A pretty pink and white agate sitting in the Natural History Museum‚ London’s Mineralogy Collection since 1883 has turned out to be even more stunning than thought for a surprising reason. Around 15 centimeters (6 inches) across‚ almost completely spherical but otherwise unassuming‚ the specimen has remained in the collection for the last 175 years‚ until a chance finding earlier this year revealed it to be a dinosaur egg.The specimen's attractive interior colors caught the eye of Robin Hansen‚ one of the Mineral Curators at the NHM who helped prepare the specimen when it was selected to go on display in 2018. Then a trip to a mineral show in France helped reveal the significance of the “rock”.'While I was looking around the show‚ a dealer showed me an agatised dinosaur egg‚ which was spherical‚ had a thin rind‚ and dark agate in the middle‚" Hansen told Josh Davis at the NHM. "That was the lightbulb moment when I thought: 'Hang on a minute‚ that looks a lot like the one we've just put on display in the Museum!'"The pieces of the egg fit together perfectly to show how round it was.Image courtesy of © Trustees of the Natural History Museum‚ LondonThe mineral was then inspected by the museum’s dinosaur curators Professor Paul Barrett and Dr Susie Maidment‚ who decided to run a CT scan on the specimen to see what clues they could unveil. Unfortunately‚ the density of the agate meant the CT scan could not pick out any finer details. On the plus side‚ the team agreed that the thin layer around the agate looked like a shell‚ and found that the outside of the specimen suggested that more than one object had been gathered together. Furthermore‚ the specimen was collected in India and the size‚ shape‚ and surface features are the same as those of other specimens of titanosaur eggs from China and Argentina. The egg is thought to date back to 60 million years ago when titanosaurs were the most common dinosaurs living in India. Titanosaurs‚ despite their massive size‚ were thought to have laid clutches of around 30-40 eggs and had no parental care involvement with their offspring. "This specimen is a perfect example of why museum collections are so important‚" explained Hansen. "It was identified and cataloged correctly as an agate in 1883 using the scientific knowledge available at the time.""It is only now that we have recognized that this specimen has something extra special – the agate has infilled this spherical structure‚ which turns out to be a dinosaur egg."The team think this occurred due to volcanic activity causing the egg to become encased in solidified volcanic rock after an eruption. The internal structures would have eventually decomposed‚ and the silica-rich water would have made its way through the rock and into the egg cavity‚ creating the banded agate specimen we see today. To find out more about the nests the titanosaurs would have made‚ check out our exclusive feature on Patagotitan‚ one of the largest dinosaurs to ever walk the Earth.An earlier version of this article was first published in March 2023. 

Nothing ruins a road trip like the feeling of needing to vom all over your car mats – and yet‚ for more than one in four of us‚ it’s pretty common. Motion sickness is annoying for some‚ debilitating for others‚ and strikes seemingly at random‚ with some people getting it their entire lives and others never experiencing it at all. Still more may feel that tell-tale nausea in some circumstances but not others; at one time of their life but not another; heck‚ the feeling can even be worse depending on where you’re at in your menstrual cycle.So what is behind this mysterious and unpredictable phenomenon? Why do some of us have to suffer it while others don’t? And‚ most importantly‚ what can we do about it when it strikes?Who gets motion sickness?If there’s one thing worse than getting motion sickness‚ it’s having it while traveling with someone who doesn’t. Here you are‚ trying every folk remedy you’ve heard of to try not to chuck in your friend’s mom’s car‚ while said friend is calmly reading a classic novel in the back while looking as comfortable as a long-haired cat that’s just found your favorite freshly laundered sweater.“What gives?!” you might think – and the good news is‚ there are answers.The bad news is‚ there aren’t many. “Motion sickness affects people differently‚ and there’s no single reason why some people experience motion sickness more frequently than others‚” explained Saima Rajasingam‚ a lecturer in audiology at Anglia Ruskin University in a piece for The Conversation.For instance‚ we know that “experiences peak around nine or ten years of age‚ and are more common in women‚” she continued. “However‚ it is uncertain as to why this may be the case.”For some of us‚ the urge to hurl on the highway may literally be in our DNA: there are a whopping 35 genetic variants associated with motion sickness‚ according to a 2015 study that analyzed data from 23andMe. Twin studies have corroborated the genetic angle‚ with one 2006 study estimating that as much as 57 percent of a person's susceptibility to motion sickness may be inherited.Motion sickness can go hand-in-hand with other disorders – it seems to be tightly linked to migraine susceptibility‚ for some reason‚ while inner ear problems such as Ménière’s disease also increase the likelihood of experiencing motion sickness‚ Rajasingam noted.For some of us‚ it may just be the roll of the dice. “Some people are just unlucky‚” Timothy Hain‚ an otoneurologist and professor emeritus at Northwestern University‚ told The Atlantic back in 2015. “[They’re] wired to be more sensitive to motion than others.”What causes motion sickness?There are two suggestions as to what’s behind that familiar nausea – one you probably have heard before‚ and one you may not have.The first‚ more common explanation is that it’s your body getting confused by a clash of sensory data. “As we move through space‚ multiple sensors in our middle ear‚ limbs and eyes feed information to our balance center in our brains to orientate us‚” explained UNSW Sydney pharmacology professor Ric Day and University of Sydney Dean of Pharmacy Andrew McLachlan in The Conversation. “It’s when these sources of information are in apparent conflict that we may experience motion sickness.”This theory essentially puts the blame for motion sickness on our balance system. Usually‚ our bodies keep us upright – or walking in a straight line‚ or simply able to pat ourselves on the head without missing – by harnessing a complex network of sensory input from our eyes‚ our muscles‚ and the sloshing around of the fluid in our inner ears. Imagine walking up a hill‚ for instance: our eyes see the vertical lines of the buildings around us; our muscles pick up on the increase in pressure on our feet and the unevenness in our weight as we take a step; and the fluid in our ears tells us that we’re currently upright‚ despite the funny angle at which we’re walking.The problem comes when one of those inputs disagrees with the others. In a plane‚ for example‚ our eyes and muscles are convinced we’re sitting still‚ reading a book‚ or watching an in-flight movie – our inner ear‚ meanwhile‚ is very aware that we’re being pitched and yawed and rolled through the sky at approximately 600 miles per hour.“This is also why the less sensory mismatch we experience in a vehicle‚ the less likely we are to experience motion sickness‚” Rajasingam wrote. “For example‚ traveling in a car on a smooth‚ straight road will cause less sensory mismatch than traveling on a winding road with lots of potholes.”Of course‚ there’s a slight problem with that explanation: we all have inner ears and eyeballs‚ and yet not all of us get motion sickness. But this is where the second explanation of the nauseating phenomenon comes in: perhaps‚ some argue‚ it has to do with our posture.As anybody who has tried to take a long-exposure photo without stabilization knows‚ the human body is constantly moving. Even standing still requires muscle activation: “If you relax all your muscles‚ you collapse on the floor‚” University of Minnesota kinesiologist Thomas Stoffregen told The Atlantic.Precisely how we make all these little movements is unique to each of us – though it does follow some general rules. For example‚ “in women‚ the weight tends to be carried in the hips‚ and in men‚ in the chest‚” Stoffregen said. “You have a big mechanical difference there.”If the theory is correct‚ it’s enough to account for the discrepancy between the sexes‚ Stoffregen said. In experiments‚ "if you were going to get sick you swayed this way‚ if you weren’t‚ you swayed this other way‚” he explained. Similarly‚ it explains why children are more susceptible than adults to yakking in the car: “Before puberty‚ boys’ and girls’ bodies are not all that different‚” Stoffregen pointed out. “And after‚ they are.”Why would this result in motion sickness? Once again‚ it comes down to a mismatch between what our bodies expect‚ and what they actually experience.