Guillotines and motorbikes, together at last

One of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s leading advisers, Dan Caldwell, was escorted out of the Pentagon on Tuesday -- after being identified during an investigation into confidential leaks at the Department of Defense (DOD).

“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” director Chris Columbus recently stated that he fears President Donald Trump’s administration would deport him if he chose to cut the president’s cameo scene from the movie. 

If President Donald Trump doesn’t return an illegal immigrant that the administration had deported, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., says he’ll go to El Salvador “to show solidarity."

The post How Do You Keep a Cat From Getting Bored? 12 Vet-Approved Tips by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Cats are remarkable pets that make excellent companions for children and adults. They are playful, friendly, and fairly easy to maintain. They are also well-behaved for the most part, but if they get bored, they can get into mischief, like scratching the carpets and furniture or making noise when you are trying to sleep. If your cat has been causing trouble, keep reading while we list several things you can do to prevent them from getting bored. The 12 Tips for Keeping Your Cat From Getting Bored 1. Interactive Toys and Puzzles Image Credit: Agata Kowalczyk, Shutterstock Cats thrive on mental stimulation, and interactive toys, like puzzle feeders, can engage their natural hunting instincts. These toys require cats to manipulate them in specific ways to receive treats or food, keeping their minds sharp and occupied. 2. Cat Trees and Climbing Shelves Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings from a high vantage point. Cat trees, shelves, or even a simple arrangement of furniture can provide them with a playground to explore, helping them get exercise and use their instincts. Climbing, stretching, and scratching are all natural feline behaviors that your cat should be allowed to enjoy every day. Alternatively, if you want to surprise your cat with something cool, check out the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher. It's not just a scratcher; it's a piece of modern furniture that your cat can play on. It's got a curvy design that's perfect for stretching and moving, and it's built tough with strong birch plywood and thick B-flute cardboard. You can adjust it to three different heights, which keeps cats entertained. Plus, it won't break the bank! Our cats love it, and we do too. Hepper Hi-Lo Cardboard Cat Scratcher with Real... Premium Materials - Hepper's cardboard scratcher is made with dense, B-flute cardboard, and a metal...High, Low and Lower - A single cat scratch pad won't keep your cat engaged. 3 unique positions keeps...Activates Muscles - The Hi Lo isn't just a cat nail file to stop the chief cat couch scratcher. The... Check Price on Amazon At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! 3.  Window Perches Much like humans, many cats are fascinated by the outside world. A window perch provides them with a front-row seat to the outdoors, allowing them to watch birds, squirrels, and other movements in the neighborhood, which can be incredibly entertaining and mentally stimulating. 4. Regular Playtime Image Credit: Kutuzova_Svetlana, Shutterstock Consistent, interactive play sessions can significantly reduce boredom in cats. Using toys that mimic prey, like feather wands or laser pointers, you can trigger their hunting instincts and provide a great outlet for excess energy. Remember, it’s not just about physical activity but also about the mental stimulation of strengthening the bond between you. Our Favorite Cat Toys Right Now Here are a some of our favorite toys, each catering to a variety of senses and play preferences. Which one will your feline fancy?  Image Product Details Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set Contains catnip Kitten safe Encourages self-play Check Price Hepper Furball Set Set Added bells Satisfies prey instinct Check Price At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! 5. New Environments and Exploration Sometimes, a change of scenery can be refreshing for your cat and help reduce stress. Allowing them to explore a new room or setting up a safe outdoor enclosure can offer them new sights, smells, and experiences, which might be enough to prevent boredom. Take the time to harness and leash train your cat so you can safely bring them outside for new adventures. 6. Companionship For some cats, having a companion can be a great way to alleviate boredom. Their companion could be another cat or even a cat-friendly dog. However, this isn’t a universal solution, as some cats prefer being the sole pet, and in that case, introducing a new pet can complicate matters. Therefore, it is important to consider your cat’s personality before bringing a new animal into the home. 7. Training and Tricks Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock Cats are intelligent, and you can train them to perform simple tricks or obey basic commands, which challenges them mentally and provides a unique way for you to interact with your pet. 8. Regularly Rotating Toys Like humans, cats can get bored with the same old toys. Rotating their toys every day keeps things fresh and exciting. It’s like reintroducing them to a brand-new plaything each time. 9. Cardboard Boxes Never underestimate the allure of a simple cardboard box. They provide an excellent opportunity for hiding, playing, and even scratching. Plus, they’re an economical way to keep your pet entertained, and there is almost always one available. 