'We also want something done'

'That's Who He Is'

Two hunter friends are in the mountains of northeast Washington and set up camp. During the week they experience anomalous activity that eventually drives them away."My best friend Rob and I do an annual hunting trip the third week of October every year for early deer season. We take a whole week off of work and set up camp to stay the full week this is a very remote area in the northeast corner of Washington state in the mountains. We're the only people up there the entire week.In 2017 we arrived on Saturday at our hunting spot and set up camp which took a couple of hours. We use a big canvas hunting tent that we can both stay in with plenty of room to move around and store all of our gear. At some point the first day after we set up I did a few tree knocks and a call to see if we might get a response. My buddy Rob was a skeptic at the time and had no interest in the Sasquatch thing whatsoever but tolerated me doing it. We got nothing back and went on with our day and didn't give it another thought. We're there to hunt so that's what we were focused on.As I remember we went out the first afternoon to hunt for a few hours and then returned back to camp after dark. Nothing happened out of the ordinary the first night. The next day we woke up early to get out to a spot to hunt for the day. That day we returned to camp early afternoon for lunch and as we turned to head down the dirt path to our camp we immediately noticed a small tree that was uprooted like a carrot and placed across the path. Rob and I looked at each other and Rob said that wasn't there when we left this morning and he was right it wasn't there when we left. This was very weird‚ to say the least. I hopped out of the side-by-side to walk over and take a look. What we realized right away was that something had carried this tree and placed it there. There are no dirt drag marks like you'd see if someone or something had drug it in there. I picked up the tree and a bunch of dirt fell off the large rootball and the small tree was fairly heavy.We proceeded to look around and inspect both tree lines on both sides of the path to see if we could find the source or a hole where it was pulled from. We looked around for 20 to 30 minutes and couldn't find anything. Something or someone carried that tree and placed it in there and placed it there. We took a few photos and carried on with our day.We decided to set up two game cameras in camp to hopefully catch anything that might be messing with us. When we were gone out hunting we set up one behind our tent and one in the middle of our campsite facing our camp table. We headed back out to hunt after lunch and again returned after dark. This is when the distant knock started. We hopped out of the vehicle and right away heard a distant knock‚ then another that sounded like it came from an opposite direction. Rob was scratching his head wondering what could be making knocks in such a remote area in the mountains. We soon realized that this was some kind of a signal that would happen every night.A few days later we returned back to camp after dark. As we turned down the entrance to our camp we saw the second tree‚ another tree was down in camp. We noticed it immediately. As we pulled in this one was around 25 feet tall and very healthy. Rob hit it with his flashlight and I snapped a couple of photos with my phone. This tree was big and it almost hit our camp table. There was no wind all that day‚ in fact‚ there was no wind the entire week. We couldn't believe this was happening. It was really hard for us to wrap our heads around it all.At this point‚ it really started to feel like we were in danger. If a tree that size was pushed over onto our tent at night it could kill us. We thought about this and talked about the possibility of this happening. As soon as we jumped out of the side-by-side we heard a knock that sounded closer than the night before. Then another from a different location. Again‚ it was like they or whatever it was were signaling or communicating in some way. A couple more knocks and then it stopped. Again‚ Rob and I were really on edge at this point. Finding the trees and then hearing the knocks both nights when we arrived back to camp.We made a fire and carried on‚ fixed some dinner‚ and eventually went into the tent to go to bed. At some point later that night Rob woke me up. The knocks had started again and were really loud and sounded very close. This was about 2 or 3:00 AM and this would happen for multiple nights at approximately the same time. We decided we needed to exit the tent to try to see if we could see anything. So we got dressed as fast as we could‚ grabbed our sidearms‚ and ran out of the tent in opposite directions. We met with each other on the back side of the tent and scanned the woods with their flashlights. We stood there for a while quietly and just tried to listen. We stayed outside the tent for maybe 15 or 20 minutes looking around the camp and talking about what was happening. We eventually went back into the tent and back to bed.On day four we slept in a little the next morning since we didn't get much sleep during the night. I remember getting up tired and looking at the big tree that had been pushed over in the middle of our camp. Rob was also up and he reminded me that we had set up one of the game cams in the middle of camp‚ and that it would I should have caught the tree going down the previous day. I'll never forget this. He walked over to the tree with the game cam and said‚ "Nate‚ get over here. You're not going to believe this." I walked over and he punched at the game cam. Something had placed a dead moth backward and slightly squished it over the eye of the camera. This seemed bizarre to both of us. We stood there confused for a few moments and then Rob flicked the moth off of the camera and started to check it for any photos. The only thing we got was some really dark pictures as if something was covering the lens‚ but nothing before or after these photos.The next night‚ I was asleep and Rob