The post Why Do Cats Shed So Much? 8 Possible Causes & When to Be Concerned 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 Reasons Why Cats Shed So Much Preventing Excessive Shedding in Cats Shedding is a shared experience among cat owners. All cats with fur shed, even if they’re regarded as low-shedding or hypoallergenic breeds. So, it’s perfectly normal to find cat hair around your house. However, shedding does become concerning if you notice an increase in shedding or thinning areas on your cat’s coat. Increased shedding often indicates an underlying health concern that requires medical attention. If you think your cat is shedding more than usual, it’s best to take them to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Here are some possible reasons that cats may shed and how they can be treated. The 8 Reasons Why Cats Shed So Much 1.  Seasonal Shedding Many cat breeds are seasonal shedders that will shed heavily once or twice a year. Both single-coated and double-coated cats can shed seasonally, but it’s more prominent and noticeable with double-coated cats. Examples of cat breeds that are seasonal shedders include Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians, and Norwegian Forest Cats. They typically shed their winter coats during the spring, so you’re most likely to notice the most shedding in this season. Image Credit: Golden_Hind, Shutterstock 2. Allergies Cats can develop allergies to all sorts of things in their environment, including pollen, dust mites and molds. Some cats have food allergies, most commonly to animal proteins such as beef, chicken or dairy. Allergies typically cause itchy, inflamed skin. Affected cats lick and scratch leading to an increase in hair loss and shedding, and thinning of the coat. 3. Infections and Diseases Sometimes, cats can get a skin disease or infection that will cause them to shed more. For example, irregular hair loss is a sign of bacterial and fungal infections. Ear infections can also result in hair loss around the ears from scratching and self-trauma. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin that usually causes patchy hair loss, with thickened scaly skin.  Infection is more common in younger and longhaired cats, although any cat can be affected. Image Credit: berdiyandriy, Shutterstock 4. Stress Just like how stress can lead to hair loss in humans, cats can start to shed more heavily when under stress. It’s common for cats to lose more hair when they’re overgrooming due to feeling stressed out. When the hair loss and self-trauma has behavioral causes then it is called psychogenic alopecia. To diagnose vets need to rule out medical causes for overgrooming first. Many different factors can cause stress in cats. Changes in routine, boredom, loud noises, and moving to a new home can all cause cats to feel anxiety or stress. Stressed-out cats often engage in other types of behaviors. Other common behaviors linked to stress include being withdrawn or needy, changes in eating habits, eliminating outside the litter box, and scratching or destroying furniture. 5. Aging You may notice more hair loss as your cat gets older. It’s common for senior cats to groom themselves less because it becomes more difficult for them to reach certain areas of their body. Therefore, your cat’s sudden increase in shedding may not necessarily be because your cat is losing more hair. It may be due to a decrease in self-grooming. Some older cats may appreciate getting a little extra help by getting brushed more frequently, this removes dead hair from their coat, reduces shedding and prevents their fur getting matted. Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock 6. Parasites Parasitic infestations are another common culprit for increased shedding and hair loss in cats. Fleas and mites located on the skin and coat can cause itchiness and irritation, and some cats are allergic to flea saliva which means they have a more extreme reaction when bitten by fleas. As the infestation spreads, your cat will continue to lick and scratch their skin, which causes more hair to fall out. 7. Poor Nutrition Diet plays an essential role in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Along with adverse reactions to food, nutritional deficiencies can also cause skin conditions and result in loss of hair and increased shedding. Cats must have daily access to a complete and balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy. Cats that don’t consistently get their nutritional needs met will inevitably become malnourished and have an increased risk of developing health complications including a poor quality coat with dry brittle hair that breaks easily leading to hair loss. Many different nutrients are necessary for maintaining healthy skin and coat. These include adequate protein and fat levels, omega fatty acids, vitamin A, and Biotin. Image Credit: Yuliya Alekseeva, Shutterstock 8. Medication Some medications have side effects that cause hair loss. Certain topical medications, such as parasitic treatments, may cause cats to lose hair around the application site. Steroids, particularly at high doses, are also known to cause hair loss in some cats. In rare cases, cats can lose hair around the injection site after they’ve gotten a vaccine. Preventing Excessive Shedding in Cats All cats will shed, but it’s still important to be vigilant and ensure that the level of your cat’s shedding is healthy and normal. One of the best ways to prevent excessive shedding in cats is to stay on top of your cat’s annual veterinary appointments. Getting your cat checked every year by a veterinarian will ensure your cat is happy and healthy, and it enables your veterinarian to detect any potential risks to your cat’s health. You should always consult with your veterinarian if the shedding is accompanied by other signs such as thinning of the hair coat, bald patches, itchiness or skin rashes. Your veterinarian can assess whether your cat’s shedding is normal or requires further action. Another way to manage shedding is to establish a grooming routine for your cat. This includes regular brushing, and occasional