BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF Alberta reached a historic milestone by closing its last specialized coal plant. On Sunday, June 16th at 10:57 p.m., Capital Power’s Genesee 2 facility shut down, marking the end of the province’s coal era. According to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the plant is not likely to reopen. “Given this was around the time they previously stated it would be fully converted to gas, I suspect that’s it. The end of coal power in Alberta,” said Blake Shaffer, an economist specializing in electricity markets at the University of Calgary. A remarkable transition The transition away from coal in Alberta has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2001, coal generated as much as 80 percent of the province’s electricity. In 2015, the Alberta government, led by then-NDP Premier Rachel Notley, announced intentions to phase out coal generation by 2030 as part of broader climate initiatives. The ambitious timeline was received with skepticism. “The industry was up in arms that it wasn’t possible,” Shaffer recalled. “Even parts of the government were in disbelief. I think there was a general view that phasing out by 2030 would actually be very challenging, and yet here we are.” Natural gas takes the lead The switch to natural gas permitted the quick phase-out of coal. Natural gas-generated electricity emits nearly half as many greenhouse emissions as coal. Furthermore, Capital Power claims that the new technology utilized in the conversion cuts water consumption by at least 50 percent. On Tuesday, Capital Power reported that the conversion process was complete. “We are immensely proud to confirm that all units at our Genesee facility are now 100 percent natural gas-fueled,” the business stated, expecting a 3.4 million tons reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions. Decrease emissions and increase efficiency Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation have dropped considerably since the coal phaseout began. In 2015, the sector generated approximately 41 million tons of emissions. By 2022, the figure had reduced to around 19 million tonnes. “This achievement marks a significant moment in history for this legacy, baseload facility that has delivered reliable and affordable power to Alberta for more than 30 years,” said Jason Comandante, senior vice president of Capital Power. The business expects that additional efficiency modifications will increase the facility’s maximum generating capacity by 512 megawatts later this year. Lessons for the world Scott MacDougall, director of the Pembina Institute’s electricity program, applauded Alberta’s successful coal phaseout. “Establishing a coal phaseout timeline provided certainty for industry and stakeholders and allowed for efficient investment decisions aligned with phasing out coal,” according to him. “It also offers a case study for the remaining coal jurisdictions around the world.” A cleaner future Alberta’s move from coal to natural gas, combined with the rapid expansion of wind and solar electricity, underlines the province’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The conversion of the Genesee 2 facility demonstrates what is possible with clear policy direction and collaboration between the government and the energy industry. The shutdown of Alberta’s last coal plant marks not just the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter in the province’s energy history, one focused on environmental responsibility and sustainability.The post Alberta shuts down its last coal plant, ushering in a new energy era first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF A remarkable scene plays out at Bogotá’s Sanitas University when a select group of young men congregate for an unusual class. They all grab a plastic doll, rash cream, and diapers. Felipe Contreras, their instructor, leads them through a routine that is unfamiliar to many: naming the dolls, wiping their bottoms, changing their diapers, applying rash ointment, and gently cradling the dolls while supporting their heads. This is the Care School for Men, an innovative initiative launched by the city of Bogotá to teach men how to actively assist in housework and childcare. The program attempts to break long-held gender conventions by teaching men practical skills such as changing diapers and styling ponytails. While some of the students in this program are medical students, the majority are simply fathers who want to do more for their children. Tackling gender inequality The Care School for Men, the first of its kind in Colombia, addresses one of the most persistent features of gender inequality: women bear a disproportionate share of the unpaid caregiving load. According to the International Labour Organization, women worldwide provide three-quarters of all unpaid care. According to a 2017 research by Colombia’s national statistics agency, women in Bogotá spend an average of five and a half hours per day on unpaid work, more than twice as much as men. This discrepancy affects women’s opportunities for paid employment, education, and self-care, contributing to higher female poverty rates, according to a study published in the Journal of Global Health. Despite the increasing number of women joining the workforce and earning higher wages, cultural expectations of men and women remain greatly unchanged. “Cultural beliefs dictate that women are naturally better suited to housework and caregiving, while men are better suited to paid work outside the home,” explains Juan David Cortés, strategy leader at the Care School for Men. A fresh approach to caregiving The Care School concept arose during the COVID-19 epidemic, when many mothers, who were the primary caregivers, became ill or died, leaving their male partners to assume household tasks. The city got distressed calls from men who expressed their anguish and frustration at being unable to care for their children. “They called with the pain of losing their partners but also with frustration at being unable to take care of their children,” Cortés shares. Recognizing the need for a solution, the Care School opened in 2021 to teach men fundamental caring and domestic skills, increasing their confidence along the way. The free one-day lessons teach practical skills such as diaper changing and hair styling on dolls and mannequins. Longer classes, lasting six to eight sessions, include courses on cleaning bathrooms, ironing clothes, and dishwashing. These practical lessons are supplemented by discussions about challenging gender stereotypes and traditional masculinity. “Something fundamental that we talk about in the program is that there are diverse ways of being men, without having to fulfill expectations,” Cortés reflects. A global trend The Care School is part of a larger global movement. For more than four decades, NGOs in the United States have provided training to help men transition to parenthood, and this model has spread to other countries. Equimundo, a research center dedicated to gender equality, discovered that such programs effectively change men’s views and behaviors about childcare. The Care School expands on this model by accepting men of all ages to be caretakers and by being city-run, which broadens its reach. Since its beginning, the city has invested the equivalent of $500,000 in the program. Initially, enrollment was minimal, but it has since increased dramatically. To date, 7,300 men have taken in-person workshops, 50,000 have finished the online version, and 160,000 have watched the city’s video series about caregiving. Engaging and fun Partnerships with private organizations have been critical to the program’s success, with classes delivered to colleges, companies, community centers, and even jails. Another important consideration is the program’s messaging. Instead of portraying caregiving as a burdensome task, the Care School promotes it as “educational and fun,” making the lessons appealing and engaging. To encourage more family involvement, young male teachers at Sanitas University gave away prizes such as aprons, cleaning supplies, and reusable grocery bags during a recent session. The mood was cheerful, with students joking and teasing one another as they acquired new abilities. “Be careful,” Contreras joked with a student who was lifting a doll by its wrist. “If you hold the baby by the arm, its arm is going to fall off.” Contreras reassured the students that it is acceptable to struggle with new tasks, pointing out that many men are in the same position. The program emphasizes the broader benefits of caregiving for men and their families. “[We’re] viewing this as an opportunity to not only minimize gender gaps but also to enhance connections with our partners, with our families,” Cortés explains.” A father’s metamorphosis Ferley Sáenz, the 40-year-old coordinator of Bogotá’s transportation system, exemplifies the program’s effectiveness. Initially joining the Care School to alleviate stress, Sáenz became involved in conversations about caregiving and masculinity. As a husband and father of two, Sáenz revealed that his wife handled the majority of the childcare and housework while he spent much of his time at work or socializing. The problem worsened when his eldest kid, Martin, began to withdraw from him, wailing anytime his mother left them alone. Their relationship deteriorated to the point where Sáenz could no longer feed, play with, or drop Martin off at daycare without his wife present. “I felt like a stranger in my own home,” Sáenz explains. The Care School persuaded Sáenz that restoring his relationship with his son necessitated taking a more active role at home. Since completing the program, Sáenz has focused on becoming a better father. He now assists Martin with his homework, attends parent-teacher meetings, and looks after the children for a few hours on weekends, providing his wife with much-needed relaxation. “Spending quality time with [my children] and engaging in their development and learning process has brought us closer. “My eldest son tells me about his day at school, which he never did before,” Sáenz adds. “It’s an incredible feeling.” Aiming for social change While individual success stories like Sáenz’s are encouraging, Cortés recognizes that changing social attitudes on caregiving will take time. Over the following six years, he hopes to reach 40 percent of Bogotá’s male population, a considerable increase from the present enrollment rate of under one percent. “This is like growing a bamboo plant. We are only now sowing the seed,” Cortés says. The program has gotten backing from Bogotá’s new mayor, Carlos Galán, who