is-this-mathieu-enriched

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

This is an introduction gone badly wrong!

Socialising is a very important part of enriching your beloved companion's life, whether that be a planned meet-up at the park, or an improptu meeting during supervised outdoor time. Even the most solitary of species benefit from being able to interact with others, although don't be suprised if they initially remain close to you until they are comfortable the situation presents no threat.

In the wild, dominance battles are far more common than in captivity. It is a myth that they always result in a physical fight! In fact this is very rare, as it wastes energy far better spent on catching prey. Other than in mating season, most dominance battles instead consist of threat posturing. A Mathieu will hiss and spit, a Ben raise his crest, and a Jasper adopt the 'puff pose' to make himself look larger. Once dominance has been asserted, the loser will generally leave immediately yet without being harmed.

In captivity, many species have lost this implicit understanding that a fight helps neither party. This can unfortunately lead to dominance displays being badly misunderstood.

The picture above shows a Wout, Tiesj and Neilson in a temporary enclosure. Likely this was intended as a neutral area to allow them to meet, however this space is clearly much too small for this purpose. No hides are available, and so the three of them are being forced into unavoidable close proximity.

This Wout is badly stressed. He is extremely close to the camera, which may be held by his keeper, and his body language is signalling he is feeling threatened and looking for an immediate way out. If one is not provided, he is likely to begin biting until the threat is no longer so pressing. He should be immediately returned to his travel enclosure with a favourite comfort item, and allowed to self-soothe.

The Tiesj is also stressed, however he is reacting not with aggression but by trying to hide. Although hiding behind his hand does not conceal him, this fact is not always as obvious to our beloved companions as it is to us. Matejs are masters of using camouflage to aid their hunts, however as many keepers know, plenty of Mathieus will cover their eyes and believe themselves invisible! He too should be returned to his own travel enclosure at once (if necessary, a temporary hide can always be improvised with a scarf or shawl until he is safely back in his own enclosure).

Unusually for the species, this jewelled Neilson is strongly projecting dominance. It may be that this meeting is taking place within his territory, and he is ensuring that both intruders recognise this fact. Alternatively it is possible he may have been challenged by the Wout or Tiesj, but he has clearly come out of this encounter the winner.

Although he too should be returned to his own enclosure, it is recommended to offer a session of active play first, followed by a feeding. Regardless of the rights and wrongs involved, dominance battles always produce an excess of adrenaline, best worked off before returning your beloved companion to their enclosure.

...

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

No

This young adult Olav has become lost and injured during supervised outdoor time. Obviously very well-trained, he is shown sitting and waiting for his keeper to find him, rather than wandering aimlessly. Once safely restored to his keeper, he should be immediately taken to the vet, as he is clearly hurt and is sitting awkwardly in an unnatural pose for the species.

In the hubbub of a public park or during a group hunt, it can sadly be very easy to take your eyes off your companion for a mere few seconds, only for them to completely vanish. Many keepers choose to get their companion microchipped, however while this will allow a vet to identify them, it does not allow you to find them again.

Before this distressing situation arises, consider training your companion to stay put if they become lost and separated from you. This is not always possible - Matejs and Tadejs will easily grasp the concept, but many Mathieus will not - so instead you may wish to consider the use of a Bluetooth or radio tracking device!

Saddest boy in Flanders in his ditch 💔

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Yes

This adult fancy Mathieu is pictured on a variety of occasions. He has chosen to display in a tasteful range of neutral colours, apart from when he is actively basking, and his neatly turned out feet suggest he may have experience competing in shows. He is shown socialising with friends, browsing the accessories section in a specialist store, and preparing for a social feeding, all popular enrichment activities with most fancy Mathieus. This happy Mathieu is clearly enjoying himself enormously, yet through it all he remains very demure, very mindful.

