In the 1960’s, veterinarians noted autism-like symptoms in dogs, and recently, in 2015, the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) presented a study on tail chasing behavior in Bull Terriers, and a possible link to autism.

Genetics. Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. For other children, genetic changes (mutations) may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder

“The research doesn’t mean that cattle have autism; rather that cattle share an overlap of genes with humans which are critical in brain function and response to fear stimuli,” Professor Hayes said. Temperament is an important trait for day-to-day management of cattle

Cows were first domesticated between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago from the aurochs (B. taurus primigenius), a wild species of cattle that once ranged across Eurasia. The wild aurochs became extinct in the early 1600s, the result of overhunting and loss of habitat due to the spread of agriculture (and domestic herds).

Temple Grandin

In Australia and New Zealand a pen is a small enclosure for livestock (especially sheep or cattle), which is part of a larger construction, e.g. calf pen, forcing pen (or yard) in sheep or cattle yards, or a sweating pen or catching pen in a shearing shed.

2400mm

Also referred to as a Crush Cage or Squeeze Box by veterinary professionals, this carrier includes a restraining panel allowing the cat to be gently held still so that an intramuscular injection may be made. Ideal for feral or fractious cats, this model includes both the unique sliding floor panel and end door panel.

There are three types of restraints: physical, chemical and environmental. Physical restraints limit a patient’s movement. Chemical restraints are any form of psychoactive medication used not to treat illness, but to intentionally inhibit a particular behaviour or movement.

Simply fold the sides of the cat’s bed around him and firmly hold the bed in your arms. If needed, once the cat is out of his cage, you can use one hand to hold the back of his head for more control.

The Fear Free movement aims to minimize the fear pets feel in our care, whether it happens in veterinary practices, shelters, or homes. Sometimes we need to restrain or immobilize animals for care, so we need to understand the effects of restraint from the animal’s point of view.

‘Scruffing’ of a cat is a term used to describe restraining a cat by firmly gripping the loose skin at the back of the cat’s neck – this is sometimes accompanied by lifting the cat up or heavily restraining the cat in other ways.

The thought behind this is that kittens relax when their mom carries them by the scruff. They can do that because kittens have a reflex in which their bodies go totally limp when picked up by the scruff—a reflex that is lost by adolescence. In adult cats, scruffing triggers fear and stress rather than relaxation

Using Scruffing to Discourage Bad Behavior It is a common myth to use scruffing to discourage bad behavior in your cats. As stated above, mother cats do not scruff kittens to punish them, and it causes fear and stress. When training your cat, using fear and punishment is not recommended for a variety of reasons.

The Advantages of Kitty Zzs Reduces stress – Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners

Cats are only grabbed by the scruff on their neck in limited circumstances: by their mother during the first few weeks of life, during mating, during fighting, and when they are being attacked by a predator. Lifting a cat or suspending their body weight by the scruff is unnecessary and could be painful

As male cats do not take part in raising their offspring, kitten calls and the urgency conveyed in them may not have the same relevance for them as for female cats.

A. Lifting a cat or suspending its body weight by its scruff (the skin on the back of its neck) is unnecessary and potentially painful. And it’s certainly not the most respectful or appropriate way to pick up or handle your cat

Cats love to rub up against their owners. When cats rub against objects, they are transferring their scent. It is almost as if they are claiming ownership and we are one of their belongings. Your cat head-butting or nuzzling your face deposits scent from glands in their cheek area.

Behaviorists believe cats are drawn by the movements of the water and the sounds it makes, all of which can stimulate a cat’s instinctual drive to catch prey. Such play is also acceptable to even an otherwise water-averse cat because only the cat’s paws get wet.

Cats Recognize Their Own Names—Even If They Choose to Ignore Them. Cats are notorious for their indifference to humans: almost any owner will testify to how readily these animals ignore us when we call them. But a new study indicates domestic cats do recognize their own names—even if they walk away when they hear them

To show affection For cats, licking is not only used as a grooming mechanism, but also to show affection. By licking you, other cats, or even other pets, your cat is creating a social bond. Many cats carry this behavior into their adult lives, licking their humans to pass along the same sentiment

You should be happy when your cat licks you because it means that they trust you and feel safe with you. The same thing goes when they groom their fellow cats as it is a sign of social bonding and respect. On the other hand, your cat may also be licking your face as a sign of anxiety.

Cats only make eye contact with people they like and are even known to make ‘eye kisses’!

By choosing to sleep on you, your cat gets an extra level of protection and gets to bond with you at the same time. When your cat chooses to sleep on you, it’s her way of saying “I love you. I want to be near you and spend time with you when I’m at my most vulnerable.”

“Cucumbers look enough like a snake to have the cat’s instinctive fear of snakes kick in.” This instinctive fear of snakes can cause cats to panic, he added. “Cucumbers are shaped more like snakes, with their curving sides, than ears of corn or eggplants, so they produce a greater response.”