has promised to promote gender equality and caregiving initiatives. Brigid Schulte, director of the Better Life Lab at New America, a nonpartisan think tank, underlines the significance of such projects. “If the men who go through these classes become more equal partners in their families, that’s a success on a private level,” says Schulte. “If you want to go to scale and you want to see more families and make a difference in gender equality, then you absolutely have to follow that with public policy and workplace culture change.” To attract additional participants, the Care School organizes pop-up sessions, such as the one at Sanitas University. Luis Rodríguez, a 17-year-old medical student, attended a lesson with the encouragement of friends. Rodríguez had never considered his mother’s workload until he began Care School activities. As he dressed a mannequin’s hair, he noticed how many responsibilities his mother had to deal with on a daily basis. Rodríguez’s increasing understanding motivated him to take on additional obligations at home. “It looked really, really good, the way my mom does it,” he says of his first successful ponytail. He is now keen to understand what more he can give.The post Bogotá’s Care School for Men empowers fathers to embrace caregiving first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'I will not be threatened out of this office'

'Y'all know what it is, free concert, free concert. Let's go'

'Now they’re going to let you put on pride patches on these very patriotic, you know, these uniforms that are the staple of our country'

'This is disgraceful'

The post When To Give Up on Cats Getting Along? Facts & Tips to Introduce Them Safely by Matt Jackson 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 Tips to Safely Introduce Your Cats Tips to Encourage Warring Cats to Get Along What to Do If Your Cats Never Get Along Why Some Cats Don’t Get Along Experts generally agree that it can take up to a year for cats to forge any kind of relationship, even if it is one of avoidance. Avoidance might not be the objective when you first introduce two cats. After all, many of us get a second cat in the hope they will keep the first cat company. As much as we want them to become best buddies, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes, avoidance is the best we can hope for. And it is certainly better than constant aggression and regular fighting. There is no specific deadline for when you should give up on cats getting along, but as it can take a year for some cats to coexist, you might need to be prepared for the long haul. Unfortunately, if you do have cats that won’t get along, it might be necessary to rehome one for the benefit of both. The 5 Tips to Safely Introduce Your Cats One of the key factors in determining whether cats will get along is the original introduction. If the introduction is rushed, or continued efforts to introduce the cats lead to aggravation and fighting, it will be very different for the cats to get along. They will remember those first meetings and, at the very least, it will prolong the time it takes for a peaceful union. When introducing cats, follow these steps to help improve the chances of them getting along. 1. Take It Slowly Never try to rush first introductions. It will take time for cats to form a relationship, and you need to be patient. Expect it to take several months, and if it happens any sooner, that’s a bonus. When you bring the new cat home, keep the cats separate. Try and let them smell one another before they meet face to face. This can be done on different sides of a door initially. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock 2. Give Each Cat Their Own Space Before you make proper introductions, set aside separate spaces for both cats. Give them a bed or something comfortable to sleep on in different rooms and when you do make physical introductions, ensure they can both get away to their own space and out of the way of the other cat. Cats are creatures of habit. They will return to the same spots time and time again, and they consider these spaces their own little areas. 3. Reward Positive Behavior Once the cats have gotten used to the smell of one another, you can make steady introductions. Don’t just throw them in a room and let them get on with it. This is virtually guaranteed to lead to tension. When either cat does something positive, reward them with fuss or even a small treat. Initially, positive interaction means ignoring the other cat or calmly sniffing them. Over time, it can include sitting and laying in the vicinity of their new housemate. And, if they eventually play together, give them lots of fuss and attention so they know this is a desirable action that you want them to repeat. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock 4. Give Them Their Own Resources As well as giving them their own spaces, make sure both cats have their own resources. This means offering separate bowls with their own foods. Provide more than one water bowl and stick to the rule of one per cat plus one extra when buying and adding litter trays to the house. If your cats have to struggle to get to their food or even their bed, this will increase the likelihood of them fighting. 