For Cat Owners

Dementia in cats is similar to humans

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Scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and California, UK Dementia Research Institute and Scottish Brain Sciences studied the brains of 25 cats who showed signs of dementia after they had passed away. They found that there was a build-up of the toxic protein amyloid-beta in the brains of cats with the condition, which is one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

This finding will help scientists determine if the treatments for humans with dementia may help cats, dogs and other pets who suffer from dementia. Unlike rodents, cats naturally develop the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The research may lead to treatments for pets.

Journal Reference:

Robert I. McGeachan, Lucy Ewbank, Meg Watt, Lorena Sordo, Alexandra Malbon, Muhammad Khalid F. Salamat, Makis Tzioras, Joao Miguel De Frias, Jane Tulloch, Fiona Houston, Danièlle Gunn‐Moore, Tara L. Spires‐Jones. Amyloid‐Beta Pathology Increases Synaptic Engulfment by Glia in Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: A Naturally Occurring Model of Alzheimer\’s Disease. European Journal of Neuroscience, 2025; 62 (3) DOI: 10.1111/ejn.70180

Cite This Page:

University of Edinburgh. “How cats with dementia could help crack the Alzheimer’s puzzle.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 August 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083611.htm>.

Breeding Dogs Part 8

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Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase. The following is the last (eighth) part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are like puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Eight

The Stud

As the owner of a male dog that you wish to stud, you have responsibilities as well. As stated in Part One, only the best bitches and males should be bred. The only reason to breed is to better the breed.

The male should be evaluated by an ethical breeder to determine that he is the quality to breed. This should also be reflected by wins in either the conformation show ring or as a working dog in working competitions.

The male dog must have all the medical testing that the bitch has, to include all genetic issues that the breed may have. A temperament test is also necessary.

As the owner of the stud, you may be required to board the bitch for breeding. Often when two dogs are kept for breeding, they both will cry, howl and bark day and night.

Do you know how to handle the problem bitch who does not want to be bred or the male who has not been bred before and needs help?

Are you qualified to judge a five-generation pedigree to determine if the bitch is a good match with your stud dog?

If the owner of the bitch is not experienced, are you qualified to advise the owner about whelping, raising puppies and selling them?

Do you know at what point in the bitch’s season is the correct time to breed them and how often?

What kind of guarantee will you give to the owner of the bitch? If the breeding doesn’t take, will you provide your stud in six months for a re-breeding?

Are you prepared, if the owner of the bitch cannot cope with the litter, to take the litter and be responsible for caring for and selling the puppies? It has happened where the owner of the litter dumps the entire litter on the owner of the stud.

In conclusion for both male and female dog owners. Keep in mind that there are only so many people willing to own a dog. The shelters are loaded with dogs and cats that people have given up for many reasons. Often because they got tired of caring for the pet, or an elderly family member passed away, and no one wants the pet. Some dogs and cats are put up for adoption because the owners could not deal with the level of energy or could or would not train the pet to be a well-behaved companion. Every breeder or stud dog owner who produces a puppy or kitten, potentially condemns one to death. Therefore, make sure that you have a good reason for breeding. I am not saying that you should not breed, we need different breeds to perform the many jobs that they do for us but be sure that the puppies you produce are the best and worth it.

Breeding Dogs Part 6

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Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase. The following is the sixth part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Six

Many people who opt to breed their bitch do not fully grasp the amount of care that a litter of puppies requires. Once the litter is more than two weeks old, the real work starts. First, the litter must be kept in a place in your home that is easy to access and to clean. It is usually a whelping box and then a confined area in the home.

Typically, puppies will dump their food and water. They also eliminate in their area which needs to be cleaned and disinfected continually. If you do not clean the area quickly, the puppies will walk, roll or lay in their messes. If that happens then you will have to clean the puppies as well as their area. If their area is not disinfected the area and possibly your house will start to have an unpleasant odor and be unhealthy for the puppies. Even if you have an exercise pen outside to put the puppies for an hour or so, that area must be cleaned as well.

The breeder must be home for the puppies most of the day. Young, weaned puppies must be fed four times a day.

By the time the puppies are six weeks old they will need a veterinarian visit to check for worms and get their first shots. Remember, this cost will be times the number of puppies in the litter.

When the puppies are eight weeks old it is time to bring the litter to the breeder that is your mentor for evaluation. You need to do this so that you can price your puppies fairly. Not all puppies in a litter are show quality or working quality. A male puppy may only have one testicle descended; another puppy may not have the correct structure or have an improper bite. Another may have a bad topline or is cow hocked, and the rest may not be bad but are not outstanding either. If you are lucky, one puppy in the litter may be show quality.

