Timneh African Grey Parrot

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: May 28th, 2018

About Timneh African Grey Parrot

Size

13 inches

Lifespan

50-70 years

Bird Species

African Grey Parrot

Colors

Grey

Sounds

Vocal, Mimicking, Talkative

Interaction

Social, Affectionate, Playful, Energetic

Comparable Breeds

African Grey Parrot, Yellow Headed Amazon

Timneh African Grey Parrot General Info

There are a lot of obvious reasons why the Timneh African Grey Parrot is one of the best, most loved pet parrots in the world today. Highly intelligent, fun and affectionate, these highly skilled talkers are the jewel of every family and every home. Due to their long lifespan, you will have a lot of time to get to know your pet Timneh properly and fall in love with all the smart talk and goofy tricks. Fun, friendship and good company are guaranteed!

African Grey parrots are the best talkers in the parrot world. Your feathered friend will never stop surprising with its rich and skillfully used vocabulary.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

Mainly centered around a small region in the west of Africa, Timneh African Grey Parrots are found in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Sierra Leone. For the most part, they inhabit the humid and dense tropical forests and bordering savannahs. Timneh parrots suffered greatly at the hands of illegal poachers and loss of habitat. They are now labeled as an endangered species. Luckily, the laws are tightened, and populations are on the increase again. Also, they can still be found relatively easily as a pet bird.

Overall Description

Generally considered a medium-sized parrot, they can reach an average length of about 13 inches (33 centimeters) as adults and weigh up to 13 ounces (375 grams). This makes them visibly smaller than their closest cousins the African Grey Congo parrots. There’s no easy way to distinguish males from females – they are the same. It’s easy for owners to get mistaken. Years can pass until suddenly, their male pet lays some eggs!

Speech and Sounds

One thing is sure – nothing makes these parrots so popular as their ability to talk and mimic with unrivaled realism. They can develop an incredible vocabulary of up to 200 words, and they can mimic almost any sound or voice they hear in a crystal clear tone, and in exactly the same way. This can be a source of a lot of fun. From contextual sentences all the way to ringing phones, barking dogs or family members, your Timneh African Grey Parrot will surprise you every day. As a plus, they are not noisy in any other way – they are simply good at talking.

Colors

Although quite similar to the closely related Congo African Grey, Timneh African Grey Parrot is much darker in color. The body is almost entirely dark grey, with lighter gradients on the bottom, around the eyes and on the legs. A distinct feature is their tail which is colored in a unique dark red. The upper beak is the color of a horn, which is another feature unique to these parrots.

Although simple in color, these parrots still have a graceful and intriguing look.

Care and Feeding

Most commercial mixes for parrots will be a great basic diet. They are seed or pellets based and include all the necessary goodies. To offer them some extra vitamins and proteins be sure to add some fresh green vegetables or fruits. As an important source of calcium make sure to provide a cuttlebone for your pet.

Another vital part of their care is regular bathing. You can either provide large bathing dishes or more conveniently – take them to the shower with you. It will be obvious how much they love to bathe.

Health and Common Conditions

These parrots have an excellent reputation for being stout, healthy and easy to adapt. Once you take good care of their basic needs like hygiene, regular vet check-ups and a good amount of exercise and free movement, they will have no troubles at all to lead a happy and fulfilled life. Keep all early symptoms in check, like apathy, lack of appetite or any other alarming signs.

Timneh African Grey Parrot is known for good health. With enough care and good hygiene, sickness won’t be a problem.

Personality & Behavior

Timneh African Greys can be loved companion parrots, especially with their loving, fun personalities and with their amazing lifespan from 50 and up to 70 years! And, as you will find out, there is so much to love about them. Their antics, mimics and chatty nature, as well as all the goofs and silly tricks they can play on you. Simply put, they are a well of fun, and once a bond is established, they can be quite affectionate and cuddly as well. With such a pet, you will undoubtedly form a lasting and cherished friendship.

Photo credit: Yakov Oskanov/Shutterstock; Lindsey Eltinge/Shutterstock; Jill Lang/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as HypoallergenicOf course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. 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PawSwing: Hands Free Grooming Experience Your Cat Will Actually Love

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Dog Achieves Internet Fame with Her "Puppy Parkour"

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How to Recognize an Overheated Horse

While countries worldwide are recording the hottest summers to date, it’s undeniable that the heat of the sun is becoming unbearable to creatures of all shapes and sizes. Due to this, sunstroke and overheating have become very real threats. Just like humans, horses are also susceptible to overheating, especially during strenuous activities or in hot weather. Overheating, also known as heat stress or heat exhaustion, can pose serious health risks to a horse, even leading to life-threatening conditions if not addressed promptly. Knowing the signs of an overheated horse is crucial for all horse owners, riders, and caretakers to ensure the animal’s well-being. So here are some key indicators that your horse might be overheating.Heavy BreathingOne of the first signs of overheating in horses is rapid, heavy breathing. While an increased breathing rate is normal after physical activity, an overheated horse will continue to breathe heavily for an extended period, even after resting. This is the horse’s way of trying to cool down by expelling excess heat through its respiratory system. If you notice that your horse’s breathing doesn’t slow down after several minutes of rest or if it’s struggling to catch its breath, this could be a sign of heat stress.Excess SweatSweating is a horse's natural mechanism for cooling itself down, but excessive sweating can indicate overheating. You may notice large amounts of sweat, especially in areas such as the neck, chest, flanks, and behind the ears. In some cases, an overheated horse may even stop sweating, which is a critical warning sign. If your horse is sweating profusely or has suddenly stopped sweating despite high temperatures or activity, it’s time to take action.Elevated Heart RateA horse’s heart rate typically increases with exercise, but in an overheated horse, the heart rate remains elevated long after the activity has stopped. You can check your horse’s heart rate by placing your fingers under the jaw or at the horse’s girth area. A resting heart rate that stays above 60 beats per minute for more than 10 minutes is cause for concern.Lethargy and WeaknessOverheated horses often become lethargic and may appear weak or disoriented. They might be slow to respond to commands, stumble, or have difficulty standing. If your horse seems unusually tired or is moving sluggishly, especially after exertion in hot conditions, this is a potential sign of overheating.Loss of Appetite and ThirstAn overheated horse may lose interest in food and water, which is particularly dangerous since dehydration can worsen the situation. If your horse refuses to drink water or eat, it may be because it is already experiencing the effects of heat stress.Dry and Sticky Mucous MembranesCheck your horse’s gums and the inner lining of its mouth. In a healthy horse, these membranes are moist and pink. In an overheated horse, the membranes may feel dry or sticky and appear pale. This is a sign of dehydration and should be treated immediately.Muscle Stiffness and TremorsMuscle tremors, stiffness, or shaking can be symptoms of an overheated horse. These physical reactions occur because the horse’s body is struggling to regulate its temperature. If you notice your horse shaking or its muscles twitching uncontrollably, take immediate steps to cool it down.

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What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?

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Help! My Dog is Aggressive Over Toys! What Now?