5. Stop Fights Before They Happen Look for signs of your cats fighting. Typical signs initially include growling and hissing, followed by puffed-up fur and hackles standing on end. It can progress to swiping and attempting to bite one another, but you want to stop any fights before they reach this stage. Stand in between them or encourage them to go their separate ways. If a fight has already started you should avoid picking one or the other cat up, as this can lead to nasty scratches and bites for you. Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock The 4 Tips to Encourage Warring Cats to Get Along If it’s been several months and your cats still won’t get along, there are some steps you can take to try and improve the situation. 1. Identify Triggers Look for specific triggers that might be causing hostility. If one cat keeps eating the other’s food or likes to sleep in its bed, make sure you have ample resources and items so they can both have their own. Try to avoid these triggers so the chances of fighting are lower. Fights can cause injuries, but they can also cause animosity that is difficult to heal between two cats that already dislike one another. 2. Try Reintroducing Them It might be time to try reintroducing the two cats. This means giving them separate rooms, keeping them apart, and first letting them sniff the other and get used to their smell. Take a blanket belonging to one cat and put it in the room with the other. They can get used to the smell without the cat being there. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock 3. Try Calming Products Consider using pheromone and other calming products. These aren’t always effective, but if a pheromone spray calms your cats down enough that they can lie in the same room, you can reward them for their positive behavior and try to encourage this peaceful state. 4. Don’t Yell It is frustrating seeing two cats fight, especially when you want them to live harmoniously together. But don’t let that frustration become shouting or reprimanding. Your cats are acting naturally. The old cat is protecting what it views as its territory, even though the new cat doesn’t necessarily want to take over. Avoid shouting, don’t make loud noises to stop fights, and don’t throw things at them to separate a fight, even if the items are soft. Image Credit: Yossapong tulachom, Shutterstock What to Do If Your Cats Never Get Along It does take time for cats to form a relationship, but there is no guarantee that two cats will ever get along. Even after gradual introductions, positive reinforcement, and ensuring they have their own beds, litter trays, and food, it is possible that your cats still won’t get along. If they ignore one another, which is common, this might be the best you can expect. And, as long as they aren’t fighting and injuring one another, it might be enough. However, if they do fight and it is causing physical injuries or emotional stress in one or both of the cats, there may come a point where you have to face the reality that they can’t live together. It is heartbreaking, but the kindest thing to do for both cats may be to rehome the new cat. Take your time finding a new owner and ensure they will give the cat a suitable home and that your cat gets along with them. Image Credit: kmsh_Shutterstock Why Do Some Cats Not Get Along? There are a lot of reasons why two cats might not get along. The existing cat might feel threatened or defensive, which can manifest in physical aggression. If there was a fight between the two of them, or if initial introductions went poorly, they will remember. And, once they’ve fought it can be difficult to convince them both that the other cat is friendly. They might be fighting over resources or trying to assert dominance over the other. And if one or both cats are unaltered, it could be a hormonal response. Conclusion Many people keep two or more cats in the same house. However, it isn’t always easy to introduce a new cat to one that is already in the house. It needs a cautious approach, or the two will fight and they might challenge one another for dominance. Even with careful introductions, though, there are still some cases where two cats will never get along well enough to share a house. While some toy fighting and fallings out are to be expected, in the same way that two humans living together will have occasional arguments, if your cats are constantly fighting and injuring one another, it might mean they will never get along. Rehoming one of the cats is an extreme and final solution, but it really can be the best decision for both cats if the relationship is irreparable. Sources https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/how-do-i-stop-my-cats-fighting-each-other https://us.feliway.com/blogs/news/7-tips-to-how-to-get-cats-to-get-along-together https://www.comfortzone.com/behavior-blog/multi-cat-tension/intercat-aggression https://paws.org/resources/introducing-cat-to-cat Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock The post When To Give Up on Cats Getting Along? Facts & Tips to Introduce Them Safely by Matt Jackson 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 Safari Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care Guide by Chris Dinesen Rogers 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 Below to Skip Ahead Characteristics Temperament Intelligence Food & Diet Exercise Health Training Grooming Fun Facts The