Did you elect Klaus Schwab to control your speech?

'There is an absurd element to this case'

He was indicted by a federal grand jury in December

A Point Pleasant woman describes an incident where her horse was 'burned' by the Mothman. It had landed on the back of the horse in which she was then bucked off. Strange account.I received the following account:“I just wanted to share an incident that I experienced in Point Pleasant‚ West Virginia where I went to high school. I was in a video production class right around the time the movie 'The Mothman Prophecies' with Richard Gere was being made. So we decided to make a documentary.We spoke to a woman in her 70s who‚ during the time of the original sightings back in the 1960s‚ said that she was out riding her horse one day and she said she suddenly felt someone sit down behind her. All of a sudden the horse bucked her off and went crazy. She chased the horse down and then looked at the horse. Burned into the flesh of the horse were the legs of a humanoid. She immediately got in contact with a veterinarian‚ who came to their farm to treat the horse.The veterinarian never asked how the horse got burned as if he had seen this type of burn before. Other than the burn‚ the horse was fine.Later that week‚ she confided to a friend that whatever it was that sat behind her on the horse had very thin‚ insect-like legs. She also said that it had the odor of ammonia. She also said that when she was backed off the horse she caught a glimpse of the being on the horse. She saw huge butterfly-like wings that were yellow in color.She swears up and down that this was the Mothman. Also‚ it turns out that the veterinarian was one of the 46 victims who died during the Silver Bridge collapse on December 15‚ 1967. I just thought that was an interesting story.”MNOTE: Some of the winged humanoid witnesses in the Chicago area mention the odor of ammonia. LonUltraterrestrial Contact: A Paranormal Investigator's Explorations into the Hidden Abduction EpidemicTrue Tales of the Mojave: From Talking Rocks to Yucca Man (Center Books on the American West)Answers from Heaven: Incredible True Stories of Heavenly Encounters and the AfterlifeLife After Death: An Analysis of the EvidenceThe Inhumanoids: Real Encounters with Beings that can't Exist!Beyond the Seventh Gate: Exploring Toad Road‚ The Seven Gates of Hell‚ and Other Strangeness in York‚ Lancaster‚ and Adams CountiesBuckeye Beasts: Historical Accounts of "Gorillas‚" "Wild Men‚" and Other Hairy Monsters in OhioYeti: An Abominable HistoryRegister a SNAP EBT CardTry Audible PlusPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTHave you had a sighting or encounter?Contact me by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAccess Phantoms &; Monsters Posts on Twitter 'X'-----YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED! THANKS-----FAERIES‚ ELVES‚ &; GNOMES - CRYPTID 'LITTLE PEOPLE' - LIVE Chat - Q &; A - Lon Strickler (Host)Little People tales abound in the Old &; New Worlds. Every culture has a hint of folklore that involves fairies‚ elves &; gnomes. For the most part‚ these beings are the same with only the name change. They are described as somewhat friendly creatures common in Native American myth who are seen as protectors and tricksters. However‚ in some cases‚ there may be a dark side associated with the Little People‚ even to the point where they are said to be cannibalistic dwarves.Anyway‚ over the years I have received a variety of personal reports involving these creatures. I'll let you decide if the Little People are benevolent beings‚ or if they have evil intent.If you have questions‚ feel free to post them in the live chat. I will do my best to answer each.-----ORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONProject Threshold: Finale-----TODAY'S TOP LINKSPilot Reports 30-Foot-Tall Triangular Object Flying Past AircraftStrange Bipedal Creature Seen Watching Hikers in Chile'KEYSTONE PHANTOMS' - PENNSYLVANIA'S WINGED HUMANOIDS &; GARGOYLES - LIVE Chat - Lon Strickler (Host)LISTEN TO NARRATIONS OF PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS REPORTS &; CASES - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE‚ LIKE &; SHAREThe future of the search for alien life is with Harvard’s Avi Loeb. He has plenty of critics.“The Lady in Black”: The Story of a Russian Ghost in AlaskaPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTCONSIDER ADVERTISING ON PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIOLET'S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONSClick the link for our Media KitCHICAGO MOTHMAN / O'HARE BATMAN YouTube PlaylistPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIO Podcasts on Spotify**********Your financial support of Phantoms &; Monsters and our other pursuits is much appreciated. Please click the banner above. Thanks.Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact us by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAlso available with audiobooknarration by Terry Springs‚CBS-TV Las Vegas affiliate.The Dark Arts of MISTER SAM SHEARON - Original Prints &; MerchandiseThis blog and newsletter are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Work 3.0 United States License.Registered trademark PHANTOMS AND MONSTERS ® / PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS ® - USPTO #90902480 - Lon D. Strickler© 2005-2024 Phantoms &; Monsters - All Rights Reserved

When an American uses the phrase “murder capital” to describe a city‚ it tends to be cities with periods of very sad history like Chicago or Los Angeles‚ but I’ll bet you’ve never heard anyone say East Palo Alto in that sentence. In 1992 the murder rate in East Palo Alto was the highest in […] The post In 30 Years East Palo Alto Went From ‘Murder Capital’ to Zero Homicides in 2023: A Complete Turnaround appeared first on Good News Network.

