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  • Articles
    • Animals
      • Bees
        • Bees Used for Landmine Detection
        • Honeybee Facts
        • How to Help Endangered Bees
        • Loss of Bees Threatens Global Food System
        • Plants That Attract Bees
      • Birds
        • How to Attract Birds to Your Garden
        • Hummingbird Feeders
        • Hummingbird Gardening
        • Plants That Attract Birds
          • Plants That Attract Bluebirds
          • Plants That Attract Buntings
          • Plants That Attract Bush Tits
          • Plants That Attract Cardinals
          • Plants That Attract Catbirds
          • Plants That Attract Chickadees
          • Plants That Attract Doves
          • Plants That Attract European Robins
          • Plants That Attract Finches
          • Plants That Attract Grosbeaks
          • Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
          • Plants That Attract Jays
          • Plants That Attract Juncos
          • Plants That Attract Mockingbirds
          • Plants That Attract North American Robins
          • Plants That Attract Nuthatches
          • Plants That Attract Orioles
          • Plants That Attract Pine Siskins
          • Plants That Attract Sparrows
          • Plants That Attract Tanagers
          • Plants That Attract Thrashers
          • Plants That Attract Thrushes
          • Plants That Attract Titmice
          • Plants That Attract Towhees
          • Plants That Attract Warblers
          • Plants That Attract Waxwings
          • Plants That Attract Woodpeckers
          • Plants That Attract Wrens
        • What to Put in Bird Feeders
      • Butterflies
        • Butterfly Gardening
        • Butterfly Plants
        • How to Make a Butterfly Feeder
      • Cats
        • Big Cats and Small Wild Cats
          • Chinese Public Supports Tiger Trade Ban: 2008 Poll Shows Majority in China Against Legalizing Tiger Products
          • How to Help Endangered Wild Cats
          • How to Reduce the Risk of Cougar Attacks
          • Rare White Lion Cubs Born
          • Social Structure of Feral Cat Colonies
          • The African Black-Footed Cat: Felis Nigripes, One of the Smallest Wild Felines in the World
          • The Endangered Florida Panther
          • The Endangered Scottish Wildcat: Efforts to Save the Tiger of the Highlands
          • The Rarest Wild Cats in the World
          • White Tiger Facts
          • Why Lions Have Manes
          • Why Tigers Are Endangered
          • Wild Cats of Canada: the Bobcat, the Lynx, and the Cougar
        • Cat Breeds
          • 10 Unusual Cat Breeds
          • Abyssinian Cat Breed Profile
          • American Bobtail Cat Breed Profile
          • American Curl Cat Breed Profile
          • American Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • American Wirehair Cat Breed Profile
          • Balinese Cat Breed Profile
          • Bengal Cat Breed Profile
          • Birman Cat Breed Profile
          • Bombay Cat Breed Profile
          • British Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Burmese Cat Breed Profile
          • California Spangled Cat Breed Profile
          • Cat Breeds That Get Along Well with Dogs
          • Chartreux Cat Breed Profile
          • Chausie Cat Breed Profile
          • Colourpoint Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Cornish Rex Cat Breed Profile
          • Donskoy Cat Breed Profile
          • Egyptian Mau Breed Profile
          • Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Guide to Cat Breed Personality Traits
          • Guide to Cat Breeder Terminology
          • Guide to Cat Coat Colours, Patterns, and Markings
          • Guide to Cat Fur, Face, and Body Types
          • Himalayan Cat Breed Profile
          • How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
          • Korat Cat Breed Profile
          • Kurilian Bobtail Breed Profile
          • LaPerm Cat Breed Profile
          • Maine Coon Cat Breed
          • Manx Cat Breed Profile
          • Mythical Cat Breeds, Frauds, and Hoaxes
          • Nebelung Cat Breed Profile
          • Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Profile
          • Ocicat Breed Profile
          • Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed Profile
          • Persian Cats: What Prospective Adopters Need to Know
          • Peterbald Cat Breed Profile
          • Pixie-Bob Cat Breed Profile
          • Ragdoll Cat Breed
          • Russian Blue Cat Breed Profile
          • Savannah Cat Breed Profile
          • Scottish Fold Cat Breed Profile
          • Siamese Cat Breed
          • Siberian Cat Breed Profile
          • Singapura Cat Breed Profile
          • Snowshoe Cat Breed Profile
          • Sphynx Cat Breed Profile
          • Tonkinese Cat Breed Profile
          • Toyger Cat Breed Profile
          • Turkish Angora Cat Breed Profile
          • Turkish Van Cat Breed Profile
          • What Are the Largest Cat Breeds?
          • What Are the Smallest Cat Breeds?
        • Cat Care
          • Adopting a Cat
          • Alternatives to Declawing
          • Are Poinsettias Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
          • Bad Breath in Cats and Dogs
          • Best Cat Toys
          • Can I Give My Cat or Dog Aspirin or Tylenol?
          • Cat Aggression Treatments
          • Cat Boarding Kennels: How to Choose the Best
          • Cat Fences and Enclosures
          • Cat or Dog Sprayed by a Skunk: How to Remove Skunk Odour
          • Cat Urine: How to Clean It and Get Rid of the Odour
          • Children and Cats
          • Christmas Safety for Dogs and Cats
          • Clingy Cats: How to Reduce Separation Anxiety
          • Common Cat Allergies: Substances That Cause Allergic Reactions in Cats
          • Disaster Preparedness for Cats and Dogs
          • Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?
          • Feliway for Cats
          • Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
          • Free and Low-Cost Spay-Neuter Clinics
          • Halloween Cat Sacrifices: Real Danger or Urban Legend?
          • How to Brush a Cat’s Teeth
          • How to Cat-Proof a Home
          • How to Encourage a Cat to Be More Affectionate
          • How to Give a Cat a Bath
          • How to Groom a Cat
          • How to Help Fat Cats Lose Weight
          • How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
          • How to Introduce a New Cat to a Resident Cat
          • How to Keep Cats and Dogs Safe During Winter
          • How to Play with a Cat
          • How to Prevent Cat Conflicts in Multicat Households
          • How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats
          • How to Protect Your Pets from Pet Thieves
          • How to Remove Glue, Paint, Oil, Varnish, Gasoline, Tar, or Grease from Cat Fur
          • How to Start an Animal Shelter
          • How to Stop a Dog from Attacking a Cat
          • How to Stop Cats from Catching Birds
          • Hypoallergenic Diets for Cats and Dogs
          • Indoor Cats: Can They Be Happy?
          • Living with Cat Allergies
          • Microchipping, Tattooing, GPS, and Collar ID for Cats and Dogs
          • Moving with Cats
          • Myths About Spaying and Neutering
          • Natural Anxiety Remedies for Cats and Dogs
          • Natural Flea Control for Cats and Dogs
          • Onions Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
          • Pet-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
          • Pet-Safe Plants
          • Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs
          • Propylene Glycol Antifreeze Safer for Pets
          • Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors
          • Retirement Homes for Cats and Dogs
          • Spaying and Neutering Facts: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
          • The Benefits of Play Therapy for Cats
          • The Declawing Information Page
          • Tips for Finding Lost Pets
          • Travelling with a Cat
          • Your Life Can Improve With the Right Pet
        • Cat Charities
        • Cat Facts
          • Ailurophobia: Fear of Cats
          • Are All White Cats with Blue Eyes Deaf?
          • Are Cats and Dogs Colour-Blind?
          • Black and White Cat Facts and Photos
          • Black Cat Facts and Photos
          • Black Cats Less Likely to Be Adopted
          • Calico and Tortoiseshell Cat Facts and Photos
          • Can Cats See in the Dark?
          • Careers with Dogs and Cats
          • Cat and Dog Adoption and Euthanasia Statistics
          • Cat Coat Colour Linked to Temperament
          • Cat Myths Debunked
          • Cat Statistics
          • Cat Statistics: How Many Cats Are There?
          • Cat Years and People Years
          • Cats and Dogs Hurt by Recession
          • Debunking Anti-Cat Arguments
          • Declawed Cats More Likely to Be Surrendered to Shelters
          • Descriptive Terms for Cats
          • Do Cat People and Dog People Have Different Personalities?
          • Do Cats Dream?
          • Glossary of Cat Words
          • Health Benefits of Cat Ownership
          • How Do a Cat’s Senses of Smell and Taste Compare to Those of a Human?
          • How Fast Can a Cat Run?
          • How Long Cats Live
          • How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep Each Day?
          • How Powerful Is a Cat’s Hearing?
          • Hypoallergenic Cats
          • Impacts of Cats and Dogs on the Environment and Wildlife
          • Naturally Occurring Cat Breeds, Cross-Breeds, and Recent Mutations
          • Negative Cat Stereotypes Debunked
          • Neoteny – Why Adult Cats Retain Kitten Qualities
          • Polls Show Large Majority Against Declawing Cats; Majority Also Favours Anti-Declaw Laws
          • Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat
          • Reasons Why Cats and Dogs Are Surrendered to Shelters
          • Study: Owning a Cat Cuts Heart Attack Risk by 30%
          • Tabby Cat Facts and Photos
          • The Social World of Feral Cats
          • Tortoiseshell Cats Are Nearly Always Female
          • Which Animals Hunt Cats?
          • Which Are More Intelligent – Cats or Dogs?
          • Which Cat Breeds Are the Most Intelligent?
          • Which Make Better Pets – Cats or Dogs?
          • White Cat Facts and Photos
          • Why Are Female Cats Called Queens?
          • Why Are Male Cats Called Toms?
          • Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
          • Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow in the Dark?
        • Cat Food and Nutrition
          • Can You Feed a Cat Dog Food? Can You Feed a Dog Cat Food?
          • Can You Feed Cats Tuna Made for Humans?
          • Cat Food Overview: Wet Food, Semi-Moist Food, Dry Food, and Raw Diets
          • Health Risks Associated with Vegan Diets for Cats
          • High-Carbohydrate Diets Are Bad for Cats
          • Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
          • How Much Food Does a Cat Need? How Much Should You Feed a Kitten?
          • How Often Should You Feed Kittens and Adult Cats?
          • Is It Safe to Feed Cats Milk?
          • Is It Safe to Feed Cats Raw Eggs?
          • Natural Diets for Cats, Home-Made Cat Food
          • Should You Feed a Cat Wet Food or Dry Food?
          • Vegan and Vegetarian Dogs and Cats
          • Veterinarian Statements on Vegan and Vegetarian Diets for Cats
          • What to Feed a Kitten