📸 biviocantinarestaurant + cecco.78

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Maybe

It is unusual to see a Mathieu cleaning himself in public - this is usually done while relaxing in his nesting spot - however it is not unheard of behaviour. Likely this Mathieu has become covered in something that doesn't feel good on his skin, and he wants to get it off immediately. Individual Mathieus will have their own sensory preferences, and most keepers will soon become aware of which sensations their Mathieu dislikes. Keep a pack of Mathieu-safe wipes with his travel enclosure, as many Mathieus will opt to lick themselves clean. This is often neither hygenic nor nutritious!

Of more concern is the fact that this Mathieu appears to be being held in a wire cage. This is a deeply unsuitable enclosure. A Mathieu's enclosure should be smooth-sided, to ensure he cannot get his claws trapped and become stuck. This location appears to have been visited during supervised outdoor time, but it is dangerous and inappropriate.

This Mathieu should be immediately returned to his travel enclosure where there is no risk of him snagging his claws. His keeper can then help wipe him clean, and ensure whatever is bothering him is safely removed.

A CAT GROOMING

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

I think I just found a clutch of Mathieu’s eggs in my backyard…? Is there anything I should do? No sign of the Mathieu yet but we have bad weather coming in a few days. I’m afraid to leave those things in the cold outside!

Under ideal circumstances, eggs should usually be left to the care of the parent, however sadly it is not uncommon for wild Mathieus to abandon a clutch. This can be the result of a Mathieu being chased out of someone else's territory, or deciding his nest is in an unsuitable spot.

Unlike captive Mathieus, evolutionary pressures mean wild Mathieus tend to favour highly defensible locations. If circumstances have led to a nest becoming insecure, many wild Mathieus will abandon the eggs and hope to mate again that season. Domesticated Mathieus, as many keepers know, will regularly opt to nest inside a tipped over laundry basket in the middle of the kitchen, or many other impractical and less than ideal places!

Have you seen any evidence that the nest is being attended? Most Mathieus will pack dirt down over their eggs, allowing them to stay warm during periods of absence. If twenty-four hours pass with no sign of the Mathieu, this is likely to be an abandoned nest.

The eggs will definitely not survive being left outside during a storm. Transfer them indoors (wear gloves, a Mathieu's eggs are coated with venom to deter predators) and wrap them in a towel placed in front of your radiator or open oven set to a low heat (do not place the eggs in the oven). Assuming you do not have a license to breed Mathieus, the nearest vet should be contacted immediately. They will be able to arrange immediate transportation to an appropriate incubator or foster Mathieu, where hopefully the eggs will hatch safely.

Even if you aren't an experienced Mathieu breeder, it is usually possible for you to adopt the infants once hatched and ready to leave the nest, if this is something you would like to do. There are few things sweeter than a nest full of chirruping infants, however do bear in mind that they will of course grow to full adult size and require appropriate care, enrichment and living space. A Mathieu is for life!

Thank you for looking out for the wild Mathieus in your area, and do let us know if you are able to save the eggs. We'll be thinking of you!

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Wout and Mathieu awkwardly share a sofa. Inspired by this.

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Yes

This well-behaved and contented adult mountain Mathieu is shown enjoying a range of enriching activities. He is pictured hunting, playing with a microphone, and enjoying a social feeding. Although he is also shown undergoing a slight medical procedure, this well-trained Mathieu is clearly accustomed to the vet and remains calm and relaxed. He has definitely earned his pictured treats!

Mathieu's February

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

hello!

i was recently watching some old documentary footage and noticed the primožes in it practicing very different hunting practices to what i am used to seeing from primožes today! they were very much avian hunters - where now i am much more accustomed to seeing them preferring to stick to stalking prey along the ground.

do you know why their behaviour seems to have changed so much? is this due to habitat loss?

thank you so much!

