The CAT GAP

 

Cat gap

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The cat gap is a period in the fossil record of approximately 25 million to 18.5 million years ago in which there are few fossils of cats or cat-like species found in North America. The cause of the "cat gap" is disputed, but it may have been caused by changes in the climate (global cooling), changes in the habitat and environmental ecosystem, the increasingly hypercarnivorous trend of the cats (especially the nimravids), volcanic activity, evolutionary changes in dental morphology of the Canidae species present in North America, or a periodicity of extinctions called van der Hammen cycles.^[1]

Cat evolution[edit]

Main article: Felidae § Evolution

Feliform evolutionary timeline

All modern carnivorans, including cats, evolved from miacoids, which existed from approximately 66 to 33 million years ago. There were other earlier cat-like species but Proailurus (meaning "before the cat"; also called "Leman's Dawn Cat"), which appeared about 30 million years ago, is generally considered the first "true cat".^[2]

Following the appearance of the dawn cat, there is little in the fossil record for 10 million years to suggest that cats would prosper. In fact, although Proailurus persisted for at least 14 million years, there are so few felid fossils towards the end of the dawn cat's reign that paleontologists refer to this as the "cat gap". The turning point for cats came about with the appearance of a new genus of felids, Pseudaelurus.^[2]

The increase in disparity through the early Miocene occurs during a time when few feliform fossils have been found in North America. The hypercarnivorous nimravid feliforms were extinct in North America after 26 Ma and felids did not arrive in North America until the Middle Miocene with the appearance of Pseudaelurus. Pseudaelurus crossed over to North America by way of the Bering land bridge from surviving populations in Asia 18.5 million years ago. All modern-day cats are descended from Pseudaelurus.

Nimravids and barbourofelids were saber-toothed cat-like animals of the families Nimravidae and Barbourofelidae, respectively. Although not "true cats" of the family Felidae, they are closely related to felids. The Nimravidae are either basal feliforms or a sister group to both feliforms and caniforms, while the Barbourofelidae are a sister group to the Felidae. Physically, some Nimravidae and Barbourofelidae resembled the saber-toothed cat Smilodon, which would not appear until many millions of years later. Nimravidae also became extinct in North America during the "cat gap".^[3]

Possible causes[edit]

Hypercarnivorous tendency[edit]

The history of carnivorous mammals is characterized by a series of rise-and-fall patterns of diversification, in which declining clades are replaced by phylogenetically distinct but functionally similar clades. Over the past 50 million years, successive clades of small and large carnivorous mammals diversified and then declined to extinction. In most instances, the cause of the decline was energetic constraints and pervasive selection for larger size (Cope's rule) that lead to hypercarnivory dietary specialization. Hypercarnivory leads to increased vulnerability to extinction.

The nimravids were large cat-like animals that occupied this ecomorphic niche in the ecosystem until 26 Ma. It is highly likely that their hypercarnivory led to their extinction in North America. After the extinction of the nimravids there were no other feliform or felid-like species until other felids arrived from Eurasia after crossing the Bering land bridge 18.5 million years ago. During this time there was great diversity among the other carnivorous mammals in North America – both hypocarnivorous and hypercarnivorous species – and other hypercarnivorous species existed before, during, and after the cat gap.

Changes in climate and habitat[edit]

Many cats tend to be arboreal hunters. The disappearance of forests in North America may have caused the mass extinction.

Another possible explanation for the extinction of feliforms in North America is changes in the ecology of the continent. Evidence from the geologic temperature record shows that the earth was experiencing a period of global cooling, causing forests to give way to savannas.^[2] Climatic changes to arid conditions that muted variation at about 25.8 Ma coincides with the first appearance of hoglike creodonts and of pocket gophers, and this also is the beginning of the "cat gap" and the "entelodont gap", a period of some 7 million years when there were no nimravids, felids, or entelodonts in North America. Faunal overturn at 25.8 Ma is the basis for division of the Arikareean time period (30.5–19 Ma), and the Arikareen NALMA (North American Land-Mammal Ages), into the Monroecreekian period (29.5–25.8 Ma), and then the Harrisonian period (25.8–23.5 Ma).^[4]

Why did these cat-like creatures die out in North America (while surviving in Eurasia) with no replacement by the true cats? Their fate may be owed to the same factors that created the diversity of herbivorous mammals, for most cats need forest or cover from which to hunt. In an increasingly open America the nimravids may have found themselves without an ecological perch to hunt from, particularly if the competition with dogs prevented them from colonising the savannas.^[5]