was still awake lying on his cot. He said he heard something moving around the tent. He then heard what he said sound like a stick being drug all the way around on and across the tent until it reached his side. It went right by his head. He decided not to wake me up. This is very unsettling for me to hear.Every time we returned back to camp multiple knocks from multiple areas would start. By the sixth night‚ we're both exhausted and stressed out from lack of sleep. To be honest I was afraid to go to bed in the tent again. But reluctantly went to bed that night anticipating that we were going to get harassed and terrorized again. So we both had trouble going to sleep even as tired as we were again. Around 2 or 3 AM we were woken up by the knocks. They were very loud and sounded like they were right behind the tent. Both of us were also angry at this point. We were both sleeping with our clothes on to be ready to go out of the tent faster if we had to.Again we went out of the tent and in opposite directions. Around the tent‚ we stood there again and didn't hear anything. Nothing was moving or running away. We scanned the forest with the flashlights again and Rob caught some eye shine across the field that appeared to be fairly tall or high compared to the ground. we both shot our guns in that direction thinking that maybe we'll scare it off whatever it was. I'm not sure that was the smartest thing to do looking back on it‚ but we were desperate and wanted all this to stop.With our adrenaline still high we stayed up for a while but eventually went back in the tent and dozed off. At some point‚ after all this‚ I woke up again and heard something growling right behind my corner of the tent‚ right behind my head. It was a loud‚ deep guttural growl. I was terrified and I lay there for a minute wondering if I had just dreamed this. Then it happened again. This time I woke Rob up. It happened again‚ two more times for a total of four growls. Rob heard it too. We rushed out of the tent again and saw or heard nothing. How could this be? How could something be that close to the tent but it's not there? How could something move away so fast without us hearing it? Whatever this was it seemed to have special abilities and was getting the best of us. We still had one more day and night to go on our trip. If we were to stick to our original plans.The next morning I checked the other game cam behind the tent hoping that it had gone off and caught whatever was growling at us. There was a series of photos from that night that had a ghostly white mist in them. Nothing else. That was probably a breath from something. We decided to call it and spend the last night at a family cabin on a lake around 30 minutes away from the hunting camp. We needed some sleep and we couldn't deal with it anymore."Transcribed Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGQ0U-__EwFearsome Creatures of FloridaEating Aliens: One Man's Adventures Hunting Invasive Animal SpeciesIguana Invasion!: Exotic Pets Gone Wild in FloridaThe Templar Mission to Oak Island and Beyond: Search for Ancient Secrets: The Shocking Revelations of a 12th Century ManuscriptAmerica: Nation of the Goddess: The Venus Families and the Founding of the United StatesThe Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy WarriorsSworn in Secret: Freemasonry and the Knights TemplarALIEN DISCLOSURE: EXPERIENCERS EXPOSE REALITY - AudiobookRegister a SNAP EBT CardTHE MEME HUMANOIDS: MODERN MYTHS OR REAL MONSTERS - AudiobookTry Audible PlusPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTFeel Free to Post PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS DIRECT LINKS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA &; WEBSITE. Thanks For Your Support!Have 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-----CRYPTID CANINES: PENNSYLVANIA &; MARYLAND CASEFILES - LIVE Chat - Q &; A - Lon Strickler (Host)I’m opening the Pennsylvania &; Maryland casefiles‚ beginning with these original reports &; accounts. I have investigated these cases‚ some of which were reported since Butch’s passing. I plan to periodically present some of our past cases along with newer inquiries‚ like what we have done with the Chicago winged humanoid phenomenon. So‚ just sit back and listen to these sightings &; encounters. 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: Team Riker: Division A-----TODAY'S TOP LINKS Rare 'Rainbow Clouds' Appear Above the Arctic C2C's Bizarre Blotter for 2023CREEPY CHRISTMAS CHEER SHOW - Our Favorite Holiday Horrors! - LIVE - JOIN US! Lon Strickler (Host)LISTEN TO NARRATIONS OF PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS REPORTS &; CASES - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE‚ LIKE &; SHAREMystery marine animal found on Figure Eight Island identifiedScientists Warn of Plastic Rocks Appearing Around the WorldPHANTOMS &; 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© 2005-2023 Phantoms &; Monsters - All Rights Reserved

He’s been a member of the Dead Daisies‚ played alongside The Replacements’ Tommy Stinson and Hanoi Rocks’ Michael Monroe‚ and has even worked with The Psychedelic Furs and Thin Lizzy. But what Missouri native Richard Fortus is best known for is being a member of Guns N’ Roses‚ which he joined in 2002. With his signature Gretsch White Falcon plugged into any number of classic Marshall amps‚ Fortus helped revitalize Guns N’ Roses when he joined and remained a key cog in a stronger-than-ever and firing-on-all-cylinders machine ever since. Fortus’s stage presence‚ unmistakable tone‚ showmanship‚ and musicianship are harbingers of The post Richard Fortus Of Guns N’ Roses Interview: 11 Albums That Changed My Life appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Have you ever heard the term “heart dog” and wondered what it means? If you’ve ever felt an inexplicable bond with your puppy‚ one that goes beyond the regular tail wags and playful barks‚ you might have stumbled upon something rare. Dog owners everywhere whisper about the legendary heart dog—a concept that seems almost mythical...

