In August 2009‚ a 42-year-old lady named Helen left her flat on Talbot Road in Oxton‚ England‚ and walked 600 yards to her local – the Caernarvon Castle‚ where she enjoyed a half of lager in the pub car park with many other customers who were enjoying a drink and a meal as they made the most of the unpredictable English summer. Helen was feeling a bit down because she had just split with Mike‚ her boyfriend of two years‚ and every time she thought of some hurtful memory of their time together‚ she would imagine she was sticking a label with the words “bad thought” on a little thought balloon – a technique her doctor had told her to try as a form of cognitive behavioural therapy. Helen looked about‚ people-watching‚ and then after a Bacardi and coke she decided to walk home. She was just leaving the car park of the Caernarvon Castle‚ when a car decelerating on Bidston Road beeped its horn. Helen noticed the car was an old fashioned model‚ and saw the name “Corsair” on its boot. The Ford Corsair halted just ahead of Helen and the driver‚ a woman aged about 25‚ with a babushka scarf on and a pair of sunglasses shouted something to her. Helen went to the offside of the vintage vehicle to see what the driver wanted. ‘Could you possibly direct me to Ingestre Court?’ said the woman in a well-spoken voice. ‘Yes‚ it’s straight down this road‚ and to the right‚’ answered Helen‚ ‘I live in the flats near there.’ ‘Oh‚ do you fancy a lift there then? And you can show me the way?’ asked the woman‚ who adjusted her shades and peeped over them with a huge pair of friendly sky-blue eyes. ‘Yes‚ of course‚ thanks‚’ said Helen‚ and she got into the car. Seconds after this‚ Helen noticed that all of the cars travelling up and down Bidston Road were vehicles that looked as if they were from the 1960s and 1970s. Then Helen noticed a policeman – on a bicycle‚ and he did not have on a high-visibility yellow jacket or a bicycle helmet. The driver then turned to Helen and said: ‘I have to visit a Mrs MacDonald at Ingestre Court; did you say it’s on the right over there?’ Helen had known a Mrs MacDonald at Ingestre Court when she was a child‚ but that lady had tragically died in a car crash in 1974. Helen pointed to Ingestre Court – and saw that every car parked there was vintage. It had not yet dawned on the Oxton woman that she had somehow gone back in time. ‘Yes‚ that’s Ingestre Court‚’ Helen muttered‚ and the woman pulled over and said: ‘Thanks‚ I’m a stranger around these parts.’ ‘You’re welcome‚’ said Helen‚ and she got out the Ford Corsair in a daze‚ and the woman drove to the car park of the flats. Helen walked along‚ gazing at the cars‚ and she saw that the tax disc on one parked car read “Dec 67”. Helen walked to her flat and discovered her key did not work. The lock was now an old Yale model‚ and so she pressed the doorbell‚ and a woman in horned-rimmed glasses answered. Helen felt as if she was in a dream. ‘I live here’‚ she told the perplexed lady‚ and that woman looked Helen up and down then took a step back into the hallway and slammed the door on her. Helen wandered away‚ slowly realising she had somehow gone back in time to the year she had been born – 1967. She took her iPhone from the pocket of her jeans and her trembling hand unlocked the device and she dialled her mother. There was no signal – no network. There was a loud beep of a passing car horn and Helen looked up from the phone’s screen to see the woman who had given her a lift into the past. She was waving as she drove by in the Ford Corsair‚ and there was a woman in the passenger seat. At that moment‚ modern cars appeared on the road. Helen realised that the year 2009 had returned. She did a u-turn and went to her flat‚ and now the key fitted and there was no sign of the woman in the horn-rimmed glasses. Such is the nature of the timeslip – it often happens out of the blue and disorients those who pass through the ‘time barrier’. Helen did not have the remotest interest in the paranormal‚ and was thrown by the unearthly experience. When she visited the Caernarvon Castle pub on the following day‚ a friend of Helen told her a curious thing; he had seen her leave the car park around the time the Ford Corsair was pulling up‚ but he had not seen any vehicle; he had seen Helen walking out the pub car park‚ and then she had vanished before his eyes. Here’s another ‘slip’ experienced by two people. One afternoon in August of this year‚ a 65-year-old Wallasey man named Roy was walking down Poulton Road on his way to his daughter’s house (on Clarence Road)‚ when he passed a store called Gepps. This puzzled Roy because he lived in the Poulton Road area in the 1980s and was never out of Gepps‚ a superior type of chandlers which sold tools and paint for the DIY enthusiast‚ ironmongery and even mops. Roy walked back a few feet‚ looked in the window‚ and there was Mr Gepp in his white coat. Roy was tempted to go into the store‚ but had to get to his daughter’s for 3pm. When Roy mentioned the chandlers to his daughter‚ she returned a puzzled look‚ and she told her father he must have been mistaken‚ as Gepps had closed down around 2008. ‘Well it’s opened again‚’ said Roy‚ and he ended up taking his daughter round the corner from her house on Clarence Road to the spot where he had seen Gepps. Roy’s daughter was right – Gepps was gone – and in its place was a hair and beauty salon called Amour‚ and the doors of two flats. ‘I saw the place‚ love’‚ Roy told his worried daughter; she thought her father might be showing signs of some neurological disorder‚ but then a woman passing by with a dog lingered by Roy and his daughter and appeared to be eavesdropping. This woman said to Roy: ‘Excuse me; I saw what you saw as well – God as my judge – I saw the front of the store. It was all painted white‚ and there was a blue clock above the sign.’ And this woman made the sign of the cross and added: ‘And when I looked back it had gone.’ ‘Yes!’ said Roy‚ ‘I saw that clock as well‚ over the sign up there.’ He turned to his daughter and said: ‘We can’t both be seeing things can we?’ Author: Tom Slemen‚ a Liverpool writer‚ known foremostly as the author of the best-selling Haunted Liverpool series of books which document paranormal incidents and unsolved or unusual crimes. Check his Books on Amazon here. The post Beyond the Time Barrier: Timeslip in Oxton‚ England appeared first on Anomalien.com.

Researchers are trying to figure out what the geological feature of Saturn’s moon actually is. Saturn’s moon Titan may contain hundreds of strange ridges called yardangs. Such a geological feature could shed light on how the surface of the icy satellite varies from region to region. Yardangs may litter Titan’s polar regions‚ scientists say. Yardangs are long‚ perfectly straight ridges. This surface is formed when erosion breaks down strips of soft soil. Therefore‚ such features can help understand Titan’s complex geology. The fact is that in the upper latitudes of Titan‚ hundreds of strange lines were discovered‚ which planetary scientists called bright linear features. Experts believe that these are either sand dunes‚ which have already been observed on the equator of Titan‚ or yardangs. Both natural phenomena are long‚ straight systems of ridges and depressions‚ so it is quite difficult to distinguish them from each other. “From orbit it’s quite hard to tell what we’re looking at—we just see long‚ straight lines‚” says Jani Radebaugh of Brigham Young University. Radebaugh and her team used a computer model to compare more than 200 features on Titan to dunes and yardangs on Earth. On our planet‚ yardangs tend to be straighter than dunes and appear brighter in radar images. On Titan‚ all the detected objects were straighter and also looked brighter in the images‚ which leads scientists to the idea of ​​yardangs. The fact that Titan’s lower latitudes are dominated by dunes and its upper latitudes dominated by yardangs could help researchers learn about conditions in different regions on the moon. “Perhaps there is no sand on Titan at high latitudes‚ or there is other material that is more easily eroded‚” Radebaugh said. NASA’s Dragonfly spacecraft‚ scheduled to launch to Titan in 2028‚ should provide a wealth of new information that will help us understand this. The post Very straight lines spotted at Titan’s poles: what could they be? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

Taxpayer-funded PBS may seem in all its public relations as a bland and civil oasis on public affairs programming‚ when in reality it's just another red-hot anti-Trump channel like the rest. When the leftists at The Atlantic magazine gained editorial control of the longtime PBS Friday night show Washington Week‚ it turned more intensely into a leftist hootenanny. So now you can turn to PBS for bitter former Trump administration employees to denounce him as a brainless Hitler fan whose second term would be devastating to America. CNN host Jim Sciutto has a new book out called Return of the Great Powers‚ and he was allowed to promote the book on PBS on Friday night’s show. The book carries a promotional quote by a "Republican‚" former congressman Adam Kinzinger. So it's not surprising that Sciutto is touting the tales of "lifelong Republicans" who are delighting PBS and The Atlantic (not to mention CNN).     LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: But‚ Jim‚ you also spoke to multiple former Trump officials for your book‚ including retired Marine General John Kelly‚ who was also former chief of staff to then-President Trump. And Kelly told you that a second Trump -- a second term with him‚ speaking about Trump‚ particularly when he would not be worrying about re-election‚ it would be fundamentally a catastrophe for us. What are the stakes of a second Trump term? JIM SCIUTTO: Think of this. He served 40 years as a Marine general. He's a Gold Star father. This is a serious man who loves his country‚ and‚ by the way‚ largely [?] a lifelong Republican saying Trump is unfit for office‚ fundamentally a catastrophe. That's a remarkable appraisal to hear from a former chief of staff to a former U.S. president. John Bolton told me‚ and‚ again‚ I'm quoting from him directly here‚ that 'Trump doesn't have enough of a brain‚' his words‚ to articulate a China policy. You couple that with former Vice President Pence saying today he cannot‚ in good conscience‚ endorse him. These are people who worked with him for four years‚ advised him at the highest levels‚ were in the room with them as he was making consequential decisions about this country‚ and they judged that decision-making and his priorities to be fundamentally problematic for this country‚ it's remarkable. And I don't think there's any precedent for that. So‚ when -- you know‚ those appraisals are not coming from journalists‚ they're not coming folks on the left or the Democratic Party or RINOs or whatever. They're coming for folks who served in the Trump administration. And we should take