The well-known pop duo, Rescue Shelter Boys... The post The ludicrous moment PETA asked the Pet Shop Boys to change their name first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

by Brian Shilhavy, Health Impact News: I have frequently reported in my articles that politicians are not the main people who run the U.S., but that Wall St. billionaires and Silicon Valley billionaires do. Unlike publicly visible politicians who at least have the illusion of accountability, the billionaires who fund them usually do not. So […]

Casagrande quit Sepultura less than a month before the Brazilian band started their farewell tour

The Iron Maiden drummer had a transient ischaemic attack (TIS) in January 2023 and was back on the road by June

“We are ready to kiII you!” Muslim immigrants threaten British patriots and police do nothing. pic.twitter.com/RxQPIuTaQ6 — RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) August 12, 2024 Muslim immigrants in Leeds without mercy attack British patriots. These scum must be deported out of Europe. pic.twitter.com/9GbmSyIqa0 — RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) August 11, 2024 British patriot tells the truth about Mohammed and is […]

Being a single mom is challenging. When your four-year-old son has autism, life can get complicated. Online, she refers to herself as Cookie Mama, and her son is affectionately known as Cookie Monster. The little guy has difficulty talking to children his age but loves motorcycles and the bikers that ride them. One of this small boy’s favorite activities is to trade stickers with any biker he meets. @mamadontbreak Cookie Monster and I were both so happy to have met a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse. They are an amazing organization that does amazing stuff for the community. Hermit was so kind and invited us out to a meeting so we will definitely have to check it out. If youre interested you can check out their website and it will lead you to your local chapter! #bikercommunity #bikerfamily #baca #bikersoftiktok #bikerlife #autismawareness #autismacceptance #cookiemonster #sticker #TikTokCreatorSearchInsightsIncentive #autismmom ♬ original sound – Cookie Mama And so it was that Cookie Monster spotted a motorcycle in a parking lot one day. Urging his mom forward, the little boy wanted to leave the biker one of his stickers. Since the biker wasn’t around, they intended to leave the sticker with a brief note. While they were writing the note, the biker approached. The boy, who has trouble speaking to other kids, walked confidently up to the big, burly biker without hesitation, holding out his sticker gift. Image from TikTok. As Cookie Mama was explaining what they were doing, the biker stopped to excitedly tell them, “Oh, hey, I have some for you, too!” The nice gentleman (aka rough and tumble biker dude, aka Hermit) was a Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) member. The group is one of Cookie Monster’s favorites. Hermit had stickers and tattoos, and the two “kids” gleefully exchanged their prizes. If you have never heard of BACA, we found a great video explainer you can watch here. The international group has local chapters in many communities around the United States and abroad. Their goal is to help kids feel safe; these heroes are very good at it. After exchanging stickers, the boy (and his mom) and the biker parted ways with smiles all around. If you enjoyed this heartwarming story, please share. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post This Biker Caught A Little Boy Leaving Stickers On His Motorcycle… But What Happens Next Will Warm Your Heart! appeared first on InspireMore.