The post Cat Litter Safety: A Vet-Approved Guide by Rachel Giordano 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. When it comes to cat litter‚ there are loads of options for your precious feline. You can choose from non-clumping or clumping‚ and you can also choose between clay‚ silica gel‚ and biodegradable‚ eco-friendly materials. However‚ with the many options‚ how do you determine the safest cat litter to use? In this post‚ we’ll discuss cat litter safety and explain what to look for in order to use the safest cat litter available on the market today. We’ll also examine the types of materials used and the pros and cons of each. The 3 Types of Materials Used in Cat Litter 1. Clay Cat Litter Image Credit: BW Folsom‚ Shutterstock Clay cat litter is generally the least expensive‚ and more economical type of cat litter‚ and is a popular choice among cat owners due to the ease of keeping the litter box clean. Still‚ clumping clay litter is somewhat controversial due to its impact on the environment‚ the dust it produces‚ and the chance of intestinal blockages. Let’s examine the pros and cons to get a more in-depth idea of this type of litter. Pros Better odor control More manageable cleaning Budget-friendly options available Keeps litter box dry Cons Not environmentally friendly Non-flushable Potential to accumulate in digestive tract and cause obstructions s Non-biodegradable Some are quite dusty 2. Silica Gel Litter Image Credit: Valentina Zavrazhina‚ Shutterstock You may have heard about safety issues regarding silica dust‚ and are worried about using it in your home. The good news is that the form of silica gel granules used in cat litter‚ amorphous silica‚ does not produce the hazardous dust associated with crystalline silica‚ and is perfectly safe for you and your kitty. This type of litter is a lot more expensive than the others on the list‚ but with good reason. Silica gel litter works by trapping the urine inside the granules‚ then slowly releasing the non-smelly liquid through evaporation. To keep your litter box fresh‚ you just need to scoop out the poop! This litter is non clumping‚ so there are no risks of it forming intestinal blockages‚ and most silica cat litters claim to hold around 4 weeks of urine per cat! Some silica litter even contain color changing granules that let you know if there are problems with your cat’s urine – how clever is that? The main downsides to this litter is the price‚ the fact that it is not a particularly eco-friendly option‚ and some cats don’t like the feel of the granules underfoot. Pros Absorbs liquids well with odor control Requires less maintenance and cleaning Contains less dust Less likely to grow mold and bacteria Some are flushable and biodegradable Cons May not be comfortable on your cat’s paws Expensive Environmental impact of mining Granules often get tracked out of the tray 3. Biodegradable/Eco-Friendly Litter Image Credit: J. Romanova‚ Shutterstock Lastly‚ cat owners have the option of using biodegradable cat litter. This type of litter is made from all-natural‚ sustainable materials‚ such as soft wood‚ recycled paper‚ pine‚ grass‚ walnuts‚ corn‚ wheat‚ soybeans‚ and other environmentally safe materials. Not only is this type of litter better for the environment‚ it is also safer for your cat. In choosing eco-friendly cat litter‚ you can rest assured it will be free from dyes‚ fragrances‚ GMOs‚ and synthetic chemicals. Pros Eco-friendly Free from artificial dyes‚ fragrances‚ GMOs‚ and synthetic dyes Dust-free Better for allergy sufferers Some are flushable Cons More expensive May be harder to find in pet stores Some materials may attract pests Minimal odor control Requires more filling and cleaning Some materials may produce more dust Other 2 Litter Factors to Consider The types of litter above can also come in different forms; clumping‚ non-clumping‚ scented‚ or unscented – which is the best for your cat? 1. Clumping vs. Non-Clumping Image Credit: Anciens Huang‚ Shutterstock All cat litter comes in either clumping or non-clumping. Some debate surrounds the concern that clumping litter could be dangerous for cats due to sodium bentonite‚ the agent responsible for causing the litter to “clump” when moisture is added to it. The agent acts as expandable cement‚ if you will‚ which hardens and allows you to scoop out the clump rather than cleaning the entire box and adding all new litter. Instead‚ you only have to fill in the void from the clump‚ resulting in using less litter. Another concern is the possibility of the litter causing intestinal blockages if your cat swallows some. Cats are constantly grooming themselves‚ and if litter is in the paws and your cat licks and ingests enough of it‚ it could cause intestinal blockages. Reports of this seem to be anecdotal only‚ with no cases readily found in any scientific literature. We would suggest avoiding clumping cat litter for kittens however; they are much more likely to be playing‚ in or getting covered in their litter‚ which could increase their risk of a blockage. Pros Better odor control Lasts longer in the litter box Easy to spot cat waste for removal Clumps with moisture for easy scooping Cons More dust and tracking Requires daily maintenance Fewer options in materials used Slight possibility of causing intestinal blockages 2. Unscented vs. Scented Cat Litter Some cats are sensitive to scented litter‚ and going with biodegradable and sustainable cat litter will most likely be unscented‚ meaning no artificial fragrances will be present‚ only natural smells from the material itself. Keep in mind that even if cat litter is marketed as “scented‚” this feature doesn’t tend to last long‚ and good litter box hygiene is still essential. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock Cat Litter Safety Tips Keep your litter boxes far away from your cat’s food and water. Make sure your cat can easily get in and out of the litter box and that it’s large enough for them to turn around in. Don’t use litter box liners‚ as cat claws can get stuck in them or rip the liner‚ thus causing more of a mess for you to clean. Use an uncovered litter box with unscented litter‚ preferably. Fill the box with enough litter that your cat can dig and cover their waste. Scoop the box at least once daily. Do a deep clean of the litter box at least once every two weeks (possibly less often with silica litter). Wear gloves whenever you’re cleaning the litter box. Pregnant women should have someone else clean the litter box to prevent them from being exposed to toxoplasmosis.   Final Thoughts When it comes to choosing litter for your cat‚ much of the decision comes down to personal preference; both yours‚ and your cat’s. In terms of the safest option‚ look for litters that produce less dust. In general‚ the cheaper clay litters will produce more dust than others‚ and silica gel produces little to none. Natural materials are much kinder to the environment‚ but will require more cleaning to stay on top of odor control. Overall‚ there are no ‘unsafe’ litters on the market‚ but like with anything‚ some are better than others. One of the major factors in terms of giving your cat the best toileting experience is the box itself. Avoid enclosed boxes that keep odors trapped in – it might be nicer for us‚ but it will be less pleasant for them! Deep sided boxes are good‚ and top-entry boxes are a great way to provide your cat with some privacy‚ a deep layer of litter‚ and reduce the amount of litter being tracked around the house. Hopefully‚ this information will put your mind at ease about the safety of cat litter‚ and helps you make an informed decision next time you’re at the pet store. Sources https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/why-is-my-cat-eating-litter Featured Image Credit: Zoran Photographer‚ Shutterstock The post Cat Litter Safety: A Vet-Approved Guide by Rachel Giordano 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 Is There a 911 for Pets? Vet-Approved Emergency Facts by Ashley Bates 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. When we are in trouble‚ emergency services are only a phone call away. But things happen to people’s pets daily that require veterinary attention. So‚ if your cat is choking on an object or has fallen extremely ill‚ can you call 911 to intervene? Unfortunately‚ 911 is only for humans. Our cats run the same risk of getting sick‚ injured‚ and in need as we do. It is imperative to know what nearby emergency options are available to them. You can easily Google based on your location‚ checking for emergency veterinary hospitals in your area. Also‚ ask your vet for recommendations as to what local clinics to call that are available during overnight hours‚ so that you’re prepared ahead of time if an emergency pops up. What to Do If Your Cat Has an Emergency Locate an Emergency Pet Hospital You might have an emergency pet hospital nearby that is open 24 hours. If you live in a rural area‚ this might not be an option for you. It’s best to always have a plan in the event of an emergency. How far away are you from your vet? Are there other facilities that can help you? Some vets have the option for after-hours care and emergency-type situations. If you contact your vet’s office‚ they might give you this information on the general menu before you reach the actual office. Some offices will have doctors on call‚ so you should always check the protocol at your particular veterinarian’s office to make sure that your pet is protected at all times. Before the event of any emergency‚ it is good to have a game plan. If you are already aware of the nearest emergency department for animals near you‚ you can at least have an option for what to do if things go wrong. During normal business hours‚ you can get them into virtually any veterinarian’s office‚ permitting they take walk-ins. If you have an emergency situation‚ it is highly recommended to always call ahead to the clinic. They can guide you on steps you should take before your arrival‚ and it will allow the clinic staff to have a triage team in place and waiting for your pet upon arrival. Image Credit: Pressmaster‚ Shutterstock Call Animal Poison Control Luckily‚ even though no emergency services are available for cats like 911‚ you can call poison control in events that your cat has ingested something of concern. In this case‚ poison control can walk you through the necessary steps you need to take at home and advise you on where to take your cat for examination. You can sometimes manage certain issues at home‚ but you will often have to take your cat in for emergency care. However‚ if you just had a simple question about the safety or consequence of a particular substance‚ poison control is certainly a fantastic resource to utilize. If you live in the United States‚ here are two different pet poison control hotlines you can call for a small fee: ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661 The 6 Reasons for Emergency Vet Visits There are a plethora of reasons for an emergency vet visit. Here are a few very common occurrences that require immediate attention. 