The Fox Experiment: An Abridged Domestication

The treatment and needs of domestic animals in confined spaces is a key concern today. Domestication experiment by geneticist Belyaev sheds light on this. Selectively breeding foxes for friendly traits resulted in complete domestication within decades. Animals began to actively seek communication with humans and show joy at the appearance of humans. Morphological features characteristic of domesticated animals also appeared: shortened muzzles, white spots, a curled tail, drooping ears. While wild foxes typically inhabit 6-10 km² areas determined by the overall feeding capacity of the land, domesticated foxes, no longer needing hunting grounds, adapted to limited space, collapsing their required area to a few tens of meters. They also don’t need complex burrows, as human habitat is safe and warm. The domestication process significantly reduces the space needed for an animal’s life; it is illustrated by Pavlov’s experiment. Initially challenging to breed in confined spaces, foxes now thrive comfortably in scientific campuses and regular apartments. This experiment allows a clear comparison between wild and domesticated animals, showing the shift of morphology, behavior, and the adaptability of domesticated species to reduced living spaces. Overall, we can see how a domesticated fox has different needs than a wild one as the domestication process changes the animal.

- Mariia Fomina

 

Broadcasting a Cat House

Lady Flavor, a renowned Taiwanese YouTuber, has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide by offering a glimpse into her daily life with seven beloved feline companions. Her home is not just a residence but a meticulously crafted haven where every detail is designed to cater to the unique needs and joys of her cherished cats. In the living room, she orchestrates a feline paradise with shelves, cabinets, and cleverly designed holes, forming a dynamic cat playground. This space caters to their natural instincts, offering entertainment and exploration. Beyond play, Lady Flavor enhances their living experience by enlarging windows in each room, providing her cats the natural light and view, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment. Moving to the bedroom, Lady Flavor continues her harmonious design philosophy. Recognizing the bedroom as a space for both human rest and feline enjoyment, she introduces a cat tree-inspired headboard, seamlessly merging feline perches with human resting spaces. A discreet entrance hole invites the cats to share the tranquil moments, blurring the boundaries between human and feline realms. Her commitment extends to inclusivity, exemplified by stair cushions strategically placed for a cat with paralyzed legs. This compassionate addition ensures seamless access for the special-needs feline, emphasizing Lady Flavor’s dedication to creating a home where every resident, regardless of ability, can thrive. Lady Flavor’s home is a testament to her deep bond with her cats, transforming every corner into a shared retreat that embodies togetherness, warmth, and a celebration of the unique bond between pets and their devoted human.

- Frida Law

 

Mechanization Takes Command (also for Pets)

 

Caring for a cat demands constant attention, but modern life as a cat owner has been simplified by innovative gadgets. These devices, aimed at improving feline well-being, make cat parenting more convenient. Dive into the world of feline innovation and witness your cat’s realm evolve. Self-cleaning litter boxes, GPS trackers, and interactive cameras are cat gadgets nowadays, covering play, relaxation, and hygiene. Yet, the convenience offered by smart pet food dispensers poses concerns. While remote programming seems efficient, it risks replacing personal feeding moments, crucial for bonding. These machines might overlook individual pet needs, potentially affecting their health and happiness. Equipped with cameras, they intrude on a pet’s privacy during meals, raising questions about their space. While these devices simplify life, debates arise on their impact on the human-pet connection. As technology gets more and more integrated into our lives, its influence on pet care warrants consideration. Balancing convenience with emotional bonds is vital in this tech-driven era to ensure pets’ well-being. Reflecting on how technology affects our relationship with pets remains essential, preserving the delicate balance between convenience and meaningful connections.

- Leila Kasmein

 

The Singular Design of Cat Cafés

Cat cafés in Tokyo and big cities, specifically are an innovative response to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and space constraints, which can make pet ownership challenging. These establishments are meticulously designed to replicate the peacefulness of a home environment, featuring climbing structures and scratching posts to stimulate the cats and allow them to exhibit their natural behaviors. For visitors, these cafés provide a sanctuary away from the urban frenzy, with comfortable seating areas to relax and engage with the resident cats, who are typically sociable and accustomed to human interaction. In addition to these regular cat cafes, there are also shelter cat cafes, where, rescued and shelter felines find a temporary home, benefiting from increased socialization with humans, which improves their chances for permanent adoption. These cafés not only promote animal welfare but also raise awareness about the plight of homeless cats in the city. They provide a platform where the public can learn about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal rescue. The popularity of these cafés has made them a cultural phenomenon, adding a unique dimension to Tokyo’s diverse urban landscape.

- Sawako Bolch

 

Animal Real Estate: The Pet Economy

 

In recent years, real estate has been affected by the role that pets play in human life. Right now, the new generations are looking for a place to live that fits their needs and the needs of their nonhuman companion(s). One study found that 43% of households are willing to move so that their pets have a better space, while 18% have made a move for the wellbeing of their animal companion. That is why new companies in this sector face the challenge of adapting the design of real estate by adding new amenities that meet those needs as a playground for pets. Animal day care, animal spa. Another point that is also taken as a new consideration is that these buildings or housing complexes are located near veterinaries. It is a fact that directly affects and involves architecture in general and in turn in the interior architecture and design of urban spaces. If we talk specifically about interior architecture, we can say that these new buildings propose new materials that favor the stay of animals; in turn we think of a new modulation of spatial design. Without forgetting that there are new spaces to be developed so these new amenities such as the nursery and park for animals are completely designed.

- Ana Karina Zepeda Aranda

 

The Birds (Fight Back)

 

In urban settings, birds exhibit remarkable adaptability to the traps and deterrents created by humans. These creatures have found ways to navigate and cope with the obstacles we’ve set in place. Anti-bird spikes, designed to prevent nesting, have been repurposed by intelligent species like crows and magpies within their nests to protect their offspring. Even the usual nets and light displays used for aversion haven’t stopped birds from finding creative workarounds. Observations have shown them bypassing these barriers or incorporating them into their nesting materials. Unfortunately, environmental destruction in urban areas can deplete natural nesting materials. This forces birds to resort to unusual objects to construct their nests. Plastic waste such as cups, bags, and even rare finds like broken dolls or oddly-shaped items have been discovered within bird nests. This behavior not only showcases the birds’ creativity but also underscores the impact of pollution on their habitats. Ultimately, these adaptations demonstrate the remarkable potential of birds to adjust to the human-created environment. Their ability to tackle these challenges not only showcases their intelligence but also their willingness to adapt to the changes brought about by the urban landscape.

- David Röder