bathing for some cats. Brushing helps lift loose and dead hair from your cat’s coat so that less hair lands on your carpets and furniture. While you’re brushing your cat, you can check for any abnormal coloring, skin issues, and signs of parasites. Lastly, helping your cat maintain a healthy lifestyle can help keep shedding at normal levels. Since stress can lead to hair loss, it’s important to ensure your home is both an enriching and safe environment for your cat. Make sure your cat has plenty of safe spaces where they can hide and rest, and lay out fun toys that’ll engage your cat and prevent boredom. Creating a daily routine can be particularly helpful for anxious cats. They can find comfort in knowing what to expect and feel more at ease. Image Credit: VolkovAl, Shutterstock Conclusion Cats can shed excessively for a variety of reasons. Too much shedding, particularly when accompanied by a thinning of the coat or bald patches, is often a sign of a bigger health concern that requires an appointment with your veterinarian. However, some cat breeds do shed more than others. Fortunately, you can take active steps to make the shedding more manageable. Establishing a consistent grooming routine can help reduce shedding in the house and keep your cat’s coat healthy and shiny. Sources Merck Manual – Pyoderma in Cats Merck Manual – Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Cats petMD PetMeds The Veterinary Nurse Veterinary Partner I Cat Care   Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock The post Why Do Cats Shed So Much? 8 Possible Causes & When to Be Concerned 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.

The post Calico Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Chantelle Fowler 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 Characteristics Origins & History Recognition Facts When people think about Sphynx cats, they often picture a completely hairless and tan-colored kitty. However, you may be surprised to learn that Sphynxes come in a wide array of colors. Sure, they don’t have the luxurious coats of other cat breeds, but the skin and tiny hairs that cover the Sphynx absolutely does display colors. The calico coloration is one of the most beloved and highly sought-after in any cat breed, but especially the Sphynx. Read on to learn more about this cat’s history, formal recognition, and suitability as a pet. Breed Overview Height:8–10 inches Weight:7–14 pounds Lifespan:8–14 years Colors:Tri-colors (most often white, red, and black) Suitable for:Active families looking for a dog-like cat Temperament:Intelligent, sweet, loyal, active The calico Sphynx is not a separate cat breed, as “calico” refers to a coloration pattern. A calico is any domestic cat breed that sports a tri-color coat. This coloration is rare in Sphynx, but it’s not entirely unheard of, though calico patterns are more commonly seen in breeds like the American or British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, and Maine Coons. Calico Sphynx Characteristics The Earliest Records of Calico Sphynx in History Despite the breed name being a call back to ancient Egypt, the Sphynx cat is a relatively new cat breed. The first Sphynx kitties were born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in the 1960s and were actually a complete accident. In 1966, a Domestic Shorthair spontaneously gave birth to a hairless kitten named Prune. The owner knew immediately that Prune was unique thanks to the genetic mutation that saw to it he was born without fur. A mother-son cat breeding team adopted Prune and began collaborating with other breeders to develop what would eventually become the Sphynx breed. Five Sphynx cats (two from Minnesota and three from Toronto) are the foundation stock for what was shaped into the modern Sphynx. All American and European Sphynx cats are descended from these five kitties. Image Credit: Kartinka, Shutterstock How Calico Sphynx Gained Popularity The first few Sphynx breeders didn’t fully understand genetics and faced many problems as they tried to grow the breed. Unfortunately, the genetic pool was limited, and many kittens sadly died as a result of these breeding efforts. It didn’t take long for the general public to fall in love with the Sphynx once they learned all about the breed. Just ten or so years after the first Sphynx cat was born, their popularity took off. It’s not just the unique appearance that draws people to the breed; these kitties have fantastic personalities. They’re highly affectionate and people-oriented and are often considered to be the canines of the feline world. Formal Recognition of Calico Sphynx The Sphynx breed was recognized in the early 2000s by the three primary feline registries. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognized the Sphynx in 2002. The International Cat Association (TICA) didn’t officially recognize Sphynx in 2005. The CFA recognizes the breed in any and all colors and patterns in any combination, including four different calico colorings. Conversely, neither the TICA nor the FIFe breed standard mentions the “calico” coloration explicitly. Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock Top 4 Unique Facts About the Calico Sphynx 1. Calico Sphynx are almost always females. Cats with the classic calico coloring are almost always females because the gene responsible for the orange coloring is on the X chromosome. Males may occur, but they’re considered genetic anomalies. 2. The calico Sphynx is hairless due to a gene mutation. The reason all Sphynx cats are born without hair is due to a mutation in the KRT71 gene. This mutation also affects other breeds, like the Selkirk Rex and Devon Rex, though in different ways. The KRT71 gene is responsible for keratinizing the hair follicle. In the case of the Sphynx, the mutation damages the hair structure. Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock 3. The calico Sphynx can face skin problems. While the hairlessness of the calico Sphynx is what draws people to them, it’s this lack of hair that makes them prone to skin issues. A cat’s fur typically acts as a protective barrier, and cats without this barrier may be prone to sunburn and even skin cancer. Additionally, Sphynx kittens may be prone to respiratory infections during their first few weeks of life. 4. There are different kinds of calico Sphynx cats. According to the breed standards of the CFA, the calico Sphynx must be white with unbrindled patches of red and black. Their underparts must be predominantly white. Van calicos have the same white color with unbridled patches, though they’re confined to the cat’s extremities. Dilute calicos are primarily white with unbrindled patches of cream and blue, while Dilute van calicos have the same cream and blue coloring, only they’re confined to the extremities. Do Calico Sphynx Make Good Pets? The calico Sphynx can make a fantastic pet. They are highly affectionate and friendly, making them a great addition to homes with children and other pets. They’re brilliant, so training them can be a fun and bond-forging endeavor for both the kitty and their caretakers. They form close bonds with their humans akin to those fashioned in human-canine relationships. Many owners report that their Sphynx runs to the door to greet them when they get home from work and is stuck to their side like glue when they’re at home. While most people love the social and outgoing nature of the Sphynx, not everyone can keep up with their social demands. Conclusion The calico Sphynx is a gorgeous cat with unique coloring that sets them apart from other Sphynx colorations. This beautiful coat is coupled with the fantastic traits the Sphynx cat is known for and loved for, such as their highly affectionate and friendly temperament. However, folks looking to adopt a calico Sphynx should know that this patterning is relatively rare. This can make them highly sought after and, therefore, very expensive. Featured Image Credit: Tina_photo, Shutterstock The post Calico Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Poor Ankush Khardori. The Trump-despising Politico senior writer is not taking the July 1 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity well. Keep in mind that Khardori is the self-confessed charter member of the anti-Trump legal echo chamber who gushed over Nancy Pelosi describing the Trump indictments with such loving words as "exquisite" as well as "beautiful and intricate." As one could guess, Khardori's reaction on Tuesday to the Supreme Court's decision ignited his rage to heights of hyperbole as reflected in the title of his angry diatribe, "The Supreme Court Gave Trump a Stunning Gift — and Rewrote the Constitution." Khardori went so far over the edge that he demanded that the J-6 trial be sped up at such a furious rate so that even if the trial could not be concluded by election day, then at least it could jam up candidate Donald Trump by having the trial  already proceeding by November 5: Special counsel Jack Smith and his colleagues at the Justice Department have been put in a terribly difficult position, but they should advance the case as aggressively as possible, even if that means that it cannot be fully resolved by Election Day. ...One way to go forward would be for Chutkan to solicit briefs as quickly as possible on the parties’ position on the status of the indictment in the wake of the court’s ruling. Trump will continue to argue that it should all be dismissed or held in abeyance for some reason or another, but Smith and his team can present their best case for continuing the prosecution after the Supreme Court’s ruling. If for some reason there are evidentiary questions that need to be resolved, those hearings should happen as quickly as possible, and the government should present as much evidence as is reasonably possible — including evidence concerning the conduct on Trump’s part that remains at issue in the prosecution, and including evidence that has not yet become public. Prosecutors usually do not like to have trial witnesses testify in pretrial proceedings — among other things, because they can potentially be impeached at trial with any inconsistent statements — but this is the rare situation where that preference should be ignored. If there are hearings of any sort before November where it would be appropriate, prosecutors should consider calling people like Raffensperger and even Pence. Chutkan’s overriding objective should be to move this case as expeditiously as possible before November, even if that means trying to resolve all of these questions and perhaps even scheduling a trial that may not end before Election Day. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Such an urgency for speed sounds more appropriate for building an emergency space vehicle to escape a doomed Planet Earth in "When Worlds Collide" than to achieve a politically weaponized lawfare trial by election day. Who deserves blame for this sorry state of affairs? Khardori blames Trump first, but ultimately blames everybody in DC:  The person who is responsible for this regrettable state of affairs, first and foremost, is Trump himself — for engaging in the outrageous conduct that necessitated the prosecution in the first place. But this saga could also have been avoided if Senate Republicans had convicted Trump in his second impeachment, after Jan. 6, and put the nail in the coffin of his political career once and for all. After that, blame the Biden administration. Had the Justice Department done its job correctly, Trump could have been tried, convicted and perhaps off the political stage by now. The needless delay in bringing the case created the very obvious risk that the country now confronts — that Trump might lawfully return to power without facing criminal accountability for his conduct. If he is reelected, this case will be vaporized one way or another. The Supreme Court’s decision is a failure of law in the purest sense. It is, in fact, politics masquerading as law. But today’s outcome also represents a failure of politics — or, more to the point, of politicians. Many of them, on both sides of the aisle, made bad decisions that contributed to Monday’s outcome. All of them share some responsibility for where we find ourselves.

An organization representing black farmers called for the resignation of the CEO of Tractor Supply after the company announced it would no longer support DEI programs and threatened a boycott if its demands weren't met. The company was criticized widely on social media after it was discovered to have implemented programs in accordance with the woke agenda. On Thursday, the company caved to the public pressure and said it would cancel its carbon emissions goals and programs of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tractor Supply also said it would stop sending data to the Human Rights Campaign, the organizer of LGBTQ+ political action. 'I see this as rolling back the clock with race relations.' On Tuesday, the head of the National Black Farmers Association said in an interview that he was "appalled" by the decision at Tractor Supply. “I see this as rolling back the clock with race relations — because the country is so divided on race, especially in rural America," said John Boyd Jr., according to the Associated Press. Boyd said that he tried to contact the company's CEO, Hal Lawton, before taking the drastic step to call for his resignation. “He’s gone too far — and we have to let him know we’re not going to sit back and take this mess anymore,” Boyd added. He went on to say that the NBFA would consider a boycott if Tractor Supply did not respond to its demands. “We’re tired of (being) mistreated by the government and Fortune 500 companies," he continued. "Black farmers are going to start fighting back. And that’s what we’re doing.”The AP report cited some customers who had already decided to take their business elsewhere after hearing about the announcement. “It’s mind-boggling to me that a company would cave to basically a hate campaign,” said Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary co-founder Beth Hyman, who is also gay. “Now they just have another boycott on their hands. We didn’t call for that, but obviously people are.”'Tractor supply don't like Blacks?' Boyd posted his call on social media and tagged celebrities like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, the rapper 50 Cent, and Joe Biden in an attempt to garner attention for his boycott threat. "Tractor supply don't like Blacks?" he asked in another post. Tractor Supply runs more than 2,200 stores nationwide and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine expects former President Donald Trump to win the 2024 presidential contest and says he is "OK with that" outcome but does not plan to vote for the Republican figure.While Biden's debate performance has been widely panned, Golden — who has been serving in Congress since 2019 — suggested that the president's poor performance was not surprising.'I reject the premise.'"After the first presidential debate, lots of Democrats are panicking about whether President Joe Biden should step down as the party's nominee. Biden's poor performance in the debate was not a surprise. It also didn't rattle me as it has others, because the outcome of this election has been clear to me for months: While I don't plan to vote for him, Donald Trump is going to win. And I'm OK with that," Golden wrote in an opinion piece."There are winners and losers in every election. Democrats' post-debate hand-wringing is based on the idea that a Trump victory is not just a political loss, but a unique threat to our democracy. I reject the premise. Unlike Biden and many others, I refuse to participate in a campaign to scare voters with the idea that Trump will end our democratic system," he noted. "This election is about the economy, not democracy. And when it comes to our economy, our Congress matters far more than who occupies the White House."Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who served in Congress as a Republican, endorsed Biden for re-election, saying that he was making the move "because of my unwavering support for democracy."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

New York Times: President Biden Was Given Time for an Afternoon Nap Each Day of Debate Prep

New Yorker Writer Wonders Where Everyone Was When There Was a Chance to Swap Out Biden

An alarming start to an exceptionally active season.

Lyrics from tolerant leftist rappers: