2 cats not getting pregnant seems like way too low of a number to prove efficacy.
2 cats not getting pregnant seems like way too low of a number to prove efficacy.
Still, Daniela Chavez, a cat reproduction biologist at Towson University who wasn’t involved in the research, tells the Atlantic that the findings should be considered “really preliminary.” Further research—with larger groups of cats—will be needed to confirm whether the treatment is safe, how long it lasts and how effective it truly is.
I agree, I’d say this is more of a proof of concept at best. The gene expression prevents the ovaries from maturing and releasing eggs. Which raises the question, will this work on adult cats that...
I agree, I’d say this is more of a proof of concept at best. The gene expression prevents the ovaries from maturing and releasing eggs. Which raises the question, will this work on adult cats that are in their reproductive prime?
Also is this only going to be good for stray populations or would it be fine for pets? I say this cause if it doesn't stop the cat from going into heat it would be cruel for pet cats who won't...
Also is this only going to be good for stray populations or would it be fine for pets? I say this cause if it doesn't stop the cat from going into heat it would be cruel for pet cats who won't have access to anyway to relieve themselves (So spaying would be kinder). But if it will stop that it might make it more accessible to people to "spay" their cats if if it is cheaper than surgery.
Currently, spaying feral cats requires trapping them, invasive surgery and 48-72 hour recovery time before they could be released. All of which is costly, traumatic and Carries risk of...
Currently, spaying feral cats requires trapping them, invasive surgery and 48-72 hour recovery time before they could be released. All of which is costly, traumatic and Carries risk of complication such as infection.Although the sample size is small (n=9) this particular gene therapy looks promising and could ease the cost and time burden of spaying female cats.
From the article:
To test whether the injection was effective, the researchers set up two, four-month mating trials with male cats that began eight and 20 months after the treatment. They housed the nine cats in a group with a male that had bred before and recorded video to document mating interactions. In both trials, the three cats in the control group all became pregnant and gave birth to healthy kittens. Of the six cats that received the treatment, two mated with males, per the New York Times, but none became pregnant.
2 cats not getting pregnant seems like way too low of a number to prove efficacy.
I agree, I’d say this is more of a proof of concept at best. The gene expression prevents the ovaries from maturing and releasing eggs. Which raises the question, will this work on adult cats that are in their reproductive prime?
Also is this only going to be good for stray populations or would it be fine for pets? I say this cause if it doesn't stop the cat from going into heat it would be cruel for pet cats who won't have access to anyway to relieve themselves (So spaying would be kinder). But if it will stop that it might make it more accessible to people to "spay" their cats if if it is cheaper than surgery.
Currently, spaying feral cats requires trapping them, invasive surgery and 48-72 hour recovery time before they could be released. All of which is costly, traumatic and Carries risk of complication such as infection.Although the sample size is small (n=9) this particular gene therapy looks promising and could ease the cost and time burden of spaying female cats.
From the article: