Small Cats Research Articles

A highly informative microsatellite panel for individual identification and sex determination of jungle cats (Felis chaus)

The jungle cat (Felis chaus), a small-sized felid, is distributed across Southeast and South Asia to Egypt in Africa. In India, it is one of the most common small cat species but no reliable methods are available to monitor its population status. We describe a non-invasive genetic monitoring technique using fecal samples for individual identification and sex determination of jungle cats. We evaluated 21 feline microsatellites and optimized a panel of 11 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci that yield a cumulative Probability of Identity between siblings value of 5.51910 -6 . We used this panel to identify 110 individuals from 118 jungle cat scats collected from tiger reserves in Central India. We identified 22 males and 35 females by amplifying a fragment of the Amelogenin protein gene. This panel will be helpful to study genetic structure, gene flow, relatedness, sex ratio, and population estimation in jungle cats.

Density and habitat use of the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) in three commercial forest reserves in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Abstract The small (2- to 7-kg) leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most common cat species in Asia. Although it occurs in a wide range of habitats and seems to adapt well to anthropogenic habitat changes, surprisingly little is known about this species in the wild. All studies have focused on protected areas, although a large proportion of Southeast Asian forests are timber concessions. During this study, we used large camera-trapping data sets (783 records of 124 individuals) from 3 commercially used forests to investigate consequences of different logging regimes on density and habitat associations of the leopard cat. We applied spatial capture–recapture models accounting for the location of camera-traps (on or off road) to obtain estimates of leopard cat density. Density was higher in the 2 more disturbed forest reserves (X = 12.4 individuals/100 km2 ± 1.6 SE and 16.5 ± 2 individuals/100 km2) than in the sustainably managed forest (9.6 ± 1.7 individuals/100 km2). Encounter rates with off-ro...

Diagnostic Accuracy of Tissue Impedance Measurement Interpretation for Correct Veress Needle Placement in Feline Cadavers

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of tissue impedance measurement interpretation (TIMI) for determining correct versus incorrect Veress needle placement in feline cadavers. Prospective, randomized, blinded trial. Cat cadavers (n = 24). Two laparoscopists (1 experienced, 1 novice), blinded to TIMI, placed reusable Veress needles in study subjects in a randomized order. A third individual interpreted impedance measurements as consistent with correct versus incorrect placement. Veress needle tip locations were marked by injecting contrasting colors of India ink. Tissue dissection was performed to localize ink. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and kappa statistics for TIMI for placements by the experienced and novice laparoscopist were determined. P < .05 was considered significant. TIMI identified 36/38 correct and 2/10 incorrect placements. TIMI identified 2/2 bowel perforations but was unable to identify 8 inappropriate placements in the retroperitoneal fat pad. Impedance measurement interpretation had 94.7% sensitivity, 20% specificity, 79.2% accuracy, and 81% precision overall. Agreement between TIMI and Veress needle location was absent (kappa = -0.15, P = .01) for placements by the experienced laparoscopist and substantial (kappa = 0.78, P < .01) for the novice laparoscopist. Failure of TIMI to identify placement in the retroperitoneal fat pad resulted in poor accuracy. Small cat size limited the number of appropriate placement sites, perhaps resulting in excessively dorsal placements. Use of TIMI may increase detection of clinically significant inappropriate Veress needle placements, like bowel perforations, and decrease installment phase complications. Further evaluation of Veress needle placement with and without TIMI is warranted.

Cats in the forest: predicting habitat adaptations from humerus morphometry in extant and fossil Felidae (Carnivora)

Mammalian carnivores are rarely incorporated in paleoenvironmental reconstructions, largely because of their rarity within the fossil record. However, multivariate statistical modeling can be successfully used to quantify specific anatomical features as environmental predictors. Here we explore morphological variability of the humerus in a closely related group of predators (Felidae) to investigate the relationship between morphometric descriptors and habitat categories. We analyze linear measurements of the humerus in three different morphometric combinations (log-transformed, size-free, and ratio), and explore four distinct ways of categorizing habitat adaptations. Open, Mixed, and Closed categories are defined according to criteria based on traditional descriptions of species, distributions, and biome occupancy. Extensive exploratory work is presented using linear discriminant analyses and several fossils are included to provide paleoecological reconstructions.We found no significant differences in the predictive power of distinct morphometric descriptors or habitat criteria, although sample splitting into small and large cat guilds greatly improves the stability of the models. Significant insights emerge for three long-canine cats:Smilodon populator,Paramachairodus orientalis, andDinofelissp. from Olduvai Gorge (East Africa).S. populatorandP. orientalisare both predicted to have been closed-habitat adapted taxa. The false “sabertooth”Dinofelissp. from Olduvai Gorge is predicted to be adapted to mixed habitat. The application of felid humerus ecomorphology to the carnivoran record of Olduvai Gorge shows that the older stratigraphic levels (Bed I, 1.99–1.79 Ma) included a broader range of environments than Beds II or V, where there is an abundance of cats adapted to open environments.