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After all, we all want to create a safe and happy living environment for our dogs and the rest of the family. The earlier you address the issue, the easier it will be to modify your dog’s behavior.In the following sections, I’ll offer strategies and techniques to help you prevent and manage toy aggression that I have learned over my many years fostering rescue dogs. By understanding the underlying reasons for this behavior, managing the behavior to prevent trouble short-term, and training for long-term success, you can effectively address this common problem.Early Socialization and TrainingOne of the most effective ways to prevent resource guarding is through early socialization and training, which is excellent news if you’re bringing a young puppy home!Expose your young pup to various people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help them develop positive associations with different triggers and situations, ultimately reducing their fear and anxiety. It will help them be more comfortable in unknown situations instead of making them feel like they have to step up and protect themselves and their treasured belongings.Positive Reinforcement TechniquesChoosing the right approach to training is almost as important as the training process itself. Positive reinforcement is a powerful training method that rewards desired behaviors and creates positive associations.When your dog displays calm and relaxed behavior around their toys, reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. In time, your dog will begin associating sharing with positive things, reducing the likelihood of aggressive behavior.Why specifically positive reinforcement? Punishing or scolding your dog for guarding their toys can escalate their anxiety, making the problem worse.Basic Obedience CommandsIn addition to focusing on training specifically related to your dog’s resource guarding behaviors, you should continue working on obedience training. Many basic commands, such as “drop it” and “leave it,” will help you manage these situations.Throughout this training, the goal is to convince your dog to trade for something better. Practice these commands regularly, starting with having your dog leave low-value items in exchange for treats. As they show they are more willing to make the trade, gradually progress to higher-value items like toys.You can effectively prevent and manage their resource guarding by teaching your dog to hand over or drop items on cue.Desensitization and CounterconditioningAn extension of your dog’s training, desensitization and counterconditioning are powerful techniques used to help your dog overcome their fear and anxiety. As these feelings can trigger resource guarding or make a situation involving resource guarding even worse, they are important to acknowledge and address.If you have a dog who can share with others in some situations and not others, you will need to find the reason why. If your dog is in a situation where they are feeling fearful, they are more likely to try to feel the need to protect their belongings. These techniques involve gradually exposing your dog to their triggers while maintaining a calm and relaxed environment. These exposures are paired with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to create positive associations and teach them that the trigger does not need to be feared.For example, if you have a small dog afraid of large dogs, you may start by standing across a field from larger dogs while rewarding your dog for staying calm. Over time, you can slowly close the gap between them while praising and rewarding them for calm behavior. Eventually, your dog will be able to be close to larger dogs without feeling nervous or afraid because the emotions they feel when seeing them have been rewired – feeling excitement for the rewards they know they will receive instead of fear.When you have successfully worked through this process, your dog will no longer feel the need to guard their toys just because a larger dog comes near.Try Calming Products to Reduce Anxiety For dogs who experience heightened anxiety or stress, calming products can help them feel more relaxed temporarily while you work toward a longer-term solution. Calming treats infused with natural ingredients like chamomile or valerian root can help soothe your dog and promote relaxation. Another option is to use pheromone diffusers or sprays to mimic the calming pheromones that dogs naturally produce. These chemical signals tell the brain they are safe and secure, helping them feel calmer and relaxed in their surroundings. This can help prevent situations from escalating into something serious. For more severe cases of anxiety, I recommend consulting with your veterinarian about the potential benefits of CBD products specifically formulated for dogs.

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Rescue Dog Goes on Tour with Pink to Find Forever Home

We often hear about musicians and artists making an impact through financial donations or participating in charitable events. But a new heartwarming story of a dog’s search for his forever home has been capturing the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Graham Cracker was found by a young girl in the woods of Vilonia, Arkansas, with his mother and littermates. She had been sneaking food to the stray mama dog, trying to do what she could to help. After her mother found out about the dogs, she contacted a rescue team to find them and get the pups to safety. This was when their journey led the pups to The Bond Between, a non-profit rescue organization in Minnesota. But for Graham Cracker, this was just the beginning! On October 17th, an announcement on Instagram revealed that Graham Cracker had found a loving but very unique foster parent. After seeing the young pup’s adorable photos, Grammy-winner Pink invited the pup, who appears to be a Labrador Retriever mix, to join her and her family on tour. She went on to announce the decision to her fans during her St. Paul, MN show:“We rescued a puppy from this awesome organization called The Bond Between. His name is Graham Cracker. He’s currently peeing all over my dressing room,” Pink stated while seated at her piano on stage. “We’re actually – I haven’t told anybody this yet, but we’re gonna foster him for the tour, and he’s gonna go on this big carnival adventure with us.”

Can Cats Get Dandruff?

