The post Ask Dr. Paola – Monday December 23, 2024 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion. ‎ Have‎ a ‎question? Send it in here! Help! My Cat Walks Bow-Legged! “ Hello. My male 18-month-old tuxedo cat is like a limo (or dachshund of a cat). His brother is long too, but Onyx is abnormally long. And has the lowest tail I have ever seen as well. My question is, can his length cause him extra spinal issues? He kind of walks bow-legged. And he and his brother were running around several months ago. Onyx hit the dresser hard and since then, he has had a tiny bump near his back. I am assuming like a bruise. How long could a bruise like this last? I am also wondering what kind of cat has a very long length as he does so I can research. I have looked everywhere, but can’t seem to find a guy that looks like him. His face looks similar to a Bombay and he has very very sleek medium hair and talks constantly with the tiniest meow. ” – Cathie Hi Cathie, I have never heard of an extra-long cat. When we compare Dachshunds to the cat version, we are usually looking at Munchkin cats who have short legs due to an agenetic mutation known as achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. Since you are not mentioning short legs but bow-leggedness, I am assuming Onyx’s legs are normal length. It sounds like Onyx has some physical abnormalities, but knowing exactly what from your description is unfortunately not possible. However, you are right, pets with abnormally long spines are more susceptible to suffering from spinal issues, for example, intervertebral disc disease. If we consider Onyx’s long spine is combined with other anatomical variations like a low-set tail or bow-legged gait we can assume there is potential for additional stress on the spine and joints, which could lead to discomfort or mobility challenges over time. Since you describe the accident that happened months ago and the bump is still there, the best thing you could do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They will need to do at least some X-rays and possibly even an MRI to diagnose what is going on. After examination, the vet may also be able to give you a diagnosis of his condition. By your description, it sounds like he might be a mixed cat but if you want to be certain about his genetic makeup you can by performing a DNA test, and for this, you can get a kit and don’t even need to get the vet involved. As an additional tip, I would recommend keeping a close eye on Onyx, paying special attention to his mobility, and reporting any changes in his activity levels to your vet. You could also do some modifications to your home environment to ensure there are no extremely high surfaces to jump from, adding ramps for him to easily climb on to couches or beds, add some soft landing areas, and perhaps even some secure playpens to minimize the risk of accidents and collisions. Best wishes! Dr. Paola Image Credit: P. Bunjongpol, Shutterstock Help! My Cat has a Bald Spot! “Maverick is getting a bald spot between his shoulder blades just below his neck, he’s acting normal but I’m a bit concerned”  – Nicholas Hi Nicholas, there are several reasons why Maverick could be getting a bald spot. The area you are describing is where pour-on anti-flea treatments are placed, so if he gets those, a reaction to them would be the first potential cause to rule out. Additionally, you need to observe his behavior as there is a possibility that this is due to him rubbing this area against any surface. You should also note whether he may be causing the fur in this area to fall off due to excessive stretching. If that is the case, the area will also look red and irritated. There could be many causes of itchy skin and secondary alopecia, with the most common ones including bacterial or fungal infections, fleas, and food or environmental allergies. A visit to the vet to collect samples is the best way to get a definitive diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Paola Help! My Cat Loves to Bury All Her Toys! “My cat loves to bury her toys in her bed or under a pile of blankets and then dig them out like it’s a treasure hunt. Is this normal?” – Deena (Mom of Sprinkles) Hey Deena, it sounds like Sprinkles is playing. No need to be concerned, just enjoy the show! This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series Read last weeks questions here – Monday December 16, 2024  Click here to submit a question The post Ask Dr. Paola – Monday December 23, 2024 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