10. DIY Toys Image Credit: jessjeppe, Shutterstock Homemade toys can be just as thrilling as store-bought ones. Something as simple as a crumpled piece of paper or a perforated plastic bottle with treats can provide hours of fun and cost next to nothing. Remember to avoid anything that your cat might swallow by accident. 11. Outdoor Enclosures If it’s safe and feasible, outdoor cat enclosures or supervised time in a secure backyard can provide a new world of sensory experiences. There are several commercial enclosures available, and you can build one if you have the tools. Another option is to fence in your porch to prevent the cat from getting off. 12. Outdoor Elements Indoors Bringing some of the outdoors inside can be a real treat for indoor cats. Consider safe indoor plants that cats can sniff and nibble on, like cat grass or catnip. You can also open screened windows to allow fresh air and the sounds of nature to come in. Setting up a bird feeder near a window where your cat can watch birds and other wildlife can also be a great way to bring the outside in. Frequently Asked Questions How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Bored? Signs of boredom in cats include excessive sleeping, over-grooming, lack of appetite, or destructive behavior. If your usually playful cat becomes disinterested in toys or activities, it might be a sign of boredom. What Are the Best Toys to Keep My Cat Entertained? Variety is key. Choose a mix of interactive toys like laser pointers, puzzle toys, and classic favorites like feather wands. Remember, what excites one cat might not interest another, so it requires trial and error. How Often Should I Play With My Cat to Prevent Boredom? Aim for at least two 5–10-minute play sessions per day. Cats thrive on routine, so try to schedule playtime around the same time each day so they will be ready to go when you are. Is It Okay to Leave My Cat Alone All Day? While cats are more independent than some pets, they still need interaction and stimulation. If you’re away for long periods, consider leaving engaging toys, setting up a window perch, or even adopting a second cat for company. Summary As you can see, keeping your cat from being bored is not difficult. Introducing regular playtime sessions will provide mental and physical stimulation, which will keep them healthy and happy. If you need to leave, ensure there are plenty of things to keep your pet entertained, especially if you need to be gone for a while. Place plenty of cat trees, scratchers, and window perches around your home if possible, along with interactive toys and puzzles, like puzzle feeders and cardboard boxes, to ensure they have plenty to do while you are gone. See also: WaggleCam Pro Review: A Detailed Look Sources https://catbehaviorassociates.com/15-boredom-busting-tips-for-your-home-alone-cat/ https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-health-care/do-cats-get-bored https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-care/is-your-indoor-cat-bored-12-ways-to-prevent-boredom https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/cat-enrichment-for-bored-cats   Featured Image Credit: Oksana Bystritskaya, Shutterstock The post How Do You Keep a Cat From Getting Bored? 12 Vet-Approved Tips by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post 6 Cat Brain Games That Will Enrich Their Life: Vet Approved Picks by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Our cats love to engage in exciting activities that get their thinkers going. Anything that requires a prey drive response, they have it in the bag. Brain games can be so much fun for any cat—especially if they are pretty energetic. These types of games will keep your cat’s attention focused on the task at hand. They will love staying busy, and you can rest easy knowing they are getting the right kind of stimulation. We have provided broad categories of different types of cat brain games, along with some examples of each that you can purchase. Top 6 Cat Brain Games 1. Strategy Games Strategy games are games in which your cat has to follow a series of steps in order to get a reward, usually a treat or some food. You can come up with your own strategy game for your cat, or you can check out one of the many options available for purchase. The Trixie Brain Mover Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy Check Latest Price The Trixie Brain Mover Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy is a colorful, exciting way to get your furry friend’s attention. It includes different modules to challenge them at every turn. There are four games in total. Game one involves pushing away the balls. Game 2 involves moving sliders. Or, game 3 involves moving the lever to open doors. The 4th and final game involves tugging open the door using a loop. This piece is totally dishwasher-safe! So, if your cat gets it a little dingy, it will be no worse for the