Dandruff is often associated with human scalp issues, but we aren’t the only ones who may struggle with this annoying condition. While it may not be as noticeable as it is in humans, our feline friends can also experience these white flakes.This condition is not only a nuisance, but it can also be a sign of underlying skin problems.In this blog post, I’ll explore the possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dandruff in cats. Learn what you can do to help keep your cat’s coat healthy and itch-free.What is Dandruff You’re likely familiar with the white flakes and itchiness of dandruff in people, but what exactly is dandruff anyway? This common condition, in both cats and humans, occurs when something irritates the skin, causing it to flake. The presence of flaking isn’t a serious health condition on its own; however, it could indicate a more severe underlying condition. Understanding the potential causes and what other warning signs to watch out for will help you prioritize your cat’s health and well-being. Symptoms of Cat Dandruff The most obvious symptom of dandruff in your cat is obviously the presence of white or grey flakes on their bedding or throughout the coat. However, there are other symptoms that may alert you that your cat is currently dealing with a problem. Some of the more common signs include: ItchingExcessive groomingDry, inflamed, or irritated skinGreasy coat Hair loss Of course, these are very general symptoms that could point to a wide range of health problems and complications. The key to getting the relief your cat needs is to identify and address the root cause. A quick-fix solution like a bath may work short-term, but the dandruff will return if the underlying problem isn’t taken care of. Causes of Dandruff in Cats Skin flaking can be traced back to a wide range of medical problems, environmental conditions, allergies, and other situations. This can make it challenging to pinpoint what your cat is currently experiencing and treat it accordingly. There are the most common causes and what to look out for to help you start to narrow down the problem: Difficulty Self-Grooming Cats are known for being incredibly clean and well-groomed animals. They are masters of self-grooming, often caring for themselves so well that they require little or no outside help to maintain their grooming needs. However, sometimes in a cat’s life, keeping up with self-grooming can become difficult or nearly impossible. If your cat is obese, experiencing senior aches and pains, or has recently suffered an injury or ailment that impacts their ability to bend, contort, or reach areas of their body, their grooming may suffer. When their grooming isn’t kept up, the skin becomes irritated, which can result in skin flaking. Skin Allergies or Irritation Another possible cause of skin-related problems is the presence of skin allergies, infections, or other irritations. This is a broad category, but it is also the most common of the possible reasons on this list. Your cat’s skin irritation could be caused by nearly anything, but some potential causes include being in a dry environment, environmental allergies, food allergies, or sores/rashes. Signs your cat may be suffering from skin irritation include: Licking, scratching, or biting the skin Fur loss OvergroomingDull or brittle coat appearance SwellingScabs or bumps While skin irritation may not seem serious, it can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Even if the irritation isn’t causing flaking or dandruff, it’s best to address it and give your cat some much-needed relief. Trapped Undercoat Just like dogs, cats shed. However, for some reason, this part of cat ownership isn’t talked about nearly as frequently. As your cat sheds, the dead fur either falls out, collecting on the floor, bedding, and other surfaces in your home or becomes trapped in the coat. Regular brushing removes this dead fur. However, if you aren’t brushing to remove it, the fur can build up and cause skin irritation and other issues. Nutritional IssuesThe food your cat eats directly impacts their health and well-being, including their skin and coat condition. If your cat’s current diet isn’t providing the nutritional balance they require, you may notice changes in the quality of their fur. For example, a diet that doesn’t provide enough protein to support fur growth can cause hair loss or give their coat a dry, brittle appearance. Meanwhile, a diet that fails to provide essential fatty acids can lead to dull, dry fur and greasy skin. As your cat’s diet can impact so much more than their coat, this could be an early warning sign that you must make changes. Take a moment to reassess the food and treats your cat is given on a daily basis. Is it a nutritionally balanced diet? If something is missing, are there supplements you can add to their diet to account for this? If you’re unsure about whether your current food selection is the best option, consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. Finally, water consumption is an often-overlooked element of your cat’s nutrition and diet. Cats are prone to suffering from dehydration, which can cause dry skin and skin flaking. Ensure your cat consumes enough water daily, either through drinking water or offering high moisture content in their food. External Parasites Of course, we can’t address potential skin problems without discussing the unwanted parasites your cat may encounter. Fleas, ticks, mites, and other external parasites often live on or in your cat’s skin, referred to as an infestation. Depending on the parasite, they may bite your cat to feed (like fleas and ticks) or burrow into the skin (mites/mange), causing itching, irritation, and discomfort. They may also introduce infections or illnesses. The best course of action to avoid dealing with these parasites is to ensure your cat is on a preventative. However, if they are already experiencing an infestation, you may need to take steps to eliminate the current pests. Over-the-counter products like shampoos are available, but I recommend contacting your vet to assess the severity of the problem and ensure that you’re taking the right steps to clear it up as quickly as possible. Medical Conditions Several medical conditions could cause changes to your cat’s skin and coat condition. Examples include hyperthyroidism, heart disease, kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Of course, if your cat suffers from one of these medical conditions, you need to identify the problem and start treatment as quickly as possible. In addition to dandruff, other warning signs to watch out for include: Weight loss Loss of appetite Vomiting or diarrhea Abdominal painBad breath Fever Excessive thirstWeakness or lack of energy Coughing or difficulty breathingThe only way to rule out medical conditions like those listed above is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Come to the appointment with a complete list of the symptoms you have observed and why you are concerned. This will help paint a better picture for your vet of what is happening, helping them reach a diagnosis. Your vet will either rule out these problems or identify the medical issue and recommend the best treatment options.

Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

We often refer to our cat’s noses as adorable and irresistible, but have you ever stopped to consider what else they can tell us? Those cute “boopable” snouts are complex organs with many vital functions, including breathing, smelling, and regulating body temperature. They can also serve as a barometer of their overall health, warning us when something’s wrong. A persistently dry nose can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Understanding the potential causes and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for ensuring your cat is happy and healthy. This guide will explore the common reasons for a dry nose in cats and how to determine if it’s a cause for concern (as not all dry noses are). We’ll also discuss additional factors related to your cat’s nasal health and how to keep your feline friend feeling their best. Why Are Cat Noses Wet? Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or have had cats for years, you’re likely familiar with the wetness that most cats have on their noses. But why exactly are their noses wet?When you touch a healthy cat’s nose, they often feel slightly wet and cool. This wetness could result from several factors, including sweat, licking their noses, drinking water, drainage from their tear ducts, or outside environmental factors (like rain and snow). Their noses are obviously used to breathe and smell things, just like humans. However, there is one significant difference: A wet nose can help keep your cat cool on a hot day. Our kitties don’t sweat all over like we do. Instead, they sweat solely through their noses and paw pads. Luckily for your cat, that wet nose can improve their sense of smell. When scent particles come in contact with the damp surface of their nose, they stick. This allows your cat to get an even better whiff of whatever smell they have encountered. Causes of Dry Nose in Cats Your cat’s nose may be a little dry or even cracked for several reasons, ranging from everyday experiences to potentially life-threatening health complications. To identify whether your cat’s dry nose is an issue, you’ll need to watch for other symptoms of trouble. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry nose in cats and what to look out for: It’s Your Cat’s “Normal” I will list a wide variety of reasons to consider here, but first, let’s get this one out of the way. Some cats will have a dryer nose naturally, even when they are completely healthy. You know your cat best. If you have kept up with your cat’s annual vet visits, been given the all-clear, and your cat still has a dry nose, it may be the way it is. Dry Air Conditions One of the most common causes of a dry nose is the air conditions in your home. Whether you are running the central heating system excessively during the cold of winter or relying heavily on the air conditioning unit during the summer, you can unintentionally create dry air conditions in the home. While dry air doesn’t require an emergency vet visit, it is something that you should address. Dry air can cause many problems for both you and your cat, including dry skin and respiratory issues. One of the easiest ways to correct the problem is to purchase a warm or cool mist air humidifier. Close Proximity to a Heat Source Do you have a cat who enjoys sleeping on the air vents or in front of your fireplace? Your cat’s dry nose may simply be the result of the moisture drying up while basking in the heat. Given a bit of time, the moisture will return on its own. If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on your cat to ensure everything returns to normal and no other underlying causes are at play. Dehydration Cats are notoriously bad for not drinking enough water, resulting in many living in various states of dehydration. If your cat isn’t taking in as much water as they need, they may not have the moisture to sweat as much, resulting in a dry nose. Unaddressed, this could lead to severe consequences, including organ failure, heat stroke, cardiac problems, or neurological damage. Additional signs of dehydration to watch out for include: Sticky, pale gums Sunken eyesLoss of appetiteDark colored urine ConstipationLethargy Weakness or collapseThere are many potential causes of dehydration, including health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Call your vet and share your concerns. To prevent dehydration, consider feeding canned food or a mix of canned food and kibble to include more fluids in their diet. Try different water bowls, water bowl locations, or water fountains to find your cat's preferred arrangement. Our cats use the Catit Flower Fountain, which has significantly increased their water intake!Sunburned Nose Think back to the last time you suffered a sunburn. You can probably recall how dry the damaged skin felt. We often overlook the risks of the sun’s UV rays because our cats are protected by their fur. However, some body parts are still left exposed – including the nose. Other signs your cat has suffered a sunburn include swelling, redness, irritation, or skin flaking. Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, they may still be exposed to sun damage while basking in the hat indoors. You can reduce the risk of sunburn by closing the blinds to keep the sun out, installing a UV protective window film, or using a pet-friendly sunscreen on your cat’s nose.

