The post How to Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed: 9 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look For by Jessica Kim 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. Click to Skip Ahead Signs of Depression in Cats General Causes of Depression Tips to Help Although cats have a reputation for being aloof, they can actually feel a range of emotions. When a cat experiences significant changes in their life, they can develop signs consistent with depression. Although they can’t tell us how they are feeling, we can make some assumptions based on their behavior. Common causes of depression include the loss of a companion, loss of mobility and independence, illness, and boredom. Different cats will have their own unique experiences with depression. So, depression can look different from cat to cat. We’ve listed several common signs and behaviors in depressed cats. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s possible that they’re experiencing depression. The 9 Signs of Depression in Cats 1. General Disinterest Cats with depression can lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may not like playing with their favorite toys and not be as enthusiastic about eating special treats. It can be difficult to motivate or engage them to exercise, play, or eat. Many times, it can seem like your cat just wants to be left alone. They might withdraw and find a hiding spot where they’re most likely to be left undisturbed. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock 2. Lethargic Another sign of depression in cats is lethargy. Your cat may sleep more than usual. Cats do generally sleep a lot, and healthy adult cats can sleep anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day. However, depressed cats may lie down and sleep even more. They’ll often decide to lie down rather than engage in a different activity like eating or playing. You may also experience a more difficult time getting your cat to move, and they’ll make it pretty clear that they just want to be left alone and unbothered. Of course, lethargy can be a sign of other illness or injury. So, it’s important to have a veterinarian rule out any physical illness if your cat is showing signs of depression. 3. Lack of Grooming Cats are natural self-groomers, and they usually do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean on their own. However, depression can cause changes in a cat’s grooming habits, and it may impair their ability to take care of themselves in this way. Along with their general disinterest in activities, some cats may become disinterested or lack the motivation to clean themselves. You’ll notice their hair looking unkempt and an increased amount of dirt left on their coat. Overgrooming is also a sign of stress that can lead to increased hair loss and patches of bald spots in your cat’s coat. Image Credit: Tiina Tuomaala, Shutterstock 4. Changes in Litter Box Habits Some cats may develop changes in their litter box habits. You may see completely litter box-trained cats suddenly start to urinate outside of their litter box. It’s speculated that depressed or anxious cats will urinate in different areas of the house because the scent of their urine can comfort or calm them. Therefore, you may notice your cat starting to urinate in multiple rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Cats can actually develop signs of cystitis and even a urinary obstruction which is a medical emergency in response to stress. If your cat is showing straining to urinate, has blood in the urine, or urinating more than usual, you should seek urgent veterinary care. 5. Clinginess Cats can become extra clingy with their owners when they’re depressed. They can start to follow their owners all over the house, demand constant attention, or start sitting or sleeping on them. Some cats may even develop separation anxiety and become highly distressed when their owners leave the house. Cats that are normally independent can also become increasingly clingy when they’re depressed. Confident and social cats may develop stranger anxiety and become more fearful of any guests or visitors that enter the home. Image Credit: rzarof, Shutterstock 6. Increased Agitation or Aggression In contrast to clinginess, some depressed cats may become more aggressive instead. Your cat can get more easily irritated, and even cats that are normally docile can show signs of aggression when they’re depressed. They may not want to be touched, picked up, or petted. Signs of aggression in cats include hissing, biting, chattering, scratching, and growling. Your cat may also try to chase you away when they really want to be left alone. Similarly to other signs on this list, a cat can become aggressive when in pain or unwell, so a veterinary check is vital. 7. Hiding As many depressed cats just want to be left alone and undisturbed, they may start to hide more. Some cats may find new hiding spots in the home that make it less likely for them to be found and disrupted. If your cat lives with other cats or pets, they may choose to hide from their animal companions, too. Cats who are usually social can also start to prefer being left alone and no longer greet people at the door. Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock 8. Appetite Changes Depression often causes changes in eating habits. Since depression affects all cats differently, some cats can lose interest in eating, while others may want to eat more. Sometimes, the cause of your cat’s depression will affect their appetite. For example, if your cat’s depression is linked to pain or anxiety, it’s more likely for your cat to have a lower appetite. If your cat’s depression is connected to boredom, your cat may resort to overeating. 