Other[edit]

Volcanic activity has also been promoted as a possible cause of the cat gap as well as other extinctions during this time period. The La Garita Caldera is a large volcanic caldera located in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, United States, and is one of a number of calderas that formed during a massive ignimbrite flare-up in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada during the Oligocene Epoch. The La Garita Caldera was the site of the Fish Canyon eruption, an enormous eruption about 27 million years ago. The scale of the Fish Canyon eruption was far beyond anything known in human history (erupting more than 10,000 km³ or 2,400 cu mi for a VEI 8+ magnitude), and was possibly the most energetic event on Earth since the Chicxulub impact, which is thought by many paleontologists to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs in the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. The resulting explosive volcanism probably ejected large amounts of dust and debris into the stratosphere causing major cooling (see volcanic winter). Climatic effects could also have been caused by sulphur ejected into the stratosphere, which rapidly converts to sulphuric acid, an aerosol which cools the troposphere by blocking incoming solar radiation.

Another possible cause of the cat gap could have been the Late Cenozoic Ice Age that began 33.9 million years ago. This ice age caused glaciation in Antarctica that eventually spread to Arctic regions of southern Alaska, Greenland, and Iceland. Glaciers on the North American continent, as well as the cooling trend, could have made the ecosystem uninhabitable for feliformia cat-like species, although habitable for cold-weather caniformia species such as canids (dog-like species), mustelids (weasel-like species), and ursids (bear-like species).

There is also evidence that during the Miocene a sill surrounding the Arctic Ocean, known as the Greenland–Scotland Ridge, subsided, allowing more cold polar water to escape into the North Atlantic. As the salinity of the North Atlantic grew and as outflow of cold polar water increased, so the thermohaline circulation increased in vigour, providing the mild winter temperatures and large amounts of moisture to the North Atlantic, which are prerequisites to the build-up of the large continental ice caps on the adjacent cold continents.^[6]

Evolution of caniforms during the gap[edit]

Some paleontologists argue that caniforms like Amphicyonidae – "bear dogs" - responded to the cat gap by evolving to become more cat-like, to fill the hypercarnivore ecological niche^[7]

It has been suggested by some that as a result of the cat gap caniforms (dog-like species including canids, bears, weasels, and other related taxa) evolved to fill more carnivorous and hypercarnivorous ecological niches that would otherwise have been filled by cats.^[7] This conclusion, however, is disputed.^[8]

During or just prior to this "cat gap", numerous caniform species evolve catlike features indicative of hypercarnivory, such as reduced snouts, somewhat enlarged canines, and fairly extreme reduction of their crushing molars. In North America the first caniform group of moderate body size to move in the direction of hypercarnivory were the endemic hesperocyonine canids, with three genera (Parenhydrocyon, Enhydrocyon, and Mesocyon), ranging in size from jackals to small coyotes, appearing in the early Arikareean (circa 28 MYA). Notably, these three evolved alongside the last hyaenodont and the remaining three nimravids, two of which were puma-sized. The small hypercarnivorous canids were soon joined by and ultimately replaced by numerous species from other families which also had evolved more specialized meat-eating teeth and skulls. These included at least three larger genera of similarly adapted amphicyonids, one endemic (Daphoenodon) and two from the Old World (Temnocyon and Mammocyon), a leopard-sized mustelid (Megalictis) as well as two hypercarnivorous bears, the hemicyonines Cephalogale and Phoberocyon.^[7]

However, other paleontologists take issue with this conclusion:

It has been suggested that canids evolved hypercarnivorous morphologies because feliforms were absent during this period (the "cat-gap", 26–16 Ma). The data presented here do not support this hypothesis. In the calculated morphospace ... Canids never occupy the area of morphospace in which felids, nimravids, and hypercarnivorous creodonts are found. More pertinent to the issue at hand, however, is that most of these hypercarnivorous canids were present before the disappearance of the nimravids, and all became extinct before the appearance of felids ... There was a progressive and marked decrease in hypercarnivorous forms during the "cat-gap". 28–20 Ma are characterized by above average extinction intensities and below average origination intensities. 20 Ma was marked by an increase in origination intensity, and 18 Ma showed a decrease in extinction intensity and a large increase in origination intensity. Nonetheless, despite increased origination intensities and decreased extinction intensities near the end of the "cat-gap" (20–16 Ma), there was still no substantial invasion of hypercarnivorous morphospace until the immigration of felids into North America.^[8]

Is expensive pet food worth it? According to experts, not necessarily

  Is expensive pet food worth it? According to experts, not necessarily 

Attention Walmart shoppers: bags of dry Pedigree-branded dog food sold by the retailer have been recalled because they may contain loose pieces of metal, posing a health hazard to pets.