Elephants Might Use Unique Names For Each Other, Just Like Us Humans

It seems that humans are not the only ones in the animal world to use personal names – according to a revolutionary new study, African elephants also refer to one another through unique sounds. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that elephants can hear their own names over long distances, across the African savanna, and that they speak to one another through a series of low rumbles. The scientific team also reveals that elephants can learn to recognize and call to their mates using their “personal” names, instead of just basic sounds.“Here we present evidence that wild African elephants address one another with individually specific calls, probably without relying on imitation of the receiver,” the study reads.In order to achieve these impressive results, the study used machine learning to demonstrate that the receiver of a call could be predicted from the call’s acoustic structure, regardless of how similar the call was to the receiver’s vocalizations.A herd of African elephants was followed in jeeps in the wild, at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, in order to closely observe their behavior and how they call out, and who responds."We've had several incidents where we've been with these elephants and the matriarch of the family will give a call, and everyone in the family will answer,” co-author and Colorado State University ecologist George Wittemyer, said to ITV News. "Then several seconds later, she'll give seemingly a very similar call and nobody in the family would answer except one individual."Researchers then played these recordings of the individual names to elephants and learned that the animals responded more enthusiastically by flapping their ears and lifting their trunks, whenever they heard their own names. “Just like humans, elephants use names, but probably don’t use names in the majority of utterances, so we wouldn’t expect 100%,” study author and Cornell University biologist Mickey Pardo added. Scientists say that animals with complex social structures and close-knit families are more likely to use personal names, as it helps them to be reunited if separated. “If you’re looking after a large family, you’ve got to be able to say, ‘Hey, Virginia, get over here!’ ” Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm said.“Elephants are incredibly social, always talking and touching each other - this naming is probably one of the things that underpins their ability to communicate to individuals,” Wittemyer added, “We just cracked open the door a bit to the elephant mind.”

Researcher Warns: Pet Cats and Dogs Are at Risk of Getting Bird Flu

The recent bird flu outbreak has spread like wildfire through dairy cows in the United States, affecting more than 90 herds in 12 states. In addition to cows, several other species and at least three farmworkers got infected. The outbreak that has been sickening and killing wild birds has also caused mounting casualties in cats. In fact, on some dairy farms, sick and dead cats were the first sign that something was wrong.Data shows that at least 21 cats in nine states have caught the disease since the first dairy cow outbreak was detected in March. For scientists, it’s no secret that cats are highly susceptible to bird flu viruses. A few years ago, a new type of bird flu virus, known as H5N1 emerged. The new strain spread quickly around the world, infecting different types of mammals, including cats.“Domestic cats are actually highly susceptible to avian influenza, and essentially H5N1,” said Kristen Coleman, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Maryland. “But there has been a recent uptick in domestic cat infections, a drastic uptick.”There have also been several reports of infected dogs.For now, bird flu infections in pets remain rare, but they can be detrimental, especially in cats. Coleman warns that infected cats can develop symptoms that oftentimes cause death.Bird flu is a very serious infection that must be taken seriously. Luckily, there are several ways pet parents can prevent their cats and dogs from contracting the infection.Cats infected on dairy farms became sick after drinking unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, which contained very high levels of the virus. However, this isn’t the first time cats come into contact with bird flu.Even before the recent dairy cow outbreak, there were reports of infected cats. These cats probably got the virus after they came into contact with infected birds. Felines infected by the bird flu usually become extremely sick, and in several instances, the mortality rate was alarmingly high. Coleman found that the new version of H5N1 has a 67% death rate in domestic cats. These findings are available in a preliminary form on MedRxiv and are awaiting peer review. Infected cats mostly develop fevers, loss of appetite, and respiratory issues, which may include difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and pneumonia. Neurological symptoms also accompany the infection, including tremors, stiffness, and seizures. Often, the symptoms of bird flu are confused with rabies.Some cats remain asymptomatic, but scientists still don’t know how often that happens since these mild cases often remain undiagnosed. Scientists still don’t know whether cats can transmit the newest version of bird flu to people and other animals. But, previous studies have shown that they can spread some bird flu viruses to other cats and people. In addition to cats, dogs are at risk, too. But the good news is that dogs seem to be less susceptible to the virus than cats. In a recent study, researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 200 hunting dogs, looking for antibodies that would show that the dogs previously had been infected by bird flu. The results showed that only four dogs had antibodies. None of those dogs developed any symptoms or transferred the virus to other canines in their home. These findings suggest that the virus doesn’t affect dogs the same way it affects cats. According to experts, indoor-only pets are at an extremely low risk of getting bird flu. However, owners should still avoid feeding their pets raw meat or raw milk, which could transmit the virus. When it comes to outdoor pets, keep them away from sick or dead birds. Removing bird feeders and baths can also help stop the spread of the disease. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Get Cat Odor Out of the Carpet?