          • What to Feed a Pregnant Cat
          • Why Cats Are Natural Carnivores
          • Why Cats Need a High-Protein Cat Food
          • Why Won’t My Cat Eat?
        • Cat Health
          • Whipworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Abdominal Swelling/Bulging Stomach in Cats
          • Aggression as a Sign of Illness in Cats
          • Arthritis in Cats
          • Bobcat Fever (Cytauxzoonosis)
          • Can I Get Toxoplasmosis From My Cat? Do I Need to Give up My Cat if I Get Pregnant? Do Cat Parasites Really Affect Personality?
          • Cat and Dog Symptoms: Third Eyelid Showing
          • Cat Coughing, Dog Coughing: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat Drooling: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat Having Accidents Outside the Litter Box: Medical Causes
          • Cat Howling: Why Do Some Cats Howl, Especially at Night?
          • Cat Limping, Dog Limping
          • Cat Not Grooming/Dull Coat/Dry Skin in Cats
          • Cat Symptoms Overview
          • Cat with Blood in Stool: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat with Blood in the Urine: Causes and Treatments
          • Cat with Red Eye or Eyes
          • Cat with Sores and Bald Patches/Hair Loss in Cats, Dog with Sores and Bald Patches/Hair Loss in Dogs
          • Cat-Related Health and Safety Myths
          • Cats Reduce Risk of Kids Developing Asthma
          • Causes of Breathing Problems in Cats
          • Causes of Increased Appetite in Cats
          • Causes of Itching in Cats and Dogs
          • Causes of Weight Loss in Cats
          • Charities That Help with Vet Bills
          • Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) – Kidney Disease in Cats
          • Constipation in Cats
          • Dental Diets for Cats
          • Depression in Cats
          • Diarrhea in Cats and Dogs
          • Endocrine Diseases in Cats: Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, and Others
          • Essential Fatty Acid Supplements for Dogs and Cats
          • Eye Discharge/Runny Eyes in Cats and Dogs
          • Feline Calicivirus (FCV) in Cats
          • Feline Epilepsy: Cat Seizures/Convulsions
          • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
          • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Cat Herpes or Cat Flu)
          • Fever in Cats and Dogs: Causes and Treatments
          • FLUTD in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
          • Fundraising Ideas to Pay Large Vet Bills
          • Glucosamine-Chondroitin Supplements for Dogs and Cats with Arthritis
          • Heart Disease in Cats: Cardiomyopathy, Endocarditis, Myocarditis
          • Heartworm Infection in Cats and Dogs
          • Holistic Cat and Dog Care
          • Hookworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Human Pregnancy and Toxoplasmosis
          • Illnesses That People Can Catch from Cats
          • Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
          • Intestinal Worms in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
          • Is Catnip Addictive or Dangerous?
          • Loss of Appetite in Cats
          • Lungworm Infection in Cats and Dogs
          • Poisoned Cat: Symptoms and Treatment
          • Required Vaccinations for Cats and Kittens
          • Ringworm in Dogs and Cats
          • Roundworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Signs of Pain in Cats
          • Skin Lumps and Bumps in Cats and Dogs
          • Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats and Dogs
          • Tapeworms in Cats and Dogs
          • Using Pumpkin to Treat Constipation and Diarrhea in Cats and Dogs
          • Why Cats Pull Out Their Fur: Psychogenic Alopecia in Cats
          • Why Cats Vomit
          • Why Does My Cat Drink So Much and Pee So Often? Causes of Increased Thirst and Urination in Cats
        • Cat History
          • Cat History: Cats in Ancient Egypt
          • Cat History: Cats in Warfare
          • Cat History: Famous Ship Cats
          • Cat History: From Wild Cats to Domestic Pets
          • Cat History: The Black Plague
          • Cat Superstitions, Myths, and Proverbs
          • Famous Cat Lovers
        • Cat Psychology, Behaviour, and Communication
          • Can Cats and Dogs Be Friends?
          • Do Cats Feel Love and Other “Human” Emotions?
          • Do Cats Have Psychic Abilities?
          • Do Cats Like Music?
          • Guide to Cat Communication: Vocalizations and Body Language
          • How Smart Are Cats?
          • The Flehmen Response: Why Cats “Grimace” with Their Mouths Open
          • What Causes Cats or Kittens to Eat Dirt, Kitty Litter, or Plastic, or Lick Photographs?
          • Why Cats Fight
          • Why Cats Purr: How Purring Speeds the Healing Process
          • Why Do Cats “Sulk”?
          • Why Do Cats and Dogs Eat Grass or Houseplants?
          • Why Do Cats Go Crazy for Catnip, Valerian, and Mint?
          • Why Do Cats Gravitate to People Who Fear or Dislike Them?
          • Why Do Cats Have Accidents Outside the Litter Box?
          • Why Do Cats Hiss?
          • Why Do Cats Knead or Paddle with Their Paws?
          • Why Do Cats Make Chattering Sounds When They See Birds Through a Window?
          • Why Do Cats Play with Their Prey?
          • Why Do Cats Play with Water?
          • Why Do Cats Roll on Their Backs to Greet People?
          • Why Do Cats Rub Against Things?
          • Why Do Cats Scratch Things?
          • Why Do Cats Suddenly Make Mad Dashes Around the House?
          • Why Do Some Cats and Dogs Eat Soap?
          • Why Do Some Cats Attack When Being Petted?
          • Why Do Some Cats Become Anxious or Phobic?
          • Why Do Some Cats Like Shoes, Socks, Feet, Bleach, or Chlorine?
