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…

“Sean eternos los laureles, que supimos conseguir. Coronados de gloria vivamos ¡O juremos con gloria morir! ¡O juremos con gloria morir!” In English: May the laurels be eternal that we were able to fetch Let us live crowned in glory Or let’s swear to die with glory! Or let’s swear to die with glory! – The last verse of the Argentine National Anthem The post The Editors’ Quote of the Day: appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Today’s graphic shows global oil production. (Graphic courtesy of Econovis.com, via Reddit, using Energy Institute Data.) The thumbnail image below is click-expandable.       — Please send your graphic ideas to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted. The post SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The following simple recipe for Maple Mint Fridge Pickles is from Avalanche Lily. Note:  This is not a canning recipe.  It is meant for immediate use.  Storage life in the refrigerator is approximately one week. Ingredients Three to four medium-sized cucumbers — freshly-picked from the garden — sliced Medium fresh onion, diced One cup and a half of Apple Cider Vinegar Three to four Tablespoons of Maple Syrup Five large fresh Mint leaves, chopped fine Pinch of mustard One teaspoon of coriander seeds (leave them whole) One teaspoon of fennel seeds (leave them whole) Pinch of crushed clove Salt, to … The post Recipe of the Week: Lily’s Maple Mint Fridge Pickles appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. The written word can change hearts, while force can only impose unwilling submission. Pens have so many practical uses that I habitually keep one with me, as everyday carry (EDC). The pen that I am currently carrying is the Big Idea Design Bolt Action Pen. It is a truly rugged and reliable writing instrument, with the amazing ability to accept at least 127 different brands and models of ink refill cartridges. The titanium exterior of the pen tolerates a remarkable amount of abuse with minimal signs of wear and … The post Big Idea Design Bolt Action Pen, by Thomas Christianson appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