pause. We should pause. If you weren't convinced John Kelly wanted to help Sciutto damage Trump‚ the hits kept coming:  SCIUTTO: John Kelly‚ by the way‚ also described to me multiple instances where Trump expressed praise for Adolf Hitler‚ which is just a remarkable thing to be discussing in the 21st century. BARRON-LOPEZ: Right‚ praised Adolf Hitler‚ praised a number of other dictators. SCIUTTO: Putin‚ Kim‚ Xi Jinping‚ you name it. Sciutto left his job at ABC News and revolved into the government in 2011‚ and spent a year and half in the Obama administration as chief of staff to Gary Locke‚ a former Democrat governor who became the U.S. Ambassador to China. So no one should be shocked that he's earnestly helping his old Obama colleague Joe Biden keep his job. PS: Barron-Lopez then turned to what she called the "developments that we saw this week across Trump's criminal cases." CBS congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane lamented "One thing is consistent. The clock is ticking in all of them and they don't seem to be getting anywhere." He seemed especially fond of a Trump trial on the January 6 riot. On PBS‚ CBS January 6-obsessing reporter Scott MacFarlane wants that Trump trial this year: "There is something CATHARTIC for Americans and the victims among Capitol Police and congressional staff to just see a trial." The trial "resonates." We're "viscerally connected" to it. pic.twitter.com/4lz7bhMzy4 — Tim Graham (@TimJGraham) March 17‚ 2024

This article has been fact checked and reviewed by a qualified veterinarian using information available at the time of review. However‚ the purpose of this article is not to replace a veterinary examination and advice but rather provide a general guide to medical and behavioral conditions. Cat owners are urged to seek tailored advice for their pet from a veterinary professional. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer. Using a litter tray is a peaceful and stress-free experience for a lot of cats. Others have occasional problems that need addressing. And then there are those cats that only seem happy when they are kicking litter around and making as much noise as possible while in the tray. While some noise is to be expected‚ you should pay attention to your cat meowing or crying while using the tray. It could be a sign that they are in some sort of anguish. They could be stressed about something‚ or they could even be in physical pain or suffering some kind of condition or illness that needs addressing sooner rather than later. Read on for more information on reasons your cat might meow while in the litter box. The 10 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Meowing in the Litter Box 1. A Dirty Litter Box Image Credit: Anciens Huang‚ Shutterstock Cats are generally very clean animals. They groom themselves to keep clean and while the pile of litter outside the tray might suggest otherwise‚ they need a clean tray in order to feel comfortable and relaxed enough to do their business. If you have a single cat‚ expect to spot-clean the trays once or twice a day‚ picking out solids and scooping up wet clumps. You should also completely replace the litter every week or so. Having enough litter trays will also help ensure that they remain clean‚ so you won’t have to clean them as often. 2. An Inappropriate Litter Box Cats‚ like most people‚ need to be comfortable to do their business. It is generally advised that a tray be at least one and a half times the length of your cat‚ from nose to bottom. This enables your cat to be able to move around‚ do its business‚ and then be able to comfortably scratch and cover everything up. If the litter tray is too small‚ it could be the cause of meowing in the litter box. If you have recently changed the litter tray‚ it may be the case that your cat doesn’t like the new shape or design. It can take time for a cat to get used to using a covered litter tray‚ for example‚ and they may be meowing because they are reluctant to get it. 3. The Wrong Litter Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock Similarly‚ if you have changed to a new litter‚ your cat may be voicing its disapproval of your choice‚ effectively asking you to bring back the old litter. This can be especially true if you move to a harder litter that is less comfortable when scratching around in it. If possible‚ you should try changing the litter for one that is better suited to your cat and that they are happier using. You can try changing to a new litter gradually‚ by mixing a little of the new litter in with the old and gradually increasing the ratio until you are just using the new litter type. 4. Expecting a Reward If your cat has only just finished litter training and you had to use positive reinforcement as a means to encourage the use of the tray‚ your young cat might be meowing because they are expecting a treat or reward for having successfully used the tray. You should gradually wean your cat off the treats. Start by giving a treat every other time they use the tray. After a few days‚ you can offer treats every third time‚ and so on‚ until your cat doesn’t expect to be rewarded for successful tray use. 5. A Vocal Cat Image Credit: Danielle Masucci‚ Shutterstock Although most cats will pee and poop quietly‚ this isn’t necessarily the case for all feline companions‚ and you may have one that likes to tell everybody when they are doing their business! Make sure there are no other likely reasons for the vocalizations‚ and especially make sure your cat is not ill before you ignore the noise. 6. Inflammation As well as behavioral causes of a cat meowing while using the litter tray‚ there are some possible health reasons. If your cat is crying in the litter box‚ this could be a sign of inflammation‚ especially of the bladder or urinary tract. This inflammation can be caused by infection‚ urinary crystals‚ or even by stress‚ and signs include crying in the litter box‚ blood in the urine or producing small amounts of urine. If your cat appears to be in distress‚ their toilet habits have changed‚ and they are crying or meowing while using the litter tray‚ consult your vet. 7. Urinary Crystals Image Credit: Anciens Huang‚ Shutterstock Urinary crystals‚ such as struvite crystals‚ are found naturally in cat urine‚ but they can become a problem if they form urinary calculi (stones). They can cause physical pain inside the urinary tract and may block the urinary tract. Again‚ look for signs of pain as well as changes in toileting. If your cat is struggling to pee‚ they may spend more time in the litter tray because it will feel the need to wee more often. 8. Blockage A blocked urethra is common in cats with urinary disease and most often affects male cats. It prevents the cat from being able to urinate at all. It is very painful‚ so most cats will cry and meow while in the litter tray trying to urinate‚ but in this case no urine is produced. Left untreated‚ this condition can cause kidney damage and life-threatening electrolyte imbalances‚ so your cat must be seen by a vet immediately. 9. Constipation Image Credit: Stefano Garau‚ Shutterstock There are numerous causes of constipation‚ which is a problem with passing stools. Injuries‚ certain illnesses‚ dehydration and even physical conditions can cause constipation‚ and so too can a poor diet or ingesting objects like hair‚ bones‚ and cat litter. Your vet may be able to give your cat something to help move everything along. You will need to take action to remedy the underlying problem that caused the constipation in the first place. 10. Arthritis Even physical injuries or complaints like arthritis can cause meowing in the litter tray. It takes some effort to pee and poop‚ and it can require getting into an awkward position in the litter tray. If these movements lead to pain in affected joints‚ your cat’s natural reaction is to cry out or meow in anguish. Other signs of arthritis include lameness or limping‚ mobility problems‚ general stiffness and crying and meowing when your cat jumps‚ runs‚ or even walks. Conclusion Some cats are naturally more vocal than others‚ and if your cat is meowing in the litter tray‚ it could potentially just be that yours is a noisy cat. However‚ you shouldn’t simply dismiss the noise because this meowing can also be caused by serious illness and some physical conditions. Look for other signs of illness‚ such as a change in toileting habits and signs of physical pain and distress. If you’re in any doubt‚ speak to your vet‚ let them know the problem‚ and they will be able to advise the best course of action. Sources Veterinary Partner VCA Hospitals ICatCare Featured Image Credit: Yaya Photos‚ Shutterstock The post Why Is My Cat Meowing in the Litter Box? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Pests You Might Find in a Litter Box The “Invisible” Pests Getting Rid of Them It’s not the most pleasant job in the world‚ but keeping your cat’s litter box clean and pest-free is essential. Cleaning is imperative alone if just to control odors. It will also prevent other issues‚ such as the infestation of flies and other bugs‚ because a litter tray has many of the elements that makes it a breeding ground for pests. Insects‚ particularly flies‚ are carriers of many diseases which makes it a health issue for you and your pet if lots of flies are in and around the litter tray. Knowing what pests are in your home can help you eliminate them and avoid a re-infestation. We’ll discuss the ones you can see and the ones you can’t. Pests You Might Find in a Litter Box Fruit Flies Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) may be small‚ but they are incredibly annoying. You’ll most likely see them at the end of summer into the fall because they are attracted to ripe fruit and vegetables. They often hitchhike a passage into your house on fresh produce. Rinsing the food can help prevent a problem by removing fruit fly eggs from the surface.  However‚ they can also fly into the house through windows and doors‚ attracted by the ripening food. All that is needed for fruit flies to breed is a moist layer of fermenting material‚ so they can multiply on a washing up sponge‚ a small amount of spilt fruit juice‚ or in the cat’s litter box! An excellent way to eliminate fruit flies is to place a small dish of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dis soap where you’ve seen them. The liquid will entice them‚ while the soap‚ as a surfactant‚ will cause them to sink and drown.  An alternative to the dish soap is a paper funnel through which the flies will go and then become trapped.  They can then be released outside or disposed of. Image Credit: Ant Cooper‚ Shutterstock House Flies House flies (Musca domestica) are another scourge of pet owners. A dirty litter box is a magnet for these pests‚ and if your cat eliminates outside of the box‚ and it goes unnoticed‚ house flies will find it.  Bacteria and mold that exist in huge numbers in dirty litter boxes are also a lure to the house fly. The chances are they’ll end up wherever the litter is if they’ve gotten into your home. They are especially insidious because of their role in the transmission of pathogens.  The best way to control flies is to keep the box clean with daily scooping. You should also replace all the litter weekly‚ or more often than this if you have more than one cat. Don’t wait until your cat stops using it to do this simple task. Wash out the box with hot water and a mild detergent and let it dry before filling it again. Your cat’s naptime is a good time to do this. Fleas If your cat has fleas‚ they can be anywhere your pet goes in your home. These pests can transmit diseases and parasites to you and your family‚ making elimination imperative. Preventing fleas is much easier than getting rid of a problem. It involves cleaning places your kitty uses‚ such as their bedding‚ the carpets‚ and their litter box. Gladly it takes between 2 weeks to 2 months (depending on the temperature) for a flea egg to develop into an adult flea‚ so as long as you clean your litter box out weekly‚ the litter tray should not be a source of flea infestations.  As well as treating the house with an effective insecticide‚ washing the bedding and hoovering the carpets‚ you must also treat all of your pets with an anti-parasitic medication at the same time. Several follow-up treatments are necessary afterward. Image Credit: photowind‚ Shutterstock The “Invisible” Pests Some bugs are especially aggravating because you can’t see them. You may see internal parasites‚ such as tapeworms (or segments of a tapeworm more commonly)‚ hookworms‚ and roundworms when you clean the box. Tapeworm segments look like grains of rice whereas roundworms look like broken spaghetti.  Intestinal parasites are more common in pets that go outdoors or catch prey. If you see them in the litter box‚ your cat has been infected for a while. Deworming your pet is the best treatment. Consult your veterinarian for advice on which deworming product is best for the specific parasite of concern.  Proper hygiene after cleaning the litter box will help to protect you against infection. Image Credit: Todorean-Gabriel‚ Shutterstock Diseases Your pet’s feces can harbor other pathogens that can be really quite nasty.  Cats can become infected by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii from eating infected prey. Infected cats shed oocysts (the eggs of the parasite) in the feces about 3-10 days afterwards.  These oocysts can infect humans through accidental ingestion.  The concern is greatest with pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.  Daily cleaning can reduce your risk of getting this disease because oocysts need at least 24 hours to become infectious once they’ve been shed by the cat. If your cat drinks water from puddles outside‚ that can increase their risk of getting giardiasis. This condition is caused by a tiny protozoan parasite that can live in contaminated water. An infected animal can pass cysts in their feces‚ putting pet owners at risk of an infection. Some cats are asymptomatic‚ whereas others may suffer from weight loss‚ acute‚ foul-smelling diarrhea and occasional vomiting.  Humans can get it from their pets through environmental contamination. Disinfecting the litter tray‚ litter scoop and the cat’s living and sleeping areas with a bleach solution‚ and then allowing it to dry for several days is the best way of eradicating the parasite. Image Credit: Andy Gin‚ Shutterstock Getting Rid of the Pests in the Litter Box Proper sanitation can prevent most issues‚ as we’ve discussed. We recommend daily cleaning to remove waste. The longer it stays in the litter‚ the greater the chances of flies coming in‚ or accidental contact leading to health problems for you. Wet litter creates the perfect environment for bacterial and fungal development. We also suggest rinsing your scoop with a mild bleach solution. You should take care of the area around the box and ensure you disinfect the poop scoop weekly too.  If your litter tray is on a pad‚ wash it periodically. The same advice applies to any litter mats that aim to prevent tracking. Some pet owners find using liners makes cleaning easier‚ although some cats really don’t like them because they rustle. We can’t overemphasize replacing all the litter weekly‚ following the manufacturer’s recommendations. It will cut down on odors and make a more pleasant environment for your cat. It can also reduce the risk of disease and parasites. Final Thoughts Seeing bugs in your pet’s litter box is undoubtedly distressing. It’s a red flag that action is needed to ensure a healthy environment. These problems don’t go away on their own. Instead‚ they typically get worse. Understanding that risks exist even if you don’t see them is essential. It’s also a vital part of pet care. Fortunately‚ proper sanitation can prevent many issues before they become significant problems. Sources https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giardia-in-cats https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/flies/house_fly.htm https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef621 https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/diseases.html https://www.cdc.gov/fleas/getting_rid.html https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giardia-in-cats   Featured Image Credit: Seika Chujo‚ Shutterstock The post Bugs in Cat Litter Box: Identification &; Getting Rid of Them (Vet-Reviewed) appeared first on Pet Keen.

Click to Skip Ahead Cat Water Fountains Wild Instincts Proper Hydration Using a Cat Water Fountain It never seems to be a problem with dogs; they’ll drink water from anywhere‚ including puddles on the sidewalk and the sink if they can reach it. But cats are different. You may not see them drink from their bowls often. Some pet owners have found that a water fountain encourages them to consume more liquid‚ which can keep them hydrated and healthy. Cat water fountains keep the water moving‚ which makes them more enticing to felines. Many also have large capacities that are well over what your pet should drink weekly. However‚ that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t change the water frequently‚ even if they have a filter. So‚ how often do you really need to change the water to keep it fresh? At a minimum‚ once every 5 days‚ but we recommend it more frequently if you have more than one cat. Cat Water Fountains Cat water fountains work by circulating water through a filter‚ usually containing activated charcoal. A pump provides the power to keep it moving. The premise is that the sound of the running water will encourage your pet to drink more often‚ as running water is usually fresher water (in the wild). Several factors will influence how much your cat should drink‚ including their life stage‚ activity level‚ and diet. The frequency of changing the water lies with its cleanliness. The filter will help clean the water of debris which will reduce the bacterial growth.  It will also filter out chlorine‚ heavy metals and pesticides (depending on the filter type you use) but the filter won’t get rid of bacteria that will inevitably grow. We must also think about the fact that a playful adult cat or kitten will undoubtedly play with the stream of water‚ further contaminating the water. Some cats enjoy a drink straight after eating‚ so food contaminants will enter the water. It’s these factors that might make you consider changing the water in their fountain daily. Image Credit: Lightspruch‚ Shutterstock Wild Instincts You may wonder why a water fountain would be necessary. After all‚ cats can obviously sense when they’re thirsty. It’s more complicated than feeling the need to drink. Our pets are descendants of the African Wild Cat (Felis silvestris lybica) which has a very wide distribution.  It is found throughout most of Africa‚ southwest and central Asia into India‚ China‚ and Mongolia. This feline migrated to other areas during the ages‚ occupying various but marginal habitats. Water is often scarce in these places‚ so the African Wild Cat‚ and thus our domesticated cats‚ evolved to manage with minimal water supply. The other factor is the species’ feeding habits. Felines are obligate carnivores‚ meaning they cannot meet their nutritional requirements through plant proteins alone; they need animal proteins to survive. Their natural diet (mainly consisted) of freshly caught small rodents which used to fulfill most of their water needs‚ so this impacted the cat’s drive to seek water. It’s worth noting that our domesticated cats have hardly evolved from their wild predecessors with changes in only 13 genes reflecting the influences of domestication‚ so their drive to drink water is still low even though their diets have changed hugely in domestication. Evolution and adaptation to a desert-dwelling lifestyle has allowed felines to adapt physically to get most of the water they require from their carnivorous diet. However‚ domesticated pet cats are not usually fed whole‚ fresh carcasses‚ and therefore are required to drink more‚ especially if they are fed a kibble diet.  A water fountain can tempt a domestic cat to drink more often‚ helping to keep them hydrated and healthy. Proper Hydration The other consideration of how often you change the water in a fountain is a cat’s hydration needs and how often they use it.  Your kitty should get about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight. However‚ that figure varies depending on your pet’s diet. For example‚ canned foods can contain 70–80% water‚ which can go a long way toward meeting your cat’s daily needs.  Therefore a cat eating wet food is likely to only visit the water fountain occasionally. Conversely‚ feeding your pet strictly dry food will increase the amount they should drink since dry diets typically contain only 10% moisture. Therefore‚ usage will play a role in the maintenance of a water fountain‚ and the speed at which the water gets dirty. It also is a factor when deciding what size to get. Don’t let the amount of fluid be the only condition for changing the water. The less you refresh it‚ the more likely it is for bacteria to develop. Image Credit: Vershinin89‚ Shutterstock Using a Cat Water Fountain We suggest getting your pet used to the fountain without the circulation feature first. Some cats are wary of anything new in their environment‚ let alone something with moving water. Once your kitty seems comfortable with the replacement‚ turn on the fountain. If your pet is scared of it‚ give it another go later. After all‚ it’s essential that they drink enough clean water so we don’t want to scare them off completely! You might