          • Why Do Some Cats Prefer Dirty Water to Fresh Tap Water?
          • Why Does My Cat Pee on the Bed or My Clothing?
          • Why Some Cats Suck on Fabric, Wool, or Hair
        • Cat Training
          • Can You Train a Cat Not to Hunt?
          • How to Encourage a Cat to Use a Scratch Post
          • How to Keep Cats off Counters and Furniture
          • How to Keep Cats out of Plants
          • How to Leash-Train a Cat
          • How to Litter Train a Kitten
          • How to Stop a Cat from Attacking a Dog
          • How to Stop Cats from Fighting
          • How to Train a Cat or Kitten
        • Famous Cats
          • Cat Called to Jury Duty
          • Cat Record Breakers
          • Cats That Have Adopted Animals of Other Species
          • Christopher the Guardian Angel Cat
          • Cloned Cats
          • Colby Nolan – The Cat with an MBA Degree
          • Famous Cats: Cats with Jobs
          • Famous Cats: Feline Entertainers
          • Famous Cats: Great Feline Achievements
          • Giant Cat Prince Chunk Finds Loving Home
          • Hero Cats
        • Foster Kitten Photo Diary
          • Adult Cats Acting as Foster Parents
          • Bif and Buddies
          • Casper and Cadence
          • Chilly and Lilly
          • Five New Furballs: Serenity, Quest, Sherpa, Coda, and Cayoosh
          • Foster Kittens: Farley and Friends
          • Foster Kittens: Jenga, Eclipse, Valhalla, and Callahan
          • Foster Kittens: Max, Zack, and Roxie
          • Foster Kittens: Sage Bounces Back
          • Foster Kittens: The Dynamic Duo
          • Foster Kittens: The Fab Five
          • Foster Kittens: The Fantastic Five
          • Foster Kittens: The Fluffasaurus Rex and Friends
          • Foster Kittens: The Great Kitten Storm of 2012
          • Foster Kittens: The Saga of the Little Savages
          • Foster Kittens: The Space Crew
          • Foster Kittens: The Tumultous Triad
          • Gizmo’s Gang
          • Sir Shady, the Earl of Grey, Princess Fluffington and the Countess Hissyfit
          • Tesla and Tyax
          • The Checkerboard Kittens: Picatso, Pablo, Catisse, and Catson
          • The Comeback Kittens
          • The Greatcoat Kittens
          • The Hoarder House Kittens: Rowdy, Scrappy, Ally, and Cory
          • The Mini-Me Kittens
          • The Star Wars Kittens
          • The Sunshine Kittens
          • The Sunshine Kittens: Golden, Raya, and Sola
        • Pet Product Reviews
          • 10 Pet Insurance Providers Ranked: Complete 2018 Comparison Guide
          • Review of the Cat Power Tower
          • Reviews of Corn-Based Cat Litters
          • Reviews of Paper-Based Cat Litters
          • Reviews of Pine-Based Cat Litter
          • Reviews of Silica Crystal Cat Litters
          • Reviews of Wheat-Based Swheat Scoop Cat Litter
          • Save Money on Pet Supplies with Groupon Coupons
          • The Best Catnip and Catnip Toys
        • Pet Therapy
          • Animal-Assisted Therapy Providers
          • Pet Therapy Resources
          • Prison Cats
        • Pregnant Cats and Kittens
          • Answers to Frequently Asked Kitten Questions
          • At What Age Can Cats Start Having Kittens?
          • Can a Litter of Kittens Have More Than One Father?
          • How Can You Tell if a Cat Is in Heat?
          • How Long Does a Cat’s Pregnancy Last?
          • How Many Kittens Can Cats Have?
          • How Old Should Kittens Be When They’re Adopted Out?
          • How to Care for Cats During Pregnancy, Labour, and Birth
          • How to Care for Orphaned Kittens
          • How to Safely Remove Fleas from Kittens
          • How to Socialize a Kitten
          • Kitten Development and Care: Birth to 2 Weeks
          • Kitten Development and Care: Week 13 and Up
          • Kitten Development and Care: Weeks 3 and 4
          • Kitten Development and Care: Weeks 5 and 6
          • Kitten Development and Care: Weeks 7-12
          • What Are the Signs of Pregnancy in Cats?
          • When Do Kittens’ Eyes Change Colour?
          • When Do Kittens’ Eyes Open?
          • Where to Adopt Kittens
          • Why Are Kittens Born with Blue Eyes?
          • Why Do Mother Cats Move Kittens?
          • Why Does a Male Cat Bite a Female’s Neck While Mating?
          • Will Handling Newborn Kittens Cause the Mother to Reject Them?
          • Will Tom Cats Kill Kittens?
      • Dogs
        • Amazing Dogs
          • Dogs Detect Cancer in People
          • Ginny – the Dog Who Rescued Cats
          • Seizure-Alert Dogs
          • Specially Trained Dogs Assist People with Parkinson’s Disease
        • Dog Care Articles
        • Dog Facts
          • Are Pit Bulls More Likely to Attack Than Dogs of Other Breeds?
          • Canine Aggression: What Causes Dogs to Attack?
          • Dog Breeds That Get Along with Cats
          • How Long Do Dogs Live?
          • How Old Is My Dog in Human Years?
          • The Effects of Pit Bull Bans: Does Breed-Specific Legislation Reduce Dog Attacks?
          • Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Attack?
        • Dog Health Articles
        • Dogs and Cats
        • End-of-Summer Safety Tips for Dog Owners
        • Miscellaneous Dog Articles
      • Sharks
        • How to Reduce the Risk of Shark Attacks
        • Shark Finning Endangers Marine Ecosystems
        • Sharks Rarely Attack
    • Fitness
      • Can I do cardio and strength training on the same day? Should I do cardio or weights first?
      • Exercise Enhances Learning Ability
      • Fitness Resources
      • How Much Exercise Do People Need?
      • How Often Should I Change My Workout Routine?
      • How to Get Motivated to Start Running
      • Strength Training
        • Does Strength Training Cause Women to Bulk Up?
        • How Do I Get an Abdominal ‘Six-Pack’?
        • How Long Should a Strength Training Workout Be? And How Can You Tell if You’re Overtraining?
        • How to Start Strength Training
        • Sports and Bodybuilding Supplements
        • Strength Training for Weight Loss
        • Strength Training Health Benefits
        • Strength Training: Can I train successfully on a vegetarian or vegan diet?
        • Strength Training: Do I need to go to the gym, or can I get good results working out at home?
        • Strength Training: How can I get really big (without steroids)?
        • Strength Training: How Long Should I Rest Between Sets?
        • Strength Training: How Many Days a Week?
        • Strength Training: How Many Repetitions?
        • Strength Training: How Many Sets?
        • Strength Training: How should I warm up and cool down? And should I stretch before and after workouts?
        • Strength Training: Should I Do a Full-Body Workout or a Split Routine?
        • Strength Training: Should I Use Free Weights or Machines?
        • Strength Training: What should I eat before and after my workout?
      • Stretching Techniques
        • Basic Stretching Techniques
        • PNF Stretching
        • Risky Stretches That May Cause Injuries
        • Stretching for Sports and Flexibility
      • Weight Loss
        • Food Choices for a Flatter Stomach
        • How to Reduce Fat in Your Diet
        • Probiotics for Weight Loss
        • Ten Nutrition and Weight Loss Myths and Facts
        • Why Most Dieters Fail
    • Food and Nutrition
      • Alcohol
        • Alcohol Health Benefits and Risks
        • How to Reduce or Stop Drinking
        • The Health Benefits of Red Wine
      • Coffee
        • Is Coffee Harmful to Your Health?
        • The Health Benefits of Coffee
      • Cooking Tips
        • Cooking and Baking Ingredient Substitutions
          • Baking Substitutes: Dairy Products
          • Baking Substitutes: Eggs and Mayonnaise
          • Broths, Juices, Alcoholic Beverages, Sauces, and Condiments
          • Cooking and Baking Substitutions: Herbs and Spices (Including Onion and Garlic)
          • Fat Substitutions: Low-Fat and Vegan Options
          • Raising Agent Substitutions
          • Substitutes for Flours, Other Grains, and Bread Products (Including Gluten-Free Options)
          • Substitutions for Chocolate, Raisins, and Peanut Butter
          • Types of Sugar, Liquid Sweeteners, Natural Sugar Substitutes, and Low-Calorie Sugar Alternatives
            • Liquid Sweeteners / Sugar Substitutes
            • Low-Calorie and Calorie-Free Sugar Substitutes
            • Types of Sugar and Sugar Substitutions
        • How to Choose, Store, and Prepare Garlic
        • How to Choose, Store, and Prepare Onions
        • Low-Fat and Fat-Free Baking Substitutes
        • Meat Safety
        • Slow Cooker Cooking Tips
        • Slow Cooker Safety Tips
        • Tips for Baking Bread with Whole Wheat Flour and Other Whole Grains
      • Food Facts
        • Aphrodisiac Foods
        • Battery Cage Chickens
        • Best Natural Sources of Calcium
        • Chocolate’s Health Benefits
        • Egg Labels: Free-Range, Organic, and Omega-3
        • Food and Beverage Caffeine Contents
        • Health Benefits of Tomatoes and Other Lycopene-Rich Foods
        • How Long Baked Goods, Dry Ingredients, Canned Goods, Condiments, Fruits, Vegetables, Meats, Eggs, and Dairy Products Keep
        • How much protein do I need? Will eating too much protein make me fat?
        • How to Store Fruits and Vegetables
        • How to Tell if an Egg Is Bad (Do Bad Eggs Really Float?)
        • Leafy Green Vegetables Protect Against Osteoporosis
        • Natural Food Sources of Probiotics
        • Nutrition Guidelines for Fitness: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats
        • Nutrition: Free Range vs. Battery Cage Eggs
        • The Best Antioxidant Foods
        • Whole Grains for Health
      • Herbs and Spices
        • Basil Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Black Pepper Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cardamom Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Chili Pepper Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cinnamon Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cloves: Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Cumin Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Dill Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Fenugreek Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Ginger Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Mustard Seed Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Nutmeg Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Oregano Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Parsley Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Peppermint Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Rosemary Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Sage Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Tarragon Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Thyme Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
        • Turmeric Health Benefits and Cooking Uses
      • Recipes
        • Cheddar and Chive Cornbread
        • Fast, Easy, Delicious Custard Pie
        • Free Gingerbread House Templates and Recipes
        • Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
        • Herb Bread (Bread Maker Recipe)
        • Honey-Sweetened Berry Pie Recipe
        • Honey-Sweetened Challah Bread (Bread Maker Recipe)
        • Pumpkin Muffin Recipes
        • Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
      • Supplements
        • How Much Vitamin C Should You Take?