“Ships are an obvious example‚” Stoffregen told Vox. As the vessel tips this way and that‚ our bodies’ usual micro-movements that should keep us upright are instead fighting against an unpredictable environment: “When the floor is rolling and pitching under you‚ there will be some body movement that is not under your control‚” he said.Of course‚ none of that explains why exactly our bodies think throwing up is the right thing to do – but there is one‚ admittedly controversial‚ explanation for that‚ too.“The deeper‚ more fundamental subconscious systems that regulate our bodies don’t really know how to deal with such internal problems as this‚” wrote neuroscientist Dean Burnett in his 2016 book The Idiot Brain. “In fact‚ as far as the reptile brain is concerned‚ there is only one likely answer: poison.”“In nature‚ that is the only likely thing that can so deeply affect our inner workings and cause them to get so confused‚” he explained. “Poison is bad‚ and if the brain thinks there is poison in the body‚ there is only one reasonable response: get rid of it‚ activate the vomiting reflex‚ pronto.”How to cope with motion sicknessSo‚ if we know – or‚ at least‚ suspect – the cause of motion sickness‚ surely we can treat it‚ right?Well‚ to an extent‚ yes. If we take Stoffregen’s explanation as a starting point‚ for example‚ we can deduce a potential remedy: simply try to reduce the amount of uncontrolled movement your body experiences. Sit in the center of the plane‚ where the turbulence and movement are lowest; consciously anchor your head to the headrest in a car; wherever you are‚ try to sit in as stable a position as possible.This may also be why certain medications such as Dramamine can reduce motion sickness‚ Stoffregen said. “Any sedative will tend to make you move less or wish to sit down as opposed to stand‚ lie down as opposed to sit‚” he explained. “Anything that will stabilize the body will help.”Similarly‚ any action we can take to reduce discordance within our balance system may help. “The longer the experience lasts and the larger the size of the movement‚ the worse the symptoms‚” advised Rajasingam. “For example‚ traveling on a small boat in a storm for more than eight hours will cause quite severe symptoms – whereas a one-hour train journey will probably have little effect‚ even if the track isn’t perfectly smooth.”Some treatments take a little of both. If you’re one of those people who feel sick in the passenger seat of a car‚ but not as a driver – which is a pretty common experience‚ it turns out‚ “probably because drivers are (unsurprisingly) much better at anticipating the motion of a vehicle and move their bodies according to the movement of the vehicle‚” Rajasingam explained – then your best bet is to‚ essentially‚ pretend to be the driver: focus on the horizon‚ Hain suggests‚ and “do everything the driver does.”And if all else fails‚ at least there’s this: eventually‚ motion sickness will almost certainly abate. Not just long-term‚ with age‚ but within a single journey. “There tends to be a reduction in symptoms after a couple of days at sea‚” Day and McLachlan assure. “Medicines can then be reduced and even stopped.” “Symptoms often return when back on dry land‚ usually for just a day or two‚” they add. The universe is nothing if not ironic‚ we suppose.The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice‚ diagnosis‚ or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text‚ images‚ and links may be edited‚ removed‚ or added to at a later date to keep information current.  

This article first appeared in Issue 14 of our free digital magazine CURIOUS.Twelve thousand years ago‚ changing sea levels left a pocket of water isolated from the rest of the ocean‚ trapping in its confines a group of jellyfish. The unique subspecies can’t be found anywhere else on Earth‚ but exist in their millions in Palau’s Jellyfish Lake.Jellyfish reign supreme inside one of 70 saltwater lakes on an island off the coast of Koror‚ Palau‚ in the western Pacific‚ that’s uninhabited by humans. The water bodies were once connected to the ocean but got cut off thousands of years ago‚ creating unique pockets of ecosystems and unusual food chains including a haven for cnidarians.It’s estimated that Jellyfish Lake may have become isolated from the ocean as far back as 12‚000 years ago‚ trapping its inhabitants. This was due to rising sea levels depositing them in the lake before receding again‚ leaving them behind.Its residents are Mastigias papua etpisoni‚ also known as the golden jellyfish. The unique subspecies is named after former President Ngiratkel Etpison and this