In ancient times, when all the technologies currently available to us had not yet been developed, to be able to perceive the climatic variations our grandparents relied on ancient proverbs. "Red sky at night, shepherds delight" is known to all of us, as well as the popular belief that cats would be able to warn us when the weather is about to change, especially just before a thunderstorm or downpour. Will it be true?

This belief dates back to very ancient times, according to what appears in the sources handed down to the present day. In particular, according to Lieutenant H.H.C. Dunwoody, as expressed in his Wheater Proverbs in 1883, cats would be very reliable. For example, we should especially observe some details, such as:

• The cat sneezes before it rains;
• The cat turns its head and washes its face from the side towards which the wind will blow;
• If the cat snores, bad weather is coming;
• When the cat washes himself behind the ears, it will rain;
• If the cat lies on his stomach, a thunderstorm is about to arrive.

Some of these may actually prove to be simple popular beliefs, or maybe not. In fact, it would seem that cats are really able to perceive an incoming storm, beginning to frantically lick their fur.

The reason for this behaviour does not depend on some magical power that cats would possess, but in perfectly explainable events.

Cats are likely to hear thunder in the distance, thanks to their particularly developed hearing, or they may experience changes in atmospheric pressure. The second hypothesis is the most accredited, considering above all that some felines manage to predict the storm even several hours before its arrival.

The reason for this phenomenon would be due to the fact that the coat of cats is sensitive to humidity present in the air. When the storm is approaching, the humidity level increases, accumulating on the cat's fur. As a result, they will feel more "electrified" and will try to decrease the electrical charge on the hair, just by licking each other. Their behaviour could also change, transforming them into wild and active cats.

So, if you are planning a nice trip out of town, ask him for a weather report first.

How many times did we witness the funny vision of our four-legged friend dreaming? Whilst he is asleep, he begins to bulge his eyes several times, he waves his paws as if he was running and in some cases even makes strange noises.  Over the years,  several studies have been conducted to try to explain what our animals dream of.

Interviewed by the BBC, Jason G. Goldman, scientist and ethologist of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles has carried out a clear analysis of the most important research advanced up to date, concluding that our animals would dream of the moments lived during the activity hours.

The first investigations dates back to 1965, when French scholars Michel Jouvet and J. F. Delorme analysed the brain activity of animals during sleep, comparing it to ours. The results proved that the animal brain behaves exactly like the human brain. During the investigation a part of the brain was removed, the bridge, which would have the task of preventing the body from mimicking the actions that we imagine in our dreams. By removing this portion, in fact, the deeply sleeping cats began to move and behave as if they were fully awake and active.

Over the years, this theory has led to the conclusion that the REM phase, the one in which we dream, is distinguished by the complete paralysis of the muscles of our body, with the exception of the eyes, which instead move rapidly.

The analysis of the movements made by animals during sleep, together with these discoveries, led the veterinary neurologist Adrian Morrison several decades later, to hypothesize that dogs and cats, in reality, would dream of what they saw and experienced when they were awake. The movement of the eyes, therefore, would not happen by chance, as advanced by some previous theories, but in the precise attempt to follow a visual stimulus. Furthermore, the muscular jerks that animals experience during sleep, in some cases would mimic real hunting trips, which might even lead to aggressiveness.

Further confirmation comes in in 2007 from scientists Kenway Louise and Matthew Wilson of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. By analysing the brain activity of mice, they were able to show that neurons behave in the same way both awake and asleep. In particular, the brain waves recorded in the mice which were awake inside the maze would have been the same as those evaluated during sleep time. In all likelihood, therefore, the mice would have dreamed of the race carried out until a few hours earlier, trying to mimic it. 

In conclusion, all our questions about our animal’s dreams may have found an answer. We are always awaiting for further confirmations.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140425-what-do-animals-dream-about

We often hear about boys of all age groups who commit cruel vandalism and bullying acts, probably in the grip of rampant generational boredom. According to several researches, a solution to put an end to this problem could be represented by animals. In fact, children who grow up with dogs and cats become more sensitive and empathetic, managing to be comprehensive with other and at the same time learning to take on their responsibilities.