        • Should You Take a Probiotic Supplement? Probiotic Health Benefits
        • Vitamin D Facts and Natural Sources
        • Vitamin E Facts
        • Zinc Facts
      • Tea and Health
        • Green Tea Aids Weight Loss
        • Health Benefits of Caffeinated Tea
        • How to Increase Tea’s Health Benefits
    • Gardening
      • 10 Ways to Create a More Environmentally Friendly Garden
      • All About Basil: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking with Basil
      • All About Chives: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Chives, Storing Chives, and Cooking with Chives
      • All About Mint: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking with Mint
      • All About Sage: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Sage, Storing Sage, and Cooking with Sage
      • Beets: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Beets, Storing Beets, and Cooking with Beets
      • Carrots: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking
      • Causes of Cracking in Tomatoes
      • Choosing Containers for Container Gardening
      • Composting FAQ
        • Are black walnut leaves and hulls toxic in compost?
        • How can I keep pests away from my compost pile?
        • How do I add compost to my garden?
        • How do I create compost?
        • How long does composting take?
        • Is it safe to compost pet waste?
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      • French Tarragon: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing, Storing, and Cooking Tarragon
      • Gardening with Children
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      • How to Grow Broccoli: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Broccoli, Storing Broccoli, and Cooking Broccoli
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      • How to Grow Tulips
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      • Lettuce: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Lettuce, Storing Lettuce, and Preparing Lettuce
      • Natural Garden Pest Control
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      • Root Vegetables That Grow in Fall and Winter
      • The Benefits of School Gardens
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      • What Fruits and Vegetables Can I Grow in the Shade?
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      • Wildlife Gardening
      • Worm Composting: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
    • Mind/Body Health
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        • Health Problems Linked to Artificial Colours: Hyperactivity, Cancer, and Allergic Reactions
        • Light Therapy for ADHD
      • Anxiety and Panic Disorder
        • Playing Tetris May Reduce PTSD Flashbacks
        • Anti-Anxiety Supplements
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        • Anxiety Helplines and Forums
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        • Natural Therapies to Reduce Anxiety
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          • Learning About Panic Disorder and Anxiety
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        • Panic Attack Symptoms
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      • Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
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        • Treating Autism with Vitamins and Supplements
          • Amino Acids for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
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          • S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Secretin for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Selenium for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
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          • Vitamin A/Fish Oil for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Vitamin B12 (Methyl B12) for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Vitamin B3 (Niacin/ Nicotinic Acid/Niacinamide) for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid/Calcium Pantothenate) for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Magnesium for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
          • Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid) for Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome
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      • Depression
        • Light Therapy for Non-Seasonal Depression
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      • General Health Topics
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        • Music and Epilepsy: Seizure Reduction Through Music Therapy
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        • Shinrin-Yoku: The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Forest Bathing
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        • Why Women Live Longer Than Men
      • Reducing Caregiver Stress
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      • The RICE Protocol: Should You Rest and Apply Ice to an Injury, or Use the MCE, MEAT, or METH Strategies?
    • Psychology
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        • People Wearing Red Are More Attractive to the Opposite Sex
        • Personality Traits Really Do Affect Perception of Appearance
        • The Smell of Pumpkin Pie Is an Aphrodisiac
        • What Women Find Attractive in Men
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      • Psychopathy/Sociopathy
        • Animal Cruelty Linked to Violence Against People
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      • Research Links Car Colour and Personality
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    • Astrology
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Metaphorical Platypus

