Tag: cat

Sarkastodon: A Giant Wolverine or a Bear Cat with a Long Tail
- Ancient Asian predator of the Eocene era.
- Skull discovered in 1930s China, revealing massive size and unique features.
- Carnivorous diet, possibly scavenging carrion and hunting prehistoric animals.
During the Eocene, Asia (Mongolia and Inner Mongolia) was home to a genus of predatory animals known as Sarkastodon (“meaty tooth,” from the Greek σαρκάζω – to rip flesh and ὀδούς – tooth), which belong to the family Oxyaenidae of the Creodonts. This is one of the few Asian members of the mostly American family Oxyaenidae.
The Discovery of Sarkastodon
Skull of Sarkastodon mongolensis.
In 1930, the Central Asian Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History uncovered the skull of a Sarkastodon mongoliensis that had been substantially damaged. The discovery was made in the Irdin-Manha Formation, which is located near the town of Iren-Dabasu in China and contains Eocene strata (the skull of the famous Andrewsarchus was also discovered in these levels). A right mandibular branch was discovered in the same age sediments two years before the skull was unearthed in the Ulan-Shireb region (about 100 miles away). There were no bones beyond the skull.
Sarkastodon
In 1938, Walter Granger provided the first description of the Sarkastodon species.
A huge oxyaenid (perhaps a Sarkastodon) molar tooth was discovered in Hetaoyuan, China, in the 1970s. S. henanensis, a species of questionable legitimacy, was described based on this discovery. The discovered tooth has a chance of being from the type species as well.
A Sarkastodon Compared to a Patriofelis
Patriofelis ferox.
Sarkastodon was a typical oxyaenid, with a head shape like that of the famous Patriofelis (“father of cats”) who lived in the middle Eocene Wyoming.
Short, wide, and heavy, with a prominent jaw, characterized the skull of this creature. A Sarkastodon had a short muzzle. Its lower incisors were quite small and tucked in between the molars, making them invisible from the side.
However, the massive canines and the molars could be seen clearly. Its lower incisors were drastically smaller, but the lower premolars were much larger than a Patriofelis, whereas the incisor of the first molar was significantly more developed. When compared to that of Patriofelis, the skull of a Sarkastodon was noticeably shorter.
Sarkastodon
The Appearance and Size of This Animal
The dimensions of the Sarkastodon skull, as determined by Walter Granger, are about 21 inches (53 cm) in length and 15 inches (38 cm) in width (at the cheekbones). Sarkastodon’s body and head length were around 102 inches (260 cm) (excluding the tail length of 67 inches or 170 cm), its pelvis height was 49 inches (125 cm), and its mass was 1300 to 1750 pounds (600–800 kg), making a Sarkastodon about the size of the biggest polar bear today. It measured 10 feet (3 m) in length.
The Sarkastodon has traditionally been portrayed as looking like a giant wolverine or a bear with a long, fluffy tail. This animal was related to Patriofelis; therefore, it probably looked like a big cat with short yet strong legs. It probably didn’t use its paws while hunting. Skull shape suggests that, like other oxyaenids, they had a cat-like snout.
What Did a Sarkastodon Hunt?
It is hypothesized that Patriofelis, Sarkastodon’s closest living cousin, had a strictly predatory lifestyle. Some have speculated that it consumed turtles and crocodiles (in keeping with its presumed semi-aquatic existence).
The snout and teeth of a Sarkastodon were worn down, as if the animal were an active predator, although the skull and teeth of hyenas are otherwise comparable.
It’s possible that this bear-cat, like other ancient carnivores, relied heavily on carrion for sustenance. Prehistoric rhinoceroses, for instance, might have made good dinner for it.
Competitors to the Sarkastodon might have included huge hyaenodons and Andrewsarchus. One counterargument is that Andrewsarchus and Sarkastodon did not share the same environment. The larger Andrewsarchus, for instance, was well-suited to broad plains, while the more arboreal and mountainous Sarkastodon was more suited to forests.
References
Paleogene fossil localities in the Erlian Basin of Inner Mongolia – (researchgate.net)
Research Catalog of the Library of the American Museum of Natural History – Google Books
October 4, 2023
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? All the Possible Reasons
Just because a dog eats grass isn’t always cause for alarm. There are a number of reasons why man’s best friend may consume plants, including easily digested quack grass. Your furry buddy may be doing this out of instinct, because it tastes nice, because it helps with digestion, or for any number of other reasons, but it is still a red flag. So, keep an eye on how much grass your dog is eating.
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A consultation with a veterinarian is recommended if the occurrence is frequent, significant, or accompanied by symptoms.
The Reasons Why a Dog Eats Grass
There might be a few causes for a dog to eat grass. The first benefit is that it might aid digestion and purging. Second, the dog could have an innate preference for certain plants (like their distant ancestors, the wolves, who also ate grass and berries). The grass may just be a tasty treat for the dog. However, it may also show a pathology called pica or an under-fiber diet.
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Dogs may sometimes eat grass out of pure instinct, a trait likely passed down from their carnivorous predecessors (especially wolves) who consumed the stomach contents of their herbivorous prey, which also included plants.