In my previous article, 9 Health Benefits of Coconut Oil That You Should Know Now, I talked about the many health benefits of introducing coconut oil into your daily diet. Health benefits of this versatile product include anything from boosting your immune system to fighting inflammation to brain health protection….and much more! Now, I want to focus on coconut oil survival uses as well. Did you know that there are survival uses for coconut oil? This product is truly beneficial and every survivalist and prepper alike should carry this product in their EDC bag, bug out bag, and in their pantry. One great thing about coconut oil is it does not need refrigeration so it’s the perfect addition to your EDC or bug out bag. Let’s get started on it’s amazing survival uses! Coconut Oil Survival Uses Treat Minor Cuts and Abrasions Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and is perfect for treating minor cuts and abrasions. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil directly to an open wound to prevent infection. Next, cover the wound with an adhesive bandage and you’re good to go! Heal Cracked Skin and Chapped Lips If you are suffering symptoms of dehydration, for example, your skin can become cracked and your lips can become severely chapped. Apply coconut oil to cracked skin or chapped lips to keep them moisturized which, in turn, will relieve any pain or discomfort. Moisturize your hair Coconut oil makes an amazing hair mask! Just melt some coconut oil in a small bowl (be sure to watch the temperature; if you make it too hot, you can burn your scalp!) and slowly massage it into your scalp and roots. Leave it on for an hour and then wash out! You'll notice a difference immediately since coconut oil is very conditioning and is great for hair growth and split ends. For an added bonus, add a couple drops of lavender essential oil. Bug Bite Relief With nature comes pesky, biting insects! Apply coconut oil directly to insect bites to relieve itching, swelling, and other discomforts. The antibacterial properties of coconut oil will also help heal the insect bites. Heal Deep Bruising If you are suffering from deep bruising, apply coconut oil directly to the bruise. Massage into your skin using small circular motions for about 3-4 minutes. This helps heal the damaged tissue associated with deep bruising. Homemade Salves And Balms Homemade salves and balms are made with essential oils and a ‘carrier oil’. Coconut oil is an excellent carrier oil. Other great choices for a carrier oil include: jojoba oil, olive oil, rosehip oil, and black seed oil. Survivalists and homesteaders across the world are making and stockpiling these homemade salves and balms. When SHTF (and before) it’s a great feeling to have an all natural alternative to traditional medicines, which may become obsolete over time during a SHTF situation. Remove Rust From Knife Blades Coconut oil is great for removing rust on knife blades. Apply a thick layer (but, not too thick) of coconut oil to your knife blade. Let it sit for 1-2 hours then wipe off. Repeat if necessary. Make Candles Melt coconut oil into liquid form. Next, secure a wick into a glass container. Pour the melted coconut oil into the glass container, making sure the wick stays in place while pouring. Let dry completely and light the wick. Quick and easy! Soothe Rashes A coconut oil based salve will relieve the itchiness and redness of a rash. This salve will also promote quicker healing due to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil. Kill Head Lice Poor sanitation and hygiene after a disaster is to be expected. The downside to that is head lice, for example, will be very common and will spread easily. Coconut oil to the rescue! Apply warm coconut oil to the scalp and leave in for about 15 mins to kill head lice. You can add a small amount of tea tree oil (about 5 drops) to the coconut oil for better results. Cure Pink Eye The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil make it an excellent remedy for pink eye. Apply coconut oil to a cotton ball and apply across closed eyes. This helps kill the infection and decreases the swelling which, in turn, allows for a much quicker healing process. **Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here. Do you have a survival use for coconut oil that you would like to share? Tell us in the comment section below. Love this article about coconut oil? Then you'll love these articles on natural remedies! 7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Fish Oil The Many Health Benefits Of Water Remedies – Recipes Included

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from Sputnik News: MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, when asked if current events amounted to a world war 3, advised against sowing scare but admitted that dangers were growing and Russia’s opponents were escalating the situation. “You know, there is no need to scare anyone. There are many dangers, they are […]

When visitors take a tour of Forge Project, a nonprofit in the Mahicannituck (the Mohican name for what is now known as the Hudson River) Valley, they encounter two buildings designed by the artist Ai Weiwei, which host half a dozen Native fellows every year. They see works by Native artists, part of a lending collection of more than 175 pieces the organization stewards. They take in the view of a meadow where native plants are thriving, a part of Forge’s land remediation program.  Half of the fees visitors pay for these tours goes to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community band of Mohican Indians on whose homeland Forge Project sits.  The biweekly public tours are only one small element of the multi-faceted work of this Native-led social justice organization focused on fostering Indigenous leadership in culture and art. And the sharing of these profits is part of a much broader approach that prioritizes practices of reciprocity. 2021 Forge Fellow Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians), an award-winning filmmaker and photographer, joined Candice Hopkins for an in-depth conversation on his practice at Basilica Hudson in May 2022. Credit: Thatcher Keats Cultures of reciprocity and sharing are central to many Native communities. These practices can infuse communities in a multitude of ways, from personal relationships to interactions with nature to the operations of tribal governments. At Forge and in other contexts, various traditions of reciprocity are supporting social justice and countering long-term harm to Indigenous people. At Forge, the goal is not only to make a practice of redistribution of wealth, but to encourage others to do so as well. “How do we recreate that culture where there’s the deep understanding that the redistribution of wealth is a part of reciprocity, but it actually will enable the well-being of all of us, not just some of us?” asks Candice Hopkins, executive director and chief curator of Forge Project, and a citizen of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. “This culture of reciprocity is still something that is not only valued but expected in many, many Native communities,” says Hopkins. “It’s one of our foundational values.” Just as there are many diverse Native cultures, there are many different practices of sharing and gifting. For instance, among the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, of which Hopkins is a citizen, reciprocity is central to social life. The Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Hopkins says, is “essentially a potlatch people, which means that you gain your rank and your standing in your community by how well you can host, by how hospitable you are.”