With the recent birth of three ‘liger’ cubs in a Taiwanese Zoo and the subsequent controversy surrounding them, we thought it was about time we answered some of your questions – and some of our own!) – about these cross-bred (big) cats.

What exactly IS a liger?

A Liger is the hybrid cross between a male lion and a female tigress, producing an offspring bigger than either of its parents. Adult ligers can weigh as much as 400 kilograms, making them the largest of all big cats.

A tigon is another lion/tiger variation, this time between a male tiger and a lioness. These don’t get quite as big as their liger counterparts, but still present a fairly formidable proposition when fully grown!

The liger looks more like a lion than a tiger, but possesses the tiger’s love and aptitude for swimming.

And what about these cubs in Taiwan?

In Taiwan’s capital Taipei, the first-ever recorded liger cubs on the island were born in a private zoo on August 15. Sadly, one of the cubs died almost immediately after it was born, while the other two quickly became the new cute cats on the Internet for a day ,with photos being circulated far and wide.

When news spread, however, Taiwanese authorities seized the cubs and relocated them to a park for wild animals, and will fine the zookeeper for having allowed the breeding to occur, as it is against regulations in the country.

For his part, the zookeeper insists the mating was an accident, although the lion (native to Africa) and tigress (found predominantly on the Indian subcontinent) were kept in the same enclosure.

The Liger

Why isn’t it allowed?

According to The Week magazine: ‘Cross-breeding rare, protected species violates Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Law.’ Most zoos frown on the crossbreeding of lions and tigers, too.

Ligers ‘are basically freaks bred by unscrupulous zoos in order to make money out of people willing to pay to see them,’ says Liger.org, adding that ‘US zoos have several ligers.’

One genetic defect found in ligers is that they are almost always infertile, meaning there can only ever be first-generation Ligers. In addition to this, the dangers associated with mixing the breeds are considered cruel. Since being taken to the animal shelter after their birth, another of the cubs has tragically died from complications, with his sole remaining brother in a critical condition.

Surely to cause such harm to a tiny innocent cub is too high a risk for the continued breeding of these creatures, even in the face of all the revenue they may generate?

•    What are your thoughts? Should the cross-breeding of big cats be allowed? Let us know via the Comment facility below…

Images by: ahsanmiftah and aliwest44

In a post-GFC world, especially at a time when post-election governmental uncertainty is gripping the nation, anything that bolsters the economy is great news. But a big growth area has been under our feet (quite literally, in some cases) the whole time! According to a new report compiled by the Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC), Australia’s pets and pet-care industry are proof that our national love of our furry companions is boosting a lot more than our mood – it’s helping to boost the economy!

The report shows that there are now 3.41 million pet dogs who call Australia home (which means 36 per cent of Aussie households own a dog), along with and 2.35 million cats (or 23 per cent of households). These figures give Australia one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, although we are still significantly behind the US, where 40 per cent of households own a dog and 33 per cent own a cat.

Economic boosters
Dr Kersti Seksel, president of the Australian Companion Animal Council, suggests that growth in the pet industry is good news for the economy:
‘It is also interesting to note that although the population of cats and dogs is relatively static, the amount of money we choose to spend on our pets is increasing.  In 2009, Australians spent $6.02 billion on pets, pet care products and services; up from $4.62 billion in 2005.’

Obviously, this increased expenditure is good for jobs, with Dr Seksel pointing out that ‘employment across the pet care industry is increasing to reflect our love of pets – up from 44,700 people in 2005 to 47,627 people in 2009.’

The interesting thing is that despite the increased expenditure, the report found that it was still relatively inexpensive to own a pet.
‘In 2009, dog owners spent $1,056 per year on their pet, including food, products and services and veterinary care. This is just under $3 a day. Cats require even less of a financial commitment.  The average annual expenditure per cat is $602, which is just over $1.50 a day,’ says Dr Seksel.

With it looking increasingly likely that the next federal election will be sooner rather than later, perhaps pollies will be out kissing kittens rather than babies as the campaign heats up!

Images: catfacts.org, free-computer-wallpapers.com

The connotations of black cats as omens have permeated our culture, helped along the way by their popularity as a mascot for everything from witches to Halloween. Yet anyone who has ever owned a black cat (or any other cat, for that matter) knows that far from bringing bad luck or evil, they bring love, affection and joy to our lives. (Along with a whole lot of black hair left on white furniture for that matter!)

As such, we’ve decided to do a little bit of armchair investigating and unearth just why black cats have such a…well… unearthly reputation.

Apparently, in ancient Hebrew and Babylonian mythology, black cats were often pictured coiled like serpents, another creature long-associated with evil. Since then, many cultures have also associated black cats as the favourite pet of witches, with many believing that witches have the ability to change form from human to…you guessed it…black cat. This belief led to the horrific torture of several animals alongside women in the 17th century as they were burned at the stake on suspicion of witchcraft.

Yet black cats dying for the colour of their fur is not a thing of the past. These days, in shelters and pounds across the country, black cats and dogs are frequently passed over for those with lighter coloured fur. Rescue organisations believe this is due to a combination of factors. It’s partly because it is difficult to read the expression on the face of a cat with black fur, partly because they don’t photograph as well as their lighter counterparts, and partly because silly myths have infiltrated our psyche, prejudicing us against these innocent and beautiful animals.

Next time you see a black cat, give it a cuddle, and remember that witches don’t exist. And if you’re thinking of adopting another kitty, give some thought to adopting the black one that others less enlightened than you may leave behind.

Images by: helorits Miller and ƒernando

Of course we all like spoiling our furry friends, and spoil them we should. But it’s also important to have a proper understanding of nutrition and what is potentially a health risk for your companion.

Pet obesity is a growing epidemic in Australia and the sole reason for this is what we feed our animals. Obesity in pets is just as risky as obesity in humans, and can lead to joint problems, heart and respiratory problems and diabetes, not to mention impairing your animal’s quality of life.

In addition to fatty foods, there are certain foods that are just downright dangerous for domestic pets, and could inadvertently be given to them off the dinner plate. According to Manchester Unity, a leading provider of pet health insurance, these foods include grape seeds, onions and garlic, sultanas, nuts and fruit stones, and of course, chocolate.

To keep your pet healthy and satisfied, Dr. Mark Lawrie, President of the Australian Veterinary Association insists pet-owners must resist the urge to give in to begging: “Pets are very good at training us to give them treats, with the ‘hungry dog’ looks and cats rubbing against your legs” he says.

According to the RSPCA, pets need a mixture of high-quality commercial food, mixed with natural foods like raw meats and some vegetables. Chicken necks and chicken wings are excellent treats that promote feline dental care, but cooked bones should always be avoided as they are brittle and can lead to choking or splinters of the throat…ouch!

Images: wheany and Yukari*

Thanks to the Twilight books and films, vampires are the coolest undead creatures of the night going around at the moment, especially where teenage girls are concerned. In Nature, though, real-life bloodsuckers – known as parasites – bear little resemblance to Robert Pattinson, and as such their sex appeal is somewhat limited.

But that doesn’t mean these natural vampires are any less interesting – as a new exhibition called ‘Parasites Uncovered’ proves. From vampire bats to tapeworms to common fleas, the exhibition reveals fascinating facts about these parasites, and stresses the importance of guarding your pets against them.
The exhibition is taking place in Germany, but for a sneak peek, check out the video.

The exhibition ‘Parasites Uncovered’ will also tour the world during 2011. So keep an eye out for future dates.

Click here to view the embedded video.

At least that’s said to be the case if you go into the woods in South Australia or Victoria, where over the past century there have been hundreds of reported sightings of ‘panther-like’ big cats and taking of livestock.

While there are reports of big cat sightings across Australia, the phenomenon seems to be most concentrated in the southern areas of the country, and while the various governments remain non-committal or even sceptical, there is a growing movement of people who believe without a doubt in the existence of an Australian big cat species.

While there is yet to be a specimen captured, reports of sightings usually point to the same physical traits, backed up by the occasional photograph: a large creature, slightly bigger than a large Alsatian or Rottweiler, that is black or mottled in colour and extremely sleek, muscled and fast.

