Stranger Than Fiction: Larry David and Elmo Edition

In the Mojave desert lives a creosote bush ring called "King Clone"‚ thought to be one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.The clonal colony – a group of genetically identical plants that all originate from a single ancestor – is thought to have begun growing 11‚700 years ago‚ around the time human agriculture began. To test the plant's age‚ researchers measured how long it takes for the bushes to grow outwards in a ring‚ as well as radiocarbon dating the center of the ring itself. Both methods led to the conclusion that they were studying a very old bush indeed.In fact‚ Frank Vasek – a professor at the University of California‚ Riverside‚ who dated the creosote ring – believed that the bush was one of the first life forms to expand across the Mojave Desert after the last ice age.        While the original central bush died‚ the bushes around it are direct clones of the original. Slowly‚ the root system of the original plant grew outwards and new clones grew‚ slowly moving outwards to form the 22 by 8 meter (72 by 26 foot) ring we see today.Though impressively old‚ it is not the oldest organism on Earth. One of the oldest is Pando‚ a colony of 47‚000 quaking aspen clones in Utah‚ thought to be 14‚000 years old.

"Dreams are like angels." The post Lyrically Speaking: the darker meaning of Frankie Goes To Hollywood hit ‘The Power of Love’ first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

In an article last month‚ Catte Black and Iain Davis argued that we should oppose the multipolar world order just as vigorously as we might any other model of tyranny. Why? Because […]

by Frank Bergman‚ Slay News: Globalist lawmakers in Canada are pushing a disturbing new piece of legislation that seeks to jail members of the public who question the “Net Zero” agenda of the unelected World Economic Forum (WEF). The push aims to tackle so-called “climate skepticism” as governments around the world scramble to meet the WEF’s “Net […]

