Pet cat hair, a ubiquitous presence in the homes of feline enthusiasts, can be both
The likelihood of a match between the
hair genotype and a random individual was
estimated from the frequency of the compos-
ite genotype in the population at large using
allele frequency estimates from two STR
population surveys: 19 unrelated cats from
Prince Edward Island and nine cats from
around the United States14• Although small,
the island sample was adequate (95% confi-
dence) to detect any STR allele present at a
frequency of 9.5% or higher. The two popu-
lations showed appreciable allelic variation
and remarkable population genetic simil-
arity (as opposed to geographic population
substructure). For example, 62% of the
detected STR alleles were present in both
populations and the same alleles were most
common for nine of the ten selected loci (all
except FCA 088A) in both populations 14•
The 10 STR loci were selected to reside
on different linkage groups to ensure that
there was no association between alleles at
different loci. In addition, the distribution of
outcomes of Fisher's Exact Tests on all pair-
wise combinations of 72 alleles between the
10 loci did not depart from expectations
of independence in the island population
sample (with Bonferroni correction for
multiple tests). The incidence of the com-
posite hair genotype for the seven heterozy-
gous loci, estimated using the product rule
and minimum allele frequency estimates
for rare alleles1, 11 ·
12, was 2.2 X 10-s and
6.9 x 10- 7 for the island and the US popula-
tion databases, respectively.
The results of our analysis were presen-
ted and admitted to the Supreme Court of
Prince Edward Island. The jury convicted
the defendant of second-degree murder on
19 July 1996. The case represents a legal
precedent for the introduction of automated
STR genotyping of pet animal hairs in
forensic cases that can be connected to the
suspect.
why so many people enjoy feline companionship. Cats make great pets whether you live in a big house or tiny apartment, and they provide all the fun and play of larger animal companions. If you’re thinking of owning a cat, these are some of the key benefits:
- therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
The health benefits of cats
While owning any pet can provide a myriad of health benefits, there are some benefits that are specific to cats. They can:
- Lower stress and anxiety. Cat owners know how one session of petting or playing with their cat can turn a bad day into a good one. Scientific evidence also shows that a cat’s purr can calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure.
- Improve your cardiovascular health. Cat owners have been reported to carry a lower risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Prevent allergies. You always hear about cat hair being one of the most common allergens. However, if a child is exposed to cats within the first few years of life, they are more likely to develop an immune system that combats not only cat allergies but other kinds of allergens as well.
- Reduce feelings of loneliness. Cats make great companion animals. They offer an unconditional love that can be equal to (or sometimes even greater than) many human friends and confidants.
Having fun with your cat
One of the great benefits of owning a cat is that you don’t need much space to play and have fun together. Unlike large animals who need plenty of space to play fetch or run around, all you need with a cat is your living room and a little imagination. Beyond a ball of yarn, there are plenty of other ways to entertain and bond with a cat.
- Play hide and seek. An old childhood r your cat
Although cats are more independent than many other pets, owning one is still a major commitment. They need a devoted owner to keep them as happy and healthy as possible. Cats need:
- A fresh litter box. Most house cats are indoor cats, which means you will need a litter box. A litter box is convenient, but needs to be cleaned every day to avoid unpleasant odors. Pet stores offer litter formulas that make it easy to scoop out waste and control the smell.
- Consistent grooming. Although a cat might not need the same amount of grooming as a dog, it still takes work to prevent your house from turning into one big hairball. A weekly cleaning is usually enough, and you can find easy-to-use cat grooming tools at most pet stores.
- A scratch pole. Many cats have a tendency to scratch and paw at drapes, furniture, and just about anything else that takes their fancy. Investing in a scratch pole or post will not only provide your cat with the scratching outlet they need, but also save you lots of money and frustration.
- A well-balanced diet. Work with your vet to ensure your feline is getting a nutritional diet. Avoid overfeeding that can lead to obesity and other serious health issues. Also, be sure to keep their food and water bowls far away from their litter box to prevent any risk of contamination.
- A safe environment. Cats are small, delicate animals that do well living mostly indoors. Although many cats love to roam free outside, other predatory animals and traffic, for example, can threaten their safety. Always monitor your cat’s whereabouts and keep an ID tag on its collar. Having your pet microchipped will allow shelters and veterinarians to easily identify you as the owner should your cat get lost.
Tips to manage cat allergies
You might be interested in adding a cat to your family but the only thing holding you back is a runny nose and watery eyes. Although it’s true that cats can trigger allergies, it might not instantly rule you out of owning a cat. Most allergies are caused by the animal’s dander and some breeds generate much more than others. If you suffer from allergies, it’s a good idea to spend time with different cats before adopting or buying. And if a friend or partner already owns a cat, there are still plenty of things you can do to help manage your allergy.
How to choose the cat that’s best for you
Do your research first, and then choose your cat from a reputable breeder, shelter, or rescue group. Things to keep in mind while looking into adoption are:
- Kitten or an adult? Kittens are able to adapt quickly to their surroundings, but will need house training and much more attention than an adult cat. An older cat might be a wise choice if you have a strict work schedule and don’t have time to fully care for a kitten. On the other hand, an older cat may have health problems, which will require more visits to the vet.
- Shedding concerns. Some cats shed more than others. For example, an American Bobtail or Cymric cat will shed much more than a Siamese cat.
- Health concerns. A healthy kitten or cat will have bright eyes and a shiny fur coat. Cat’s that appear thin or overweight or have a nasal discharge may have health problems.
- Personality and disposition. Just like people, cats can vary in their personality and character traits. Look for one that seems to be a good fit with you and your lifestyle. If you’re hoping for lots of petting and stroking, for example, you may want to look for a cat that actively seeks attention from its handlers, rather than one that hisses or scratches. If you think you’ve found the right cat, try to make more than one visit with the animal