Predicting bait uptake by feral cats, Felis catus, in semi‐arid environments

SummaryFeral cat control using aerial broadcasting of toxic baits continues to be used in the rangelands of Western Australia. The effectiveness of these operations has sometimes been compromised by different environmental factors that affect prey and cat numbers. This study demonstrates that the ratio of cats to their preferred prey (small mammals) can be used to predict the most effective time to bait. The regular baiting of three conservation sites offered an opportunity to study the relationship between feral cat abundance, the abundance of their prey and ingestion of toxic baits. Peron Peninsula on the mid‐west coast, Lorna Glen station in the northern Goldfields and the central Gibson Desert of Western Australia are sites where cat control using toxic baits has been routinely applied over the last 15 years. We postulated that bait ingestion by cats was linked to the availability of live prey. Small mammal abundance (capture rates in pit‐fall traps) and relative cat abundance (based on daily track counts) were assessed at these sites and the data used to produce a predator‐prey ratio index (PPRI). We used generalised linear mixed models to test the effect of prey abundance, prebaiting cat abundance and PPRI on baiting efficacy (BE). The best model for predicting efficacy of baiting contained only PPRI. This simple model was able to predict baiting success over the entire range of outcomes, from highly successful ( &gt;75% cat reduction) to unsuccessful (0% cat reduction). The ability to predict feral cat BE in advance of planned toxic baiting operations will provide a valuable tool for wildlife managers involved in cat control.

448 Exuberant Bilateral Inguinal Lymphadenopathies: Less Typical Manifestation of Cat Scratch Disease

IntroductionCat scratch disease(CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae(BH). Regional lymphadenopathy, located to the neck and/or axilla, is the hallmark of CSD.Case DescriptionA 17-year-old girl presented with a painful right inguinal...

High Gall Bladder Ejection Fraction: Whatʼs Next?

Purpose: Cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan) is a commonly used diagnostic tool in almost every hospital in the United States. A diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis is made when the gall bladder ejection fraction (GBEF) is <35-38%. Studies have shown that low GBEF is sensitive but not a specific indicator of gall bladder inflammation. The higher spectrum of gall bladder ejection fraction has largely remained unnoticed as it is considered normal. However our perspective changed after we encountered this particular case. A 35-year-old woman was seen for chronic abdominal pain of unexplained etiology over the past year. Her past medical history included prolonged course of Clostridium difficile infection which was treated. She also had lupus anticoagulants. The patient reported persistent right upper quadrant discomfort with paroxysms of severe exacerbation which sometimes even woke her from sleep. The pain worsened postprandially. She had constant nausea without vomiting. She also had episodic watery diarrhea about 2 or 3 days out of the week. There was no rectal bleeding. Her weight had been stable. The pain was severe enough to interfere with her daily life and with her work at times. A right upper quadrant sonogram was performed and did not demonstrate any gallstones. Following this an extensive workup was done including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, small bowel series, CAT scan, and mesenteric angiography. All showed no significant findings. A functional HIDA scan was performed with CCK Administration (0.02 μg/kg over 60 minutes), and her gallbladder ejection fraction was noted to be 94%. This was the only significant finding in her workup. Possible etiologies at this time were endometriosis or gallbladder dysfunction. The patient underwent a planned exploratory laparoscopy and cholecystectomy. The histopathology showed chronic cholecystitis. The patient had partial improvement in symptoms for a short duration; however her symptoms recurred soon after. Treatment options for patients with high gall-bladder EF (>80%) that have unremitting symptoms remains obscure. There are no major studies or guidelines on how to approach patients with hyperdynamic gall bladders. This case illustrates that high EF can be associated with inflammation. It is unfortunate that this particular patient did not get better, but small numbers of studies have shown benefit from surgery. We need an answer to “What's next?” when patients have high gallbladder ejection fractions.