A fundamental aspect, which emerged in the course of research, concerns the role of parents in the care of animals. In particular, it would seem that the theory mentioned above, is unrealistic if the owner is unable to deal with the animal. In other words, if a father abuses his dog, the child will absorb and assume that same behavioural pattern when he grows up. On the contrary, a parent who cares lovingly for his four-legged friend will show his children a fair and constructive pattern.

Similarly, the role of the parent should teach the adequate behaviour to the child, using simple words and gestures to describe what might please or annoy the dog or cat. A child, which is very persistent with a very small kitten for a hug, could accidentally hurt him. In this case, the parent should explain to him what the risks may be, showing him how pleasant it can be for both of us to simply pet the animal or feed it.

The special relationship that is created with pets helps children to become more sensitive and develop greater empathy, that is, the ability to connect with the emotions of others. A cat or dog are relatively defenceless creatures, who ask for constant care and attention, so the child who grows up learning to listen to the needs of another living being will become more sensitive and more responsive to what others are feeling.

This aspect has to do with what experts call "Emotional Intelligence" (EI), as opposed to the IQ that we talk about very often. Lets explain the meaning of these two terms.

The IQ is a test that is used to evaluate an individual's ability to think, reason, memorize and pay attention.

Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, is the rarest ability of knowledge, understanding and managing emotions, but also to be able to tune in to the same wavelength as the emotions of others.

According to the most modern psychological theories, therefore, true intelligence would derive from the union of these two components, and not only from how quickly we can make calculations in mind or memorize a poem.

Children who grow up with an animal manage to develop a lot of emotional intelligence, which is very difficult to learn on their own. For this reason, especially if the parents manage to guide the child's relationship with the animal, they will lay the foundations for him to become a responsible adult, but above all respectful of other living beings.

Dogs and cats are known to be a very important part of our life. Many owners live peacefully with both, showing no preference for either. There are, however, many people that take sides either with dogs or with cats. Therefore, this causes great controversy amongst owners to decide which one is the best. There is clearly no answer to this question, considering the large number of positive aspects of each. However, research published by the American journal Psychology Today has shown that the preference between dogs and cats is actually determined by our personality.

Both animals are definitely extremely different in many aspects. Dogs tend to be more sociable, open to contact with humans and sometimes even a little "big-headed". Cats, on the other hand, in many cases are shy, independent and can even cope happily without the owner, except for food and for the rare cuddling moments.

According to the magazine, we can also identify similar characteristics (from dogs and cats) in our personality, so we are able to distinguish between a group of people who are more compatible with dogs or cats.

Dog lovers, in fact, are dynamic, sociable people and open to collaborate with others. Being dynamic and sociable is an essential characteristic for dog owners, considering that the dog has a greater need to leave the house for daily walks. During these moments, it is easy to meet other dog owners with whom you can socialize and chat, as advanced by psychologist Samuel D. Gosling. Being open to collaboration, would be highlighted above all in the workplace. In fact, people who prefer dogs, would be more willing to accept hierarchies and therefore collaborate with colleagues.

On the contrary, cat lovers would be more independent not only in everyday life, but also as their way of thinking, often making them true nonconformists. Clearly, they wouldn't depend on anyone's judgment, just like our feline friends. According to the theory put forward by Psychology Today, cat owners are also less prone to sociability. At a disco party, they would prefer a quiet evening on the sofa at home, with their pet curled up on his legs.

That is not all. Psychologist Denise Guastello proposes a very interesting aspect on this topic. While it is true that dog lovers are more outgoing and lively, people who own a cat would be more sensitive and even more intelligent. Their IQ, as demonstrated during the research, would be higher than that of those who prefer dogs.

There are many reasons to explain why people feel more connected and close to dogs. Those who love dogs, in fact, need company, while those who love cats consider affection essential.