marine lake is the species’ exclusive home.They survive in partnership with symbiotic algae that live in their tissues. Collectively‚ these dinoflagellates are known as zooxanthellae‚ a term used to describe single-celled microorganisms that live inside a range of marine invertebrates including demosponges‚ corals‚ jellyfish‚ and nudibranchs.Subscribe to our newsletter and get every issue of CURIOUS delivered to your inbox free each month.The lake is home to millions of jellyfish.Image credit: zaferkizilkaya/Shutterstock.comJellyfish aren’t the only wildlife found in the lake‚ which is lined at its edge by mangrove trees whose tangled roots are bustling with marine invertebrates. It’s also home to moon jellyfish‚ but the golden jellyfish are by far the most numerous. During a peak for the lake’s residents back in 2005‚ it’s estimated there were around 30 million M. papua etpisoni in Jellyfish Lake‚ but most of the time there are thought to be nearer to 5 million swimming around.While they can rest easy without the fear of predators‚ the jellyfish have a job to do. To ensure their tenant zooxanthellae get the sunlight they need for photosynthesis‚ they must rotate and swim around the lake’s surface waters if they’re to receive any energy and nutrients in return.The lake’s collaborating inhabitants aren’t its only peculiar feature‚ as the water column is split up with all the complexity of a B52 shot. In total‚ it’s around 400 meters (1‚312 feet) long and 30 meters (98 feet) deep‚ but not all of the lake is safe to swim in.At a depth of 13 to 15 meters (43 to 49 feet) sits a pink layer of bacteria that light cannot get through‚ creating a barrier beyond which no sunlight or oxygen can reach. This means the bottom water layer is made up of poisonous dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas‚ explains the Coral Reef Research Foundation.So‚ are you going in?How to get there: The best way to visit Jellyfish Lake is as part of a tour as environmental fees and permits are required to swim among the jellies‚ and they can collect you from Koror.CURIOUS magazine is a digital magazine from IFLScience featuring interviews‚ experts‚ deep dives‚ fun facts‚ news‚ book excerpts‚ and much more. Issue 17 is out now.

In the spring of 1973‚ a pair of children encountered a bizarre clown-like figure beckoning to them from beneath a bridge‚ leading them into what some suggest might have been another dimension. Off the coast of Hampshire‚ England‚ lies the Isle of Wight‚ celebrated for its mild climate and natural allure. Yet‚ amidst its beauty‚ an extraordinary encounter unfolded with an intelligent‚ non-human entity. Nestled between the seaside havens of Sandown and the town of Shanklin is the Shanklin &; Sandown Golf Club. Here‚ in May of 1973‚ a peculiar incident commenced on the meticulously groomed fairways. Around 4:00 pm‚… This premium content is for PLUS+ members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Sam the Sandown Clown: Cryptid‚ Robot‚ Alien‚ Ghost or Hoax? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

Inside the silo of the “legacy media‚” they are alarmed that left-tilting government bureaucrats are being discouraged from telling social-media platforms what speech they should suppress…in the name of “democracy.” In 2020‚ these platforms crushed damaging stories about Hunter Biden and “conspiracy theories” about COVID emerging from a Chinese lab. It doesn’t matter now that the “suppressed” side was correct‚ and the “misinformation” actually came from the Left. The Washington Post expressed alarm under the headline: “U.S. stops helping Big Tech spot foreign meddling amid GOP legal threats.” Notice the Biden gang and the leftist permanent bureaucracy are described as the “U.S.‚” like they’re super-neutral. Reporters Naomi Nix and Cat Zakrzewski began with “The U.S. federal government has stopped warning some social networks about foreign disinformation campaigns on their platforms.” This alarmed the Censorship-Industrial Complex on the Left‚ who were also described super-neutrally as “researchers.” The Post lamented‚ “For months‚ researchers in government and academia have warned that a barrage of lawsuits‚ congressional demands and online attacks are having a chilling effect on programs intended to combat health and election misinformation.” A series of "researchers" are quoted making the left-wing case. Their back-door control of the political narrative through the federal government is pawned off as “election integrity.” If democracy is synonymous with the Democrats‚ then integrity is only assured by Democrat victory.  