The post Littermate Syndrome in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Signs‚ Causes &; Care by Elizabeth Gray 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. If you want to add a new cat to your family‚ you might wonder whether two kitties are better than one. When adopting kittens‚ for example‚ it’s often suggested that taking home a pair of baby cats is ideal. However‚ you might be concerned that related cats will develop a behavioral condition known as littermate syndrome. In this article‚ you’ll learn what littermate syndrome is‚ including the signs of the condition. We’ll also cover the causes of littermate syndrome‚ why it’s not recognized in cats‚ and other issues that may look similar in sibling kittens. What Is Littermate Syndrome? The term littermate syndrome is used to describe problematic behaviors that generally occur in two dogs who are raised together from a young age. It is also known as littermate dependency‚ but the two animals don’t have to be related for it to occur. Any pair of young animals raised together can develop littermate syndrome. Pets with littermate syndrome are believed to bond more closely with each other than with the humans in their lives‚ leading to behavioral problems in adulthood. For example‚ they may develop anxiety if separated from each other or have trouble learning independently. Veterinary behaviorists agree that littermate syndrome doesn’t automatically occur when two young dogs are raised together. Instead‚ they believe that the difficulty and challenges of owners trying to pull double duty when training and socializing the animals lead to inappropriate behaviors associated with littermate syndrome. The good news for cat owners is that littermate syndrome isn’t currently recognized to occur in cats. Cats are naturally more independent than dogs and typically don’t have problems with socializing or bonding as pairs of puppies do. In fact‚ adopting a pair of kittens can sometimes make your life easier since the energetic animals can keep themselves entertained and exercised. Image Credit: CebotariN‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Littermate Syndrome? Pets with littermate syndrome may display a variety of behavioral signs. They are often extremely attached to each other‚ ignoring other humans or animals when the other is around. This attachment can cause them to have a hard time bonding with people and lead to poor socialization and training challenges. Poorly socialized animals can have problems with aggression or fear because they never learned how to respond appropriately to unfamiliar situations. Littermate syndrome can also lead to separation anxiety in adult animals. What Are the Causes of Littermate Syndrome? As we mentioned‚ experts believe that it’s not simply the act of two pets being raised together that causes littermate syndrome‚ but specific experiences and challenges that go along with it. For example‚ because it’s so time-consuming to train and socialize a puppy‚ owners with two puppies may try to work with both animals at the same time. However‚ because animals are individuals‚ the same socialization and training methods may not work for both puppies. In addition‚ the puppies may not get the time they need to process and develop at their own pace. Housetraining can be frustrating because the most effective methods rely on routines and positive reinforcement‚ which can be hard to accomplish with two dogs. Behaviors like chewing‚ scratching‚ or play-biting are doubly frustrating when trying to redirect two animals. You may miss chances to reward the behavior you’re trying to encourage or accidentally reinforce those you aren’t. To sum up‚ young animals who don’t get the chance to experience training and socialization as individuals are more likely to develop behaviors associated with littermate syndrome. Again‚ these issues typically occur in dogs rather than cats. Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina‚ Shuterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Is It Better to Adopt Two Kittens? As we discussed‚ two kittens raised together are unlikely to develop the behavior problems summed up as littermate syndrome like puppies do. Adopting two kittens at once certainly has benefits. Kittens often form a strong bond and get along well together‚ though this is not always the case. Kittens can help tire each other out by playing together rather than pestering you or another pet for attention. Interestingly‚ research suggests that owners who adopt two kittens from a litter are more likely to keep them long-term. However‚ kittens don’t necessarily need to be adopted together to thrive. Adopting two kittens is a good option if you have the space and money‚ but it’s not always necessary. With attention and proper environmental enrichment‚ one kitten can be perfectly happy at home with their humans. My Cat Seems Lonely. Should I Get a Second Cat?  