Safari Cat isn’t your ordinary feline. These cats are hybrid animals that are a cross of the domestic cat with the South American Geoffroy’s cat. Thus, this animal has characteristics of both species. However, traits vary with the generation of the cat. The first generation (F1) is very much in touch with its wild side, born with many of these traits. Subsequent generations are called F2, F3, and so forth. The national cat registries do not recognize the Safari Cat. Some states, such as Idaho, Indiana, and Ohio, outright ban the Geoffroy’s cat, making the hybrid an issue. The problem rests with the fact that they are wild cats. They are superior hunters versus domestic cats, making them an ecological threat to birds and other wildlife. However, there is still a lot to learn and love about this breed. Breed Overview Height:6–12 inches (varies with generation) Weight:12–20 pounds (varies with generation) Lifespan:12–14 years Colors:White, cream, cinnamon, tan, black Suitable for:Experienced pet owners Temperament:Intelligent, energetic, athletic There’s no denying that the Safari Cat is a beautiful animal. That’s part of their allure because they resemble their wild counterparts. They are more athletic and stealthier than domestic cats, but that can make them challenging for pet owners, so keep reading to see if one could be a potentially good fit for your home and lifestyle. Safari Cat Kittens Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock Getting a Safari Cat is difficult and risky on many fronts. First, there is the rarity of the animals. It’s a relatively new hybrid, which can make the cost of obtaining one exorbitant to get an exotic-looking pet. Second, genetics work against these felines because the domestic cat and Geoffroy’s cat have a different number of chromosomes. Consequently, many F4 males are often sterile, adding to their scarcity. The varying genetics may increase the offspring’s risk of hereditary and congenital conditions. Marechal Safari Cats reports a wide disparity in the sizes of the kittens depending on the generation. F1 males may get up to 20 pounds or more. The other concern is getting a true hybrid. Only DNA testing can confirm the pedigree of the animal; a visual exam isn’t sufficient to make this determination. Unsurprisingly, many scams exist. Our research found anecdotal accounts of the prices of kittens in four figures. Suffice it to say that a pet costing less sound should raise red flags about the authenticity of the animal’s parentage. Safari Cat Origin & History Some people like the idea of owning an exotic pet. That’s part of the reason you may see unusual animal companions. Hence why there are laws and regulations governing their ownership. The Safari Cat’s story began differently. Some wild species are resistant to feline leukemia (FeLV), which led scientists to consider using them for cancer studies in the late 1960s and early 1970s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kivuli (@kivu1i) Researchers have also investigated the disease’s prevalence in the animal’s native land of Brazil and the potential consequences of FeLV spreading in wild populations despite negative sampling in local populations. The Safari Cat isn’t the only example of wild-domestic hybrids. The Bengal is a cross between domestic animals and the Asian Leopard Cat. There’s also the Savannah Cat and the breed’s heritage with the African Serval. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes both breeds, with the animals’ DNA not an issue like it is with the Safari Cat. Temperament & Intelligence of the Safari Cat Felines are intelligent, especially as predators. They must be keenly aware of their surroundings to be successful hunters. Our domestic cats have retained these traits. After all, it was one factor that undoubtedly played a role in domestication, with cats proving themselves to be excellent mousers. The Safari Cat is no exception. This kitty has the characteristics of their wild counterpart. That’s problematic, considering the impact feral cats have on wildlife populations. The difference in this case is bringing a novel wild feline someplace where it didn’t naturally exist. That puts potential prey at a disadvantage. It also raises concerns about public safety. With that said, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) opposes breeding hybrids. The AAFP cites a valid point about keeping non-domestic animals in captivity. The temperament and intelligence of the animal may make it a welfare issue with the Safari Cat, particularly in felines of the first few generations. Are These Cats Good for Families? We don’t recommend the Safari Cat for families for the reasons we’ve discussed. The animal may be unpredictable, posing a serious risk for young children and the elderly. Remember that our feline companions are the product of roughly 12,000 years of domestication. Meanwhile, the Safari Cat has only been around for about 60 years. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sebastian Kennerknecht (@pumapix) Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? The Safari Cat has a strong prey drive. Keeping one in a home with small animals is a disaster waiting to happen. Again, these cats aren’t as domesticated as your average tabby cat, so predation is likely going to be a big part of this cat’s temperament, and that’s a big no-no if you’ve got other animals in the house. Things to Know When Owning a Safari Cat: As you’ve probably surmised, there’s a lot to know before getting a Safari Cat. We strongly urge you to contact your state about the legality of owning one. Some areas may prohibit ownership of exotic or hybrid animals, and others may require a permit or other restrictions. For example, Oregon doesn’t allow non-indigenous felines. We also recommend verifying the pedigree of the cat before you commit to the purchase. Don’t get a pet from a seller who hasn’t done DNA testing on their animals. You should also refrain from bringing home a kitten under 8 weeks old. They need time with their littermates and mother. Wait until the kitty is closer to 12 weeks old. Food & Diet Requirements You should feed your kitten three to four times daily with a commercial diet suitable for their life stage to support their growth and development. Make sure fresh water is always available for your new pet. The food should contain a minimum of 30% protein and 9% fat based on dry matter weight. You can cut back to twice daily once your cat reaches adulthood. You should slowly transition your kitty to an adult food to avoid digestive upset. A 10-pound cat should get about 180 to 200 calories daily. You can adjust the amount based on your pet’s weight and activity. If you have any concerns, please discuss your cat’s diet with your vet. We recommend limiting treats to training aids or for use in an interactive toy for mental stimulation and enrichment. Exercise We recommend keeping your Safari Cat indoors because of the animal’s prey drive and wanderlust potential. That means monitoring your pet’s weight to prevent obesity. You must also provide mental stimulation for your kitty. Remember that this breed is energetic and intelligent. That makes boredom and the risk of unwanted behavior a concern. The Geoffroy’s Cat hunts mainly on the ground. The animal can climb, but it’s not typical. You’ll likely find that your Safari Cat will show similar behavior during play. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Patagon Journal (@patagonjournal) Training Felines are food-motivated, but training must be on their terms. You can use treats as a potent motivator for positive reinforcement. You may find using rubber bands or other locking mechanisms helpful if your kitty gets into the cabinets. While you may find training challenging, you can at least redirect your pet’s behavior toward something you want them to do or avoid. Grooming We recommend getting your Safari Cat used to handling when young. Touch their paws and ears to make grooming less of an ordeal. You should also pick up your kitty to get them used to it. Felines are self-sufficient for the most part. You can use pet wipes to keep your pet smelling clean. Note that we don’t ever recommend declawing your pet, although you should keep their nails trimmed to spare your furniture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @applinna Health and Conditions The Safari Cat is a wild card. One concern is finding a vet who will treat your pet. Some clinics may not accept hybrids. We mentioned the risk of hereditary and congenital conditions because of the mismatched DNA. It’s difficult to determine what that may mean for your pet because of the lack of information and scientific scrutiny. However, some data suggest that the Geoffroy’s Cat, and consequently the Safari Cat, is susceptible to similar internal and external parasites. We strongly urge you to discuss prevention and vaccinations with your vet. A rabies vaccination may not be valid for a hybrid animal. Minor Conditions Internal parasites like roundworms External parasites, including fleas and ticks Serious Conditions Unidentified hereditary and congenital conditions Male vs. Female The size difference between males and females is dramatic, with the former sometimes twofold or more the bulk of the latter. Scent marking will likely be an issue in intact males. The wild instincts may also come to the surface in territoriality. It’s another reason we recommend keeping a Safari Cat indoors. They will probably defend their space wholeheartedly. However, the question of neutering or spaying your cat has pros and cons. We suggest discussing the procedure with your vet to determine what’s best for your Safari Cat. 3 Little-Known Facts About the Safari Cat 1. While Legal in Colorado, the City of Denver Bans Hybrids The difference in the state and city laws is a reminder to cover all your bases if you want to get a Safari Cat. 2. The Geoffroy’s Cat Avoids Habitat Where Ocelots Are Present The Ocelot is the bully among many small cats in South America. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JD (@jdphotofujifilm_x) 3. The Safari Cat Used to Be a Name for a Different Breed The Bengal Cat had the moniker “Safari Cat” until the 1970s when that hybrid hit the scene. The former is a cross with the Asian Leopard Cat. The name change reflects this heritage by borrowing it from the feline’s scientific name Prionailurus bengalensis. Final Thoughts The Safari Cat is a striking animal that looks and acts like it just came from the Brazilian savanna. These hybrids highlight the risks and rewards of breeding domestic cats with wild species. In this case, the latter added the unintended consequence of mismatched DNA and the problems it can create, with male infertility being an outcome. It helps explain the rarity and high price for these pets. Enthusiasts praise Safari Cats for their unique appearance and their behavior. However, this kitty isn’t the best choice for everyone. Instincts can mean unwanted actions for someone not used to handling these animals. If you want to invite a cat into your life and have determined that this cat might be a bit too much to handle, your local shelter or rescue has plenty of pets looking for a forever home. Sources Wild Catridge Sanctuary Genome Safari-Cats NCBI PubMed CatVets FindLaw Pet Obesity Prevention IUCN Big Cat Rescue Wild Cat Conservation ASPCA Featured Image Credit: tatianaput, Shutterstock The post Safari Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care Guide by Chris Dinesen Rogers 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.

Opponents of foreign funding of U.S. ballot measures expect momentum at both the federal level and in states.  In May, the House Administration Committee advanced a bill to amend federal election law to prevent foreign nationals from contributing to ballot initiatives by closing a loophole, since federal law and most state laws prohibit foreign contributions to candidates. The bill, with bipartisan support, is headed to the House floor for a vote.  Earlier this month, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, signed the first bill in the nation barring foreign nationals from making direct and indirect contributions to ballot initiatives.  Most state legislatures have adjourned, but likely will support similar legislation when they reconvene in 2025, said Jason Snead, executive director of the Honest Elections Project.  “Next year, hopefully we get some more states passing bans [on such foreign funding],” Snead told The Daily Signal.  Ohio’s ban is significant because it prevents indirect contributions, such as giving to so-called pass-through nonprofits or “dark money” groups such as the Arabella Advisors-funded Sixteen Thirty Fund.  “What they did with Ohio, what we hope to replicate is a little bit different, more focused on the foreign nationals and more focused on the indirect conduits, like what we’ve seen with the Sixteen Thirty Fund, for funneling this money in,” Snead said.  Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss donated more than $243 million to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which in turn spent $97.6 million on state ballot initiatives in 25 states in the past decade. These included battleground states such as Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, and Nevada, according to an April report by Americans for Public Trust, a conservative-leaning watchdog group.  The Sixteen Thirty Fund dumped $14 million into a radical abortion amendment to the Ohio Constitution in 2023, which voters approved as a ballot initiative.  “That’s why the Ohio legislation was so important. They were the first ones in the nation to take not only an approach to ban direct funding [of] ballot issues, but also indirect funding as well,” Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Americans for Public Trust, told The Daily Signal.  Sutherland noted that California, Maine, South Dakota, and Washington state have banned foreign governments or corporations from donating to state candidates or ballot initiatives. But these bans aren’t as comprehensive as what passed in Ohio.  The Federal Election Commission last year recommended that Congress close the loophole. The move came after the FEC, in charge of enforcing federal election law, dismissed a 2021 complaint that Australian mining company Sandfire Resources contributed over $280,000 to defeat a Montana ballot initiative that would have increased the power of state mining regulators. The FEC determined this fell “outside the purview” of federal law because state ballot measures weren’t considered elections.  “The FEC rule said no, ballot issues are not elections. We only regulate elections,” Sutherland said. “They said if you don’t like it, you can do one of two things. One, you can say ballot issues are elections and therefore they would fall under the purview of the FEC. I don’t think anyone’s really interested in that approach. Or two, you can change the law. And that’s kind of what we’re seeing on the state and the federal level as well.” As for the related proposals in Congress, the Honest Elections Project’s Snead said he is sensitive to concerns about letting the states run elections, but contends that Congress has a clear national security role.  “I personally don’t see a federalism issue there. We’re talking about whether or not foreign nationals are allowed to play a role in politics,” Snead said. “There’s a pretty compelling national security argument.” “It’s not like Congress is stepping in and saying this is the process for qualifying for a ballot,” he added. “It’s not really writing election rules per se for the state. It’s simply saying that we are a federal government. We are in control of American foreign policy, and we believe that it’s important that foreign nationals not be allowed to interfere in these elections.” The post Bans on Foreign Funding for Ballot Measures Gain Momentum in Congress, States appeared first on The Daily Signal.