The Endangered Florida Panther

Florida Panther

Florida Panther, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wikimedia Commons

The Florida panther, a big solitary cat, has much in common with its small domestic feline relatives.

Also known as cougar or puma, the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is a subspecies of mountain lion. Florida panthers are various shades of tan or reddish-brown with lighter fur on their undersides. The backs of their ears, muzzles, and tail tips are shaded with darker fur, and cubs have dark spots for protective camouflage.

So-called black panthers are actually leopards or jaguars with melanistic colouration. Big black cats are usually born alongside normally coloured littermates, and their coats are actually a very dark brown colour with spots that can be seen in bright sunlight. There is no documented evidence of black Florida panthers.

Florida Panther Size

Male panthers range from about 106-148 pounds and females 65-100. Males measure approximately 6.6 feet from nose to tail tip (though many are as long as 8 feet), and are about 2.6 feet in height from paw pads to shoulders. Females are around 6 feet long and stand about 2.2 feet high.

Florida Panther Diet

Florida panthers eat wild pigs, deer, rabbits, raccoons, armadillos, birds, squirrels, rats, and small alligators. Adult panthers must consume between 35 and 50 deer-sized animals each year, and nursing females may require twice as much prey.

Florida Panther Habitat

Florida panthers traditionally lived throughout the Southeastern United States but are now isolated in the South Florida area, though some males roam as far as North Florida. Overall, their range has diminished to about 5% of its historical span.

Panthers prefer dry forest but may also be found in watery areas. Slash pine with saw palmetto understory is a favoured habitat, as it provides good cover for stalking prey and raising young.

Panther Behaviour and Abilities

Florida panthers are mostly nocturnal and tend to be most active between dusk and dawn, when they do the majority of their hunting. A panther can leap more than 15 feet and run up to 35 miles per hour. These abilities, combined with superior senses and particularly excellent night vision, give the panther a hunting advantage.

The Florida panther stalks and ambushes its prey, delivering a killing bite to the back of the neck that severs the spinal cord, or a suffocating bite to the throat when dealing with larger prey. Small animals may be dispatched with a bite to the skull. The panther uses its whiskers (which act as sensors for air currents created by movement) to keep track of the prey’s position and thwart escape attempts.

Male Florida panthers defend a home range of approximately 200 square miles, and females have a territory of around 75 square miles. A female’s range usually overlaps that of her mother, and a male’s territory usually overlaps that of several females. Panthers live alone, with the exception of females raising cubs.

Florida panthers can’t roar, but they purr much like domestic cats. This purring may signal contentment, but injured or ill cats may also purr to reduce pain and speed the healing process. Other panther vocalizations include chirping, whistling, mewing, hissing, growling, and screaming (caterwauling).

As with domestic cats, the primary mode of communication among Florida panthers is via chemical and visual messages. These may be left by urinating in conspicuous places, leaving unburied droppings, and rubbing against or scratching objects to imbue them with the individual’s unique scent (like domestic cats, panthers have scent glands in their paws and cheeks).

Shy and elusive, Florida panthers are difficult to spot as they tend to be frightened of people. There have been no documented cases of Florida panthers attacking humans.

Florida Panther Reproduction

Panthers reach sexual maturity between 1.5 and 3 years of age, with females maturing earlier than males. Pregnancy in female panthers lasts 90-95 days, usually resulting in 1-4 cubs, which live with their mother for as long as 2 years (though they are weaned between 9 and 12 months of age).

Females usually raise their cubs in dens situated within dense foliage, and have a litter every couple of years. Most kittens are born during the spring and early summer months (March through June), but panthers are capable of producing litters at any time of the year.