Breeding dogs, fourth installment

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Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase.The following is the fourth part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Four

If after careful thought you decide to breed your bitch, the process has just begun. First, if you purchased your dog from an ethical breeder, you should go back to your breeder to find out if your bitch is breeding quality. This will involve studying her pedigree or family tree. It is a good idea to consult with a few breeders. Find out what your dog’s good points and faults are.

You want to find out what inherited problems are associated with your breed. Next you want to consult with your veterinarian to arrange for any tests that are available to evaluate your dog. This could mean having your dog X-rayed for hip dysplasia and then registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). If your breed has a tendency for eye problems, you will need to have a canine ophthalmologist examine your dog and then register your dog with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. You may also want your dog temperament tested by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. These are just three examples of the type of tests that are required for ethical breeding. 

Your veterinarian should also check your dog for worms including heartworms (if your dog has not been on a monthly preventative), and any other disease that may cause problems with breeding or the puppies.

If a number of breeders have determined that your bitch is worthy to breed, you want to further prove your bitch by entering and winning a few conformation shows or working competitions even if it is only an obedience competition.

Next on the recommendation of the breeders that you have consulted, you want to seek out a decent stud dog. The stud dog should have had all the tests necessary for the breed. If possible, you want to match the lines of the stud dog so that they are compatible with the lines of your bitch. The stud dog should have been proven in several ways, such as having sired quality litters before, won dog shows or working trials. The stud dog should have at least the same qualifications as your bitch, ideally more. 

When your bitch comes in season let the owner of the stud dog know. There will be a stud fee and if necessary, a boarding fee while your bitch stays with the breeder of the stud dog. It is important that you have written contracts between you and the owner of the stud that outline what guarantees you are entitled to for the stud fee. In some cases, artificial insemination may be required. If this method is used, the litter is usually small.

Stud fees vary from a cash payment and/or first pick of the litter. If your breed is not known for having more than one or two puppies in a litter, this could mean you will only have one or no puppies to sell yourself.

Be prepared to make several trips to the stud dog for the breeding. It does not happen with one breeding.

Breeding Dogs Part 3

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Understanding the breeding process will help you identify the quality of the puppy or dog that you wish to purchase.The following is the third part in a series of eight articles about breeding dogs. Although it applies to a dog, it also applies to cats. People do not realize that there are cat mills which are similar to puppy mills. Note that these articles are based on my years of experience, my opinion and that I do not intend to refer to any individual. Please read the entire eight articles to glean a full understanding of breeding.

Part Three

There are six types of breeders.

  1. There is the ethical breeder who studies lines and has a goal that they hope to accomplish with a breeding. This goal can be for a litter who has a solid temperament, true working ability or just to meet show standards. It is important to understand that temperament and intelligence are the two qualities that make a dog a good pet or working dog. A dog who meets the conformation standard without a good temperament or intelligence is not a desirable pet or working dog.  

Ethical breeders are typically involved with a breed club or organization that monitors the ethics of the breeder. The ethical breeder does not produce multiple litters at one time and often only has one or two litters a year. They do not breed their dogs before they are tested for inherited issues or are under two years old. The ethical breeder will only breed those dogs who are worthy of breeding having been cleared of inherited issues and has been proven as the best quality for the breed. Only exceptional dogs are bred.

Ethical breeders often have waiting lists for puppies because their lines have been proven. They also only line breed or outcross. They rarely if ever inbreed.

The ethical breeder rarely makes a profit from their dogs due to the expenses of raising, testing and proving their dogs. Their litters are consistent in temperament, health and conformation. The ethical breeder will often guarantee the quality of their puppies and puppies from an ethical breeder are registered with a recognized registry.

  • The new breeder. Everyone must start sometime. A small in-home breeder who is being mentored by an experienced breeder can be a quality, ethical breeder. Not every breeder has a large kennel. Most ethical breeders have several dogs that live in their house with them as pets. A home-raised puppy from an ethical breeder is an ideal situation to get your new puppy from. The quality of the breeding is not measured by the number of dogs a breeder has, but by the care, planning and goals of the breeder.
  • The commercial breeder mass produces puppies from a limited number of dogs. Their puppies are often registered with a national registry, but the care and planning of the lines do not exist. Their goal is to make money so they often shortcut the testing and care of their dogs including the puppies. Their puppies are not from proven stock, are not consistent in temperament, health and conformation. These breeders will produce the breeds that are popular and likely to sell.  
  • The puppy mill breeder. These people breed solely for profit. The dogs are often kept in cages and rarely given attention. They are not part of the family but viewed as livestock. They do no testing or planning and have no goals except to produce puppies and make money. Often these puppies are not pure and are not registered or if they are, they are registered with a non-recognized organization that supports puppy mills.

These puppies are often not consistent in temperament, conformation and are more prone to health issues.

  • The backyard breeder. This is the person who thinks they can make money from their pet. Due to a lack of understanding about breeding these puppies are one step away from the puppy mill breeder. The parents have no health testing; there is no consistency in the litter since they are randomly bred with no understanding of genetics. There is also no guarantee with the puppy.
  • The last type of breeder is a rather recent phenomenon. This is the designer dog breeder. These people take two different breeds and try to create a dog of their own design. There is no consistency in the puppies that result because they do not have a solid goal. One of the excuses these people use is to create an allergy free dog. Because allergies are not a result of dog hair but of dander, this is not possible. All dogs have dander. Unfortunately, since there is no consistent conformation with designer dogs, there is no way other than a DNA test, to prove that the dogs are the mix that the breeder claims. I have had clients come to me with a dog that was supposed to be a Labradoodle, and the dog grew up to be a terrier. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee the puppies, and the buyer cannot know for certain that they are getting what they paid for. Also, it is unfortunate that these breeders charge as much or more for the mixed breed puppies as a buyer would pay for a well-bred puppy from an ethical breeder. These puppies are not registered or if they are, they are not registered with a recognized organization.

What is also important to consider is that a person who has a well-bred dog from an ethical breeder is not likely to cross this quality dog with another breed. Therefore, by default, many designer dogs are created from less desirable stock.

A Curious Kind of Love

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A Curious Kind of Love by J.K. Findle, $9.99, 40 pgs, 8/12 x 11, available on Amazon.

One day a beautiful cross-eyed lynx point Siamese cat showed up on J.K. Findle’s driveway. The author saw the cat, but when the author went out to see the cat, he ran away. Over the next few weeks the cat came to trust Findle, who left food outside for him. One day the cat, whom the author named Phantom, walked into the trap to eat food.

Once caught J.K. Findle took the cat to the veterinarian where he was examined and given a clean bill of health. It turns out that lynx point Siamese cats often have crossed eyes, so it was not a medical issue.

This delightful book is suitable for children, tells the heartwarming story about Phantom, which Findle adopted. With many photos and a detailed account of Phantom’s life, the author shows us how a very special bond developed between them.

I purchased this book for my grandson’s, 8 and 10, who have three cats of their own. I can’t wait to give it to them. The size of the book makes it easy for children to hold and allowed the author to include larger photos. It is written so that a youngster who is at reading age can read the book on their own.

I highly recommend this book for both adults and children. It illustrates how an adopted cat can be a very special companion. It also illustrates how cats can be very special pets.

Most cats sleep on their left side

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A team of scientists from the University of Bari Aldo Moro (Italy), Ruhr University Bochum, Medical School Hamburg and other partners in Germany, Canada, Switzerland and Turkey conducted a study to see which side most cats sleep on and why.

They concluded that cats sleep on their left side because they can perceive their surrounding when they wake up with their left visual field. This is processed in the right hemisphere of the brain which specializes in spatial awareness. This allows the cat to quickly process information about predators. Therefore it is a survival strategy.

Journal Reference:

Sevim Isparta, Sebastian Ocklenburg, Marcello Siniscalchi, Charlotte Goursot, Catherine L. Ryan, Tracy A. Doucette, Patrick R. Reinhardt, Reghan Gosse, Özge Şebnem Çıldır, Serenella d’Ingeo, Nadja Freund, Onur Güntürkün, Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas. Lateralized sleeping positions in domestic cats. Current Biology, 2025; 35 (12): R597 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.043

Cite This Page:

Ruhr-University Bochum. “Why cats prefer sleeping on their left side—and how it might help them survive.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 June 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081533.htm>.

Why I wrote my books

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Many people ask what inspired me to write the books that I did, therefore I am going to post a series of blogs explaining why I wrote each book. Also, if you, my loyal readers have a suggestion for a book or an article, please feel free to let me know. I cannot promise that I will write it, but you never know.

I will not comment on my books in the order that they were written but I will cover them all.