An assessment of the use of telemetry for primate reintroductions

Primate reintroduction has been characterised historically by a lack of assessment and systematic monitoring after release. It is impossible, however, to determine correctly the results of primate release programmes without the detailed information that monitoring can bring. Technological advances, such as telemetry, have made monitoring primates after release more accessible for many species, helping in the design of rehabilitation and reintroduction protocols, and facilitating reintroduction success. Accurate monitoring has implications for both conservation and welfare concerns. Traditionally the use of telemetry has been used predominantly in ecological and socio-behavioural research projects for wild primates but the benefits of using telemetry for monitoring primates after release are increasingly recognised. Our aim was to collate information on the use of telemetric devices in primate reintroduction programmes. Surveys were distributed to native primate sanctuaries globally to assess how telemetry is used to monitor primates after release. Of 16 primate species, almost half (44%) classified as endangered and 13% critically endangered (IUCN 2002), were tagged with telemetric devices. There are numerous methods for tagging animals but attachment methods for tagging released primates in this study were collars, back-packs, and subcutaneous implants. Over half (60%) of survey participants have used telemetry, with collars being the most frequently used attachment type (82%). Telonics was the most frequently used telemetric company (34%). Based on suggestions from the surveys we communicate practical methods for applying telemetric devices to monitor primates, and we make recommendations for telemetry manufacturers, in terms of device design and materials used. Recommendations include the use of an on-off programming schedule, waterproof casing for radios, a safety break-away collar, using chili powder to deter removal of the device, and habituating the animal to the device through the use of fake collars and communicating desirability of wearing the device. In terms of materials used practitioners should avoid leather as it creates sores on the animal or work the material so that it is softer, and reduce the visibility of collars to predators i.e. through the removal of shiny bolts that can be attractive to birds of prey or small cats.

Small wild cats: the animal answer guide

Did you know that most wild cat species are small and that lions, tigers, and other large cats are the exception? That adult bobcats, clouded leopards, and other small wild cats are completely asocial? And that they fight only as a last resort? This entertaining and informative book reveals these and hundreds of other facts about the behavior, biology, and conservation of the more than 30 small wild cat species. From bobcats to servals, small cats are spread across the globe. They range in size from the rusty-spotted cat and African black-footed cat, each of which weighs around 5 pounds when fully grown, to the Eurasian lynx, which can reach an adult weight of 60 pounds. These felids are elusive, some are nocturnal, others are arboreal, and all are rare and secretive, making them especially difficult to study. James G. Sanderson, the world's leading field expert on small wild cats, and naturalist and wildlife artist Patrick Watson provide informative and entertaining answers to common and unexpected questions about these animals. The authors explain why some small cats live on the ground while others inhabit trees, discuss the form and function of their coat types and colors, offer scientifically sound information on human-small wild cat interactions, and even review the role that small wild cats have played in literature, religion, and mythology. The world of cats is as fascinating as it is diverse. Small Wild Cats: The Animal Answer Guide shows just how important and interesting the littlest of the nondomesticated feline family are.

Distribution of two Andean small cats (Leopardus jacobita and Leopardus colocolo) in Bolivia and the potential impacts of traditional beliefs on their ­conservation

We conducted field research in 1998�1999 and 2001�2002 in the high Andean and Puna eco-regions of Bolivia to estimate the distributions of Andean cat Leopardus jacobita and a similar species, the pampas cat Leopardus colocolo, and to evaluate the attitude of local people towards these species to determine potential conservation threats. Field interviews were con- ducted with local villagers, in parallel with an intensive search for direct and/or indirect signs of the 2 species. Confirmed records for the Andean cat suggest that the species is mainly restricted to the high Andean region of Bolivia (elevations above 4100 m), whereas the pampas cat can be found both in this region and at lower elevations. Most of the confirmed records were for the pam- pas cat, suggesting that it is more abundant than the Andean cat. Both species are generally referred to by local people as 'titi' and are culturally associated with Earth's abundance and fertil- ity. The skins or stuffed specimens of both of these cats are used in ceremonies associated with agriculture and native livestock activities. Killing these cats for traditional purposes may represent a significant threat to both species, especially to the Andean cat, but reverence for both species should form the foundation for a conservation education campaign.