Sadly this is indeed due to habitat loss, especially in the high mountains. in the past Primožes would use a snowy slope to launch themselves into the air (unlike a Sepp they are not true fliers, however they can glide for a very considerable distance, and are exceptionally manoeuvrable once in the air). Due to climate change and the retreat of many glaciers, there are fewer and fewer suitable areas of their original habitat remaining. Primožes have also been outcompeted in some areas, particularly those with growing Tadej and Jonas populations.

Despite the above, the species is an extremely adaptable one. Primožes are renowned for their 'happy go lucky' temperament, and most have successfully moved to lower latitudes and an entirely ground-based method of hunting.

So does that mean your Primož can soar through the air like his ancestors? Likely no, however some gliding capability is generally retained. If your Primož would enjoy playing on a slide, try setting up a mound of cushions at its base, and see if he attempts to loft himself into the air! Do be aware however that most Primožes have very little safety awareness (they have been proposed as a Class Two species multiple times, although as yet they remain within Class One). Stand ready to catch him should he attempt to hurl himself off the top of the slide directly towards the most breakable things you own!

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

No

This Mathieu is dangerously cold! Displaying defensive rainbows, his dark display patterns show he is attempting to bask, even though there is no warmth to be found. His facial expression is miserable, and we can see from his attempt to open a bottle (a skill many Mathieus are able to master, although some prefer to lap from a bowl) that he is so cold he is unable to complete fine tasks with his claws.

He should be immediately dried with a warmed soft towel, returned to his travel enclosure and placed directly under his heat lamp to warm through. If this Mathieu shares his enclosure with any warm-blooded companions, they will want to snuggle up to him, helping both to comfort him and raise his body temperature.

She just wants some sunshine

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Hello! I hope you can help me. I can't decide between a João and a Pippo. They're both so cute in their own way... What are the pros and cons of these species?

Both of these species are becoming increasingly popular, especially to those who wish to look beyond the traditional options of a Mathieu, Wout or Tadej. Endearing and prosocial, there is a lot to love about each species! As always, however, there are individual considerations which need to be borne in mind before adopting.

The Pippo:

Pippos are persistence hunters, who chase their prey to exhaustion over great distances. If your Pippo hunts live prey, these hunts will take much longer than those of a Mathieu. This may take up a substantial amount of time every day, however can be a fun opportunity to spend time together as he engages in this natural behaviour.

They are also a very outgoing and social species. Pippos require daily socialisation, ideally with a variety of playmates, and should be kept with at least one bonded companion. This may sound like a lot of work, but every Pippo keeper will speak about the joy of their beloved companion endearing himself to even the grumpiest species at the park.

It is worth mentioning that Pippos bond very easily. This is very handy from an existing keeper's perspective, when a Pippo will quickly bond to any other species that you are already keeping. However if you are adopting a rescued Pippo, bear in mind that he may already have bonded companions at the shelter he will not be separated from, so will also be coming home with you!

Diet is similar to that of a Mathieu, however a Pippo needs to regularly consume large quantities of Nutella. It is thought this promotes healthy skin, bright eyes and strong feet! If Nutella is not available in your country, other chocolate hazelnut spreads may be offered, but do check the ingredients are Pippo-safe.

The João:

Similar to a Jai, a João is herbivorous, with a diet consisting of nuts and fruits (yes, Nutella can be offered as an occasional treat!). Joãos prefer the little and often feeding strategy, and will graze throughout the day. They do not hunt, but will often accompany any bonded companions who do simply for the pleasure of company and a good run!

Joãos do, like Wouts, need to be exercised every day, which can be a big commitment for their keeper. They are easily harness-trained, and ideally both walking and running should be offered. Running wheels are a popular enrichment toy for your João's enclosure, although do make sure they are from a recognised manufacturer and claw-safe.

Although most Joãos will enjoy socialising with selected playmates, as a species they tend to be on the shyer side. This can make them excellent companions for fancy Mathieus - very demure, very mindful - or for any other species inclined to do most of the social heavy lifting in forming a relationship. It is common in the wild to see a João bonded to a very outgoing mate, who will take the lead while the João brings up and defends the rear.