Male panthers can find fertile females with the help of a specialized organ in the roof of the mouth called the vomeronasal organ. A panther (or domestic cat) that appears to be grimacing or sneering is actually using the vomeronasal organ, usually to detect the reproductive state of nearby females through chemicals in their urine (this “grimace” is called the Flehmen response). The vomeronasal organ may have other uses as well, because females also engage in the Flehmen response, and domestic cats may grimace when encountering catnip and other interesting scents.

Florida Panther Health and Longevity

Wild Florida panthers typically live 10-12 years or longer, assuming they survive into adulthood. Panther cub mortality is high, at 50%-70%. Habitat loss and the resulting population decline, which has led to inbreeding, have had adverse effects on the health of Florida panthers.

Why Florida Panthers Are Endangered

Florida’s panthers are critically endangered due to human activities. There are only about 80 Florida panthers left in the wild.

The Florida panther (also known as cougar, puma, or mountain lion) was once hunted to near extinction.

By the 1980s, the Florida panther population had dwindled to just 30-50 individuals. In recent years the subspecies has rebounded slightly, with an estimated 70-100 wild panthers in total, a small proportion of which are breeding females. However, the Florida panther is still among the most rare animals in the United States.

Today, some of the biggest threats facing the remaining Florida panthers are the loss and fragmentation of their habitat, disease, and poisoning.

Threats to the Florida Panther’s Survival

The Florida panther’s historic range, which spanned a large portion of the Southeastern United States, has shrunk to just 5% of its original area. As a result, remaining populations of wild panthers are often separated from one another, increasing the risk of inbreeding, which in turn increases the likelihood of genetic defects and infertility. Also, many panthers are hit by cars when attempting to cross the roads that divide their territories.

An additional problem associated with shrinking habitat is that young male panthers are forced into close proximity with one another. Male panthers require relatively large territories – about 200 square miles – and so young males are more likely to injure or kill one another in territorial disputes when suitable habitat is scarce.

Panthers are also susceptible to diseases afflicting domestic cats and dogs such as parvovirus, feline HIV, rabies, and feline leukemia, and inbreeding may have weakened their immune systems, making them even more vulnerable. Thus, free-roaming domestic and feral cats and dogs present a further threat to the Florida panther’s continued existence.

In addition, some Florida panthers have succumbed to mercury poisoning from factories, hazardous waste sites, and coal-fired power plants. This mercury, released into the air, is carried down into water and land by rain and becomes part of the ecosystem. Panthers may be poisoned when they prey on alligators and raccoons that have accumulated mercury through eating fish.

Efforts to Save the Florida Panther from Extinction

The only way to save the Florida panther is to protect its South Florida habitat, reintroduce the subspecies to additional areas within its former habitat range, and broaden the current gene pool. Thus far there have been a number of habitat conservation initiatives implemented, and fences, underpasses, and wildlife crossing signs have also helped to reduce automobile-related deaths. In addition, about one-third of all Florida panthers are now equipped with radio collars for monitoring purposes.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began introducing Texas cougars to the Florida panther population in 1995 to increase the overall breeding stock. The Texas cougar (Puma concolor stanleyana), though closely related to the Florida panther, is a heavier cat that differs slightly in its skull shape, as well as the colour and texture of its fur. These two subspecies historically interbred, and their offspring are considered Florida panthers and thus eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

For those who wish to save Florida’s endangered panthers, the Florida Panther Society offers suggestions on how to help.

What to Do When Encountering a Florida Panther

Although there have been no documented cases of Florida panthers attacking humans, caution is warranted. Upon encountering a Florida panther:

  • Attempt to stay calm and don’t show any fear.
  • Make lots of noise and back away while continuing to face the animal.
  • Try to look larger by waving arms and opening jackets, and avoid actions that give the appearance of reduced size, such as bending over or crouching down.
  • Ensure that the panther has an escape route and isn’t cornered.

The Florida panther is quite frightened of people and is more likely to run away than threaten. Even western panthers, which have occasionally attacked people, have often been successfully driven away by those who fought back, so in the extremely unlikely event that a Florida panther attacks, fighting back aggressively is recommended.

Panther sightings should be reported, particularly if the animal behaves in a threatening manner or appears to be injured or ill. Report sightings to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (phone: 1-888-404-3922). Dead panthers should also be reported, as keeping track of such deaths and their causes is critical to ensuring the survival of the subspecies.

More Information on Wild Cats

See the Big Cats and Small Wild Cats page for more wild cat articles. For a full list of animal articles, visit the main Animals page.

References:

  • Defenders of Wildlife. (2009). “Environmental Toxins That Harm Florida Panthers.” Defenders.org.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Panther Safety Tips.” MyFWC.com.
  • National Wildlife Federation. (2009). “Florida Panther and the Endangered Species Act.” NWF.org.
  • Roth, J. (2006). “Florida Panther.” EParks.org.
  • SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Bytes. (2009). “Florida Panther.” Seaworld.org.
  • The Florida Panther Society. (2007). “Frequently Asked Questions” and “Panther Info.” PantherSociety.org.

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