Correction of craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in cats and small breed dogs using a modified Knowles technique with the braided polyblend TightRope™ systems

To report the surgical technique and short-term radiographic and functional outcome data for a series of client owned, small breed dogs and cats treated for traumatic craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation using open reduction and internal fixation with the Arthrex Mini TightRope (mTR) and TightRope (TR) systems. Data were collected retrospectively from the clinical case records, including the initial clinical and radiographic findings, surgical technique, and postoperative short-term clinical and radiographic data. Functional data collected after the six weeks reassessment were obtained via owner questionnaire. Four cats (mTR = 4) and five small breed dogs (mean weight 15 kg; TR = 4, mTR = 1) were included. Median time to postoperative weight bearing was one day. Median lameness score at six weeks postoperatively was 0 out of 5. Coxofemoral joint congruity was radiographically confirmed at the six weeks postoperative visit. Telephone follow-up (at a median of 16 weeks) revealed all animals had returned to their previous level of activity. Complications were minor, and limited to postoperative swelling (n = 1). Clinical use of the Arthrex Mini TightRope and TightRope systems can be recommended for traumatic craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in this novel application as short-term results are at least comparable to existing surgical techniques. Long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Abundance changes and activity flexibility of the oncilla, Leopardus tigrinus (Carnivora: Felidae), appear to reflect avoidance of conflict

We investigated the density and activity of the oncilla, Leopardus tigrinus (Schreber, 1775), a threatened small cat, in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, using camera-trap data. We described differences in the activity of individuals occurring alone or in sympatry with larger cats. Oncilla presented low densities (7-13 ind./100 km²) and high flexibility in its activity. The oncillas were primarily nocturnal in the absence of other larger cat species - margay, ocelot and puma - but became more diurnal, with a cathemeral activity pattern, when the other cats were present. Oncilla is likely to be in a subordinate position in interactions with larger cats and changes its activity to decrease the chances for interspecific encounters. In this study, however, the presence of other cat species covaries with habitat changes (from coastal forest patches to dense evergreen forests). We also verified the highest oncilla relative abundance in an area with no sympatric larger cats, with abundance decreasing when it was in sympatry with margay, ocelot and puma. Our results, together with recent records of oncilla in other degraded landscapes of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, provide evidence that oncillas may thrive even in harsh environments where other cats have already been extinct. This raise interesting conservation insights, as in the absence of other cats, L. tigrinus may assume a top predator role of these impoverished vertebrate communities.

Micro Total Hip Replacement in Dogs and Cats

To describe the surgical technique using power-assisted femoral preparation and clinical outcome in 41 dogs and 2 cats surgically treated with the micro total hip prosthesis. Retrospective case series Dogs (n = 41) and 2 cats Medical records (January 2007-March 2010) of dogs and cats that had MicroTHR were reviewed. Data regarding implant position, cement mantle quality, concurrent surgery, intra- and postoperative complications, operative time, 3-week and 3-month recheck physical examinations, 3-month pelvic radiograph findings, and interval from surgery to any complication were retrieved. Six dogs had staged bilateral MicroTHR, 35 dogs and 2 cats had unilateral MicroTHR. Median body weight was 8.2 kg (range, 2.1-14.2 kg) whereas for those that had complications (fracture or luxation) it was 8.6 kg (range, 6.6-14.1 kg). Median operative time was 71 minutes (range, 55-105 minutes). Complications included luxations (5 of 49; 10%) and femoral fracture (1; 2%). Lameness grades assigned at the 3-month recheck examination: 39 (80%) animals were grade 1, 6 (12%) were grade 2, and 4 (8%) were grade 3. Forty-five animals (92%) had good or excellent results. MicroTHR is a practical and effective surgery in small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral disease.