Simon Townsend and John Turner are two men who have made it their mission to obtain irrefutable evidence of the existence of these large cats, specifically in their native Victoria. They established a website (www.bigcatsvic.com.au) and use up most of their spare time collecting reports of sightings and documenting attacks on livestock. Perhaps most compelling are their photos of mauled carcasses with bite-marks compared to puma dentitions.

Theories abound

There are several theories as to how big cats may have come to live on Australian shores: the ‘marsupial lion’ that never really became extinct; zoo or circus escapees left behind; even that the lions that served as military mascots of the US army were  never taken back to the States after they were stationed here during the WWII.

These theories, along with a lot of sightings, pictures and interviews are included in a book being released next week called Australian Big Cats: An Unnatural History of Panthers. Written by Michael Williams and Rebecca Lang, the book is available at www.australianbigcats.com.au.

Recently, Victorian Nationals leader Peter Ryan reaffirmed his party’s 2006 promise to further investigate reports of big cats in Victoria: ‘I am a sceptic, as are many others, but there is a body of commentary and evidence around to say there is a prospect these things exist and I think we should resolve it one way or another,’ Mr Ryan said.

For now, the mystery remains, but perhaps one day soon we’ll have a definitive answer as to whether or not Australia’s moggies have an older, more sinister relative lurking in the bush…

Images from allbestwallpapers.com and Wikipedia

‘Puppy farming’ has received a lot of media attention and we all know about the horrific conditions some unscrupulous breeders inflict on their animals… and now there is new evidence that this kind of thing is happening with cats as well.

On April 22nd, Perth Now newspaper published an article about a litter of Persian kittens dumped at the Cat Haven shelter in Perth. The kittens were in an ‘appalling condition’, according to staff, with many experiencing breathing difficulties and suffering from severe cat flu and mite-infestations.

The article reported that this is the third case in 12 months of Persian kittens being dumped at shelters in Perth, and staff are fearful that this indicates the presence of a kitten farm or backyard breeder who is engaging in neglectful and irresponsible breeding practices.

Appalling conditions
Kitten farms, like puppy farms, keep their animals continually pregnant and living in crates. The cats are often diseased, mistreated and, if the kittens are unwanted, killed. With so many cats without a home already, it’s nothing short of barbaric to bring a kitten into that world of neglect and abuse.

Cat Haven in Perth is fighting to save the lives of these Persian kittens, who will then go into foster care until they can be adopted into ‘forever homes’. The staff of Cat Haven are vehemently against kitten farming and gave Cat Diaries some tips to pass on to anyone considering buying a kitten or who wants advice on how to spot a kitten farm:
•    Always buy from a registered breeder;
•    Don’t arrange to meet the breeder at a location other than their premises, look at the conditions in which the parents and the kittens are kept. If refused access, DON’T proceed with the purchase of the kitten if you can’t see the premises;
•    Pedigree cats from registered breeders should always come with papers – if the breeder cannot supply papers, do not proceed with the purchase.

Images by Roeselien Raimond …

Yes, cat owners, it’s true. We feline lovers are apparently smarter than our dog-owning counterparts. ‘But we already knew that?’ you mutter, basking in the satisfaction that everyone in this office shares…

And now, apparently, scientists at Bristol University in the UK know it, too. A recent study that interviewed 2980 dog and cat owners found that people with a university degree are 1.36 times more likely to own a cat.

So what is it that makes more educated people choose cats as pets? Is it the ability to recognise a cunning and evolved companion? The tendency to seek the acquaintance of an animal that quite clearly has a rich interior life you know little of? Or perhaps it is the cats that choose educated people to live with?

Cat facts
The answer, say scientists, is most likely much simpler: ‘’Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes,’ says Dr Jane Murray, a lecturer on feline health at Bristol Uni. Another interesting fact to come out of the study was that cat owners are more likely to be female, and older than their dog-owning counterparts.

But before you get too carried away with boasting, you should know that no truth has been found in the oft-touted myth that cats are in fact much more intelligent their canine foes. Another study released last year found cats performed no better than dogs in reasoning tasks.

‘Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.’