Unrelated adult cats don’t always have the easiest time bonding with each other. Before getting a second cat‚ consider the personality of your existing pet. Calm‚ friendly cats may be fine with a new friend‚ while shy cats may think the world is ending. As we discussed‚ cats can fill their social and emotional needs by other means‚ such as human attention or even a dog friend. If you want a second cat‚ you may have better luck introducing a kitten into the house than another adult. Plan to introduce the new cat gradually‚ and don’t be surprised if it takes months for the animals to get along. There’s also a chance that they never will. Image Credit: Mariia Boiko‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Because cats generally aren’t recognized to get littermate syndrome‚ the question of whether to adopt two kittens will depend on other factors. Remember‚ two cats require twice as much food‚ supplies‚ and veterinary care. They also need more time and attention than a single animal. Consider your budget and downtime when deciding whether to adopt more than one kitten. For the cat’s sake‚ don’t feel pressure to take on more pets than you can afford or care for successfully. Sources “So What’s The Deal With Littermate Syndrome?” “What Is Littermate Syndrome?” “Considerations When Getting a Second Cat” “Can Cats Have Separation Anxiety?” Featured Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET‚ Shutterstock The post Littermate Syndrome in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Signs‚ Causes &; Care by Elizabeth Gray 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 Anal Sac Disease in Cats: Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski‚ BVSc MRCVS (Vet) 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. Some of our readers may be familiar with anal sacs as a common source of irritation in dogs‚ but did you know that cats can suffer from anal gland problems as well? Excessive licking‚ smelly discharge‚ a sore bottom‚ and scooting are common signs that your cat may be experiencing anal gland issues. In the following article‚ we’re going to take a closer look at how to recognize and treat anal sac disease in cats‚ as well as some common problems that might also give our feline friends a real pain in the behind. What Are Anal Sacs? The terms “anal sac” and “anal gland” are often used interchangeably‚ but this is not technically accurate. The anal sacs‚ which are small‚ blind-ending structures that sit on either side of the anus‚ are lined with anal glands‚ which produce the fluid that you might be familiar with. This fluid‚ similar to that produced by skunks‚ can sometimes smell fishy‚ fetid‚ or foul to us‚ but to our pets‚ it is actually filled with information. Have you ever wondered why cats and dogs seem to be so interested in having a good sniff of each other’s bottoms‚ as well as what comes out of them? What they’re actually sniffing is the fluid produced by the anal glands. The glands lining the anal sac are a type of modified sebaceous (sweat) gland that produces a fluid that is packed with pheromones—the olfactory equivalent of a social media profile. When your cat passes feces‚ these sacs are squeezed‚ releasing a small amount of this fluid onto their poop. Other cats that smell this can get an idea of the reproductive status‚ social standing‚ and health of the feline in question‚ and there may be many other messages that this fluid can relay. Image Credit: Pashu Ta Studio‚ Shutterstock What Causes Anal Sac Disease? The main cause of anal sac disease‚ also known as anal sacculitis‚ is impaction. This can occur if the duct that drains the sac is too narrow to allow fluid to exit‚ which is a more common issue in dogs. In cats‚ diet is the usual culprit‚ with soft stools leading to incomplete emptying of the glands. Over time‚ the fluid accumulates‚ dries out‚ and becomes even more difficult to express. The result is a large‚ firm gland that makes pooping more difficult‚ as well as making sitting quite uncomfortable. If your cat has had a bout of diarrhea or tends to produce small‚ soft stools‚ they may be at risk of developing impacted anal sacs‚ as there needs to be pressure generated while defecating in order to naturally empty them. Cats that are stressed or surrounded by a lot of cats‚ whether they are sharing their home or in the area outside‚ can often end up producing an excessive amount of anal gland fluid as their body tries to send a passive-aggressive message to the other felines in the area. This can also make them more likely to experience an anal sac impaction. Anal sacs can also become infected‚ with abscesses forming within the glandular tissue. This can occur as a result of impaction but can also occur on its own. Although rare in cats‚ anal sac tumors can also occur. How Is Anal Sac Disease Treated? In the case of anal sac impaction‚ your veterinarian will manually empty the sacs by squeezing them with their fingers. This can be a rather unpleasant experience‚ but one that is usually over with quickly. If your cat is in pain or particularly uncooperative‚ they may need to be sedated. If the sac is infected‚ your cat will need to take antibiotics‚ and the sac or abscess may need to be flushed under a general anesthetic. They will also be given anti-inflammatory pain relief as they recover. If your vet suspects a tumor‚ they will need to take a fine needle biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Tumors can be surgically removed‚ and if done so early‚ removal is often curative. Image Credit: Helen-HD‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Anal Sac Disease? The main signs of anal sac disease are: Excessive licking of and around the anus. Very smelly bottom or fluid. You might notice this in an area where your cat has been sitting and sleeping. Painful bottom. Sometimes cats will jump up as if they have been bitten‚ yowl when going to the toilet‚ or be grumpy or aggressive‚ particularly when touched near the back end This is less common in cats than in dogs and is the classic dragging of the bottom along the floor in an attempt to get relief from the pressure inside the sacs Impaction‚ Infection‚ or Tumor? Only your vet can properly diagnose anal sac disease in your cat‚ but as a basic rule of thumb: Anal sac impaction is usually bilateral‚ with minimal external signs. Anal sac infection is usually unilateral‚ and you can often see redness or swelling next to the anus on one side. The abscess may rupture‚ causing a sinus or hole in the skin that blood and pus drain out of. Anal sac infection is often quite painful but usually feels better once the abscess has ruptured. Anal sac tumors tend to be less painful‚ but you may be able to see some swelling beside the bottom. They will also be unilateral. Because cat bottoms are usually quite fluffy‚ it can be difficult to tell the difference‚ so you should always make an appointment with your vet if your cat starts showing signs of bottom discomfort or pain. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 不專業の地方貓中途 (@happy.catmeow) How Can I Prevent Anal Sacculitis? Being that the leading cause of anal sacculitis is impaction or blockage‚ the most important way to avoid this situation is by having well-formed‚ firm stools. Small‚ soft feces will not exert pressure on the sacs‚ leading to the accumulation and drying of the fluid‚ which‚ as we know‚ is how these sacs become blocked. Cats on a high-quality diet rarely experience issues with their anal sacs‚ as their stools tend to be of good quality. Cats fed lower-quality foods‚ or those that suffer from sensitive digestive systems‚ are more likely to suffer from anal sacculitis. The most important thing we can do to help our cats avoid this painful problem is to: Talk to your vet about what might be causing your cat’s anal sac issues. Feed your cat a high-quality diet that results in nice‚ firm stools. Consider adding fiber into the diet to help improve the quality of their stools‚ especially if your cat is prone to anal sac disease or inflammatory bowel issues. Small amounts of pumpkin can be a tasty way to achieve this‚ or there are a number of different types of high-fiber foods or supplements that can help keep your kitty regular‚ as well as reduce the formation of hairballs. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Do Cats Need Their Anal Sacs Emptied Regularly? No. Unless your cat is showing signs of anal sac problems‚ they are best left alone. Cats that have a history of anal sac issues will benefit from regular checkups to see if they need emptying‚ but this should be done by your vet. Can Cats Have Their Anal Sacs Removed? Surgical removal of the sacs‚ or anal sacculectomy‚ is a procedure only used when absolutely necessary (i.e.‚ in the case of tumors)‚ or when recurrent anal sac problems are negatively impacting their quality of life. Because the anal sacs are located very close to the muscles and nerves that control the anal sphincter‚ damage to these structures could result in fecal incontinence. Surgical removal of the feline anal sacs also poses a risk of damaging the wall of the rectum. Image Credit: amilciar‚ Shutterstock What Are Some Other Conditions of the Feline Bottom? If your cat is spending an unusual amount of time tending to their bottom area‚ there are a few other conditions that you should be aware of. Rectal strictures: Formed by scar tissue or membrane adhesions in the rectal lining‚ these can create narrowed areas within the rectum. Most of the time‚ they are fairly harmless‚ but you might notice some fresh blood on your cat’s poop occasionally. In more serious cases‚ defecation can become painful. These cases are usually managed with diet modification and pain relief. Urinary tract disease: Infection or inflammation of the bladder or urethra can result in excessive licking and grooming of the genital area‚ as well as increased visits to the litter box‚ straining‚ or toileting outside the box. Rectal prolapse: Usually caused by excessive straining‚ this can result from chronic diarrhea‚ constipation‚ intestinal worms‚ or neoplasia (cancer). The action of straining causes swelling of the rectal lining and eventually leads to the most distal part of the rectal tissue being pushed out the anus. This is an emergency and‚ even with prompt treatment‚ can become a recurrent problem. Final Thoughts While cats are usually fastidious about being clean‚ spending an unusual amount of time focused on the behind could be a sign of anal sac disease. Your cat should be examined by a vet if they are showing any of the above signs of bottom discomfort. In most cases‚ a squeeze of the anal sacs will solve the issue‚ but often‚ a change in diet is in order. There are some more serious issues that can cause your feline to focus on their behind‚ all of which need help from your vet. Fortunately‚ more sinister types of anal sac disease are relatively rare in cats. If your cat suffers from anal sac issues‚ talk to your vet about what you can do to improve the situation. A high-quality diet with a healthy fiber source to promote firm‚ formed feces is the best way to avoid issues with these scent glands and stop your feline from suffering from pain in their bottom. Sources https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anal-sac-disease-in-cats#:~:text=The%20anal%20sacs%20are%20two‚produce%20a%20foul%2Dsmelling%20fluid https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-rectum-and-anus-in-cats https://www.charlestonvrc.com/narrowing-anal-or-rectal-opening-cats Featured Image Credit: Dina Photo Stories‚ Shutterstock The post Anal Sac Disease in Cats: Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Karyn Kanowski‚ BVSc MRCVS (Vet) 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 Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? Read Before You Bring One Home by Melissa Gunter 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. It’s difficult for an animal lover to walk or drive down the street only to find homeless