The Post duo warned‚ “The shift erodes a partnership that was considered crucial to the integrity of elections around the world — just months before voters head to the polls in Taiwan‚ the European Union‚ India and the United States.” Nowhere in this story did these scribes Naomi and Cat give the slightest clue they interviewed a conservative or a Republican outside their tight-knit circle of “researchers.” All the quotes were united with the Post narrative‚ or what one supportive source called the “defender community.” There's passing mentions of Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Jim Jordan‚ but no quotes. Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia‚ the Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee‚ was quoted as complaining that “legal warfare by far-right actors” has “led to a dire situation.” He was referring to Missouri vs. Biden‚ a lawsuit by Republican attorneys general into how the federal government pressured Big Tech to suppress so-called “misinformation” which might prevent a full accounting of COVID origins or Biden family shenanigans in China and Ukraine. It’s a “dire situation” that judges ruled against the Biden administration pressuring social-media giants to curtail anti-Biden expression. It's terrible that "far-right actors" have spurred "broad legal uncertainty" inhibiting their censorious impulses. The Post pretended these were mere allegations‚ that the lawsuit focused on “ways federal officials allegedly pressured social networks to remove misleading posts about coronavirus vaccines and elections.” Allegedly?? Everyone knows how pre-Musk Twitter suspended the New York Post account for 17 days and temporarily suspended accounts -- even liberal journalists -- who merely retweeted the tabloid’s stories on Hunter Biden. They weren’t “protecting elections.” They were protecting Democrats.  Time magazine proclaimed after the successful suppression: “They were not rigging the election; they were fortifying it.” It's great news that the Big Tech-government partnership to "fortify" the election for the Democrats through censorship has been frustrated by Republican lawsuits and congressional hearings. If we had a slogan for what The Washington Post is fervently supporting here it's.... Democracy Dying In Darkness. 

Many dog owners often wonder‚ “Can dogs eat oatmeal?” And the answer is yes! Most dogs can absolutely eat oatmeal in moderation. However‚ like any other human food‚ certain rules apply. So‚ let’s go on an informative journey to understand how to serve oatmeal to our four-legged buddies and things to consider before offering it to them. Oatmeal’s Nutritional Value for Dogs Oatmeal‚ packed with dietary fiber and rich in a variety of nutrients‚ could be a healthy occasional addition to your dog’s diet. Oatmeal can also be a wholesome alternative carbohydrate for dogs sensitive to grains. Infused with the goodness of vitamin B‚ oatmeal helps in maintaining a lustrous coat‚ and its linoleic acid‚ an omega-6 fatty acid1‚ supports robust skin health. Soluble fiber‚ another strong point of oatmeal‚ can help regulate blood glucose levels. It may also offer assistance for dogs struggling with irregular bowel movements. A few words of caution here: An overabundance of fiber can result in gastrointestinal upset‚ which isn’t the most pleasant of experiences. It can come with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Thus‚ the phrase “moderation is key” is worth remembering. Oatmeal may also not be suitable for all dogs‚ for example those who are obese or have underlying health conditions. Dogs on prescription diets should not have any additions to their diet unless you have the go ahead from your vet. Image Credit: marialevkina‚ Shutterstock Serving Oatmeal to Dogs: A Step-By-Step Guide Before adding oatmeal to your dog’s menu‚ a quick primer on the best way to serve it is in order. While you may love oatmeal cooked in milk‚ it’s better to serve it to your dog prepared in water. Why‚ you ask? The reason is that many dogs are lactose intolerant‚ and their bodies may struggle with efficient lactose breakdown. As for the cooking process‚ make sure the oatmeal is well-cooked‚ not served raw‚ to aid in easy digestion. And remember‚ while we love our oatmeal chock-full of additives like sugar and butter‚ these very ingredients can harm dogs so only ever serve it plain. Special caution is needed against flavored oatmeal‚ which often contains excess sugar or even artificial