The study also found supporting evidence in the dog/cat rivalry debate, with only seven per cent of households being home to a cat and a dog.
So there you have it. Go forth and shamelessly mock your dog-owning friends with the science to back you up. And while you’re at it, tell us what you think about this! We’d love to hear from you…

•   Are cat owners smarter? Use the Comment facility below to let us know!

Images by Shanko0o and hoangnam nuyuen

While our cats often seem more than capable of taking care of their own hygiene needs, there is one area in which they sometimes need a bit of help – their mouths. There are several steps you can (and should) take in order to make sure everything is as clean as it should be in there.

Dental care in cats is something that is often overlooked, but in fact is just as vital to their health and well-being as regular exercise, grooming and good nutrition. Regular attention to your cat’s pearly whites can not only improve those less-than-pleasant kitty smooches, but can also prevent serious diseases in other parts of the body.

When tartar or calculus builds up on a cat’s teeth, it provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that not only affects the gums and mouth, but more importantly can travel to the heart, lungs and or kidneys and put your kitty at risk.

Cat Diaries has compiled a series of tips for you to help your sleek companion keep that sneaky smile looking its best!

Brush your cat’s teeth
Tartar can build up in as little as 24-48 hours, so we recommend you brush as regularly as possible. Never use human toothpaste, though, as this can make your cat sick, and try to use a ‘finger brush’, which should make it easier to reach those difficult spots at the back!

Obviously, the earlier you start brushing their teeth, the easier it will become. Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth (the ones that fall out!), and by the time they have gone it is ideal to have your kitten used to the brushing process.

Check them regularly
Check the teeth by pulling up the lips on both sides of the mouth. Things like bad breath, excessive drooling, red, puffy or bleeding gums can be a sign of dental disease. Also, watch how your cat eats. If he or she is showing a reluctance to chew or is in pain while chewing, investigate the source of the problem and have it dealt with.

Use the products that are available
For those of you who read the teeth-brushing tip above and scoffed in disbelief at the thought of your cat ever deigning to allow it, there are other alternatives to losing a finger. There are several specially formulated feline mouth rinses available, as well as a wide range of dental kitty treats to keep tartar to a minimum and promote dental hygiene. It’s also recommended to occasionally feed your cat chunks of raw beef or other meat that they really have to gnaw on. This can help remove tartar.

Keep regular check-ups at the vet
Your vet should perform a thorough oral examination at your annual check-up appointments, and if an extensive clean is needed can scale, brush and polish your cat’s teeth under anaesthesia to make sure all tartar build-up is removed.

Images by All Pet Naturals and Red~Star

Although the suspected swine flu pandemic that was widely – and hysterically – predicted in the media last year never materialised (at least in terms of fatalities), the federal government is not convinced the risk has passed. Indeed, since September 2009 the government has been advocating that all Australians over the age of 10 should be vaccinated against the disease (a vaccine for children aged six months to 10 years is now also available).

Swine flu, or H1N1 influenza to give the disease its proper name, certainly has the potential to be deadly to people. Less well-known is that fact that it can also be fatal to cats. Although incidents of human-to-feline transfer are thankfully rare (and there have been NO documented incidents of feline-to-human transfer), a handful of cat fatalities have been reported in the northern hemisphere.

You should therefore take the following preventative/protective steps where cats are concerned:

•    Keep cats away from anyone with swine flu in the first few days. This includes making sure a cat does not enter the bedroom of an infected person. Contact should only be resumed 24 hours after the person’s temperature has returned to normal.
•    Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it properly.
•    Wash hands thoroughly before preparing a cat’s food.
•    Stay alert for warning signs.

Swine flu symptoms in cats

•    Sneezing/coughing
•    Runny nose/eyes
•    Lack of appetite
•    Fever
•    Lethargy
•    Trouble breathing

If you spot these symptoms in your cat, take him or her to the vet’s immediately. Medication may be required followed by bed rest (in isolation from other animals) and a stress-free atmosphere.
It must be reiterated that the chances of your cat developing H1N1 influenza are extremely small and there is obviously no need to panic. However, as with every family member, watchfulness is required.

Image by Roeselien Raimond