cats roaming around. In some neighborhoods‚ entire populations of cats are fending for themselves and have since they were born. These cats born without a home are known as feral cats. These cats have never had a bed to cuddle in or an owner to dote on them. When seeing these cats wandering around the neighborhood or down the street‚ you may ask yourself‚ can a feral cat be domesticated? Unfortunately‚ the answer to that question is a bit tricky. You’ll find experts out there who say domesticating an adult feral cat isn’t possible and to only try this with kittens. But you’ll hear stories of people claiming they’ve done it. Is the cat that’s been tamed truly feral or was it an abandoned cat that needed a bit of coaxing? What’s the difference? That’s what we’re here to learn. Let’s take a deeper look at feral cats‚ what they truly are‚ and whether they can ever be domesticated. What Is a Feral Cat? Not every cat you see that runs when you approach it is a feral cat. Unfortunately‚ this world is full of cruel people who do heartless things. Often‚ animals are the ones who suffer at the hands of these types of people. You’ll see cats wandering around‚ trying to find a meal‚ but they aren’t truly feral cats. In some cases‚ these cats have been abandoned or lost. While these cats may be scared of you‚ thanks to the situation they find themselves in‚ that doesn’t mean they are truly feral. As we already mentioned‚ true feral cats are born in the wild and have never been domesticated. Abandoned and lost cats have‚ at some point‚ been domesticated and in some instances‚ loved. A true feral cat hasn’t had human interaction. They know nothing but the fight to survive and are not very open to changing that outlook. Image Credit: Shino‚ Unsplash Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? If you think about it‚ our lazy cats lying on the sofa had wild ancestors. They weren’t always pets. So‚ how did those cats find their way to humans? They were domesticated. Knowing this makes people with big hearts want to try when it comes to feral cats. If there isn’t at least an attempt‚ we know the likely outcome. This hope of helping is why the question of whether feral cats can be domesticated comes up. Unfortunately‚ not every feral cat out there can be domesticated. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some that can be saved. Ultimately‚ you won’t know‚ especially when it comes to adult feral cats‚ until you try. One of the biggest reasons for large feral cat populations is out-of-control breeding. Feral cats have no owners to get them spayed or neutered. Instead‚ when a female cat goes through her heat cycle‚ all the males in her vicinity are going to be chasing her down. While many experts and organizations may tell you to steer clear of adult feral cats‚ they do seem okay with telling people feral kittens have a chance at being domesticated. Of course‚ the younger the kitten‚ the better. Saving a feral kitten from the street is a great thing. However‚ you should be prepared as they aren’t instantly going to take to life in a home. Even though they are young‚ human interaction is still new to them and they will need time to adjust. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock Tips for Taming a Feral Cat If you want to throw caution to the wind and try to convince the beautiful feral cat in your neighborhood to become your friend‚ there are a few things you can try. As humans‚ we do have a few tricks up our sleeves. One of those tricks is something that all feral cats want: food. The life of a feral cat consists of nothing more than seeking out food‚ shelter‚ and safety. If you offer a bit of food‚ it may be hard for them to deny the easy meal. Don’t think this means they’ll jump right in your lap. You’ll need to set out food each day‚ allowing the cat to see you when you do it. This will help them associate you with something good. In the beginning‚ stay back and give the cats ample room to enjoy their meal. Every few days‚ however‚ move a little closer until eventually‚ the feral cat will allow you into its space. If you’re consistent and win over the cat in question‚ attempting to pet it is the next step. This is often where most fear sets in. Feral cats have never felt love or human touch. It’s natural for them to be afraid. Take it slow and allow them to sniff your hand if they’re willing. A cat may even allow touch and then run‚ leaving you to start the process all over again. Persistence is the key. Unfortunately‚ however‚ this isn’t always going to work‚ but if you’re determined‚ it’s worth trying. If the cat finally comes around and allows you close‚ never attempt to take the cat inside your home. Any feral‚ stray‚ or unknown cat should be seen by a veterinarian before you attempt to share your living space with it. Finally‚ if you succeed and the cat is given a clean bill of health‚ taking it into your home doesn’t mean it’s domesticated. Yes‚ they will be safer‚ but there will always be a bit of wildness in the cat. They may be friendly to you and avoid everyone else. The kitty may spend most of its time hiding. Be prepared for any scenario if you decide a feral cat is the right friend for you. Image Credit: Joseph M. Arseneau‚ Shutterstock How You Can Help With domesticating feral cats being so hit or miss‚ and in some cases dangerous‚ you may want to help in other ways. Some cats simply aren’t tamable. If this is the situation you find yourself in‚ offering a bit of assistance to the kitties is your only option. This can be food‚ shelter you set up in the community to keep them out of the cold‚ or contacting trapping and releasing groups. These