sweeteners like xylitol‚ an additive that’s toxic to dogs. Another pro tip is to avoid instant oatmeal‚ as it’s heavily processed‚ leading to a significant loss in nutritional value. And of course‚ before serving‚ let the oatmeal cool down to room temperature to prevent any potential mouth burns. Image Credit: Arctic ice‚ Shutterstock Dietary Tips and Serving Size While sharing oatmeal with your furry friend might seem like a bonding experience‚ remember your dog’s dietary needs are different from yours. Too much human food‚ regardless of type‚ can upset your pup’s stomach. Here’s a simple rule of thumb: a single tablespoon of cooked oats per every 20 pounds of your dog’s weight should do the trick. Overindulging can lead to consequences like vomiting‚ diarrhea‚ and in extreme cases‚ even bloat. To steer clear of this‚ just stick to a small serving and give it to your furry pal once or twice a week‚ tops. It’s always recommended to ensure your dog is primarily consuming a well-balanced commercial diet. When introducing oatmeal (or any new human food) to your dog’s diet‚ take a gradual approach and watch for any negative reactions. And in case of any alarming symptoms‚ reach out to your vet at the earliest. Tips to Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet Switching gears from oatmeal‚ let’s focus on some general tips that can aid you in feeding your dog a healthy‚ balanced diet‚ ensuring they live their life to the fullest. Go for a Balanced Commercial Diet The backbone of your dog’s diet should be a commercial‚ well-balanced dog food. So you want to look for products that have met the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These dog foods are designed to provide complete nutrition with a perfect balance of proteins‚ carbohydrates‚ fats‚ vitamins and minerals. Image Credit: RossHelen‚ Shutterstock Keep Human Food to a Minimum While it’s okay to treat your dog to some human foods occasionally‚ such as oatmeal‚ remember that their system is different from ours. They require a specific set of nutrients that might not be adequately provided by human food alone. Additionally‚ certain foods we enjoy can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Hydrate‚ Hydrate‚ Hydrate! Water is as essential to dogs as it is to humans. Ensure your dog always has access to clean‚ fresh water‚ especially during hot weather or after periods of exercise. Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy kidney function and regulates body temperature. Understand Your Dog’s Specific Needs Not all dogs have the same dietary needs. Size‚ breed‚ age‚ activity level‚ and health status can greatly influence a dog’s nutritional requirements. Small breeds often need calorie-dense food‚ while larger breeds may benefit from certain joint-supporting nutrients. Age also plays a role‚ as puppies and senior dogs have unique dietary needs. It’s always best to consult with your vet when choosing the best diet for your dog. Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk‚ Shutterstock Portion Control Is Crucial Overfeeding is a common problem that leads to obesity in dogs‚ which can result in various health problems. Ensure you’re feeding your dog the right amount by checking the feeding guidelines on your dog food and adjusting according to your dog’s activity level and body condition. Regular Vet Checks Regular vet visits can help monitor your dog’s weight and overall health status. They can provide personalized advice on feeding‚ especially if your dog has a health condition that requires a special diet. Never hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about your dog’s diet during these visits. By keeping these tips in mind‚ you’re setting the stage for a healthy‚ balanced diet that will support your dog’s overall well-being and longevity. After all‚ a healthy dog is a happy dog! Image Credit: Ground Picture‚ Shutterstock Conclusion So‚ can dogs eat oatmeal? Absolutely! But as with everything in life‚ balance is crucial. Serve it cooked‚ avoid additives and flavorings‚ and watch the serving size to ensure that the oatmeal is not only enjoyed by your dog but is also benefiting them. Sources https://www.journal-advocate.com/ci_20620060/hill-omega-3-and-be-inflammation-free/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-drink-milk/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-oatmeal/ Featured Image Credit: olhovyi_photographer‚ Shutterstock The post Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal? Vet Approved Facts &; FAQ appeared first on Pet Keen.