wear. We think it’s the perfect size and you can regularly keep it tidy. Trixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy Check Latest Price The Trixie Activity Fun Board 5-in-1 Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy is a well-made, non-slip game piece that will keep your cats occupied for quite a while! It certainly provides a lot of stimulation for your cat, since it has five different fun activities. It includes fishbowl-style globes, pegs, a tongue and tunnel, and alley, all designed to get your cat’s attention. You can place treats or other cat-safe objects in between. You never have to worry about cleaning this toy. It is completely dishwasher safe, so whether you hand wash or toss it in the dishwasher, you don’t have to worry about it breaking down. 2. Puzzle Games Puzzle games require your cat to figure out how to get a reward, again, usually a treat. They are similar to strategy games but they may or may not have a specific strategy involved. Puzzle games can have buttons your cat can press to open up compartments, for example, but don’t always require your cat to complete multiple steps in order to receive the reward. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy Check Latest Price Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy is designed to encourage your cat to forage. You can hide some tasty treats in individual compartments. Your cat can really work for their snacks! This is a good way to teach your cat that patience pays off. Your cat can explore all 14 hidden compartments in one sitting or over the course of the day. All the parts are kitty-safe, and there are no small pieces or fragments that could cut or pop off. This toy contains no BPA, PVC, or phthalates. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy Check Latest Price The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy has all the compartments to keep your cats busy! This very interactive piece has lots of stimulating textures, nooks, and crannies. It will certainly bewilder your cat, but they’ll be determined to figure it out. This design uses little raindrops to hide the treats as they battle the pegs to see if they can uncover any of them. This particular design is pretty easy for adult house cats, but kittens might need a slow introduction. This particular piece is free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates. Plus, it contains no removable parts, so choking hazards shouldn’t be a concern. 3. Mazes Mazes are similar to the other types of toys, but unlike puzzles and strategy games in which your cat can’t see the reward, usually your cat can see the treats or food in mazes, but they have to use their paws to navigate the treat through the maze in order to get it out. Mazes are usually just made out of cardboard, so they’re easy for you to construct at home. However, if you would prefer to purchase one, here is a great option. Cat Amazing Interactive Treat Maze & Puzzle Cat Toy Check Latest Price Cat Amazing Interactive Treat Maze & Puzzle Cat Toy it’s a really fun way to get your cat to interact. The puzzle style is designed to allow predatory instincts to flourish. This item is made from 30% recycled cardboard and the entire design is 100% recyclable on its own. It is designed with metal-free ink, so it is not toxic to your feline friends. This is a clever way to keep your kitty busy. Although, it might not last so long with highly driven or aggressive cats. They might rip the cardboard quickly, causing degradation. However, it is very straightforward to use and easy to assemble. Your cat can have a blast while it lasts! 4. Play Mats Play mats are a great enrichment tool that can provide multiple forms of entertainment for your cat. You can hide treats, your cat can scratch at the mat, and you know they’ll even love to just sit and nap on it! SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Activity Play Mat Check Latest Price SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Activity Play Mat is a really cool way to switch it up. If your cat loves ripping the heck out of your carpet, they’re really going to love this puzzle. It is designed to be a playmat, scratching post, socialization tool, and even a good place for naps. You can stuff treats inside or hide little toys, and the holes can really get your cat going. We highly recommend putting battery-operated pieces in here that move so your cat is motivated to get them out. This ripple rug is big enough for multiple cats, so it can be a very great addition to encourage play among friends as well. No matter the activity level of your cats, all of them can get some type of use out of this product. 5. Circuit Toys You know what circuit toys are: balls or other toys that are stuck inside a track that your cat bats around to try to get them out. Circuit toys are great for keeping kittens entertained for hours, but even some older cats love them! Circuit toys can be simple or more elaborate, with multiple tiers or a longer track. Here’s a good option! Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy Check Latest Price The Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy is designed for cats that absolutely love cat ball toys – you know the kind we mean! This is a single-track toy, but it’s much larger than other types of circuit toys, making it an amazing option for multi-cat homes. The swirl pattern ball can really capture a cat’s attention, and the large openings allow your cat to touch the ball, encouraging them to keep playing. Your cat can get their entire gang of friends around to catch this pesky ball once and for all. It’s certainly a way to keep all your cat’s attention through multiple forms of sensory. 6. Electronic Toys For kittens or especially active cats, electronic toys can usually provide lots of game options to give your cat some enrichment. Equipped with multiple types of play and flashing lights, these toys can combine noises, circuit toys, feather toys, laser lights, and more that your cat has to “catch.” It’s a great way for your cat to practice their hunting instincts. Check out one of our favorite options! bitPeUG 4-in-1 Cat Toys Check Latest Price bitPeUG 4-in-1 Cat Toys is an electronic piece that will keep your cat engaged with bright lights, feather toy movement, and a moving ball around a track. It is very exciting, especially for younger and energetic cats! There is an RGB light at the top that will flash and attract your cat when it knows they’re near. It has a standby mode and snoozes after about 10 minutes. When fully charged, the product lasts a whopping seven days! Plus, you can get interchangeable pieces for the product to keep it fresh and relevant. Why Are Brain Games Important? Offering your cat several different forms of entertainment is a way to make sure they’re occupied at all times. Cats need an enriching life indoors to make up for what they’re lacking in nature. Cats love exploring, chasing, stalking, pouncing, sharpening their claws, and exercising their brains. If they do not have enough stimulation in the house, it can lead to unwanted tendencies, such as hyperactivity or destructive behaviors. Here are some upsides to buying brain games for cats. Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products that is sure to encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive.  Image Product Details Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher Multi-level play Promotes exercise Long-lasting material Check Price Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set Contains catnip Kitten safe Satisfies prey instinct Check Price At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! Encourages Mental Engagement Whether you are luring your cat in with catnip or their favorite treats, these types of puzzles will engage your cat’s mind. They are designed to stimulate the senses to get them to work for what they want. Most of these puzzles contain individual compartments that your cat has to figure out how to navigate. It can be a little bit difficult for your cat, but that will only amplify their determination. Plus, sitting and watching them try to figure things out will be fun. Image Credit: Maximilian100, Shutterstock Channels Prey Drive Instincts It’s no secret that even the tubbiest of all chunky cats loves to play from time to time. Prey drive is instinctual and natural in your cat’s life. So, stimulating this response is a good way to channel energy appropriately. Once your cat locates yummy food inside, they will make it their life’s mission to have a piece. It’s captivating for cats of all activity levels, but keep in mind certain cats might use it more than others—depending on their voracious appetite and activity level. Slows Down Fast Eaters Some cats will suck down their food faster than a vacuum cleaner. Often, this can lead to the stomach getting overloaded and they can regurgitate their food. If this has been an ongoing problem in your household, look for ways around it. After all, nobody wants to clean up a loaf of cat yack right after mealtime. Puzzle toys make your cat have to work for their food or treats, so they don’t eat them as quickly. Are Cardboard Puzzles Worth It? Cardboard puzzles are definitely worth it. The fact is, once your cat has the method down, they will likely be able to navigate the puzzle very quickly, speeding up the eating process. So, if you are frequently getting new puzzles to try out, it will never get old. You can watch them use their skills to figure out all sorts of different designs. Conclusion Brain games are an incredibly important part of your cat’s life. It is crucial to ensure that our cats receive the right kind of enrichment activities in their daily lives. You can find lots of options online or even make your own at home! There is no shortage of cat toys available on the market, that’s for sure. So, get one or two or three—they will all come in handy! Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock The post 6 Cat Brain Games That Will Enrich Their Life: Vet Approved Picks by Catster Editorial Team appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

During a hearing, a federal judge on Tuesday ordered depositions from several Trump officials, blasting the administration for failing to take any steps to secure the return of illegal alien Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, who was deported to a Salvadoran prison. Two courts found him to be an MS-13 member with a […] The post Judge Rages Over Deportation of MS-13 Member, Dems Call It Kidnapping appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.