are programs where feral cats are caught‚ spayed‚ or neutered‚ then returned to the area they frequent. While this isn’t giving the cats a proper home‚ it does help control the population. Unfortunately‚ the life span for many feral cats is very short. These programs help stop kittens from going through the same cycle and suffering a sad fate. You can also help by donating to these trap-and-release programs so they can continue helping the feral cats in your area. Final Thoughts For cat lovers‚ it’s difficult to imagine that there are so many out there without a home. While some feral cats can be domesticated‚ not all of them can. You must remember this and not get discouraged. Instead of simply giving up if the cat you’re wanting to help doesn’t come around‚ think outside the box and do other things to help them live a better life. Sources WebMD Chewy The Spruce Pets Featured Image Credit: dimitrisvetsikas1969‚ Pixabay The post Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? Read Before You Bring One Home by Melissa Gunter 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. 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The second season of Paramount+’s Halo is heading our way in less than month‚ and the streaming platform has unleashed another trailer to tease what’s in store for everyone’s favorite Master Chief. As the ominous synth music makes clear in this video‚ things aren’t great for humanity. The official synopsis describes just how dire things are: In Season Two‚ Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) leads his team of elite Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. In the wake of a shocking event on a desolate planet‚ John cannot shake the feeling that his war is about to change and risks everything to prove what no one else will believe—that the Covenant is preparing to attack humanity’s greatest stronghold. With the galaxy on the brink‚ John embarks on a journey to find the key to humankind’s salvation‚ or its extinction: the Halo. Halo stars Pablo Schreiber (American Gods) as Master Chief‚ Spartan-117 and Natascha McElhone (Californication) as Dr. Halsey. Additional returning cast members include Jen Taylor (Halo game series)‚ Bokeem Woodbine (Fargo)‚ Shabana Azmi (Fire)‚ Natasha Culzac (The Witcher)‚ Olive Gray (Half Moon Investigations)‚ Yerin Ha (Reef Break)‚ Bentley Kalu (Avengers: Age of Ultron)‚ Kate Kennedy (Catastrophe)‚ Charlie Murphy (Peaky Blinders)‚ and Danny Sapani (Penny Dreadful). New additions to the cast this season include Joseph Morgan (Vampire Diaries)‚ Cristina Rodlo (No One Gets Out of Here Alive)‚ and Christina Bennington (Midsomer Murders). The first two episodes from the new season will premiere on Paramount+ on February 8‚ 2024. In the meantime‚ check out the show’s new poster‚ which features Schreiber’s Master Chief on a pile of rubble carrying a body over his shoulder and looking extra determined to save humanity from alien annihilation.  

In sixteenth-century New Spain‚ witchcraft is punishable by death‚ indigenous temples have been destroyed‚ and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land have become whispers in the night. We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares‚ a reimagining of Zorro featuring a heroic warrior sorceress and inspired by Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history—out from Harper Voyager on February 20. In sixteenth-century New Spain‚ witchcraft is punishable by death‚ indigenous temples have been destroyed‚ and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land have become whispers in the night. Hidden behind a mask‚ Pantera uses her magic and legendary swordplay skills to fight the tyranny of Spanish rule. To all who know her‚ Leonora de las Casas Tlazohtzin never leaves the palace and is promised to the heir of the Spanish throne. The respectable‚ law-abiding Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would rather be caught dead than meddle in court affairs. No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are the same person. Leonora’s charade is tragically good‚ and with magic running through her veins‚ she is nearly invincible. Nearly. Despite her mastery‚ she is destined to die young in battle‚ as predicted by a seer. When an ancient prophecy of destruction threatens to come true‚ Leonora—and therefore Pantera—is forced to decide: surrender the mask or fight to the end. Knowing she is doomed to a short life‚ she is tempted to take the former option. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave‚ and once she discovers the truth of her origins‚ not even death will stop her.     I press my hand against his mouth. “I’m trying to save your life. Look around‚ alteza. How are we to survive with you shouting away our location? Now‚ are you going to be quiet?” He nods‚ and I uncover his mouth. “Listen‚ they’ll see you coming long before you can stop them. You’ll have to run after I lead them away. They won’t notice you while their attention is on me. Do you understand?” “That’s it‚ then. The problem is solved. I will simply go on my way and leave you here.” He scoffs. “What kind of man do you think I am?” “A dead one if you don’t do as I say.” I can’t think straight‚ and if things go on this way‚ we’ll both be dead before I figure out how to get us out of this mess while our hearts are still beating. The most important thing is to keep my wits. To start with‚ Prince Felipe needs to shut up. “I’m sorry‚ alteza.” I choke him out in about fifteen seconds and wait until he convulses and snores. Time for his siesta. Buy it Now As I get up and brush myself off‚ I look upward; the fog rolls