If you are considering adopting both, this is a good combination! Your João will enjoy accompanying your Pippo as he hunts, and can enjoy an occasional lick of his Nutella as a favourite treat. In turn your Pippo will delight in making friends with every other species at the park, and proudly bringing them back to his João to say hello.

Hopefully the information above will help you to make a decision about whether or not to adopt. Do send us some pictures if you do!

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

.

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

No

This unhappy Mathieu is soaking wet and clearly too cold, and his defeated and resigned body language shows he has stopped even trying to search for a source of warmth. A Mathieu cannot regulate his own body temperature. Mathieus need to bask in order to stay warm, and this Mathieu's dark display colours show us he is desperately trying to absorb any residual heat from the cold air around him.

Supervised outdoor time is important and should be offered year round, but it is never more important than your Mathieu's health. In the case of extreme weather, a session of vigorous active play should be offered instead, ideally one where he is encouraged to stalk, pounce and use his venom. This should be followed by a feeding to maintain his natural prey drive.

This Mathieu should be immediately returned to his travel enclosure, gently towelled dry, then placed under his heat lamp. If he is not moving all four limbs within fifteen minutes, immediately consult your veterinarian.

📸 mr.pinko

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Yes

This handsome fancy Mathieu - very demure, very mindful - is inspecting an new enrichment toy. Whilst he does appear slightly puzzled as to how to use it, this is common behaviour among Mathieus. As any keeper will know, sometimes it is necessary to demonstrate how to play with a particular toy before your Mathieu gets the idea! This Mathieu is choosing to display in a range of soft pastels, and his keeper has clearly gone to some effort to make sure his new chew toy matches his favourite display patterns. There are clearly many hours of happy chewing in his near future!

📸 canyon

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Maybe

There are several possible explanations for the behaviour seen! This Mathieu may be too cold, and certainly his dark display patterns suggest he may be in need of basking. However we can also see bright natural rainbows, suggesting we may be looking at a fancy Mathieu. In addition he is not attempting to snuggle with his teammates, although as the clip ends he appears to be chirruping to them, perhaps assessing their willingness to do so.

It may be this Mathieu is uncomfortable or upset, and attempting to self-soothe. If this is the case he should be immediately returned to his travel enclosure and offered a favourite comfort item. If your Mathieu is regularly displaying self-soothing behaviour under unusual circumstances (e.g. during supervised outdoor time, rather than in a stressful situation such as while receiving medical care), consult your veterinarian. This may be caused by something as simple as toothache, often fixed by swapping one type of chew toy for another.

If this Mathieu is in the northern hemisphere, he may be expecting. Mating season is well underway, and this Mathieu may be looking forward to the delivery of his next clutch in a few months. A pregnant Mathieu will still benefit from supervised outdoor time, although do be aware that he may become territorial in a way he would not normally, especially around other Mathieus.

If in the southern hemisphere, it is highly unlikely for a Mathieu to become pregnant in the autumn. However it is not impossible: there have been several reports of captive Mathieus surprising their keepers with a clutch of eggs! The likely explanation is central heating fooling their hormones into thinking spring had arrived, another reason why supervised outdoor time is so crucial to a Mathieu's health and wellbeing.

📸 tirreno_adriatico

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

I remember you mentioned that the Mads is a class 2 species and requires a license to keep. Can you explain more about this classification? What are some other class 2 species? Is there a class 3?

Species classification is regularly made out to be much more complicated than it really is! It is purely a system for rating the needs of a specific species, and determining whether those needs can be met by an untrained keeper.

Class One species do not require a licence to keep. They include all those we are so used to seeing, such as the Tadej, Wout, Pippo or Jasper. This doesn't mean Class One species have no specific needs! A fancy Mathieu will require a chew-safe mirror and items to accessorise with, a Matej will not thrive unless presented with an ever-changing selection of challenging enrichment toys and enclosure fastenings to unlatch, and a Tibor needs plenty of burrowing room.