The first book that I get the most inquiries about is Faithful Friends: Holocaust Survivors’ Stories of the Pets Who Gave Them Comfort, Suffered Alongside Them, and Waited for Their Return.

This book has won several national awards. They are:

2012: First Place, Dog Writers Association of America.

2012: Second Place Winner, National League of American Pen

                   Women

2012: Finalist, Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers Arthur Award

2012: Certificate of Excellence, Cat Writers Association of America.

The inspiration for this book came from the Diary of Anne Frank. That may be a surprise, but in that account the family risked their lives to hide their cat with them. Had the cat made noise, they could have been discovered. Keep in mind that there was only a wooden floor separating them in the upper room from the people who worked downstairs. There was no insulation to deaden sound.

This made me wonder if there were other stories about pets. I had hoped to get stories about all kinds of animals but only those people who owned dogs and cats responded to my request.

What was amazing to me is that when I interviewed survivors, all of them thanked me for asking and giving them closure. Closure? Then I realized that all the people who responded where children in WWII. They loved their pets just as much as people today, but with all the fear and trauma that they were in the middle of, no one wanted to hear about the fate of pets when so many people were being taken and killed.

The book is broken down by country and in the beginning of each chapter I give a brief outline of what was happening at that time. When younger people read this book, they may not fully understand that there was no television, no computers, and in many cases, no telephone. The only news was through newspapers which were controlled by the Nazi’s and full of propaganda. Many people did not get the newspaper. In many cases the only way people learned about what was happening was by the most unreliable means, word of mouth.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy you can get an autographed copy from my website, www.sbulanda.com  It is also available (not autographed) on Amazon or from the publisher. Please go to my publisher’s website, www.cladach.com to see all their wonderful books.

Genetic and Environmental Drivers of Disease

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Lead animal scientist Antonia Mataragka of the Agricultural University of Athens has conducted a study that explores the increase in chronic diseases in the animal kingdom. These same diseases are found in both animals and humans.

For example, obesity is widespread in dogs and cats. Being overweight leads to a greater number of cats who develop diabetes. About 20% of pigs develop osteoarthritis, beluga whales have an increase of gastrointestinal cancers and farmed Atlantic salmon suffer from cardiomyopathy. It doesn’t end there, up to 25% of wildlife living in polluted estuaries are developing liver tumors. Even

Marine turtles and fish are developing more tumors.

Mataragka hopes that her research will encourage more coordinated monitoring of both animals, people and ecosystems to identify early warning signs by recognizing shared causes of chronic illnesses and reduce disease risks for both animals and people.

Antonia Mataragka. Beyond Infections: The Growing Crisis of Chronic Disease in Animals. Risk Analysis, 2025; DOI: 10.1111/risa.70130

Society for Risk Analysis. “Animals are developing the same chronic diseases as humans.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 November 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105735.htm>.

Entertain your cat while you’re at work

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Some cat owners worry that while they are away at work that their cat will sleep all day and become sedentary. There are a few tricks that you can do to entertain your cat during the day or when you are away.

Adopting another cat if you only have one, may be the solution. This works very well if the cat is still a kitten or younger. Two young cats will play and entertain themselves quite nicely. As they get older, they will provide company for each other. If you have an older cat, be sure to introduce the cats by keeping the new cat in a room alone. You will know when it is time to let the two cats get together when the resident cat sits by the door where the new cat is being kept. Do not force the cats to interact, let them do it on their own.  

Cats love to explore boxes and paper bags. You can design a maze of boxes by cutting holes in the sides and attaching them together. You can also leave open paper bags (shopping size) around the house.

Making a window available for a cat, either with a chair, wide window sill or a cat perch designed for a window is also a way for a cat to enjoy being alone. If you hang a bird feeder outside the window the cat will enjoy watching the birds for hours. Make sure that the available window is by a sunny side of the room because cats love to sit in the sun.

If there are no dogs in the house, you can hide cat treats for the cat to find. Do not let the cat see you hide the treats the cat may get wise to the treat hiding game. If your cat gets wise to the game, lock the cat in one room while you hide the treats. Your cat will have a lot of fun hunting for the treats.

Be sure to include lots of toys for your cat to play with. Adding new and different toys will keep the cat interested. You can remove a few toys each week and add different ones, rotating the toys will make the old ones seem new to the cat.

Some cats enjoy soothing music, such as classical music or easy listening music. If your cat likes music play it while you are gone.

With a little thought and planning you can keep your cat happy and entertained while you are away. Your cat will appreciate it and help prevent separation anxiety.