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HomePet NewsCats NewsPioneering Study Suggests Cats Could Be An Overlooked Forensic Resource » TwistedSifter

Pioneering Study Suggests Cats Could Be An Overlooked Forensic Resource » TwistedSifter

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When you think about studying crime scenes and what evidence should be carefully catalogued and collected, people’s pets probably aren’t the first thing to come to mind.

This first-of-its-kind study suggests the potential contribution of nearby cats shouldn’t be overlooked.

iStock 1357557077 Pioneering Study Suggests Cats Could Be An Overlooked Forensic Resource

Image Credit: iStock

Researchers from Flounders University asked the question of whether or not human DNA could be extracted from a cat’s fur – and if so, could it help place potential criminals at a crime scene when other methods fail.

The preliminary answer, at least, seems to be yes – 80% of the cats sampled contained DNA of the people they lived with, and the samples largely had enough integrity to be able to be matched with the source.

The idea came out of Heidi Monkman’s PhD research.

“I love animals. When I pitched the idea to (co-author) Dr. Mariya Goray we discovered there was very little research in the area so we couldn’t wait to get started.”

Now that they’ve established the fact that cats do keep bits of the humans they’ve contacted in their fur, scientists are keen to run more tests in the future.

iStock 909106260 Pioneering Study Suggests Cats Could Be An Overlooked Forensic Resource

Image Credit: iStock

First, they would like to know if other pets, like dogs, do the same. They would also like to test how long a person has to be in the house before their DNA could catch on cat fur – could a burglar’s cells show up, for instance, and not just the people who live there.

Monkman says future experiments will also have to attempt to control for different feline personalities, as well.

“They [the cats] were selected for friendliness and not being stressed by new people.”

The more cats the more personalities, and the harder testing procedures will likely be.

The researchers also believe they could find out whether or not the contents of a cat’s fur could potentially contaminate a living environment.

iStock 1385930667 Pioneering Study Suggests Cats Could Be An Overlooked Forensic Resource

Image Credit: iStock

“Are these DNA findings a result of a criminal activity or could they have been transferred and deposited at the scene via a pet? Transmitted DNA from someone who patted them outside so it appeared the individual had been in the house around the time of a crime seems like just the sort of thing certain cats would love to do.”

Be careful when you insult a cat. It would seem they have many ways to exact their revenge.

twistedsifter on facebook Pioneering Study Suggests Cats Could Be An Overlooked Forensic Resource

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About the editor Hey there! I'm proud to be the editor of Pet News 2Day. With a lifetime of experience and a genuine love for animals, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my role. Experience and Expertise Animals have always been a central part of my life. I'm not only the owner of a top-notch dog grooming business in, but I also have a diverse and happy family of my own. We have five adorable dogs, six charming cats, a wise old tortoise, four adorable guinea pigs, two bouncy rabbits, and even a lively flock of chickens. Needless to say, my home is a haven for animal love! Credibility What sets me apart as a credible editor is my hands-on experience and dedication. Through running my grooming business, I've developed a deep understanding of various dog breeds and their needs. I take pride in delivering exceptional grooming services and ensuring each furry client feels comfortable and cared for. Commitment to Animal Welfare But my passion extends beyond my business. Fostering dogs until they find their forever homes is something I'm truly committed to. It's an incredibly rewarding experience, knowing that I'm making a difference in their lives. Additionally, I've volunteered at animal rescue centers across the globe, helping animals in need and gaining a global perspective on animal welfare. Trusted Source I believe that my diverse experiences, from running a successful grooming business to fostering and volunteering, make me a credible editor in the field of pet journalism. I strive to provide accurate and informative content, sharing insights into pet ownership, behavior, and care. My genuine love for animals drives me to be a trusted source for pet-related information, and I'm honored to share my knowledge and passion with readers like you.
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