Nor does it ever mean that adopting without doing your research first is a good idea. Your beloved companion is dependent on you to provide for their needs. The better informed you are, the more able you will be to give them an enriching, happy and healthy life.

Class Two species, such as the Mads, are obligate symbiotes. A solitary member of these species can not be kept; their health depends on having at least one bonded companion. Other examples include the Tiesj and the Nathan.

In addition, Class Two species also possess complex health needs, such as with the Geraint above, shown with a bonded Luke (Remcos are also a common choice of bonded companion). Loving and very gregarious, they are prone to falls even on the flattest of surfaces. Supervised outdoor time should therefore be tailored to reduce the risk of injury, whilst still providing active play. The Primož has been proposed as a Class Two species multiple times, yet currently remains within Class One.

A Class Two licence can generally be obtained over a period of six to eight weeks, and will equip you with all the knowledge you need to keep these wonderful species healthy and happy.

Class Three species require a more stringent licence to keep, and have needs which require significant additional provision. A good example is the Julian, one of the peloton's few marsupials.

With an exclusive diet of leaves, every Julian will have a favourite type of tree, and eat only from that. The leaves supplied must be fresh, and offered in an orientation mimicking the way they grow on the tree. As any keeper will tell you, a Julian faced with leaves laid flat will opt simply to scream until they have been rearranged to hang vertically again. In addition, climbing is an important part of general fitness, so a Julian needs an enclosure with substantial vertical room.

Other examples include the Benoît, requiring suffiently pressurised water to mimic the effects of depth, and the Warren, yet to be successfully kept outside Brittany.

Gaining a Class Three licence takes a longer period of study of approximately six months, including a substantial practical component. This should not be viewed as a barrier, but simply the necessary grounding required to successfully keep a companion with more challenging needs.

Class Four species are not kept in captivity, save only by wildlife centres for conservation purposes. A typical example is the Demi pictured above. Efforts to protect the habitat of these beautiful top predators are vital, however they are much too dangerous to be kept by the general public. Class Four species do not belong in an enclosure, but in the wild. Studies have shown that the reintroduction of a Class Four species to an area is beneficial for the whole food chain!

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

Should this Tadej be taken to the veterinarian? - A concerned bystander

https://www.tumblr.com/the-lived-abstractionism/777483006710611968/unbambinoprodigioalcomando-foto-mia?source=share

Yes

This Tadej is clearly injured. He may have come off the worst in a fight - despite everyone's best efforts to supervise outdoor time, it is easy to momentarily lose track of your beloved companion at a crowded public park. Alternatively he may have had a fall whilst playing, but he has lost substantial tufts of fur and appears to be bleeding from multiple scrapes.

His keeper should place him immediately in his travel enclosure and take him for a veterinary exam. The vet will be best placed to clean his wounds without hurting him, and Tadejs are smart enough to understand that they should not chew the resulting bandages. A few favourite comfort items should be packed, along with a favourite treat. A Tadej will often be clingy for a few hours after an unpleasant experience, but he should be back to his usual exuberant and mischievous self by the following morning.

[is-this-mathieu-enriched]

No

This is a clearly untrained Mathieu being used for advertising purposes, unable even to fake a smile. His body language is lacklustre and lethargic, and although no heat lamp is present we can see from his display patterns that he is desperately trying to bask. This Mathieu is too cold! He should be immediately returned to his enclosure and placed beneath his heat lamp. If he is not actively moving about within five minutes, vetinary advice should be sought.

The International Mathieu Rescue Hotline have been alerted, and this advertiser is being investigated. Every Mathieu deserves to live a happy and enriching life. If a Mathieu is required to be used for advertising purposes, an untrained Mathieu is never an acceptable choice. A trained Mathieu will be accustomed to the work, and his trusted handler will ensure that this is conducted in an ethical manner.

Go king give us nothing