consider leaving the regular water bowl out and running the new fountain at the same time. Curiosity may get the best of your cat‚ and at least get them to explore it on their timeline. Final Thoughts A cat water fountain can provide enrichment for your pet’s mental well-being and an enticement to drink more often. It’s helpful for cats that eat a dry diet to ensure they get enough fluids. Proper hydration will help keep your kitty healthy. It’s essential to keep the product clean. We recommend a full clean and water change every 5 days‚ and changing the filter in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you have more than one cat‚ you will need to change the filter‚ the water and clean the fountain more often. If the water is ever looking dirty‚ don’t wait for the 5 day mark‚ make sure you change it immediately. Sources https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-022-00568-4 https://www.livescience.com/53466-carnivore.html https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1410083111 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hydration https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/why-your-cat-wont-drink-water-and-what-do https://wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/africa/african-wildcat/#:~:text=This%20wildcat%20has%20a%20very‚east%20and%20southern%20African%20countries. Featured Image Credit: Bianca Grueneberg‚ Shutterstock The post How Often to Change the Water in a Cat Fountain: Vet-Approved Advice appeared first on Pet Keen.

A new study revealed that people with so-called "woke" ideologies tended to be more unhappy‚ anxious‚ and depressed compared to others. The study – published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology last week – found that individuals with attitudes geared toward critical social justice were less satisfied with their lives.The first study examined 848 adult participants – 382 staff members and 266 students of the University of Turku in southwestern Finland as well as 64 staff and students from other Finnish universities‚ two from foreign universities‚ and 134 not associated with a university. A second study included 5‚030 Finnish citizens aged 15–84.To determine the "critical social justice attitude scale‚" the study inquired about seven very progressive ideologies: “If white people have on average a higher level of income than black people‚ it is because of racism.”“University reading lists should include fewer white or European authors.”“Microaggressions should be challenged often and actively.”“Trans* women who compete with women in sports are not helping women’s rights.” (reverse scored)“We don’t need to talk more about the color of people’s skin.”“A white person cannot understand how a black person feels equally well as another black person.”“A member of a privileged group can adopt features or cultural elements of a less privileged group.” (reverse scored)Study author Oskari Lahtinen‚ a senior researcher at the INVEST Research Flagship Centre at the University of Turku‚ told PsyPost‚ "The gender divide was probably most surprising to me. Three out of five women view ‘woke’ ideas positively‚ but only one out of seven men. This was the case in Finland‚ at least."The research found female participants to be far more "woke" than their male counterparts. The study noted‚ "Overall‚ male support for scale items was much lower than female." The study found that women "expressed more than twice as much support" of the progressive ideologies. The research found‚ "Regarding the extent to which select study subpopulations accepted‚ felt neutral about‚ or rejected scale items‚ people with 'other' gender‚ Left Alliance voters‚ Green Party voters‚ and female social science students accepted most scale propositions. Men and male medicine students rejected all but one scale item and male humanities students and Finnish voters rejected all scale items." The study also discovered people in STEM fields and conservative thinkers had lower agreement with the progressive beliefs.The significant difference in gender approval of the woke ideologies also carried over to overall happiness‚ according to the study. The study revealed that those who embraced the woke ideologies suffered from heightened instances of unhappiness‚ anxiety‚ and depression.Those who subscribed to the woke ideologies were reportedly suffering 67.9% higher for anxiety‚ 32.5% higher for depression‚ and 4.5% higher for unhappiness.Lahtinen said‚ "I had been paying attention to a development in American universities‚ where a new discourse on social justice became prevalent in the 2010s.""While critical social justice (or intersectional or ‘woke’) discourse draws mainly from dynamics within American society it has now surfaced in other Western countries as well‚" he noted. "The arrival of a critical social justice (often called ‘woke’) discourse sparked much debate in Finnish media in the last couple of years."