Although these theories are quite detailed, the question is still pending and we are waiting for further answers.

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/tech-support/201501/3-things-being-cat-person-or-dog-person-reveals-about-you

It seems incredible news, but in reality, many scientific studies are discovering that dogs would be able to perceive the presence of some health problems in humans, including cancer.

We already know that the dogs' sense of smell is definitely more developed than ours. It is no coincidence that truffle hunters have always exploited it. Police officers also use them to search for missing people, traces of drugs and even explosive devices.

Our four-legged friends, in fact, have a developed sense of smell, thanks to the presence of a huge number of receptors specialized in capturing odours, transmitting them to the brain. According to recent discoveries, the power of this developed sense in dogs is due to their ability to capture the so-called volatile organic compounds present in the external environment. These are nothing more than microscopic molecules, released both in the air and in liquids. Our nose is also able to perceive them, but not to the same extent as them.

According to an English study published in 2004 in the British Journal of Medicine, dogs would be able to perceive the presence of these compounds even in our body. In particular, during the research, a group of six dogs was observed, trained to identify urine samples belonging to patients with bladder cancer. The result was not surprising at first, because only 41 percent of dogs were able to identify the "sick" samples.

In the following years, other studies were conducted, specializing the dogs in the search for other forms of cancer, such as that of the breast or lungs. The Pine Street San Anselmo team, led by Michael McCulloch, chose to have the animals evaluate a sample of the patients' exhaled air. This time the result left everyone speechless: 88% identified breast cancer and 97% identified lung cancer.

In 2011, in Japan, the nose of dogs was tested for colorectal cancer. In this case, the precision of the test reached 98% accuracy, more than that of the tests normally used for the diagnosis of this tumour.

Due to the success of these studies, many other investigations have been developed around the world. Despite the accuracy of the tests, however, dogs will not be able to diagnosis cancer and other health problems at least for a few more years.

Source:http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/can-dogs-detect-human-health-problems/

All cat owners know this perfectly well - cats love boxes. It doesn't matter what they contain and how big they are. Leave a half-open box near your cat and he will settle comfortably inside. However, what is the reason that drives all felines to love boxes so madly? Finally, we have found some answers.

According to researchers, cats are able to lower their stress levels by hiding in small, tight places, just like boxes. It is not new that felines are very sensitive animals to everything surrounding them. For this reason, a slight variation in the surrounding environment can cause some tension in their body in a very short time

If you notice, most cats tend to hide by the presence of a new event or unknown people. To be able to find your pet you will then need to search around the whole house.

According to the Utrecht university study, cats would feel more at ease and calm in a well-defined and closed space wrapped around their body.

The study was conducted on a group of 19 cats, who had just been moved to a Dutch shelter. The felines were separated into two groups for 14 days, leaving only one of the two groups with several boxes in which to hide. During this period, the stress levels of all animals were assessed.

After only 3-4 days, the hiding-free group showed the highest stress level. The cats of the other group, apparently calmer, at the end of the study had reached approximately the same levels of stress, but much more slowly due to the presence of the boxes.

The explanation for this result could be linked to the typical behavior of felines in nature. Compared to dog, in fact, when faced with the hypothesis of a conflict, cats prefer to flee rather than face the enemy directly. For this reason, a beautiful box is the ideal refuge to hide whilst waiting for the threat to recede.

Furthermore, cardboard, as we all know, is an excellent thermal insulator. This means that the cat chooses to take refuge inside a box just to shelter from the cold, especially in the colder months.

How can we use this interesting discovery to our advantage? For example, if we want to adopt a new cat or we are changing house, we should try to fill a room in our house with several cardboard boxes so your pet will be able to lean there and release stress.

Source :http://www.lastampa.it/2015/02/06/societa/lazampa/gatto-gatti/ecco-perch-i-gatti-amano-le-scatole-f89lzMP4HfKzVuJ9N3XcRJ/pagina.html