The recall involves 44-pound bags of Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food sold by Walmart in these states:

• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma 
• Texas

Franklin, Tenn.-based Mars Pet care, which manufactures Pedigree dog food, said in a notice posted on Saturday by the Food and Drug Administration that the recall involves 315 bags of the kibble.

Image of recalled dry dog food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The recalled product has a best-by-date of March 4, 2025 and the lot code 410B2TXT02 printed on the bottom of the back of the packaging, according to the company, a division of food conglomerate Mars Inc. of McLean, Va.

Image of recalled dry dog food. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The recalled dog food was sold at 176 stores in four states, according to Walmart. See list of stores here.

Those who purchased the impacted dog food should stop using it and contact the the company for a return. Mars Pet care can be reached at 1-800-525-5273 or by visiting https://www.pedigree.com/update.

Mars worked with Walmart in the four states where the product was distributed to ensure the recalled food was taken off store shelves, it said.

Extraneous pieces of metal as well as plastic are a frequent source of food recalls. The Department of Agriculture earlier in the month issued a public health alert due to worries raw pork chorizo products might be contaminated with hard plastic and metal, and H-E-B last month recalled ice cream due to potential metal fragments in cups of Creamy Creations. 

More from CBS News

Kate Gibson

Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.

Commitment To Positive Dog Training

Commitment to positive dog training is a training philosophy that focuses on using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior in dogs, rather than punishing them for unwanted behaviors. This approach is based on the idea that dogs will repeat behaviors that are rewarded, and it emphasizes building a strong, trusting relationship between the dog and its owner.

Here are some key elements of commitment to positive dog training:

1. Positive Reinforcement: This involves rewarding the dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or play, which makes it likely that the behavior will be repeated.

2. Avoidance of Punishment: Instead of punishing bad behavior, which can lead to fear or aggression, positive training focuses on redirecting the dog to the desired behavior and rewarding it.

3. Consistency: Consistency in commands, rewards, and interactions is crucial to help the dog understand what is expected.

4. Patience: Positive training requires patience as learning takes time. Different dogs may learn at different speeds, and it’s important to maintain a calm and patient demeanor.

5. Communication: Clear and consistent communication helps the dog understand what is being asked of it. This includes using specific commands and maintaining body language that is easy to read for the dog.

6. Understanding Canine Behavior: A good positive trainer invests time in understanding canine behaviors and psychology to tailor the training to each individual dog’s needs.

7. Ongoing Learning: Commitment to training is an ongoing process that continues throughout a dog’s life. Advanced training, new tricks, and regular practice help keep the dog engaged and well-behaved.

This approach has gained popularity due to its effectiveness and the positive impact it has on the dog-owner relationship, promoting a more harmonious living environment.

THE MOST INTELLIGENT POODLE

 THE MOST INTELLIGENT POODLE

The Poodle is commonly acknowledged to be the most wisely intelligent of all members of the canine race. There is a general belief that he is a fop, whose time is largely occupied in personal embellishment, and that he requires a great deal of individual attention in the matter of his toilet. It may be true that to keep him in exhibition order and perfect cleanliness his owner has need to devote more consideration to him than is necessary in the case of many breeds; but in other respects he gives very little trouble, and all who are attached to him are consistent in their opinion that there is no dog so intensely interesting and responsive as a companion. His qualities of mind and his acute powers of reasoning are indeed so great that there is something almost human in his attractiveness and his devotion. His aptitude in learning is never denied, and many are the stories told of his marvelous talent and versatility. 

Not merely as a showman's dog has he distinguished himself. He is something more than a mountebank of the booths, trained to walk the tight rope and stand on his head. He is an adept at performing tricks, but it is his alertness of brain that places him apart from other animals.  

The profuse and long coat of this dog has the peculiarity that if not kept constantly brushed out it twists up into little cords which increase in length as the new hair grows and clings about it. The unshed old hair and the new growth entwined together thus become distinct rope-like cords. Eventually, if these cords are not cut short, or accidentally torn off, they drag along the ground, and so prevent the poor animal from moving with any degree of comfort or freedom.  

Corded Poodles are very showy, and from the remarkable appearance of the coat, attract a great deal of public attention when exhibited at shows; but they have lost popularity among most fanciers, and have become few in number owing to the obvious fact that it is impossible to make pets of them or keep them in the house. The reason of this is that the coat must, from time to time, be oiled in order to keep the cords supple and prevent them from snapping, and, of course, as their coats cannot be brushed, the only way of keeping the dog clean is to wash him, which with a corded Poodle is a lengthy and laborious process. Further, the coat takes hours to dry, and unless the newly washed dog be kept in a warm room he is very liable to catch cold. The result is, that the coats of corded Poodles are almost invariably dirty, and somewhat smelly. 

Poodle's General appearance
--------------------------- 

Head: Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back.  

Muzzle: Long (but not snipy) and strong not full in cheek; teeth white, strong, and level; gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness.  

Eyes: Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence.  

Nose: Black and sharp. 

Ears: The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face.  

Neck: Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity.  

Feet: Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard.  

Legs: Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle.  

Hind-legs: Very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down.  

Tail: Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back. 

Coat: Very profuse, and of good hard texture; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords.

The Controversial Practice of Tail Docking: Unveiling the Facts

The Controversial Practice of Tail Docking: Unveiling the Facts

Tail docking, a procedure that involves the removal of a portion of an animal's tail, has long been a subject of debate among veterinarians, animal rights activists, and pet owners. While historically performed for perceived health, hygiene, or aesthetic reasons, modern insights and regulations suggest a need for reevaluation. This article aims to provide an objective look at tail docking, supported by scientific data, expert opinions, and an exploration of the ethical considerations involved.

Understanding Tail Docking: Origins and Current Practices

Tail docking originated centuries ago when it was believed to prevent rabies, strengthen a dog’s back, and increase its speed. It was commonly performed on working dogs to reduce the risk of injury during hunting or herding. Today, the practice is most often associated with certain breeds of dogs like Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Yorkshire Terriers, where it is done for cosmetic purposes under the guise of breed standards.

The Procedure and Its Justifications

The procedure is typically performed on puppies between three and five days old without anesthesia. Proponents argue that at this young age, the puppies' nervous systems are not fully developed, and thus they experience less pain. However, this claim is contested by numerous veterinary studies suggesting that puppies have a fully functional perception of pain at birth.

Medical and Behavioral Implications of Tail Docking

Recent studies indicate that tail docking can have several adverse effects on dogs. The tail is a crucial part of canine anatomy, involved in balance and body language communication. Dogs communicate emotions such as aggression, fear, and excitement through their tails. Removing part of the tail can hinder this communication, leading to behavioral problems and misunderstandings between dogs.

Expert Opinions on Health Risks

Veterinary experts assert that tail docking can lead to acute pain and distress, as well as longer-term issues like phantom pain, nerve damage, and an increased risk of infection. Dr. Jane Smith, a veterinary surgeon specializing in canine medicine, notes, "The risks associated with routine tail docking often outweigh any potential benefits. It's not just a cosmetic procedure—it's a surgical one with real risks."

Ethical Considerations and Legal Status

The ethical debate surrounding tail docking revolves around animal rights and the necessity of the procedure. Critics argue that tail docking is a form of mutilation and that subjecting animals to unnecessary surgical procedures for cosmetic reasons is unethical.

Regulatory Perspectives

Many countries have recognized these concerns, leading to strict regulations or outright bans on tail docking. For example, in the United Kingdom, tail docking is illegal except for certain types of working dogs, and even then, it can only be done by a licensed veterinarian.

The Role of Breed Clubs and Show Standards

Despite these regulations, some breed clubs continue to favor traditionally docked breeds in shows, which perpetuates the practice. This preference places pressure on breeders and owners to conform to outdated standards that may not prioritize the welfare of the animals.

Shifting Trends in Public Opinion

Public opinion is gradually shifting towards more humane treatment of pets, with many calling for breed standards to be amended to accept natural tails. This shift is supported by a growing body of veterinary evidence that advocates for the cessation of cosmetic tail docking.

Conclusion: Rethinking Tail Docking

Tail docking is a complex issue that touches on aspects of tradition, animal welfare, and modern veterinary practices. As society progresses towards a more informed and ethical treatment of animals, it is crucial for pet owners, breeders, and regulatory bodies to reconsider the necessity of such procedures. Engaging in informed discussions and continuing to educate about the implications of tail docking are vital steps towards ensuring the well-being of all animals.

Engage with the Debate

We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding tail docking. Have you noticed differences in behavior or health in docked vs. undocked dogs? How do you feel about the influence of breed standards on animal welfare? Join the conversation below and help shape a more informed and compassionate approach to pet care.

Miracle on Wheels: Paraplegic Dog's New Life

Discover the heartwarming story of Baxter, a paraplegic dog whose new life on wheels inspires hope and showcases the power of resilience and community support.

When a dog loses the use of its legs, it’s easy to assume that life as they knew it is over. Not so for Baxter, a spunky paraplegic dog who has become the living embodiment of resilience and hope. This scrappy little warrior didn’t just survive – he thrived, proving to everyone that mobility is a mindset, not a mere physical attribute.

Baxter’s journey began on a dark day when a tragic accident left him unable to use his hind legs. The world seemed bleak, and the spark in his eyes dimmed. But this wasn't the end of his story; it was the beginning of a miraculous transformation. Enter the community of animal lovers and specialists who refused to let Baxter’s spirit be confined by his physical limitations. They rallied around him, pooling resources, time, and expertise to craft a solution that would bring back his zest for life.

The answer came in the form of a custom-built dog wheelchair, tailored to fit Baxter's frame perfectly. When he was first strapped into his new wheels, there was a collective breath-holding among his supporters. Would he accept this strange contraption? Would he be able to move? Baxter, never one to shy away from a challenge, took a tentative step, and then another, and before long, he was zooming around with an enthusiasm that brought tears to many eyes. His wheelchair became not just a mobility aid, but an extension of his indomitable spirit.

Seeing Baxter navigate the world on wheels is nothing short of awe-inspiring. There’s a certain joy he radiates, a pure, unfiltered happiness that seems to say, “Look at me – I can still chase the wind!” His new life is filled with adventures. From rolling through grassy parks to exploring new terrains, Baxter has become a local celebrity, inspiring everyone he meets. Children and adults alike find hope in his journey, realizing that challenges can be overcome with the right blend of support and tenacity.

Baxter’s tale is more than just a story about a dog overcoming adversity. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible impact of kindness and innovation. The community that came together for him didn’t just give him mobility; they reignited his spirit. They proved that when we rally around those in need, miraculous transformations are possible.

Every wag of Baxter’s tail is a testament to the power of hope and the wonders of human (and canine) resilience. His journey is a vivid illustration that while life can throw unexpected and harsh challenges our way, it also provides the tools and support to overcome them. Baxter's wheelchair isn’t just a device; it’s a symbol of his unstoppable spirit and the love that fuels it.

For anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Baxter’s story is a beacon of hope. It shows that with determination, innovation, and a supportive community, even the most daunting challenges can be met head-on and conquered. Baxter’s journey on wheels is a reminder that miracles aren’t always about walking on two legs; sometimes, they’re about rolling forward with unwavering courage and an unbreakable spirit.

Don't miss out on more heartwarming stories and valuable tips!

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I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with amazing dogs! 🐾

Animal Charity asking for donations

 

Animal Charity asking for donations for pets affected by Downtown Youngstown explosion

Animal Charity of Ohio is asking for donations to help provide necessities to those families with pets that have been displaced by the explosion in Downtown Youngstown.

Friday, May 31st 2024, 6:12 AM EDT

By Maura Rubinic

Animal Charity of Ohio is asking for donations to help provide food, and another necessities, to those families with pets that have been displaced by Tuesday's deadly explosion at Chase Bank in Downtown Youngstown.  

In a post on Facebook, Animal Charity said: 

"Animal Charity of Ohio is aware of a few cats that were in apartments of the Realty Tower during the time of the explosion. At this time, animals have been removed by the first responders and workers that are involved in maintaining the scene. They are making every effort to remove the one remaining cat. We have offered support when needed for this remaining cat. We hope the public understands the severe safety risk involved. We applaud the amazing work the first responders and workers have done and are currently doing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families impacted so tragically by this disaster.

We will be collecting donations for our pantry for those living in the tower that may need them for their animals." 

The charity has provided a wish list, which lists dry and canned dog food, cat litter, blankets, dish soap, laundry detergent, and newspapers as the most needed items. 

Here is the Chewy wish list.

Here is the Amazon wish list.

Items purchased locally or shipped can be sent to: 8469 Southern Blvd, Building 3, Boardman Ohio 44512. Any items dropped off can be left at either the Market Street or Canfield locations under the covered porches at anytime, or to the Southern Blvd Locations Monday-Friday 8AM to 4PM.

Should you be a resident of the Realty Tower and need assistance for your pets, Animal Charity asks that you please email ACOofOHIO@gmail.com and someone will respond quickly to provide support.