9. Pain It’s important to note that depression can accompany chronic pain and illnesses. Cats that have been diagnosed with a chronic health issue may become depressed, especially if the condition impairs their quality of life significantly. For example, older cats with arthritis may start to show signs of depression as they lose their ability to jump on high counters or climb cat trees. Cats may also feel more anxious when they experience chronic pain and may fall into depression as they can no longer move around like they once used to. Image Credit: Carlos G. Lopez, Shutterstock What Causes Depression in Cats? Cats have unique personalities and preferences. What may trigger depression in one cat may leave another cat feeling completely unaffected. Therefore, it’s helpful to have a general understanding of different experiences that can cause cats to become depressed. Understanding what has caused or is causing your cat’s depression can help immensely with helping them feel better and getting them back to their normal self. Cats are sensitive animals that can become significantly affected by changes in their environment. Therefore, moving homes, changes in routine, or switching roommates can all cause cats to feel anxious or depressed. Cats can also be affected by changes in family dynamics. Familial events, such as a newborn baby, separations, and divorces, can all cause cats to feel depressed. As cats are capable of forming strong bonds, they can also become depressed after experiencing the loss of a companion. For example, they can feel significant sadness after they’re separated from their owners. It’s common for cats in a bonded pair to develop some form of depression after their partner passes away. Problems in the cat’s environment like lack of stimulation, or social conflicts can result in poor quality of life and depression. Pain and illness, especially ongoing conditions can lead to cats showing signs of depression. How to Help Cats With Depression If you suspect your cat is depressed or notice any significant behavioral or mood changes, it’s best first to take them to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help rule out any medical factors that may be affecting your cat’s behavior. Before going to your veterinarian appointment, it’s helpful to make note of several factors tied to your cat’s possible depression. Try to identify when the behavioral changes started and any possible factors that may contribute to these changes. You should also watch for signs of illness like vomiting, increased thirst, and changes in toileting. This information may help your veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis. There are a variety of things you can try to help cats with depression, and the methods you choose will depend on what’s causing your cat’s depression. Change Their Routine If your cat’s depression is linked with boredom, changing their routine by adding more playtime, different treats, and introducing new toys can all help lift your cat’s mood. Provide environmental enrichment like cat TV and music. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock Give Them More Attention When cats are grieving the loss of a companion, they may require more attention as they get used to the loss. You can give a grieving cat reassuring pets and scratches and comfort them by staying home with them more. Speak With Your Veterinarians If your cat’s depression is related to pain or a health issue, ask your veterinarian about any possible treatments that can help alleviate their pain or discomfort. Some cats may feel better after getting acupuncture or a massage. Older cats with arthritis may feel better if you install ramps or stairs in your home so that they can still access certain places on their own. Sometimes, cats can benefit from taking behavioral medication to reduce anxiety and depression. You can have a discussion with your veterinarian to determine if this course of action will benefit your cat. Image Credit: Stock Asso, Shutterstock Speak With a Cat Behaviorist Lastly, working with a cat behaviorist or trainer can help you come up with a plan to help your cat through their depression. A cat behaviorist can observe your cat and develop a treatment or training plan with concrete steps you and your cat can follow. They can also recommend any home modifications or products that can help lift your cat’s mood. Conclusion Depression can become a mental health issue that reduces your cat’s quality of life. So, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. It’s recommended to consult your veterinarian if you notice behavioral and mood changes in your cat. Your veterinarian can provide options for helping your cat, and you can also connect with a cat behaviorist to find ways to help your cat feel better. Sources WebMD Autumn Trails Veterinary Center Eastgate Animal Hospital petMD iCatCare Featured Image Credit: avi_acl, Shutterstock The post How to Tell if Your Cat Is Depressed: 9 Vet-Reviewed Signs to Look For by Jessica Kim 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.

Hunter Biden received money from a foreign business magnate to influence U.S. policy and lied about the nature of his services for his father’s sake, prosecutors stated in court after years of investigations. Hunter Biden “received compensation from a foreign principal who was attempting to influence U.S. policy and public opinion,” prosecutors say in documents filed last week in the trial of the president’s son over $1.4 million in unpaid taxes. Yet the younger Biden failed to register as a lobbyist for a foreign power to spare his father political embarrassment, falsely labeling his business as real estate management advice. In 2015, Romanian real estate tycoon Gabriel Popoviciu faced bribery charges in his native land. Popoviciu hired Hunter Biden, then the son of sitting Vice President Joe Biden, to prompt the Obama-Biden administration to “investigate the Romanian criminal investigation into Gabriel Popoviciu and thereby cause an end to the investigation of Gabriel Popoviciu in Romania,” stated court filings from special counsel David Weiss. At the time, the senior Biden handled the Eastern European portfolio for the Obama administration. Since he was attempting to change U.S. policy toward the Romanian government, Hunter Biden should have registered with the U.S. government as the agent of a foreign citizen under the terms of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA. Yet the younger Biden and his business associate “were concerned that lobbying work might cause political ramifications for the defendant’s father,” Joe Biden, the court filings say. Instead, their business documents claimed Popoviciu (whom prosecutors refer to as “G.P” in court documents) hired Biden to provide “management services to real estate prosperities in Romania.” “That was not actually what G.P. was paying for,” charged Weiss, who was named special counsel in the case by Attorney General Merrick Garland, himself appointed by Biden. In all, Popoviciu paid the firm Robinson Walker LLC, run by Rob Walker, just over $3.1 million, which distributed approximately one-third of the proceeds each to Hunter Biden, Walker, and James Gilliar. Payments began on Nov. 5, 2015, as Popoviciu deposited $179,836.86 into the business account. On Nov. 14, Hunter Biden met with Romania’s ambassador to the United States and, the next day, traveled to Romania. Hunter would meet the ambassador again on March 26, 2016. The efforts may have included Joe Biden. In September 2015, then-Vice President Biden welcomed Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to the White House to discuss corruption. “Vice President welcomed President Iohannis’ focus on anti-corruption efforts and [the] rule of law as a means to strengthen national security and promote greater investment and economic growth,” stated a White House readout of the meeting.  