Regulation of gene expression and biochemical changes in small intestine of newborn diabetic rats by exogenous ghrelin

The aim of this study was to investigate (i) the cholecystokinin, somatostatin and apelin mRNA levels, (ii) the changes in levels and localization of these peptides, (iii) relation between these peptides, (iv) antiapoptotic effects and (v) antioxidant effects of ghrelin. The rats were divided into four groups second day after birth. These groups were respectively treated with physiological saline, ghrelin (100μg/kg/day), streptozotocin (100mg/kg), ghrelin and streptozotocin. After four weeks, small intestine and blood samples were taken from rats. Cholecystokinin mRNA and peptide, somatostatin mRNA, release to duodenal lumen of apelin peptide and apelin mRNA signals decreased in ghrelin-treated diabetic rats compared to the diabetic group. There was no statistically significant difference among the four groups for somatostatin and apelin peptides. Caspase-3 signals were not observed only in diabetic group treated with ghrelin. Caspase-8 signals were increased while PCNA signals were decreased in diabetic group given ghrelin compared to diabetic group. Small intestine CAT, SOD, GPx and GST activities and GSH levels were decreased and LPO, PC levels were increased in diabetic rats. Administration of ghrelin to diabetic rats caused an increase in intestinal CAT, SOD, GPx and GST activities and GSH levels, while PC levels decreased. As a result, we observed positive changes in diabetic rats treated with ghrelin in both microscopic and biochemical studies. We can suggest that ghrelin may be an important hormone for the treatment of diabetes.

Die FeLV-Infektion der Katze: Praxis-relevante Aspekte

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of the domestic cat that was described almost 50 years ago. The FeLV-infection may lead to fatal diseases in domestic and small wild cats. The use of efficacious diagnostics assays and vaccines led to a reduction of the FeLV prevalence; however, FeLV still poses a problem for the cat presented with the infection. This article aims to describe recent developments in diagnostics and findings in the infection pathogenesis that are clinically relevant.

Vulnerability of small and medium-sized prey mammals in relation to their habitat preferences, age classes and locomotion types in the temperate Monte Desert, Argentina

In this study we examined predation by small felids upon small and medium-sized prey mammals in the central region of the Monte Desert. We analyzed the degree of vulnerability of prey mammals in relation to their habitat use patterns, modes of locomotion and age classes. Medium and small rodents were the predominant prey in the diet of small cats. The most consumed small mammal was Akodon molinae, which inhabits areas of dense cover, while species occurring in open habitats such as Eligmodontia typus were less consumed. Among medium-sized mammals, Galea leucoblephara that depends on patches with high plant cover for refuge was more consumed than Microcavia australis that lives in colonies and displays a complex set of antipredator strategies. Prey selectivity on small rodents showed that E. typus, which uses bipedal locomotion and an erratic escape behaviour, was consumed in greater proportion than its availability. We suggest that although its specialized locomotory mode would diminish predator attacks, its preference for open habitats would increase the probability of predator–prey encounter. Consumption of small mammals focuses mostly on adult individuals. However, we found a significant consumption of senile individuals of A. molinae, which points out that vulnerability tends to be high towards the age of maturity in this species.

Efficacy and Safety of the Combination Imidacloprid 10 % / moxidectin 1.0 % Spot-on (Advocate® Spot-on for Small Cats and Ferrets) in the Treatment of Ear Mite Infection (Otodectes cynotis) in Ferrets

In this study, the efficacy and safety of a treatment with the combination imidacloprid 10 %/ moxidectin 1.0 % spot-on (Advocate(®) spot-on for small cats and ferrets) was tested in 39 ferrets naturally infested with ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). The study was performed as a multicentre, non-randomised, non-controlled (all study animals were treated) and non-blinded clinical field study in two French veterinary practices. Four visits (day (D) 0 = inclusion and first treatment, D14 = second treatment, D28 = possible third treatment, D56 = termination) were planned. The dosage was one pipet per ferret (designed for cats weighing up to 4 kg, corresponding to a dose of moxidectin ranging from 2.2 to 5 mg/kg body weight) two or three times at 14-days intervals (at D0, D14 and possibly D28 depending on the parasitological examination of the ears at D28). The main efficacy criterion was the absence of the parasite (all stages incl. eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults) from ear scrapings by microscopic examination. At D28 after two treatments (D0 and D14), 76.9 % (30/39) of animals were cured. Only 23 % (9/39) needed a third treatment. At day 56, 100 % were cured. Local symptoms (inflammation and pruritus) were consistently improved (50.6 % improvement at D14, 81.0 % at D28 and 97.9 % at D56) as well as the abnormal cerumen production (14.7 % improvement at D14, 77.7 % at D28 and 100.0 % at D56). No general symptoms were noticed during the study (general health and skin aspect). Advocate(®) spot-on for small cats and ferrets is an effective and safe treatment for ear mite infection in ferrets. Two or three treatments administered in 14-days intervals to ferrets infested with ear mites provided 100 % parasitological cure on D56.