Cats are incredible companions and loving family members, but bringing a feline friend into your home can sometimes come with some unpleasant and unwanted odors. If you’ve ever dealt with the scent of cat urine or other feline-related odors in your carpet, you know how frustrating it can be.Fortunately, there are many effective methods to eliminate these odors and leave your carpet smelling clean and fresh, including both commercial cleaning products and DIY solutions.In this post, I will share techniques and tips to help you banish cat odor from your carpet once and for all, whether fresh or dried. Plus, I’ll address cleaning methods for other surfaces in your home that may be hanging onto odors, like blankets, clothing, and hard surfaces.Being a cat parent doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a clean home!Why Does Cat Urine Smell So Bad?If you have ever shared a space with a cat, you know cat urine has a distinct smell. This means not only bathroom accidents but even the scent of the urine in their litterbox. What gives it such a pungent odor? There are several reasons why this happens.Cats are believed to have evolved from desert animals, meaning their bodies have adapted to survive in hot climates with limited hydration. Their bodies are more effective at absorbing and retaining water to lower the risk of dehydration. As a result, their urine is much more concentrated than, for example, our urine. This makes the odor more prominent.As the urine sits, whether in a litter box or on your carpet, bacteria break down the urea in the urine. This process releases smelly gases that carry the characteristic ammonia smell. The longer the urine sits, the more it will break down and the more pungent that smell will become.Factors that Could Make Your Cat’s Urine Smell WorseWhile cat urine is known to have an unpleasant ammonia smell, there are factors that could make that smell less noticeable (or even worse). This doesn’t eliminate the risk of cat odor in your carpets, but it is an important consideration when trying to limit the smells in your home. If you have noticed your cat’s pee has a stronger or more unpleasant smell than usual, here are a few things you should consider:Urine ConcentrationWe mentioned that cat urine is more concentrated, but this doesn’t mean it can’t become even stronger and more intense in some cases. This is usually the result of severe dehydration (your cat isn’t drinking enough water) or kidney disease and complications that impact your cat’s ability to process or absorb water. Consider it a red flag if you notice the smell from your cat’s litter box is stronger than usual.Feline DiabetesIf your cat suffers from feline diabetes, their body fails to process and regulate sugar levels properly. This can make their urine smell sweeter or give it a fruity scent. On one hand, this may seem more pleasant as the smell is less troublesome than the typical ammonia smell. But it is a sign of health complications that should be addressed for your cat’s health and well-being.Urinary Tract Infection Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in cats, especially as they age. If your cat suffers from a UTI, their urine may have a more pungent or fishy odor. UTIs also impact your cat’s ability to pee normally, which can lead to more accidents outside of the box. The good news is that these infections are usually easy to treat. With antibiotics, most cats recover in 7 to 10 days. However, you need to contact your veterinarian to start the treatment process.DietYour cat's food can directly impact their waste, changing the smell of your cat’s urine. For example, you may notice a stronger ammonia smell if they eat a high-protein diet. If you recently noticed a change in the scent of your cat’s urine, take a moment to reconsider what they have been eating lately (including both food and treats), and you may identify the cause.Medical ConcernsThere are several illnesses and diseases that could change the way your cat’s urine smells. It could be because the illness impacts their kidney function or changes the chemical composition of their urine. The only way to rule out medical explanations is by making an appointment with your veterinarian.

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