“This debate was largely data-free and it could thus be considered a worthwhile question to study how prevalent these attitudes are‚" Lahtinen said. "No reliable and valid instrument existed prior to the study to assess the extent and prevalence of these attitudes in different populations‚ so I set out to develop one."The author added‚ "The studies were quite robust with a sample size above 5‚000 and good psychometric properties. However‚ the scale would need to be validated in North American samples in order to know how these attitudes manifest there. I encourage colleagues in the United States to study the prevalence of these attitudes in the country where they originate from."Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Are Chinese automakers benefitting from the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credits for new electric vehicle purchases? Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo says "no." "What we see to date is that the companies that are taking advantage of it are American companies who are using it to make the investments that they need to be able to build out the cars of the future‚ which are electric vehicles‚" Adeyemo said at a hearing on federal EV incentives held by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. "My problem is not with EVs. My problem is with my administration's crusade to convert everyone over to an EV ..." What role Chinese automakers play in this future depends on how strictly the Biden administration enforces a provision that blocks tax credits for new EVs that contain battery materials from foreign adversaries such as China. More than 7‚000 dealers registered to offer point-of-sale EV tax credits for 2024 under section 30D of the Act. But since January 1‚ any new EV using battery components made or assembled by a "foreign entity of concern" (companies or subsidiaries owned or controlled by China‚ Iran‚ North Korea‚ or Russia) have been ineligible for these credits. In 2025‚ the exclusion will expand to include the use of any critical minerals that are extracted‚ processed‚ or recycled by one of those entities. The Truth About Chinese Automakers and EV Tax Credits youtu.be Ostensibly the regulations try to strike a balance‚ leaving some room for Chinese involvement as automakers reshuffle their supply chains into compliance. A too-strict interpretation of the term could have prevented any EVs from qualifying‚ while a too-lenient approach could risk national security and undermine domestic automakers. That said‚ the requirements are strict enough to have slashed the number of qualifying models from 25 to just 13‚ according to federal data from FuelEconomy.GOV. However‚ some automakers such as General Motors have said they expect more EVs will qualify as they adjust sourcing. “Section 30D is helping Ford and GM be able to be in a position to not only compete with Chinese automakers … but to win not only here in the United States but around the world‚" Adeyemo said. The Biden administration has faced harsh criticism for its implementation of the EV tax credits‚ namely from Republicans — none of whom supported the Inflation Reduction Act — and Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) who held the key vote in passing the law and helped write it. Manchin‚ who chairs the Senate Energy Committee‚ has blasted the administration for not going far enough in preventing loopholes that could benefit China‚ which dominates the EV battery supply chain. At issue‚ in part‚ is the Treasury's foreign entity guidance‚ which includes a temporary transition rule through 2026 that gives the industry time to develop standards for tracing materials that account for less than 2% of the value of battery-critical minerals. "My problem is not with EVs‚" Manchin said at the hearing. "My problem is with my administration's crusade to convert everyone over to an EV regardless of where the battery came from or what the law actually says." Republican senators on the panel‚ including ranking member John Barrasso of Wyoming and Josh Hawley of Missouri‚ also scrutinized the administration's implementation of the tax credit and the potential for Chinese participation. "Your rule allows Chinese companies to get the tax break. It loosens up the restrictions‚ so now we are subsidizing our rivals‚" Hawley argued. Deputy Energy Secretary Dave Turk‚ who also testified at the hearing‚ defended the administration's approach. "I would strongly disagree with that‚" said Turk‚ citing how fewer EVs are now eligible for the credit as automakers scramble to adjust their sourcing and meet the requirements. Manchin‚ who last year said he would sue the Treasury over how it was planning to interpret the EV tax credit's critical mineral and battery component provisions‚ again threatened legal action. He said‚ ”I will support any entity that goes to court to correct the illegal liberalization of this law with an amicus brief to set the record straight on the bill Congress actually wrote.”

Midway through the Apex Legends ALGS finals in North America‚ it appears that several players have been hacked mid-match‚ leading to the match being "postponed" due to the "competitive integrity of this series being compromised." Continue reading Huge Apex Legends hack ends ALGS finals‚ and it’s a mess MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Apex Legends characters guide‚ Apex Legends skins‚ Apex Legends season 17 release date