Influence of Cinnamon and Catnip on the Stereotypical Pacing of Oncilla Cats (Leopardus tigrinus) in Captivity

Nonhuman animals in captivity can experience environmental privation that results in their exhibiting abnormal behaviors. Environmental enrichment techniques can help improve their welfare. This study investigated the behavior of 8 zoo-housed oncilla cats (Leopardus tigrinus) in response to 2 odors (catnip and cinnamon) introduced individually into the animals' enclosures for 3 consecutive days. Proportion of scans spent engaging in stereotypical pacing were compared before, during, and after treatments. The addition of cinnamon reduced the proportion of pacing during and after enrichment (Wilcoxon: Z = 3.16, p < .001; Z = 3.16, p < .001, respectively), indicating a prolonged effect of the enrichment on the animals' behavior. Catnip appears to have elicited no significant difference in the stereotypic pacing before, during, or after the enrichment (Friedman: X2 = 2.69; p = .260). The results highlight the potential use of cinnamon as a method of environmental enrichment for small captive-housed cats.

Evolutionary trends on extant cat skull morphology (Carnivora: Felidae): a three-dimensional geometrical approach

The skulls of 33 extant cat species were characterized through three-dimensional geometric morphometrics using 20 landmarks. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with Procrustes fitted coordinates, and the PC-scores were phylogenetically corrected by independent contrasts method. Three PCs allowed for the definition of five cat skull patterns. PC1: ‘snouted/massive-headed cats’ (genus Panthera) opposing the ‘round-headed small cats’ (genus Oncifelis, Prionailurus rubiginosus, Prionailurus bengalensis, among other small cats); PC2: ‘tapering-headed cats’ (Neofelis nebulosa, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Prionailurus planiceps) opposing the ‘stout-headed cats’ (Acinonyx jubatus, Uncia uncia, Otocolobus manul, Felis margarita, and Felis nigripes); and PC3: ‘low profiled-headed cats’ (mostly, Pr. planiceps). A sixth pattern, the ‘generalized skull’, observed in the Caracal lineage, genus Lynx, Leopardus pardalis, and Catopuma temminckii, indicates a morphological convergence among midsized-cats. The morphological trends ‘snouted/massive’ and ‘round’ clearly denote a co-evolution between size and shape. The other skull patterns evolved unrelatedly to the size (i.e. their allometric variations are not a size function). Nevertheless, each species comprises an amalgam of these patterns, so the influence of the size permeates, in some extent, the skull morphology along all cat lineages. The felid ecomorphological fit to hypercarnivory is obvious; however, different skull shapes in same-sized species with similar habits, indicate that the variation in the skull morphology may result from phenotypic fluctuations, whose adaptive value (if indeed there is any) is still obscure.

Comparative cat studies: Are tigers auditory specialists?

Although representatives of the 41 extant cat species inhabit nearly every biome on the planet and may have faced a highly diverse set of selection pressures during their evolution, relatively little effort has been made to compare commonly measured features of peripheral auditory function among species representing the family. Given their extensive geographic range, it is reasonable to suggest that auditory system adaptations may have occurred, leading to functional specialization in a subset of species. In that light, frequency-threshold curves and response latency-level and latency-frequency relationships will be compared in cats of widely varying body mass inhabiting a variety of habitats. The body mass of felids spans a range of more than two orders of magnitude, with small cats like the desert sandcat, Felis margarita, weighing as little as 2 kg and the Amur tiger, Panthera tigris altaica, weighing as much as 300 kg. While most cats studied thus far appear to satisfy the conditions necessary to be labeled auditory generalists, the tiger, and perhaps members of the Panthera genus generally, may be exceptions. We will consider the possibility that big cats are auditory generalists with regard to acoustic sensitivity, but exhibit a peripheral specialization affecting low-frequency neural latencies. [Funding provided by NSF Grant No. 0823417].