1. Difficult Births If your cat is delivering a litter of kittens‚ keeping a close eye on her progress is imperative. If a kitten is lodged‚ stuck‚ or obstructing the canal in any way‚ it can cause a long‚ difficult birth that can result in injury or death to the kitten and mother. Image Credit: Lee Charlie‚ Shutterstock 2. Sudden Illness Several factors could lead to sudden illness in our cats. They could have come into contact with something toxic‚ or have intractable vomiting or diarrhea‚ to name a few issues. If this is the case‚ cats often require medical treatment and medication to improve. 3. Injuries Our cats can get injured in numerous ways. Often‚ physical injury requires treatment and even antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Even if you think an injury isn’t so bad‚ cats are very good at hiding illness and might be much worse off than you think. Getting them to the vet as quickly as possible is imperative to begin the healing process. 4. Lack of Appetite A lack of appetite can mean lots of things for a cat. It can be something extremely serious or a simple fix. Often‚ the only real way to tell is to perform certain tests to check for underlying health conditions. If your cat goes too long without food or water‚ they can become emaciated or dehydrated‚ or their liver may risk shutting down‚ leading to extreme complications and even death. Image Credit: Africa Studio‚ Shutterstock 5. Paralysis If your cat cannot move some or all of their limbs‚ it’s obviously a cause for immediate concern. Paralysis in cats can come from several factors‚ from bacterial toxins to trauma to a stroke. It’s really hard to tell why your cat might be paralyzed unless you suspect an underlying reason. 6. Seizures It can be pretty frightening to watch your cat have a seizure. Some will stare off blankly or have minor twitching‚ while others will have full body convulsions. Seizures absolutely require veterinary care to investigate potential causes. Seizures can be a standalone genetic condition‚ or they can stem from another health problem you might not be aware of at the time. Image Credit: Gleb Usovich‚ Shutterstock Importance of Pet Insurance Emergencies are completely plausible for our pets. If you have an emergency‚ most pet insurance companies will cover any costs this might incur after the deductible is paid. Insurance is becoming a more prevalent option for pet owners as it helps them deal with medical expenses. If you have to take your animal to an emergency hospital‚ prices are usually higher than standard veterinary clinics. Having an insurance plan for your pet will give you peace of mind‚ knowing that you can afford to pay the deductible while the insurance company takes care of the rest. Some emergencies can be extremely expensive to treat. For example‚ if your cat has an airway obstruction or is hit by a car‚ the surgical procedures involved can cost thousands of dollars. Many families find themselves unable to pay‚ which can cause the loss of a pet far too early. If you are interested in pet insurance‚ there are several options on the market. Some of them you can even bundle with your own insurance‚ permitting you select the same company. While it won’t work for everyone‚ it’s worth checking out if you want to cover your bases. Image Credit: Rawpixel.com‚ Shutterstock Conclusion So now you understand that 911 is definitely not the number to call if you have a pet in need of emergency care. Before an emergency ever strikes‚ it’s best to be aware of veterinary hospitals that can see your animal in the event of a time-sensitive issue after-hours. If your cat is injured during business hours‚ you can get them to several different veterinarians around you‚ permitting they take walk-ins.Always call ahead to let them know you are coming‚ and ensure they are prepared for your cat’s arrival.  Always have a game plan; don’t be afraid to check out pet insurance if you think it might benefit you and your animals. Sources https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/emergency-care-for-pets https://veterinaryemergencygroup.com/blog/cat-emergency-vet/ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/emergencies-in-cats#:~:text=Keep%20your%20cat%20warm%20(except‚and%20get%20first%20aid%20advice.   Featured Image Credit: megaflopp‚ Shutterstock The post Is There a 911 for Pets? Vet-Approved Emergency Facts by Ashley Bates 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 How Often Should You Change the Water in a Cat Water Fountain? Vet-Approved Care Facts 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 struggle to get your kitty to drink water‚ you may have purchased a cat water fountain to encourage them to stay hydrated. The constantly running water may be more appealing to your cat than a bowl of water. While the movement helps the water stay fresher‚ you should still change the water in your cat’s fountain at least once a week based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. However‚ you should change it more frequently if you have multiple cats. In this article‚ we’ll cover how to know when to change the water in your cat’s fountain and the other steps you should take to keep it clean and sanitary. We’ll also discuss other strategies to encourage your cat to drink more and why keeping your pet hydrated is vital. How to Decide How Often to Change the Water in Your Cat’s Fountain Several factors help determine how often you should change your cat’s water in a fountain. First‚ how many cats are using the fountain? The more cats that drink from the fountain‚ the faster the water disappears and the quicker it gets dirty with debris. If you have multiple cats‚ you may need to change the water as often as every 2–3 days. You should also consider the manufacturer’s recommendation for the water fountain. Cat water fountains usually come with filters that keep the water clean‚ but they all work a bit differently. Read the directions for your fountain to find out how often the company recommends the water be changed. Finally‚ examine the water in the fountain. Does it look cloudy‚ dirty or slimy? If so‚ go ahead and change it. Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio‚ Shutterstock How to Keep Your Cat’s Water Fountain Clean Any vessel that holds water will eventually develop slime and mold if not cleaned regularly. To prevent this problem in your cat’s water fountain‚ clean it thoroughly at least once a week. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for cleaning based on the type of water fountain you have. Some parts of your water fountain may be dishwasher safe‚ while others will need to be hand-washed. When you clean the fountain‚ replace the water completely. If your water fountain has a filter‚ change it according to the recommended schedule‚ usually every 2-4 weeks. Why Is It Important for Your Cat to Drink Water? Cats will drink different amounts of water depending on what they are fed as well as their size‚ activity levels and health. Wet food contains 70-80% water‚ so if your cat regularly eats wet food they will need to drink less water. It is important for cats to stay hydrated and just like us they can get dehydrated if their water intake is not enough for the fluids they are losing. This can be if they are unwell and not eating and drinking as much‚ or it can be caused by illness and increased loss of fluids like with vomiting or diarrhea. The signs of dehydration will vary depending on the severity but can include: Dry gums Decreased skin elasticity Sunken eyes Weakness Constipation If you are concerned your cat is not drinking enough or they are showing signs of being dehydrated or unwell then contact your veterinarian. Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio‚ Shutterstock Other Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Stay Hydrated Not all cats enjoy drinking out of a water fountain. Some dislike the noise or find the process strange and unfamiliar. To help these cats stay hydrated‚ you’ll need to try different strategies. First‚ you can experiment with different types and locations for your cat’s water bowls. Try glass‚ ceramic‚ or metal bowls in various sizes and shapes‚ plastic bowls can taint the water. Place multiple water bowls around the house at various heights‚ including on counters‚ tables‚ and the floor. Cats prefer not to drink water which is near their food or toileting area. Change the water in the bowls daily and keep them clean to prevent slime buildup. You can add a few drops of tuna juice or unsalted chicken broth to your cat’s water on occasion to encourage water intake. Another option is adding canned food to your cat’s diet or switching from kibble completely. Conclusion Depending on how many cats you have and the specific recommendations for your cat water fountain‚ you should expect to change the water every 2–7 days. Cats usually don’t like drinking dirty water‚ so there’s not much point in switching to a water fountain if you let the water get dirty. If your cat suffers from health issues like diabetes or urinary tract disease‚ it’s especially important that they drink plenty of water. Talk to your vet about monitoring your cat’s water intake and additional strategies to ensure they stay hydrated. Sources “Why Your Cat Won’t Drink Water and What to Do” “Dirty Water Dangers: How to Keep Pet Water Clean” “Is My Cat Dehydrated?”   Featured Image Credit: Vershinin89‚ Shutterstock The post How Often Should You Change the Water in a Cat Water Fountain? Vet-Approved Care Facts 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 How Often to Change Your Cat’s Water? Vet-Approved Care Tips by Adam Mann 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. We all know that cats need fresh water daily‚ but if you have a larger bowl that they don’t empty each day‚ how often do you need to change it out? The truth is that you need to give your cat fresh water every day‚ and if they don’t drink it all‚ you need to dump it out‚ clean the bowl‚ and then give them fresh water again. But why do you need to swap out the water every day‚ and what can happen if you don’t? How Often Should You Clean Your Cat’s Water and Food Bowls? While you might not think much about your cat’s food and water bowls‚ that doesn’t keep bacteria from forming on them. Just like you don’t want to use a dirty bowl or cup for your meals‚ you shouldn’t expect your cat to use one either. Because of this‚ you should clean their food and water bowls every single day. It might seem a little excessive‚ but there’s a reason you wash your dishes after each use‚ and your cat deserves the same thing! Image Credit: Maria Moroz‚ Shutterstock How Much Water Should Your Cat Drink? The amount of water a cat drinks out of a traditional water bowl depends on the size of your cat and the type of cat food you feed them. If you feed your cat wet cat food‚ it contains 70 to 80% moisture‚ meaning it can give your cat a lot of the fluids that they need. Overall‚ your cat needs about 4 ounces for every 5 pounds of body weight‚ meaning a 10-pound cat needs 8 ounces