Cats are known for being fastidiously clean‚ so it may come as quite a surprise to find your precious feline lapping from the toilet bowl. Unsettling as this may be‚ it’s important to understand why they might be doing it. Let’s dive into five common reasons that might explain this peculiar feline behavior. The 6 Reasons Cats Drink Out of the Toilet 1. They Are Attracted to Cool Water Cats have a natural preference for cooler water‚ and the porcelain toilet bowl naturally helps keep the water at a lower temperature than a typical metal or plastic pet dish. It’s like a naturally chilled drinking spot that can be hard for a cat to resist. But what can we do to counteract this toilet temptation? A simple way to break this habit is to offer your cat a similarly cool and refreshing alternative. Consider investing in a ceramic or glass bowl for your cat’s water. These materials retain coolness similar to porcelain and are more appealing to cats compared to plastic or metal. Also‚ consider popping a few ice cubes into their water bowl during warmer days to keep the water cool. Image Credit: Seregraff‚ Shutterstock 2. Toilet Water Seems Fresher to Your Cat The regular flushing of a toilet introduces oxygen into the water‚ making it taste fresher. From a cat’s perspective‚ the toilet mimics a flowing stream—a source of fresh‚ clean water in the wild. There is also often very slight movement in the water’s surface‚ especially if you have a toilet that keeps running! To simulate this freshness and keep your cat away from the toilet‚ consider investing in a cat water fountain. The continuous flow of water in a fountain mimics a stream‚ providing constantly refreshed and oxygenated water‚ enticing your cat to drink from it. 3. Your Cat Is Entertained by the Toilet’s Flush Toilet flushing can be an exciting spectacle for cats. The swirling water and the rush of the flush can serve as a source of entertainment‚ and the resulting fresh water becomes a tempting drinking source. This can cause other problems if your cat learns how to flush the toilet themselves‚ as many have done‚ racking up a huge water bill! Keep your cat stimulated with other forms of entertainment. Interactive toys‚ puzzle feeders‚ and regular playtime can help divert their attention from the toilet. The more entertained they are‚ the less likely they’ll resort to the toilet for amusement. 4. They Prefer Separate Feeding and Drinking Areas In the wild‚ cats would keep their food and water sources separate to avoid potential contamination. If your cat’s water dish is too close to their food‚ they might opt for the toilet instead. Try to use separate areas for your cat’s food and water. Having several water stations in different parts of your home can encourage your cat to drink from these spots rather than resort to the toilet. Image Credit: Vera_Chan‚ Shutterstock 5. The Cat’s Water Bowl Is Not Clean Enough Cats are notorious for their cleanliness. If their water bowl isn’t clean‚ they may reject it and choose a seemingly cleaner source like the toilet bowl. Ensure you clean your cat’s water bowl daily to keep it appealing. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any residue or old food particles that may have fallen in. By keeping their bowl clean and fresh‚ your cat will be more inclined to use it. Remember‚ your cat’s standards for cleanliness might be higher than your own‚ so a clean bowl is paramount in encouraging proper hydration habits. 6. They Have a Health Condition Health problems such as urinary tract infections‚ kidney disease‚ or diabetes can cause your cat to drink excessively. In these cases‚ you may notice that they are drinking from their bowls‚ the sink‚ dripping taps‚ and the toilet. If your cat is not just drinking from the toilet‚ but is drinking more in general‚ it is important to get them checked by a vet. Image Credit: 4 PM production‚ Shutterstock Potential Risks: Why Toilet Water Is Not Ideal for Cats While the toilet water itself may seem clean‚ it can harbor various microorganisms like E. coli‚ that are not particularly healthy for your pet. Additionally‚ any cleaning agents‚ such as bleach or commercial toilet cleaners‚ can be highly toxic to cats. Therefore‚ it’s crucial to curb this habit to safeguard your feline friend’s health. The most obvious solution to this unfortunate habit is to keep the toilet lid down‚ but as many household arguments have proven‚ this is not always the easiest rule to enforce. It also doesn’t address the issue of why your cat is seeking this alternative water source. So let’s take a look at some things you should be doing to keep your kitty’s chin up‚ and out of that porcelain bowl. Image Credit: Galina-Photo‚ Shutterstock Tips to Keep Your Cat Healthy‚ Happy‚ and out of your Toilet Keeping your feline companion healthy and happy isn’t just about providing food‚ water‚ and a warm place to sleep. Cats have unique behavioral and physical needs that should be met to ensure their well-being. Here are some valuable tips to help you keep your cat not only healthy but also