August 12, 1833, the town of Chicago is incorporated. (Population 350.) On August 12, 1867, President Andrew Johnson defied Congress, suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. And, on August 12, 1908, Henry Ford’s company built the first Model T car. — We are seeking entries for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, so … The post Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 12, 2024 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The construction of the Vera C. Rubin observatory has just crossed a major milestone with the successful installation of its 3.5 meter diameter secondary mirror. The observatory is now one step closer to first light in 2025, when it will begin the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST): a mission to repeatedly image the entire sky, at high resolution, to create a time-lapse record of the Universe. The construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (https://rubinobservatory.org/) in Chile has crossed a major milestone with the successful installation of the secondary mirror assembly. The 3.5 meter convex mirror is the first permanent optical component to be integrated into the Simonyi Survey Telescope. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025, when it will achieve first light. In its completed state, it will effectively be the largest digital camera in the world, built to perform the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), a project to create a ten-year time-lapse view of the entire southern sky. The mirror is made from Corning® ULE® Glass (Ultra-Low Expansion Glass), and was manufactured by Corning Advanced Optics in Canton, New York. After delivery in 2009, it was stored at Harvard University for five years. After this, L3Harris Technologies, in Rochester, New York, got to work finishing and polishing the mirror. They developed new techniques to work the mirror, as it is very technically challenging to work such a large convex mirror to the necessary precise tolerance. They also designed and built the mirror’s cell assembly, which has adaptive optics capabilities. The cell is built on a stiff steel mounting plate and features 72 axial actuators and six tangent actuators. These allow the supporting structure to constantly adjust as the telescope moves, compensating for the distorting effect of its own weight to keep the mirror at exactly the correct shape at all times. In 2018, the mirror and cell assembly were shipped to the observatory site in Chile. On arrival, it was given its silver coating. Telescope mirrors are usually coated with aluminum, which is hardier and less prone to tarnishing, and so doesn’t need to be renewed as often. But the Simonyi Survey Telescope in the Vera C. Rubin observatory uses silver (for its superior reflectivity) together with a protective coating to seal it away from atmospheric oxygen and extend the life of the coating. After silvering, it was then sealed back into its container to be stored until construction had reached the point where the telescope would be ready for it. Finally, in July 2024, the complete assembly was installed into the telescope, and integrated with its control electronics. “Working with the mirror again after five years is extremely exciting because it really feels like we’re in the home stretch,” said Sandrine Thomas, Deputy Director for Rubin Observatory Construction, “Now we have glass on the telescope, which brings us a thrilling step closer to revolutionary science with Rubin.” The mirrors in observatory telescopes need to be removable, so that they can be cleaned and occasionally resurfaced. But these large mirrors are very heavy, and it would be a disaster if so much glass were to be dropped. That’s why installation and removal is done very carefully, with specialized machinery, following a documented process. To install the secondary mirror assembly, engineers in the summit team loaded it onto a custom-built cart, which rotated the mirror to a vertical position. It was then hoisted up into position on the telescope structure, and carefully bolted into place. Once it was securely attached, the electronics were connected, and the software control system was activated. “Our 55-year legacy of designing and constructing high-end optical systems for space and ground continues with the world’s largest active secondary mirror system built for Rubin Observatory,” said Charles Clarkson, Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Systems, Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “With this milestone, we are closer to pushing scientific frontiers and charting the Universe like never before, and we look forward to the science that will be discovered.” The next component to be installed will be the Commissioning Camera (ComCam). This is a temporary camera, meant to be used for testing and integration. At “only” 144 megapixels, it’s only a fraction of the size of the LSST camera. This is not the first time that ComCam has been installed – it is used at various stages of construction to test the various components, ensure that they are properly installed, and that they work together as expected. After ComCam has done its job, the team will get to work on integrating the 8.4 meter primary mirror assembly, followed by the LSST camera. The Vera C Rubin Observatory was named after the astronomer who first provided convincing evidence of Dark Matter. She and a colleague studied over 60 galaxies to measure how fast they were rotating. In 1978, they found that these galaxies were all spinning too fast: Given the amount of visible matter, they should have not had enough gravity to stop themselves from flying apart. There had to be extra invisible mass, and this work was the first convincing proof of the Dark Matter theory. The telescope itself is a survey instrument: It is designed to take deep, wide-field images of the sky, very rapidly. The design of the telescope allows it to move very quickly, switching from target to target in short order. With an 8.4 meter primary mirror, it is very sensitive, and can see very faint, distant objects. But it also has a very fast focal ratio of f/1.234, giving it a very wide field of view and allowing it to take much faster exposures. When the LSST camera is installed, it will capture images covering an area of 9.6 square degrees. Each image will be made from two 15 second exposures, at a resolution of 3.2 gigapixels. At this rate, it will be able to image the entire sky every ten days, and it will repeat this process for ten years. The resulting data will be a ten year time-lapse video of the entire universe, monitoring 20 billion galaxies, 17 billion individually resolved stars, and the orbits of around 6 million objects within our Solar System! For more information, read the original press release at https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2419/ The post Rubin's Secondary Mirror is Installed appeared first on Universe Today.

I would vote on NATO being behind this. https://t.co/aaGyVuuwKX — Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) August 11, 2024

On a scorching hot afternoon in northeast Paris, the playground at Robert Doisneau elementary school is in the process of rolling out an entirely new part of the curriculum for its students: learning how to cycle. Dozens of kids wearing bright yellow and black helmets and fluorescent safety vests are pedaling around on bicycles, circumnavigating a network of colored cones and signs on the concrete that are intended to represent real-life roads and junctions. Cédric le Naour instructs a group of kids on bike safety. Credit: Peter Yeung “Slowly, slowly, careful,” shouts Cédric le Naour, as one cluster of energetic cyclists nearly speeds straight past a red STOP sign and into a line of other riders. “You have to brake here. They have the priority. Didn’t you look at the sign?” Le Naour is one of four cycling trainers working in Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb of the French capital, as part of an ambitious national scheme to teach the next generation of young people in France the tools to safely navigate the streets on two wheels, in turn encouraging them to live healthier, more independent and lower-carbon lives. Launched in 2019, the 10-week program, known as Savoir Rouler à Vélo (Know How to Bike), aims to gradually scale up its capacity for training school kids aged six to 11 in “cycling readiness” until reaching the goal of about 850,000 pupils per year in 2027.   The post Kids in France Are Pedaling Toward Two-Wheeled Equality appeared first on Reasons to be Cheerful.