of water each day.1 But since your cat can get their water from their food or their water bowl‚ sometimes it can be hard to measure just how much water they’re actually getting. What Could Happen if You Don’t Change/Clean the Bowl Enough? You need to take the time to clean your cat’s water bowl daily‚ and the reason for this all comes down to the inevitable contamination with food particles‚ dust and bacteria. If you’re not cleaning the bowl enough‚ your cat may become unwell from drinking water contaminated with bacteria. Cats are also very fussy about the water they drink. If the water smells or tastes funky because it is not clean and fresh‚ they may drink less or not drink it at all. Not drinking enough water can also cause problems‚ for example putting cats at an increased risk of urinary tract issues. How Often Should You Clean a Cat Water Fountain? While you need to clean a traditional cat water bowl each day‚ if you have a fancier cat water fountain-style bowl‚ you likely don’t need to clean it quite as often as the water is moving and they generally contain filters. However‚ you still need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and on average clean it and replace the water at least once a week‚ but often every 3 to 4 days‚ even if the water in the bowl lasts longer than that. These fountain-style bowls don’t collect bacteria as quickly as traditional bowls‚ but they don’t stay clean forever. When cleaning the bowl‚ dump out any water that’s still in the bowl and give them fresh water to prevent bacterial buildup. Be sure to follow guidance on how often to change and replace filters as well‚ which is usually every 4 weeks. Image Credit: Vershinin89‚ Shutterstock Final Thoughts Now that you know a little more about how often you should change your cat’s water bowl and why it’s so important‚ all that’s left is for you to take the time to clean it. It can be a pain to adjust to at first if you don’t normally clean them that often‚ but once you get into a rhythm‚ it only takes a few minutes each day‚ and it goes a long way in keeping your cat healthy and safe! Sources https://americatcompany.com/blogs/news/how-often-to-clean-cat-bowls#:~:text=Give%20your%20cat%20a%20clean‚at%20least%20every%202%20days. https://petlibro.com/blogs/all/how-often-should-i-change-my-cats-water https://worldanimalfoundation.org/cats/how-do-i-clean-a-cat-bowl/ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hydration#:~:text=Cats%20need%20to%20consume%20about‚cup%20of%20water%20per%20day. https://vetfocus.royalcanin.com/en/scientific/the-water-requirements-and-drinking-habits-of-cats   Featured Image Credit: AleksandarMilutinovic‚ Shutterstock The post How Often to Change Your Cat’s Water? Vet-Approved Care Tips by Adam Mann 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 Q-Tip Help a Cat in Heat? (Vet Answer) by Dr. Emma Chandley‚ BVetMed 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. Cats that have not been spayed cycle through a fertile period every 14–21 days during the breeding season.1 This is called being “in heat.” When a female cat is in heat‚ this is an indication she is ready to mate with a male cat. Some owners find the behavior of their cats while they are in heat to be disruptive and/or destructive. They then may seek ways to suppress the signs or bring their cat out of heat rapidly so they don’t have to put up with the undesirable behavior. One way that has been documented to calm your cat down and bring them out of heat is the “Q-tip method.” This has been reported to be a way that cat owners can soothe their cat who is in heat and calm them down quickly‚ therefore reducing the unwanted behavior in the home. The Q-tip method involves insertion of the Q-tip into your cat’s vagina and pushing it in and out several times. It is not at all recommended to use the Q-tip method as there are too many things that can go wrong. Let’s explore this subject in more depth. What Does Being in Heat Mean for Cats? When the term “in heat” is used‚ it often confuses people. When people refer to a female cat as being “in heat” or being “in season‚” this means they are in a stage where they are fertile and are able to get pregnant if they have a sexual encounter with a male cat. The first heat cycle for cats can start as young as 4 months old. If your cat has been spayed (which means they have had their uterus and ovaries removed) they are unable to go into heat. This also means they are unable to get pregnant. Cats usually go into heat about once a month during the breeding season. In the northern hemisphere this is usually between January and late fall‚ but is dependent on the number of daylight hours. Cats that live in more tropical regions can cycle all year round. Image Credit: iwciagr‚ Shutterstock How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Heat All cats are individuals and some display clinical signs of being in heat differently from others. External signs such as a swollen vulva or bloody discharge are not usually that obvious in cats. The most common signs of a cat being in heat are behavioral and include: Vocalization (this can include yowling‚ wailing‚ and meowing more than they usually do) Loud purring Spraying urine around the house Enlarged nipples More frequent urination Arching their back and wriggling their backside More skittish than usual Restlessness Scratching things in the house Crawling low to the ground Wagging their tail from side to side Overgrooming and licking themselves or other animals and humans Overt displays of affection