suffer from heat stress during hot weather – the animals produce less milk, their reproduction also suffers. The reason for this is their characteristic variegated color with dark spots on the fur that absorb the sun’s rays.

    In search of a solution to the problem, scientists propose that cows be “lightened” by gene editing, as a result of which they will become less vulnerable to heat.

    To make the animals’ spots gray instead of black, so they absorb less heat, New Zealand’s AgResearch specialists used the CRISPR gene-editing technology, which a few days ago was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

    The purpose of the experiment was to reduce heat stress in animals caused by global warming.

    “Genome editing is a promising approach to rapidly improve and adapt livestock to changing environmental conditions,” says AgResearch’s Götz Laibel.

    Illustrative Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/3-cows-in-field-under-clear-blue-sky-33550/