low over my head. The prince was right. The archers must be hiding in the trees. They can see us‚ but we can’t see them. A large figure lunges at me from the fog. I throw my hands up. “I surrender!” I repeat it in Spanish‚ Nahuatl‚ and in broken Purepecha‚ but my attacker rages toward me‚ hair whipping around. I sprawl backward‚ then his red-painted face is up in mine. He’s taller than I am‚ and a good hundred pounds heavier. And he isn’t wearing any covering. “Stop!” I say‚ struggling in his grasp. I don’t want to hurt this man. “Listen to me! Please‚ no more blood!” He acknowledges my words but although he seems to understand‚ he still sees me as an enemy. The warrior slaps me hard across the face with the flat of his palm. My cheek blazes hot‚ and the pain in my leg rebounds intensely. His hands wrap around my neck‚ squeezing my flesh. Stars sparkle across my vision. No one’s coming to save me. I’m on my own. “Please‚ stop!” I try to shout‚ but I’m at the mercy of a man who whose people have been shown none. Inés’s words ring in my ears. Your power lies in your ability to remember who you are when they try to make you forget. Each second is an eternity as fear engulfs me‚ debilitating my mind and body. Remember who you are when they try to make you forget. My ribs heave up and down‚ but no air comes. Dizziness. Remember who you are. Trapped. No way out. Remember. I’m a sorceress. I say it over and over in my head. I look up‚ but Tonatiuh is shadowed by the low clouds‚ so I desperately try to draw tonalli from the earth‚ the trees‚ the wind‚ the leaves‚ anything and everything. Absorbing just enough‚ I flatten my palms against his chest and blast him against a tree. “Leave‚” I say‚ my breath rushing out‚ “before I decide my face is the last thing you’ll ever see in this world.” The warrior comes at me in a rage. I can bring this fight to the ground. I can put him on his back but choking him is out of the question; he has a neck like a tree trunk. Even if I’m more agile‚ more skilled‚ he’s bulky enough to crush my bones beneath his weight. I remember His Sleeping Highness is hidden under a pile of leaves. My fingers search for his weapon‚ find the hilt‚ and manage to plunge it into the soft flesh of my attacker’s lower abdomen. He barely groans at the impact of the Spanish fashion accessory‚ protected by layer on layer of flesh‚ but I can weaken him and cause pain. In a desperate effort‚ I go for his groin. Stab‚ stab‚ stab. Blood sprays as the dagger wrenches free‚ splashing down the front of my dress. He’s too shocked to struggle‚ to even know what’s happening. Finally‚ I drag the dagger across my attacker’s throat. A hand goes to my cheek‚ swiping away tears. “Go to Tonatiuh‚ warrior‚” I say. I let the bloody dagger fall to the ground‚ trembling‚ making sense of it all. He’s gone. I killed him. For a moment‚ it grows eerily quiet. Standing just within the margins of the forest‚ I look up to see our remaining guards beginning to emerge with caution. I feel myself shaking‚ knowing how this is going to end. They’ll be dead within thirty seconds. Then the archers will come after the prince and me. I might not have the mask of Pantera‚ but I have the next best thing. On this foggy morning‚ with the mist of battle dripping off me‚ and the stench of fresh blood in my nostrils‚ I have to shift. I want to. I strip behind a tree and hide my clothes. I move my body into position—on all fours‚ head down‚ feet and hands flexed‚ back arched. I chant a prayer to honor the god of sorcery Tezcatlipoca‚ asking to be able to shift on demand as I am… out of practice. I’ve become so accustomed to my human form. Then‚ a second prayer‚ to not let me fail‚ hoping I am a true Nagual. It’s been so long since I’ve prayed to the teteoh I don’t know if they will even answer‚ but I am desperate. Help me. Shift‚ Leonora. Focus. You can do this. Shifting will use up nearly all my tonalli‚ and I’m uncertain if I will have any left to fight with‚ much less shift back‚ but I can’t show the rebels my face. Not my human one. Come on‚ come on‚ come on. I ignore the echo of Master Toto’s voice in my head‚ telling me not to do this‚ for I cannot do this alone. I lack control already‚ but when I lose control completely‚ I am dangerous. But Master Toto is not here. If he were here‚ he’d understand. He’d know I have no other option. This is not a game. This is my life. I will live by choice‚ not chance. His voice roars louder‚ but I drown it out. He raised me. He trained me. He dismissed me. Now I curse him for interfering. Moments pass but nothing happens. Sweating‚ I try harder to focus. Nothing. I feel a tickle in my throat‚ and I grunt‚ but then nothing. Please‚ Tezcatlipoca. Let me not fail. If I fail‚ I’m dead. If I fail‚ Prince Felipe‚ the king’s son‚ is dead. The consequences would not only be detrimental to the interests of Spain‚ upsetting the balance of power. There’s no telling what King Carlos‚ already mourning the loss of his beloved Isabela‚ would do if he came to learn his only surviving son‚ inheritor of his crown‚ has been murdered by rebels. As I pray‚ my skin starts itching intensely. I take a deep breath and give in to the shift. A panther’s heart is smaller than a human’s. For the heart to shrink‚ it first has to stop beating. All the panther’s other organs are smaller too‚ so while my human heart is dying‚ my liver and kidney are also failing. My throat‚ gullet‚ and vocal cords are tearing and reforming. The damage alone can kill you. But the animal drags you through the Nine Hells and keeps you alive and conscious‚ enduring every second. My skin stretches. It feels like someone is inflating