Dogs Can Eat Grass to Purge
Grass is a good option for the dog to eat if it is feeling a little constipated or has intestinal worms, For digestive purposes, it is the most obvious reason a dog would eat grass. In fact, if the dog has occasional or chronic digestive issues, it may try to induce vomiting on its own. It plans on doing this by eating grass, which irritates the digestive mucosa or intestinal wall and leads to gravity-free regurgitation.
It’s important to pay attention since nausea and vomiting might be signs of more severe conditions, including acute renal failure. However, there are more major symptoms associated with this condition.
The intake of some plants, such as grass, helps to expel intestinal parasites, relieve irritations, and ease intestinal transit, thus, a dog’s habit of eating grass is not a reason for concern. But that’s not the only reason the dog may eat it.
Some Dogs Like the Taste of Grass
Did you know that dogs are actually omnivores, unlike cats, which are carnivores? Dogs’ anatomy, personality, and eating habits reveal that they can eat plant products too.
It’s also possible that the dog has an innate preference for grass and plants. As a simple fact, dogs can like the taste of couch grass. This noxious plant is a favorite of theirs because of the high fiber content of the herb.
As well as being a difficult-to-control need, it may be a compulsive behavior (such as “craving” or having an insatiable appetite). No harm will come to a dog’s health from eating grass if this is only a passing phase.
Grass Is a Good Source of Fiber
Without reason, some dogs exhibit a great preference for grass. It’s similar to how some individuals have an insatiable need for certain foods, such as chocolate, cheese, sweets, bread, or something else entirely. If the dog likes the flavor of grass, it may eat any plant, putting itself at danger of ingestion of a poisonous plant or chemical spills.
Nonetheless, the couch grass is what most of the time draws in our canine companions. Humans may consider this odorous plant to be a weed, yet it really contains a lot of useful fiber.
An insufficiently low-fiber diet might make a dog feel uncomfortable. Grass is a fantastic meal choice since it has so much fiber. If this is the case, you should work to improve its nutrition by giving your dog higher-fiber kibbles or feeding it customized, more balanced meals.
The Dog Might Be Suffering From Pica
A pet dog might be a picky eater. If this is the case, you may see that your dog inappropriately consumes substances like grass, dirt, wood, pebbles, sand, plastic, etc. When this occurs, it’s important to see a vet right away to examine your dog and figure out what’s wrong.
The eating disorder known as pica may have medical as well as psychological origins. It’s important to remember that although pica in an adult dog warrants immediate veterinary attention, in a puppy, it may just be a sign that the dog needs to be educated.
Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Below are the foods that are not ideal for dogs:
- Onions, shallots, and garlic raw or prepared. These foods may have an effect on your dog’s red blood cells and cause major gastrointestinal issues.
- Leeks. To be anticipated are digestive issues.
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- Dogs may benefit from eating both fruits and vegetables. But don’t put more than a third of them on a platter. Grapes in any form are especially discouraged. In high enough quantities, this fruit is toxic to dogs.
- Potatoes should be avoided. Even though it’s not lethal, it may cause serious stomach problems.
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- Avocado is out of the question. The dog’s cardiac issues may worsen as a result.
- Some seeds and pits are not safe for dogs. Ingesting them might be fatal for them.
- Chocolate is lethal for dogs.
- Ingesting macadamia nuts might give your dog a severe fever.
- Raw pasta is not recommended, but cooked paste is okay.
- Small bones from chickens, rabbits, and other small animals. Your pet might suffocate on this.
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- Milk with lactose. Dogs have a problem digesting it.
- Alcohol, tea, and coffee.
- Parasite-carrying vectors like raw or undercooked foods and seafood.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog
As long as this only happens sometimes, as in a cat that purges itself, there is no need to concern. However, if the cat has a history of frequent vomiting, it’s best to take it to the vet for checkups since this behavior might be masking an underlying health issue.
It’s possible for dogs to eat grass for a wide range of causes, some of which are harmless and others more concerning. Spend some time observing your dog’s day-to-day routine so you can respond appropriately. You should call a vet for advice if you are concerned about the dog’s habit of eating grass, especially if you have seen that this behavior persists.
November 14, 2022
The Black Cat Myth: History and Origin of Their Bad Reputation
Black cats, legendary followers of so-called “witches,” are still stigmatized because of the belief that they bring evil fortune. Their unfavorable reputation has stuck with them so strongly that they are consistently the most abandoned and least accepted cats in shelters. When, therefore, did this superstition begin? Some people still think it’s unlucky to see a black cat, even in modern times. While anecdotal in the modern day, this notion has deep roots in centuries-old superstition, notably during the “witch-hunt” era of the Middle Ages. Let’s investigate where this custom came from and why the black cat continues to fascinate us, for better or worse, especially every Halloween.
A Long and Storied Past
In Ancient Egypt, people tended to avoid black cats. Although black was a color of honor and prestige in Egyptian culture, it was also connected with death and grief. For this reason, people often saw black cats as unlucky omens.
After Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, the once-pious cat fell out of favor and was seen as a symbol of wickedness. In later times, particularly the Middle Ages, the black cat came to be seen as a manifestation of Satan and was linked to all manner of dark arts. Heretical cults sacrificed black cats in their rituals. However, Satanists hold this animal in high regard since they believe it to be an avatar of their leader, Satan.
They believed that their cats shared their magical abilities, and on the nights of sabbats (Witches’ Sabbath), when rituals and sacrifices were performed, a black cat stood in for the devil. Since it was believed that black cats, like witches, could take on the form of animals, they were punished for their association with these pagan rituals, which were seen as a threat to Christianity.
Bunch of Burning and Wall Building
Black cats have had a negative popular perception since at least the Middle Ages. There was a rise in suspicion that witchcraft was involved in the deaths of many people during the 14th and 17th centuries. The Europeans were duped into believing that witches rode their cats to the Sabbath. And on the Sabbath, Satan himself appeared—in the form of a cat.
Yes, these creatures were a welcome addition to the homes of the “witches,” who were mostly elderly people who lived alone. However, their fame was secured. The legend spread across Europe that on the night before St. John’s Day (June 24), cats left urban areas to join witches. They used them to hatch plots of epic proportions to wage war on humanity using every manner of evil.
Even when “witches” plotted evil against humanity, they nonetheless suffered maltreatment at the hands of those people. Many innocent women were burned alive or thrown into rivers during the witch trials. There was a tradition of burning black cats in a sack on St. John’s Day. To keep the devil out, some people even built walls around their homes.
A Papal Decree in 1233, Vox in Rama
The devil appears in the form of a cat to St. Dominic of Calerueja. Image: Europeana.
Black cats are just as good-natured as any other kind of cat. There is no correlation between a cat’s coat color and its temperament. Nonetheless, the black cat carries heavy mythology. The black cat is the subject of several urban legends throughout Europe, with many people mistakenly believing it to be a bad omen. Where does this illogic originate, then?
According to historical records, it was Pope Gregory IX in 1233 who was responsible for associating black cats with evil in Europe. In June 1233, the Pope published a papal bull called Vox in Rama, which was directed at King Henry III. It was the first canonical document to confirm that heretics had engaged in covert demonic rituals with the assistance of the Devil.
According to the Pope, the black cat was highly revered by the cult of Evil. So, in 1233, he denounced the black cat as diabolical.
The Church’s stance on black cats, as conveyed via Sunday sermons and discussions, is sufficient for its widespread assimilation; and the information in the Vox in Rama of Gregory IX is not even required. It’s no coincidence that the introduction of Christian heresies and other paganisms went hand in hand with the stigmatization of black cats.
Death Was Symbolized by Black Cats
Black cats are considered a symbol of death in many different cultures throughout the world and have long been linked to witchcraft and demonic rituals. There are several tales around this topic, including one about Gaufrid, the inquisitor of Carcassonne, who was supposedly discovered dead with two black cats by his side.
There is also “The Tooth of the Cat.” This fable is a Savoyan folktale. In it, a fisherman recounts the day he accidentally reeled in a black cat. In an effort to rid the house of mice, he brought a cat home, but instead of killing the rodents, the cat ended up killing everyone in the house.
Authors like Edgar Allan Poe, who authored the bizarre tale “The Black Cat,” have found inspiration in these beliefs. The black cat is the “devil” that gnaws at the narrator, a metaphor for perversity and lunacy in this narrative.
In Japan, “The Vampire Cat” recounts how a young lady whose hand was pledged to the son of the Emperor is said to have had her throat cut by a large black cat while she slept.
And last, sailors‘ myths say that if you toss a black cat overboard, bad weather will follow.
Other Traditions About Black Cats
Bombay cat. Image: Wikimedia.
Some optimistic tales exist too, despite the above gloomy depiction of the black cat. As one example, the Breton people believe that if you find white hair on a black cat, you will be blessed with good fortune. Although its testicles were utilized in medieval pharmacopeia, the animal was still widely reviled at the time. The elixirs made from the black cat’s testicles were said to make the pain go away or drive away demons.
It would seem that the black cat’s superstitions are even more outlandish and inconsistent than the others. The most bizarre aspect of this story is an African belief. The Bantu people actually believe that cats of any color are witches.
However, in Europe, the traditions surrounding the black cat’s supposedly malevolent nature persisted for so long that it wasn’t until the 19th century that the cat was widely accepted in domestic settings again. Since then, there has been a surge of interest in the breed, with some breeders specializing in all-black cat varieties like the Bombay, which is much sought after for its resemblance to a miniaturized black panther.
In Popular Culture
These superstitions seem ridiculous and harsh to modern eyes, yet we must acknowledge that the link between black cats and witches is a fiction that has been widely propagated in both literary and popular culture (and still is). Numerous fictional witches are shown in the media carrying black cats. Professor McGonagall was transformed into a cat in the Harry Potter movies. It’s not uncommon to see black cats around Halloween time as well.
November 11, 2022