The post Oral Tumors in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) 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 Overview Signs Causes Diagnosis Care Guide FAQ We don’t spend a lot of time looking inside our cat’s mouths, and sometimes, getting too close can mean getting bitten! That is why abnormal growths inside their mouths often go unnoticed until they are causing problems. If you’re lucky, your vet may find a growth while it’s still small during routine dental cleanings. Regardless of how it was found, if your cat has an oral tumor, you’ll want all the information. Is the growth benign or malignant? What treatment is available? How can you keep your cat as comfortable as possible? We will discuss all this and more, so keep reading. What Are Oral Tumors? Oral tumors are abnormal growths inside the oral cavity. They can arise from the gums, tongue, tonsils, or other structures inside the mouth. Tumors arise from a cat’s own cells, which multiply uncontrollably due to genetic mutations. If the tumor has the potential to spread to other areas of the body, it is considered malignant; if not, it’s considered benign. Some tumors are locally invasive, meaning they infiltrate other surrounding tissue like bone. Locally invasive tumors are more commonly malignant. Around 90% of true oral tumors in cats will be malignant, and they are the fourth most common type of cancer in cats. Environmental carcinogens such as tobacco smoke may contribute to the development of oral tumors. Exposure to canned food and flea collars are also possible risk factors for feline oral tumors. However, genetics and random chance play a role in cancer development. Image Credit: Todorean-Gabriel, Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Oral Tumors? If your cat has an oral tumor, other than seeing a mass, you might notice signs of issues around their mouth. Oral tumors can be painful, limit normal movements, become infected, or die off, leading to signs like: Bad breath Drooling Gagging Difficulty chewing and swallowing Preference for soft food Blood in saliva Loose teeth Reduced appetite Pawing at the mouth Reactivity to touch Noisy breathing Facial swelling Lethargy Weight loss What Are the Causes of Oral Tumors Oral tumors are caused by benign or malignant growths of a cat’s own cells. Each growth is named for the tissue it arises from and how aggressive it is. A diagnosis of the growth is obtained through a biopsy. Benign Growths As previously mentioned, benign oral tumors are uncommon in cats, making up only around 10% of cases. However, the most commonly noted benign growths are fibromas. Fibromas arise from the periodontal ligament, which surrounds the tooth root and holds it in place. These growths can become large with time but are not invasive. Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC) isn’t a true growth but rather an inflammatory reaction that can lead to masses in the mouth. It is thought to be a reaction to allergens in food or on fleas and can easily be confused with an oral tumor. Image Credit: Todorean-Gabriel, Shutterstock Malignant Growths These growths can metastasize, and successful surgery alone may or may not cure your cat, depending on whether the tumor has already spread. If your cat has been diagnosed with any of the following tumors, you will probably be offered a consultation with a veterinary oncologist who specializes in cancer treatment for animals. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common malignant oral tumor in cats. Typically, by the time it is found, squamous cell carcinoma is not amenable to surgery and has spread to the lymph nodes. Fibrosarcoma is the second most common malignant oral tumor in cats. They arise from the connective tissue in the oral cavity and are locally invasive. Lymphoma is a cancer arising from a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that can occur in the jaw bones. It can be seen on X-rays since it involves the bone. Melanoma is another malignant tumor that is invasive and quickly spreads. It arises from the pigment-producing cells in the epithelium. Diagnosing Oral Tumors in Your Cat The diagnosis of an oral tumor starts with a veterinary consult. Your vet can assess whether the tumor looks resectable (meaning it can be removed with surgery) or not, which will guide them as to the type of biopsy they will take for diagnosis. If the mass is resectable, an excisional biopsy will be performed. The vet will surgically remove the entire mass and send it away for diagnostic testing at a veterinary laboratory. The laboratory will also determine the surgical margins. When removing a lump, the vets aim to take a portion of healthy tissue surrounding the mass. A clean margin means no cancer cells are at the margin, which is a good sign that the lump was entirely removed. If the mass is not resectable, you might choose to have an incisional biopsy performed, where the vet removes a small portion of the mass for diagnostic purposes. This is typically done if you want a diagnosis or are interested in a referral for further procedures, such as advanced imaging, possible extensive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Image Credit: H_Ko, Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Cat With an Oral Tumor? The first step in caring for your cat is to seek veterinary help. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostics and recommend treatments that can help your cat. The best-case scenario is that the tumor is benign or can be removed through surgery. However, to determine whether or not surgery is possible, advanced imaging, such as CT and MRI, can sometimes be needed. If a tumor involves the bone, for example, a referral to a surgeon who can remove a portion of the jaw could be required. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy could also potentially be treatment options for your cat. If all of this sounds too expensive or impractical, don’t worry. You won’t be forced to agree to a treatment that is not right for you. There are still palliative care options that can improve your cat’s quality of life for a short time. Depending on the severity of your cat’s condition, they could live with a malignant oral tumor for weeks to months. At-Home Care At home, there are a few things that might help your cat, whether they are recovering from surgery or receiving palliative care. You can talk to your veterinarian about which interventions would be right in your situation, but we recommend the following: Providing soft or blended food to make it easier for your cat to eat. Food with a liquid consistency will make it easier for your cat to lap up and improve their hydration at the same time. You can also use a palatable nutritional gel to provide some extra nutrition in an easy-to-eat way. Using electrolytes in their water improves hydration if they aren’t drinking enough. Monitoring your cat closely. Being alert to signs of illness and their quality of life will help improve your cat’s welfare. It may mean extra pain relief or medication that makes your cat feel better. Being an advocate for your cat when it comes to veterinary appointments. You spend the most time with your cat, so if there’s something you are concerned about, make sure the vet knows. Image Credit: Frau aus UA, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What Is Palliative Care for Cats With Oral Cancer? Palliative care aims to maximize your cat’s quality of life as much as possible without curing their disease. There is usually an understanding that your cat will die from the cancer. Palliative care may be as intensive as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy or could be as simple as controlling your cat’s pain and providing good nursing care. Medications to reduce nausea or increase appetite might also benefit cats with oral cancer. Are Cats in Pain With Mouth Cancer? Invasive mouth cancer is usually painful for cats. Signs of pain to look for in your cat with mouth cancer are a reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, reactivity when touched, and changes in behavior. Your vet can prescribe pain relief for your cat, and some cats with mouth cancer take multiple pain relief medications to remain comfortable. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock When Should I Euthanize My Cat With Oral Cancer? You should euthanize your cat when their quality of life declines despite providing all the reasonable treatment that you can. Not everyone is in the same position in terms of time and finances available, so what’s right for you may not be right for someone else. If your cat won’t eat, is in pain, doesn’t enjoy normal activities, and doesn’t want to interact with you anymore, it’s probably time to make that final decision. If you’re unsure, discuss your situation with your vet. Final Thoughts True oral tumors in cats are usually bad news. While a lot of what happens is outside of your control, paying attention to your cat’s oral health and getting any lumps in the mouth checked by your vet as soon as possible can improve the outcome for your cat. If your cat has an oral tumor, we wish the best for you both and hope you find some helpful information here. Sources https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/oral-cavity-tumors https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/oral-tumors-in-cats-an-overview https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-mouth-in-cats https://www.msdvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-mouth-in-small-animals/oral-tumors-in-small-animals https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/oral-masses-cats Featured Image Credit: Ermolaev Alexander, Shutterstock The post Oral Tumors in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) 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 Why Do Cats Use Litter Boxes? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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 Instincts Hygiene Communication Tips for Cat Litter Training Litter Box Regression Importance of Spaying and Neutering You might be quite impressed with your cat’s ability to check out a tub of litter one time and know exactly what to do with it. Why can’t dogs be like that? Even though we’re super impressed with our felines’ bathroom habits, one must wonder—why do cats need a litter box? And what causes them to just know what they’re doing when they see one? It’s called instincts. Despite our cats being some of the most fearsome predators of their size, they still want to hide from animals bigger and higher up on the food chain than they are. So they bury their urine and feces as a way to hide their scent. In the wild, they may use dirt, sand, leaves, etc., to cover their tracks, but domesticated cats just use a littler box. Here are some reasons that cats use litter boxes when other animals don’t. Cats Use Litter Boxes Instinctually So, if you ever have a kitten blow your mind by being litter trained by round one—it’s to be expected, but not always guaranteed. One thing is for sure, kittens and cats come with built-in wiring to cover their waste. Out in nature, cats can have many predators to watch out for. Some examples might include dogs, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, eagles, and many other larger animals. If these animals can smell cats’ already-strong droppings, they might be hot on their trail. This is something that a lot of other animals don’t have to worry about, such as dogs, for instance. For the most part, dogs tend to be larger than cats and are more of a force to be reckoned with when it comes to predators than cats are. Dogs tend to mark an area with urine or feces in an obvious way, in order to make it obvious to other animals that they were there, whereas cats want to hide the fact that they were there. Of course, most domestic cats never have to worry about getting eaten by a predator. They are too busy snoozing in their favorite sunny window to fathom getting eaten. Regardless of our cats present day, humans have certainly gotten lucky that our cats prefer the coverage. Otherwise living with them could be quite challenging. Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock Cats Are Masters of Hygiene Cats absolutely love keeping clean and they spend many hours a day grooming their beautiful coats. They don’t want any dirtiness clinging to them, so they meticulously stroke their coats to remove any debris. In fact, they spend up to 50% of their day keeping up with baths. They also want to use a litter box for the same reason. It keeps all their waste in one place and keeps the other areas where they live clean. So, it should make you feel good to know that cats are very clean animals, despite any setbacks with litter training. In actuality, if a cat is refusing to use the litter box, it can be because there’s a problem with some aspect of the litter box. It could be too dirty and need to be changed, or they just don’t like the litter or the litter box for some reason. Cats Use Waste for Communication While cats can definitely hide their poop like a pro, they also use their waste to communicate with one another— for social and mating purposes. Our cats can learn so much information about others just by giving their waste a good sniff. So, in some cases, they may not hide their waste