purring with happiness. Regular Vet Checkups Regular vet checkups are crucial for keeping your cat healthy. These visits allow your vet to monitor your cat’s health over time and catch any potential health issues early‚ making treatment easier and more effective. Adequate Nutrition Feeding your cat a balanced‚ high-quality diet is vital to maintain their health. Consult with your vet about the best type of food for your cat’s breed‚ age‚ and health status. Also‚ ensure fresh water is always available. Image Credit: VGstockstudio‚ Shutterstock Regular Exercise Just like humans‚ cats need regular exercise to stay healthy. Playing with your cat not only helps them stay in shape but also strengthens your bond with them and keeps them mentally stimulated. Mental Stimulation Cats are intelligent creatures and require mental stimulation. Interactive toys‚ puzzle feeders‚ and environmental enrichment‚ such as climbing trees or perches‚ can help keep your cat’s mind sharp. If you don’t have the floor space for a good sized cat tree‚ look into some options for wall and ceiling-mounted cat shelves and platforms that will keep your kitty occupied and exercised. Grooming Regular grooming is essential‚ especially for long-haired cats. Brushing helps to prevent matting and hairballs‚ and it can be a wonderful bonding activity. Plus‚ it allows you to check for any skin issues or external parasites. Image Credit: RJ22‚ Shutterstock Dental Care Don’t overlook your cat’s dental health. Dental disease can lead to a host of other health problems. Use specially designed cat toothbrushes and toothpaste to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Regular vet checkups will also include dental examinations. By following these tips‚ you can help ensure that your cat stays healthy and content and lives a long‚ happy life. Remember‚ each cat is unique and may require different care‚ so always consult with your vet for personalized advice. Conclusion Understanding why cats drink from the toilet can help you better cater to their hydration needs while discouraging this potentially harmful behavior. By making slight adjustments to their environment‚ providing a fresher water source‚ or simply adding some fun distractions‚ you can ensure your pet stays both hydrated and entertained—without resorting to toilet water! Sources https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/5-ways-keep-your-cat-hydrated Featured Image Credit: Olivia Lorot‚ Shutterstock The post Why Do Cats Drink Out of the Toilet? 6 Vet Approved Reasons appeared first on Pet Keen.

Call of Duty‚ Battlefield‚ and Counter-Strike 2 are fantastic online shooters in their own right‚ but naturally‚ you need a pretty solid gaming PC to get them running at top spec. The makers of BattleBit saw a niche and jumped right in - 254 players‚ destructible maps‚ but with a visual style that means anyone can join the fun‚ regardless of their hardware budget. One of the breakout hits of 2023‚ and proof that talented independent developers can find success in even the most triple-A dominated genres‚ if you haven’t tried BattleBit yet‚ it’s got a 9/10 rating from players on Steam‚ and it’s suddenly gone free to play - at least for a short while. Continue reading Amazing 9/10 FPS game is now free to play‚ for a while MORE FROM PCGAMESN: BattleBit guns‚ BattleBit codes‚ BattleBit servers

With a Game Awards nomination under its belt‚ while at first glance Tchia looks like just another cozy game‚ it's so much more. Tasking you with exploring a tropical archipelago that bears an uncanny resemblance to Pacific nation of New Caledonia‚ you play as Tchia‚ a young woman with the power to 'soul jump' into both animals and inanimate objects. Heavily inspired by New Caledonian folklore‚ the game is equal parts stunning and genuinely moving - for me‚ it's one of 2023's 'must plays.' But‚ if the Epic Game Store exclusivity has been putting you off‚ I have good news for you. Continue reading Game Awards nominated Tchia finally gets long-awaited Steam release MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best action-adventure games‚ Best relaxing games‚ Best indie games

What are the new Pet Simulator 99 codes? If you’re extremely lucky (and timely)‚ getting a bunch of free gems in Big Games’ latest pet collecting game can be as easy as typing a few letters into a box. As time goes on‚ though‚ we expect PS99 codes to become increasingly rare‚ perhaps even being tied solely to physical merch like plushies‚ lucky bags‚ and playsets. We’ve seen it happen before. Pet Simulator 99 is the third Pet Simulator Roblox game Preston and his team have put out. Though it isn’t out to replace Pet Simulator X codes directly‚ it will be the one getting the big updates from now on. If leaving your old collection behind doesn’t sound fun to you‚ consider checking out Blade Ball codes or Shinobi Life 2 codes instead. Continue reading Pet Simulator 99 codes December 2023 – Free gems and boosts MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games‚ Roblox promo codes‚ Roblox music codes