Cat Heaven Island

The small Japanese island of Tashirojima has been dubbed ‘Cat Heaven’ by visitors. Home to only one hundred people, cats far outnumber humans in the tiny fishing village.  

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Cats were originally brought to the island to keep the mice population in check as the rodents were predators of the silkworms that were raised to spin silk to make nets. Over time, the population has aged and the silk farms have vanished – however the cats have remained and their numbers have exploded. 

The remaining locals, mostly in their seventies, pamper the cats and feed them fish. It is believed, in line with Japanese folklore, the cats bring good luck and prosperity. The fishermen also examine the behaviour of the cats to determine weather and fish patterns, which they believe they are able to predict. 

 


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For five years photographer Fubirai followed the cats around the village and

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Separation Anxiety and Dogs – How Do They Get It and How to Handle The Situation

Separation anxiety is a disorder when someone is afraid of losing or being away from a person or other figures. Separation anxiety is not only a disorder in human beings but also in dogs. Many dogs experience separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety in dogs happens when the dog who is overly attached to the owner is left alone on his own. Due to the stress of being left alone, they show destructive behaviours. Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious issue to be addressed.

Signs Your Dog Shows When They Have Separation Anxiety

When your dog has been left alone away from the person they are attached to or overly dependent upon they start showing distressed behaviours. They become hyperactive and show destructive behaviours. Many people regard this activity as the dog being mischievous but that really is not the case.

Image: Destructive behaviour due to separation anxiety
Image Source: spca.bc.ca
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Going to the Dogs | Beth’s Blog

Every day I thank Bianca for inspiring me to help create Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center and to expand my fostering work at North Shore Animal League America, where I’ve had a chance to meet so many loveable dogs. I’m always thrilled when my IG posts help some of them find great forever homes. So in the hope that something wonderful can happen for the five deserving dogs you’re about to meet, here they are! (I haven’t met these cuties, but my colleagues at NSALA have written charming bios so you can get to know them.)

Before arriving at NSALA a year ago, Arnie (G25619) lived in sad conditions in Georgia in a backyard breeding situation. UGH! At NSALA, Arnie is learning that people can be kind and caring. Now Arnie is looking for an experienced adopter with older children in a private home in a quiet area with

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What Nutrients Do Goats Need?

Goats have been bred for centuries for their milk, hair, meat and skins. They are hardy animals who can survive on relatively poor vegetation and scrubland. However, the more nutritious food your goat has access to, the healthier and more productive they will be. 

Goats are very friendly and curious animals, who are usually comfortable around people, and make great pets. They are herd animals, so keep them in groups of at least two.

A large garden or paddock is essential to provide enough room for them to roam and graze. It should be securely fenced, as goats are adept at exploring, and can be quite crafty when it comes to opening gates and undoing bolts!

They also have a tendency to nibble away at whatever takes their fancy, even if it is not good for them. Certain plants and trees are poisonous to goats, including rhododendron, yew, deadly nightshade,

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Roof Rat born with split tail: is it genetic?

She is otherwise normal, friendly and healthy

Roof Rat with split tail birth defect or mutation
Roof Rat with split tail birth defect or mutation

She was one of a litter of 5 babies. The rest were apparently normal.

Roof Rat with two tail tips.  Possible birth defect or mutation.
Roof Rat with two tail tips. Possible birth defect or mutation.

Her mother also had a normal tail.

Roof Rat with abnormal tail.  Is it a genetic defect or a reabsorbed twin?
Roof Rat with abnormal tail. Is it a genetic defect or a reabsorbed twin?

However, her father’s tail was groomed off by his mother sometime after birth, so we cannot confirm it was normal.

As you can see from the video, her and her mother both appear to be perfectly healthy, tame and friendly.

Close-up of rat's tail tip showing possible birth defect or genetic mutation
Close-up of rat’s split tail tip showing possible birth defect or genetic mutation

Anyone that is interested in her or knows what caused this, please contact us: petroofrats@gmail.com

Close-up of possible rat tail birth defect.  Anyone know what could cause this?
Close-up of possible rat tail birth defect. Anyone know what could cause this?

Want to see our rats and maybe

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