if they have a reason to communicate with other cats. They may be looking for a mate, or want to reinforce their territory. Image Credit: Mesa Watthanaphichai, Shutterstock Tips for Cat Litter Training Even though cats are very smart and just know to use the potty like a baby bird knows to eat a worm, not all will pick it up with ease. Some cats have trouble due to several different factors—but most can be summed up in the simple terms of every kitty is different. Even if it seems like your cat picked up litter training, there are still a few measures you can put in place to ensure that it sticks. If you are having issues convincing your cat to use the box, here are a few tips. 1. Start Small At first, you won’t want to give your cat access to the full house. Partial access is fine, but realistically you will want a small space with a floor that is well-protected or at least easy to clean (like wood or laminate). Allowing your kitten too much space at first can certainly create room for secret accidents you don’t find until much later. Image Credit: Natasha Zakharova, Shutterstock 2. Have an Easily Accessible Litter Box Buying a litter box might seem like a no brainer but your little tyke might appreciate some help. If you get a lower litter box with an easy access point, it can help your cat remember where it is and make climbing in a breeze. Don’t put the litter box too out of the way or in noisy areas. Some folks choose to use small cardboard boxes or tin trays the first few weeks to create an easily disposable open concept for training. Ultimately, it is whatever is easiest for your cat. 3. Buy the Right Litter There are tons of different litter box materials on the market right now. You can select from the following and then some: Clay Silica crystals Recycled paper Wood Grass seed Pine Ultimately, the type of litter will depend on your goal. Do you want a litter that’s natural? Easy to clump? You have options! But at first, it might be easier if your kitten learned with clay. Clay is very attractive to cats because of its texture and coverage abilities. Some cats can be picky about litter though, so if your cat isn’t using the litter despite the box being clean and easily accessible, they could prefer a different litter type. They also usually like the litter to be a few inches deep. You might have to experiment with different litters to find one your cat likes. Image Credit: Valentina Zavrazhina, Shutterstock 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Like dogs, cats can respond well to rewards when training. If you catch your cat doing the right thing, offer them a treat. When they start to associate using the litter box with a tasty snack, they are more likely to repeat this behavior in the future. Mosty likely, you will find your cat using the litter without much prompting but if you’re having trouble, placing them in the litter box after a nap or a meal can help. At these times cats are more likely to need to “go”. 5. Keep the Litter Clean Being fastidiously hygienic animals, cats won’t want to use a dirty litter box. A scoop out at least once a day and refreshing the litter will keep the box in acceptable condition for your cat. Every week or so you should give the litter tray a complete clean out, including washing with soap and water. Image Credit: sandyman, Shutterstock 6. Increase Range Once it seems like your cat has it down, you can slowly allow them access to the rest of the house. They will be able to navigate around and still find their litter box. However, if you see a regression, it might be a good idea to limit things again until they get the hand of it. Litter Box Regression If it seems like your cat is going backward, don’t fret. Some litter box regression during training can be normal, but it’s best to get a handle on it. Keep in mind that there is a major difference between litter box regression and other bathroom problems—like marking territory, stress-related issues, and medical problems. If you notice your cat straining, urinating in strage places, or blood in the urine you are probably dealing with a medical problem and should book a veterinary appointment. If your cat has reached roughly 6 months of age and you start noticing their urine is a bit strong, they are likely reaching sexual maturity and might very well be spraying—male or female. Spray can be difficult to remove from surfaces and fabrics (and sometimes impossible if it is allowed to build up and your cat repeatedly sprays on a certain area). Image Credit: Cup Of Spring, Shutterstock The Importance of Spaying and Neutering on Time When your kitten is growing up, spay and neuter surgery is going to be a hot topic of discussion early on. Not only is it best to prevent unwanted pregnancy and reproduction, but it also curbs otherwise challenging behaviors your cat will develop. Both heat cycles and male hormones can create household chaos. It can ruin your belongings and make coexisting with your pet difficult. Many have a misconception that this surgery will cure any and all issues related to spraying. Unfortunately, that’s just not true. While it might calm down the issue, it may never cure it completely especially if you prolong the spay or neuter surgery and your cat makes a habit of it. But the sooner you have the surgery performed, the better chance you’ll have of breaking the habit. Conclusion How lucky are we to have capable, intelligent felines terrified of a predator catching a whiff of their poop? It doesn’t matter why in reality; it just matters that it’s super cool our cats need very little to no guidance on bathroom etiquette. Just remember, even though cats are easy to house train, they can still develop bad behaviors once they reach sexual maturity. If you haven’t done so already, call your vet to schedule a spay/neuter procedure! Sources https://www.rd.com/article/cats-know-how-to-use-a-litter-box/ https://healthysolutionsforpets.com/fur-miliar-litterbox-instincts/ https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/why-do-cats-use-litter-boxes/ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems-marking-and-spraying-behavior https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/cat-spraying-why-cats-do-it-and-how-to-stop-it Featured Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock The post Why Do Cats Use Litter Boxes? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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.

“We are ready to kiII you!” Muslim immigrants threaten British patriots and police do nothing. pic.twitter.com/RxQPIuTaQ6 — RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) August 12, 2024 Muslim immigrants in Leeds without…