Friendly or Fierce? Understanding the Secret Language of Cat Expressions
Cats are known for their mysterious and enigmatic nature, often leaving their owners pondering what’s going on behind those whiskers and bright eyes. However, recent studies have shed light on the remarkable diversity of facial expressions displayed by our feline friends. Photo: PexelsCats display nearly 300 different facial expressions. A Surprising Discovery Cats may seem hard to read, but research shows that they boast nearly 300 different facial expressions, which they use to convey a range of emotions and intentions. To uncover...
Ranger The Bodacious Beach Dog Is Making A Difference By Spreading Comfort
Ranger, a lovable and spirited golden retriever, is no ordinary dog. Adopted at the age of 2, Ranger has become a remarkable service dog, providing invaluable support to his owner while also serving as an assistant Behavioral Health Navigator for Transitions Mental Health Association (TMHA) in San Luis Obispo, California. “He’s helped me a lot,” owner John Crippen told The Animal Rescue Site. “He allows me to able to go into public, because my PTSD is still pretty bad. I couldn’t do it without Ranger. And I think...
American Kestrel Finds New Wings as an Avian Artist
In the picturesque village of Quechee, Vermont, an extraordinary story has unfolded involving a remarkable American kestrel named Ferrisburgh. Once a free-spirited falcon soaring through the skies, Ferrisburgh’s life took a fateful turn. After losing his ability to fly, he has embarked on a captivating journey as a painter, captivating audiences with his newfound artistic talent. Thanks to the dedication of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), Ferrisburgh has made the unique transformation from a flight ambassador to an...
Rescue Cat Tugs at ‘Dog Person’s’ Leg, Changes Their Mind on Cats
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! I’m a dog person; cats, not so much. I walked into the pet store for dog food one day and passed by several cages on the floor. While standing near one of them, a paw came through the bars and coaxingly started tapping and pulling at my leg. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / APRIL REID I asked the foster to let me hold him, and when he was handed to me, he wrapped his arms around my neck and...
Couple Wanted Two Cats, But Adopt Three Littermates Recovering From Upper Respiratory Infections
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! We had always thought we were “dog people.” After our second dog passed away in 2010, we went pet-less for a while. One night in December 2010, a cat showed up in our driveway and promptly “adopted” us! Milo was with us for three short years before he died unexpectedly early in 2014. We were devastated. We knew, though, that Milo had shown us that cats are cool,...
How to Use Essential Oils Safely Around Your Dog or Cat
Essential oils are all the rage right now, and many people hail them as natural aromatherapy remedies for a variety of ailments. But natural does not always equal safe, especially for animals. There’s a dark side to essential oils too, as they can pose potential health and safety concerns under certain circumstances. Photo: Adobe Stock/elenavolf Which Essential Oils Are Safe? So which oils are safe to use on or around your pet? The short answer is that we don’t know. Essential oils have not been studied in depth, so, while there...
Birding Community Embraces Inclusivity by Renaming Dozens of Avian Species
In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity within the birding community, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced an initiative to rename American birds and dozens more. This significant change seeks to remove human monikers from bird species’ English names, addressing concerns about offensive and exclusionary nomenclature. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / RhododendritesAnna’s Hummingbird is among the American birds set for a name change. The Power of Names Bird names carry immense significance, not only for...
Invasive Beetle Threatens California’s Tree Nut Crops
The lush orchards of California are known for producing some of the world’s finest tree nuts, including almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. However, a new invasive beetle has emerged as a significant threat to these valuable crops. This beetle, Carpophilus truncatus, which is native to Australia, has been causing havoc by overwintering in mummy nuts. The presence of C. truncatus in California’s tree nut orchards will no doubt lead to consequences for the state’s tree nut industry. Photo: PexelsCarpophilus truncatus, an...
Mom Says Family Doesn’t Need Another Cat, Caves After Stray Meows in Yard All Night
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! It was a chilly October night when a sad brown tabby sauntered into our yard, mewling helplessly and begging for food and love. With a well spoiled and very territorial calico already in the house, my mother was not eager to accept another furry tenant, so the poor cat stayed outside while the rest of us checked on it every few minutes. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / RIHAIJ My mother stood by her...
New Research Shows Pigeons Solve Problems the Same Way Artificial Intelligence Does
Pigeons have been successfully trained by humans to do a variety of things, from carrying messages in war time to racing, A new study shines some light onto how these teachable animals think. Research recently published in iScience took a look at how pigeons solve visual categorization tasks, something at which they’re particularly gifted. The goal was to see if they’re able to master these tasks through complex processes. Throughout their experiments, the team learned that the birds solve such tasks in an interesting manner,...
