Is ‘wool sucking’ behavior inherited in cats?

Each year, the Winn Feline Foundation receives proposals from veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in improving feline health. To date, Winn’s cumulative total in feline health research funding exceeds $4 million. Forty-four proposals were submitted by researchers seeking funding in this review cycle. This year, our team of veterinary consultants helped Winn select 10 projects for funding, for a total of $174,018. Here is one of those projects:

W12-040
“Wool sucking” behavior in Siamese and Birman cats
Investigators: Nicholas Dodman, Edward Ginns; Tufts University

“Wool sucking” is a behavioral condition that involves the repetitive searching, suckling, chewing and ingestion of non-food items. While items made of wool can be the preferred substrate, cats may also seek out and chew items made of cotton, rubber, nylon, paper, cardboard and plastic. A negative consequence of this behavior is breakdown of the human-animal bond due to owners’ frustration with property damage. In its most severe form, the cat cannot be maintained safely as an indoor cat. While wool sucking behavior can occur in any cat breed, the incidence is higher in oriental breeds, suggesting a genetic susceptibility. To identify potential genetic components of the compulsive “wool sucking” behavior in cats, DNA samples will be collected via saliva from normal and affected Siamese and Birman cats. Since “wool sucking” is an excellent animal model of human obsessive-compulsive behaviors, the identification of a genetic cause could lead to development of carrier testing, as well as better treatment options for both cats and humans with these disorders.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

Each year, the Winn Feline Foundation receives proposals from veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in improving feline health. To date, Winn’s cumulative total in feline health research funding exceeds $4 million. Forty-four proposals were submitted by researchers seeking funding in this review cycle. This year, our team of veterinary consultants helped Winn select 10 projects for funding, for a total of $174,018. Here is one of those projects:

W12-040
“Wool sucking” behavior in Siamese and Birman cats
Investigators: Nicholas Dodman, Edward Ginns; Tufts University

“Wool sucking” is a behavioral condition that involves the repetitive searching, suckling, chewing and ingestion of non-food items. While items made of wool can be the preferred substrate, cats may also seek out and chew items made of cotton, rubber, nylon, paper, cardboard and plastic. A negative consequence of this behavior is breakdown of the human-animal bond due to owners’ frustration with property damage. In its most severe form, the cat cannot be maintained safely as an indoor cat. While wool sucking behavior can occur in any cat breed, the incidence is higher in oriental breeds, suggesting a genetic susceptibility. To identify potential genetic components of the compulsive “wool sucking” behavior in cats, DNA samples will be collected via saliva from normal and affected Siamese and Birman cats. Since “wool sucking” is an excellent animal model of human obsessive-compulsive behaviors, the identification of a genetic cause could lead to development of carrier testing, as well as better treatment options for both cats and humans with these disorders.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Read the Cat Health News Weekly
Join us on Google+

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Dog and Cat Relationships

Feuerstein N, Terkel J. Interrelationships of dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus L.) living under the same roof Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2008;113(1-3):150-165.

In the process of domestication, both dogs and cats have undergone genetic changes to adapt to living with humans. However, concerns over the ability of the two species to communicate are based on their separate evolutionary development and their different social structures. In this study, the interrelationships of dogs and cats living together were studied by means of a questionnaire and by direct observation of dog-cat interactions. The study found that dogs and cats have the ability to establish amicable relationships, and the ability is not based on the animal's gender. Adoption of the cat prior to the dog appeared to be conducive to establishing an amicable relationship. It is also helpful if the first encounter takes place before the age of 6 months in cats and 1 year in dogs.
>> ScienceDirect Abstract

Related articles:
Marder A, Duxbury MM. Obtaining a pet: realistic expectations. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. Sep 2008;38(5):1145-1162, viii.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Feuerstein N, Terkel J. Interrelationships of dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus L.) living under the same roof Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2008;113(1-3):150-165.

In the process of domestication, both dogs and cats have undergone genetic changes to adapt to living with humans. However, concerns over the ability of the two species to communicate are based on their separate evolutionary development and their different social structures. In this study, the interrelationships of dogs and cats living together were studied by means of a questionnaire and by direct observation of dog-cat interactions. The study found that dogs and cats have the ability to establish amicable relationships, and the ability is not based on the animal's gender. Adoption of the cat prior to the dog appeared to be conducive to establishing an amicable relationship. It is also helpful if the first encounter takes place before the age of 6 months in cats and 1 year in dogs.
>> ScienceDirect Abstract

Related articles:
Marder A, Duxbury MM. Obtaining a pet: realistic expectations. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. Sep 2008;38(5):1145-1162, viii.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More