Show-Me State Times

At the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, cats are treated with great care and attention. The research conducted by veterinarians at Mizzou extends its impact globally, enhancing feline health beyond the campus.

In celebration of National Cat Day on October 29, several studies highlight how research from Mizzou cat geneticist Leslie Lyons and Gretchen Carlisle from Mizzou’s Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction has advanced our understanding and interaction with cats.

Leslie Lyons' 2022 study revealed that cats were domesticated nearly 10,000 years ago. This occurred when humans transitioned to farming in the Middle East's fertile lands. The presence of crops attracted mice, which in turn attracted cats, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and felines.

Another study by Lyons in 2021 discovered that cats share more genetic similarities with humans than most other mammals. This finding is crucial for advancing treatments for inherited diseases affecting both species.

Research led by Gretchen Carlisle in 2020 showed that having a cat can increase empathy and reduce separation anxiety in children with autism. This insight assists families in making informed decisions about pet adoption.

In 2021, Carlisle conducted a study indicating that shelter cats with calm temperaments experience reduced stress after being adopted by families with children who have autism. By monitoring cortisol levels and weight changes in these cats before and after adoption, it was found that they adjusted well to their new environments and became less stressed over time.