my entire body‚ and it itches like the pox everywhere. The sensation deepens‚ and I try to block the pain. I’m being flayed alive. My muscles twist and snap. Knee and ankle joints reverse. Fingernails lengthen into claws. I can take the pain now because anger has consumed me. You cannot run away from who you are‚ Leonora‚ Master promised. Your nature will betray you. Master was predictably sage. Nature always wins. The Panther is my animal companion. We share the same soul‚ and I cannot fight who I am. I feel every second of the shift. By the time the fur starts to grow‚ everything hurts‚ everything is swollen‚ and I’m feral enough to murder a village. It’s over. The Panther is alive. I don’t need to see my reflection in water to know what I look like. Black coat. Different-colored eyes‚ one brown‚ one green. A sleek body some seven feet long. Once I told Inés that there’s no such animal as a black panther because any panther found in the New World is simply a black jaguar. We have spots‚ like tawny jaguars‚ but they are harder to see because of the dark fur. I blink. The colors of the forest have changed to shades of gray. I lift my nose and swivel my ears to the back of my head‚ instantly alert. After shifting‚ my already keen senses sharpen. I see better‚ smell better‚ and hear better. I have plenty of strength in my shoulders‚ so I’m able to take Prince Felipe by his jacket and drag him far enough away to hide him from the archers. I have to be careful because I have extremely sharp teeth‚ which could easily pierce through his skin. The arrows have stopped firing‚ but I’m not in the clear yet. I scan the woods‚ looking this way and that‚ catching glimpses of expertly crafted arrows‚ hatchets‚ and armor. The archers come down from the trees and out of the fog. A few dozen cluster around; men with nude‚ red-painted bodies. I’m the only one who can end this. With a growl‚ I leap from the bushes‚ claws extended‚ landing on all fours and exposing myself fully to their view‚ sides heaving‚ catching my breath. Before‚ I saw them as dangerous foes. Now I see people—people who can kill‚ yes‚ but who can also be killed. Their leader is young‚ his face rigid with fury‚ a man I would hesitate to lock eyes with‚ let alone cross. When he speaks‚ I don’t understand. There are over a hundred Indigenous tongues and even more dialects. A trained Nagual can suppress most of their instincts when in animal form. I can listen to the other archers spout angry words at each other without pouncing. But I’ve been human for too long. I’m not strong enough to resist. The Panther is at the front of my mind. If they run‚ I will chase. If I chase‚ I will kill. Usually‚ when you come across a jaguar‚ it is already too late. The ambush emerges from nowhere‚ and the cat is already on you. Some of the archers‚ confused about seeing a jaguar in the forest‚ slowly start to retreat. I hiss. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. The leader holds up a hand‚ instructing his men to stay put. But all it takes is for one person to make a sudden movement. By then it’s too late‚ and no one wants to be the last one left behind. The archers make a run for it. It happens in an instant. I claw my way to freedom‚ ripping innards from squirming bodies as screams fill the air. The leader manages to escape. For a moment‚ a dismal silence prevails. Then the sounds of the forest slowly resume‚ indifferent to the blood that has been shed. I pick up speed‚ darting around trees. Leaves crunch under my paws. Wind ruffles my fur‚ chilling‚ invigorating.; I’m not as fast as I should be⁠—my bad leg holds me back—but the more I run‚ the lighter I am‚ the less pain I feel. Straining every muscle‚ I keep running‚ too fast to think‚ to even realize I’m barely touching the ground‚ and I trip and roll over my own hind legs. I tumble to a halt and shake myself off‚ then throw open my jaw to roar. There is no greater feeling in the world than to be as one is. This is what true Naguals must come to realize within themselves. They are none other than themselves‚ and the Nagual Path leads to the nature of one’s self‚ the real self. This was the essence of my training. When the high runs its course‚ I start worrying if Prince Felipe was savaged in my absence. My shift back to human form is torturous. I yank on my clothes and‚ to my astonishment‚ my horse returns to me. He has an arrow lodged in his rump‚ but he seems impervious to it. Such a beast! As I withdraw the arrow‚ I say a prayer to the god of animals. “There‚ there‚ amigo. That’s what a good prayer to Tezcatlipoca gets you.” I press my forehead to his. “From now on‚ you will be Valiente. You are a warrior‚ a brave one.” When I find him‚ His Royal Highness is breathing slowly‚ and in odd bursts. I wake him. Prince Felipe groans. “Where… am I?” “They’re gone‚” I say dismally. “We’re safe.” For the time being. Raising himself on his elbows‚ he pushes sweat-dampened strands of hair back from his forehead. “You’re hurt‚” he says‚ looking at my bloodied dress. I shake my head. “It’s not my blood.” As he stands‚ he brushes dirt and leaves from his sleeves and notices his jacket‚ torn by my fangs. “What—?” he mumbles‚ trying to make sense of it all. They’re gone because I killed them. I’m a murderer. As Nahualli‚ I made a vow to follow the Nagual Path‚ swore my life to it‚ promised to walk in the nepantla—the middle—for the earth is slippery‚ and there is the always-present risk of falling from the path. There can be no life in a world without balance. This day‚ I lost control. I betrayed my oath.   Excerpted from Sun of Blood and Ruin‚ copyright © 2023 by Mariely Lares.