All in all, Popoviciu wired the first son and his associates $3,101,258 in a matter of months, according to court documents. Yet Hunter Biden “performed almost no work in exchange for the millions of dollars he received from these entities,” Weiss maintains in the documents. In 2017, Popoviciu received a seven-year sentence after being convicted in his bribery case. The details confirm the work done by Republican investigators for the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which launched a comprehensive probe into the Biden family’s finances. Those finances often are deeply enmeshed with foreign business deals carried out through the president’s relatives. “The Romanian transactions show evidence of influence peddling and a correlation between Biden family and their business associates’ work and then Vice President Biden’s responsibilities while in office,” stated the second memorandum produced by the House committee on the Biden family’s banking records. “The Biden family and associates’ activities in Romania bear clear indicia of a scheme to peddle influence from 2015 to 2017,” the memo said. “While Vice President Biden lectured Romania on corruption and ethics, Hunter Biden received—through Biden associate Rob Walker—over a million dollars from a company controlled by a Romanian individual accused of corruption (Gabriel Popoviciu).” Among the beneficiaries was Hallie Biden, Hunter’s then-girlfriend and the widow of his late brother, Beau, whom House investigators say received $10,000. “The Biden family is a syndicate,” Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, said. The details also align with allegations that the Biden family sold proximity to the 46th president to foreigners. During his father’s tenure as vice president, Hunter Biden also inked deals as an adviser to the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma and to China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC). Weiss, who began investigating these charges during the Trump administration, allowed the statute of limitations to expire on many allegations. Yet the younger Biden’s undisclosed Romanian lobbying “presumably could still receive FARA scrutiny,” National Review reporter James Lynch said. It does not appear that Weiss intends to bring such charges. The court filings say they reference Hunter Biden’s dubious foreign lobbying only because it shows his state of mind and serves as “evidence that the defendant’s actions do not reflect someone with a diminished capacity, given that he agreed to attempt to influence U.S. public policy and receive millions of dollars.” The president’s son faces three felonies and six misdemeanors related to $1.4 million in unpaid taxes on $7 million in income. He has been convicted of three felony charges for lying on a federal gun application when he indicated he was not drug-dependent so that he could purchase a handgun. Originally published by The Washington Stand The post Hunter Biden Lied About Lobbying for Foreign Agent to Protect His Father, Prosecutor Says appeared first on The Daily Signal.

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Questions surrounding the Butler, Pennsylvania, assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump have remained unanswered — but FBI whistleblower and former agent Steve Friend has some theories. “I’m not hearing anything satisfying coming from the FBI or the Secret Service on the assassination attempt,” Glenn Beck tells Friend, who has an idea of why that is. “I think one of the most disturbing elements that hasn’t been picked up on was when the deputy director of the FBI, Paul Abbate, said that they were going to investigate it as domestic terrorism,” Friend explains. While that may seem reasonable to the average American citizen, Friend is well aware of what that means. “The FBI is now going to slap a classified label on this investigation, and they’re not going to be able to be transparent because you don’t have a need to know,” he tells Glenn, before noting how troubling the new claim of the Pakistani national’s plans to take Trump out is. “This is what I like to call the ‘playbook’ that the FBI has been running the last two-and-a-half decades, particularly since 9/11,” he explains, adding, “What they do to justify their existence as a bureaucracy, as a self-licking ice cream cone, they will identify a vulnerable person, emotionally disturbed, maybe someone with radical intentions but not capable of carrying forward an actual attack without the involvement of the FBI.” The FBI will then use confidential human sources and undercover agents to groom these vulnerable individuals for as long as it takes before they’ll engage in an activity that can be labeled as terrorism. “The added wrinkle here was that they imported this Pakistani through the border, they sponsored him arriving. The FBI Dallas office actually was the signee on him arriving,” Friend tells Glenn, adding, “They followed him and orchestrated this plot that could never have happened without the involvement of the government.” “We are now running terrorists so that we can justify our existence as an agency,” Friend says, disturbed. Friend also explains that according to the FBI, the Pakistani national just happened to speak to an informant about soliciting a hit man as soon as he arrived in the United States. “The bottom line is that the FBI is inventing these cases, so that they can go to Congress and say ‘Look at all the good work we have done here, why don’t you give us enhanced funding, why don’t you give us enhanced tools,'” Friend says. Want more from Glenn Beck?To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

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For some reason, we’ve long been obsessed with the idea of lost cities and advanced hidden civilizations. A classic example of this is the ongoing hunt for Agartha, a legendary city supposedly hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. Often linked with the Hollow Earth theory, Agartha is described as a hidden realm inhabited by advanced beings possessing profound wisdom. It has close ties to ancient Buddhist mythology, and everyone from 19th-century occultists to Nazis and new-age hippies has searched for it. No one has found it. Does Agartha exist? Probably not, but the stories surrounding those who claim it does are fascinating. Underground Cities Around the World – Myths and Reality Home to 20,000, But Who Built it? The Underground City of Derinkuyu Read moreSection: NewsMyths & LegendsEuropeRead Later