A parental rights group has successfully delayed a Colorado school board’s vote on what parents call a radical transgender policy for students. The Colorado Parent Advocacy Network gathered 335 signatures in only six hours on its petition to delay the Douglas County Board of Education’s vote on the proposal to classify female-only spaces as discriminatory. Now, the group has until August to convince the school board that public opinion is against the policy, even if President Joe Biden isn’t.  “If they had voted ‘yes’ on it yesterday, it would have cemented that biological males could be in girl spaces by policy as opposed to practice,” Lori Grimesheltyn, the network’s executive director, told The Daily Signal. “What this policy would have done, and will do if they end up voting on it, is basically submitting the Title IX changes that President Biden’s administration has pushed forward.”  Title IX is a federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination by schools or education programs that receive federal funds. The Colorado public school district’s proposed policy prohibits discrimination by “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” at any school activity, event, or activity. This would allow boys to share restrooms and locker rooms with females and participate in girls’ and women’s sports.  Any student or parent opposed to boys’ sharing private spaces with girls and competing in girls’ sports could be accused of harassment under Title IX, the law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools.  The Douglas County School District prioritizes “making all kids feel safe and welcome,” spokeswoman Anna Hriso told The Daily Signal “This, of course, includes our girls and our transgender students,” Hriso said. “We work through each situation individually in collaboration with families to ensure that each and every one of our students feels safe and welcome at school.” When asked whether a girl who is uncomfortable sharing a restroom with a biological male could be found guilty of harassment, Hriso replied that such situations are rare. “The situations you describe very rarely arise in our school district, but when they do we collaborate with the students and families to ensure comfort and safety for all involved,” Hriso said. “As for harassment, we always consider the totality of the circumstances—simply being or avoiding being uncomfortable without other circumstances does not constitute harassment.” In April, the Biden administration finalized a reinterpretation of Title IX that adds prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of “gender identity.” Several states have challenged the rule, saying it is discriminatory to allow males in female-only spaces.  The Colorado Parent Advocacy Network, a parental rights group, organized a petition to pause the school board’s votes on the policy until changes to Title IX are finalized, to give the school district more time to review the proposal and engage parents and others in the discussion.  “Recent court decisions against the Title IX actions taken by the Biden administration suggest that the rules governing these actions are likely to be revised or even revoked,” the network’s petition says. “This evolving situation necessitates a careful and thoughtful approach to implementing new policies.” The parent group’s stated goal is “to protect the safety and well-being of all students.” The proposed policy prioritizes the comfort of transgender students over the safety of girls, the group’s executive director, Grimesheltyn, said.  “We’re just putting kids in uncomfortable situations for a special population,” she said. “We’re giving special rights to a special group. And it’s superseding the rights and safety of other children.”  The Colorado Parent Advocacy Network says it is monitoring gender ideology and related actions in each of Colorado’s school districts.  “We’re going to see this creep into all 178 school districts, and CPAN is going to be keeping a very watchful eye on the boards that do side in favor of allowing transgender students into female spaces,” Grimelshetyn said.  However, Grimelshetyn said, she is encouraged that parents on both sides of the political aisle are starting to stand up for their rights and the safety of their children.  “This is a matter of right versus wrong,” she said. “And the majority of people strongly believe that we need to get back to academic rigor, secure and safe schools, [and] parents being the experts in directing their child’s upbringing and education.” The post Parental Rights Group Delays Vote on Colorado School District’s Transgender Policy appeared first on The Daily Signal.