Happiness is a warm keyboard

see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Cats like warm spots and they like to be right under your nose. That makes laptop-computer keyboards the perfect resting spot.

Dog bites: it’s not the breed, it’s the human

a cross of Great Dane, Mastiff, and Cane Corso breeds

Even if it is the breed, it’s still the human. Responsible owners have to train their dogs. Read ERV’s take on it: Dog aggression.

Winn Feline Foundation

The Winn Feline Foundation supports research into the health of cats, veterinary treatment, and so on. The give research grants.

This project was approved but requires funding. Please help with your generous donation today.

09-008: SNP analysis in rapidly progressing feline autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Robert Grahn, PhD; University of California, Davis; $13,557

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in the domestic cat results from a mutation in the gene PKD1. Knowing a cat has this gene does not tell a veterinarian how severe the disease will become or how long the animal will live a comfortable life, however, because other genes influence the progression of the disease. Several of the other genes that contribute to the proliferation of the disease have been identified in humans. These genes have yet to be investigated in the cat. This study will identify mutations that are correlated with severe disease progression. Knowing which genes are affected may impact the course of therapy and will aid in decisions regarding treatment of cats with polycystic kidney disease.

Wolf-blanket camouflage

If you’ve ever succumbed to the temptation to buy one of those cheap, but very cuddly, plush blankets, you’ll appreciate this next LOLcat.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Stick insects!

Bishop Alan has a blog–and some stick insects or “walking sticks.” He wrote a series of posts all about his pet stick insects. He added his own close-up pictures of baby and adult stick insects, food plants, etc. His most recent article is called “Giant prickly virgin births.”