House Cat Mistaken For A Cougar In Oregon
Are we for real people? In Oregon, law enforcement and animal control were alerted to a sighting of a cougar near a local park. This isn’t unheard of out there, as they’ve seen cougars in the area before. Analysis and research of a video sent by the person who saw the “cougar”, The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife alerted people they had nothing to fear at Cook Park because it was not a cougar.
That “cougar” spotted at Cook Park in Tigard yesterday? Turns out it was a house cat. This happens more than you think. https://t.co/RRyY41Me8a
— Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (@MyODFW) November 17, 2023
I’ve never seen a cougar in the wild, but I’ve seen enough photos that I could definitely tell if I was seeing a large enough cat that I needed to alert authorities. I might not know the difference between a cougar and a panther, or a cougar and a Nittany Lion. Actually, I could tell them, apart because a Nittany Lion never wins big games. (Boom, roasted!) Seeing a large cat that can take down a deer versus seeing a house cat is not something I’d need help deciphering.
I know that not everyone can tell wild and domesticated animals apart, even in my own family. Years ago, my sister texted all of us that there was a wolf in the yard. Do you know how the suburbs of Philadelphia are crawling with packs of wolves? This wolf must’ve wandered away from the pack and ended up in my parent’s yard. At this point, you’ve probably surmised it wasn’t a wolf, just a local family’s husky that had gone for a stroll in the neighborhood. We’ll never believe her if she ever does see an actual wolf.
It’s not just animals that people are confused about. Remember the entire town in Alabama that swore they were seeing a leprechaun? Of course, you do! If you don’t let’s refresh your memory.
Now the guy in Oregon confusing a cougar and a house cat is a bit easier to believe.
Holiday Food Dangers: What Not to Feed Your Pets
Turkey Skin
Certain foods can be challenging for your pet’s digestive system. Turkey skin, chicken skin, and gravy are high in fat, potentially leading to vomiting or diarrhea after ingestion. The Family Veterinary Clinic emphasizes that a diet rich in fatty foods can inflame your pet’s pancreas, an important component of their digestive system.
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Bones
During the cooking process, bones lose moisture and become brittle. While it might seem natural to give your dog a bone, it is crucial to avoid all cooked bones. Cooked bones can splinter, posing a risk of serious injury by getting lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive system. If your dog ingests cooked bones, the American Kennel Club recommends consulting your veterinarian for advice or scheduling an appointment to rule out any serious consequences.
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Chocolate
Chocolate contains toxic components such as caffeine for dogs and cats. Despite being a well-known fact, it remains one of the most common causes of dog poisoning. Ingesting chocolate may lead to vomiting or diarrhea in dogs, and in severe cases, it can result in arrhythmias or seizures. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs cannot metabolize theobromine and caffeine as efficiently as humans, making them more sensitive to these chemicals.
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effects.
Onions
All members of the onion family or closely related varieties (shallots, garlic, scallions, etc.) contain components that can harm red blood cells in cats and dogs. Even a small amount can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Purina warns that these vegetables contain a highly toxic compound called N-propyl disulfide for dogs, leading to the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells, potentially causing anemia. In extreme cases, onion poisoning can be fatal for dogs.
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Alcoholic Beverages
While it may seem like common sense not to give your dog alcohol, unattended drinks at gatherings pose a risk. Holiday drinks are often sweet, and curious pets may inadvertently consume alcohol. According to Amical Emergency Care, alcohol toxicity is a common pet poisoning that can result from ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation of alcohol or alcohol-containing products. Pets with severe poisoning are at risk of death.
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Grapes
Raisins and grapes are not commonly known to be poisonous to animals. However, they can cause kidney failure in dogs, as noted by the American Kennel Club. Initial signs of poisoning include vomiting and hyperactivity. Make sure all desserts, fruitcakes, and fruit baskets are kept out of your pet’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
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