Rubbing themselves on objects‚ other animals‚ and humans What is the Q-Tip Method? The Q-tip method is a way that has been described for owners to calm their cats down when they are in heat. Owners are advised to insert a Q-tip into the entrance of their cat’s vagina and move it in and out. The advice continues to say that the Q-tip should be inserted in and out fairly rapidly until the cat calms down. Essentially the Q-tip is supposed to mimic a male cat’s penis entering the vagina and stimulate the same response. Cats are induced ovulators‚ meaning that they ovulate only when they are mated. The Q-tip is supposed to stimulate ovulation and therefore bring the cat out of heat. The Q-tip method is NEVER recommended by veterinarians. Let’s discuss why. Image Credit: r.krauss_photography‚Shutterstock The 4 Reasons the Q-Tip Method is Advised Against 1. Risk of Infection There is a huge risk of introducing infection using a Q-tip. If a foreign body is inserted into your cat’s vagina‚ it can bring in all sorts of bacteria. Even if attempts are made to sterilize the Q-tip‚ (which will be difficult at home)‚ there is still a huge risk of infection. Another potential issue is that because the end of the Q-tip is essentially cotton wool‚ small bits of fluff can come off it and remain in the vagina. This can cause a foreign body reaction and a nasty infection if left unnoticed. 2. Injury Inserting a Q-tip to simulate the male cat’s penis can cause damage. You may push too hard‚ and tears and lacerations on the inside of the vagina are very painful and can be challenging to repair. You may cause unnecessary friction when inserting the Q-tip‚ or the angle may be incorrect. All of these things can cause unnecessary trauma and subsequent infection if there are wounds or broken skin. Image Credit: Julia-Cherk‚ Shutterstock 3. Unethical Cats being in heat is a normal‚ natural process. It is unethical to perform this sort of procedure on a cat to attempt to stop the behavior. A cat is an animal that acts based on instincts and it is inappropriate to intervene and give the cat mixed messages about what to expect from natural urges. 4. Low Success Rate This technique actually has a very low success rate. The risk of complications is far greater than any potential benefit therefore it is not worth doing. The 7 Alternative Ways to Help Your Cat 1. Catnip Catnip can be given to female cats in heat in an attempt to calm them down. Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is an herb belonging to the mint family. It has small aromatic leaves that cats are attracted to. The smell of catnip can help to relax your cat and distract them from mating urges. Image credit: Anna Hoychuk‚ Shutterstock 2. Pheromone Diffuser There are pheromone diffusers available that release synthetic chemicals that emulate the natural pheromones a mother cat releases when nursing her kittens. These can be very useful to calm down a cat in heat. These can be purchased as wall plug-ins to be released into the atmosphere to calm your cat. 3. Warm Heat Pad Anecdotal evidence suggests that giving your cat a heating pad to lie on when they are in heat can help them calm down. The warmth of the pad can relax your cat and encourage them to lie down and rest. 4. Spay Your Cat One way to ensure your cat does not come into heat at all is to have your cat spayed. Spaying involves the removal of the uterus and the ovaries through a small incision made on the side or along the bottom of the abdomen. Spaying also has other health benefits for your cat such as reducing the risk of mammary cancer. Image Credit: Sannikova Maria‚ Shutterstock 5. L-theanine This is an amino acid that can be found in the leaves of the tea plant. It is thought to have a calming effect on humans and animals. 6. Increase Physical Activity If you play with your cat and allow them to run around‚ this can potentially distract them from their urges and stop them from getting stressed out. Exercise has many benefits for your cat’s health too. 7. Enrichment Toys There are many puzzle toys and enrichment toys available you can buy for your cat. Some release small amounts of food as an incentive to keep playing or a reward. Others offer mental stimulation. These toys can distract your cat from their mating urges. Image Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Using a Q-tip to help relieve a cat when they are in heat is not a suitable option. It is dangerous and there are lots of things that can go wrong. Your cat could end up with a serious injury or an infection. There are lots of effective alternatives offering your cat relief or preventing them from being in heat altogether. Spaying your cat will mean that they cannot come into heat or get pregnant. Sources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158189/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35209770/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17975219/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1480656/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36008824/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698045/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26282847/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30338056/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26282847/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698045/   Featured Image Credit: ang intaravichian‚ Shutterstock The post Can a Q-Tip Help a Cat in Heat? (Vet Answer) by Dr. Emma Chandley‚ BVetMed 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.