The post 15 Essential Cat Party Supplies for a Kitty-Themed Event by Misty Layne appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Food Supplies Treats and Toy Supplies Costume Supplies Party Favor Supplies Decorating Supplies Your kitty’s birthday is coming up‚ so what will you do to celebrate? Why not throw a party for your cat? Throwing a cat party is a fabulous way to celebrate your pet‚ and putting one together isn’t that complicated. You just need a few supplies and a bunch of your friends and their cats. What supplies do you need for a kitty-themed event? You’ll need the typical party stuff‚ like food and party favors‚ but there are also some other things you’ll need to get your hands on. Here’s the complete list of party supplies you’ll need to throw a party for your cat! The 15 Essential Cat Party Supplies Food Supplies 1. Birthday Cake Our Pick: Bakery Dog White Birthday Cake for Cats Check Latest Price You can absolutely try your hand at baking a cat-appropriate birthday cake if that’s something you’re up for. But for most‚ ordering a birthday cake suitable for felines is probably the way to go. We like this cake by Bakery Dog‚ which features tuna and catnip (two favorites of cats everywhere!). We also like that this cake can be shipped to you‚ so if you’re nowhere near Bakery Dog‚ no problem! You can also get this kitty cake in black in the same flavor. And if the look of this particular cake doesn’t appeal‚ Bakery Dog does have other cakes with the same flavors that look different‚ so no matter your needs‚ you should be covered. 2. Cat Food Our Pick: Friskies Lil’ Soups with Shrimp in a Velvety Chicken Broth Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Birthdays and Gotcha Days are special occasions‚ and thus‚ they require special food. You can’t just feed your cat and their kitty friends everyday food! Honestly‚ you probably won’t need to feed your pet or others’ pets a lot at all‚ making this tiny soup the perfect food for your party. Friskies Lil’ Soups is perfectly snack-sized and individually packaged‚ so every cat at your party can have one‚ and no one will be fighting over food. Plus‚ this soup was a huge favorite of felines‚ so it’s sure to be a hit! Treats and Toy Supplies 3. Cat Treats Our Pick: Friskies Party Mix Cheezy Craze Crunch Flavor Crunchy Cat Treats Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Of course‚ it’s always good to have regular cat treats on hand at a party‚ just in case. Friskies Party Mix is the perfect feline treat for a party because it’s made with a blend of cheeses and comes in different fun shapes. They’re also only 1.2 calories a piece‚ so even having a few of these won’t ruin your cat or their friends’ dinners! This bag size should suffice for a kitty party (unless a ton of felines are invited). Bonus—these treats help clean teeth! 4. Toys for Your Kitty Guests Our Pick: SmartyKat Celebration Bundle Cat Toys   Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Most birthday parties will have games‚ but felines aren’t always easy to wrangle for a game. Instead‚ be sure you have plenty of toys for your kitty guests to play with. Sure‚ your cat has a million toys‚ but these SmartyKat toys are specifically for celebrations! Each bundle comes with 16 various toys filled with catnip‚ so your feline guests will be thrilled. And the bundle is fairly inexpensive‚ so it won’t break the bank. 5. Goodies for the Birthday Cat Our Pick: Goody Box Birthday Cat Toys‚ Treats &; Collar Check Latest Price Your pet is the kitty of honor‚ so they should get fun toys and treats all their own! This birthday-themed goody box features a cute bandana‚ yummy treats‚ and several toys your cat will adore. There are tiny donuts for them to play with‚ mice‚ and even a ball pyramid they’re sure to enjoy. And there are three kinds of treats‚ including squeezable and chewy ones! Best of all‚ this goody box really isn’t that expensive (especially considering everything you’re getting for the price). It really is the perfect gift for your birthday kitty. Costume Supplies 6. Birthday Bandana Our Pick: Frisco Dog &; Cat Birthday Bandana Check Latest Price If your feline isn’t a fan of having things on their head or dressing up‚ a birthday bandana may be a good alternative. This bandana from Frisco declares‚ “It’s My Birthday‚” on a confetti-covered bandana that is cute as can be. After all‚ your favorite feline needs something‚ marking them as the birthday boy or girl! You can easily customize your kitty’s look with this bandana by rolling it up‚ and it’s machine washable‚ so if your cat gets birthday cake all over it‚ no problem. 7. Birthday Crown Our Pick: Frisco Happy Birthday Dog &; Cat Crown Check Latest Price Of course‚ a birthday bandana won’t be for everyone. Perhaps your little birthday prince or princess would prefer a happy birthday crown! This Frisco crown is the perfect birthday crown because it isn’t a paper hat but rather a plush crown. That means it will be incredibly comfy on your kitty’s head (so hopefully‚ they’ll wear it for longer). The crown is easy to adjust to fit your pet’s head and has ear loops to help keep it on. Think of all the adorable photos you could get with your cat and this birthday crown! 8. Birthday Outfit Our Pick: Frisco It’s My Birthday &; Cat T-Shirt Check Latest Price Some felines are fine wearing clothing‚ and if that’s your cat‚ this birthday t-shirt from Frisco is just the thing. This adorable blue shirt features a cupcake and the words “It’s My Birthday” on the back and comes in a variety of sizes‚ so you should be able to find a size for your pet. It’s also lightweight‚ so it shouldn’t be irritating to your cat. The t-shirt is stretchy for a better fit and machine washable‚ so it can be reused for years. It’s the perfect birthday outfit for your birthday cat. 9. Cat Ears Our Pick: Plastic Cat Ears Headband Check Latest Price Don’t leave your human guests out! This party might be all about the cats‚ but the humans should have some fun‚ too. And these plastic cat ears headbands are plenty of fun. You get 24 headbands with this bundle that come in 12 colors‚ so every guest’s favorite color should be there. Plus‚ these headbands fit both adults and children‚ so if your party is a mix of both‚ everyone should be able to wear them. They also claim to be extra comfortable. And‚ as a bonus‚ your guests can take these home as party favors! Party Favor Supplies 10. Crinkle Balls Our Pick: Ethical Pet Mylar Balls Cat Toy Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon You can’t let your feline guests leave your home without some party favors! So‚ it’s time to grab some of those little birthday gift bags you remember from childhood and fill them up. But what should you put in them? These mylar balls by Ethical Pet‚ for one! Cats love crinkly toys‚ and mylar makes a fabulous crinkly sound when it’s played with. These balls are lightweight‚ so they can be tossed around easily‚ and they’re shiny‚ so they’re more easily spotted. It’s the perfect toy to put into a party favor bag. 11. Catnip Our Pick: Meowijuana Catnibas Meowy J’s King Rolled Catnip Check Latest Price Catnip is always a fabulous gift for cats. While not all kitties will be affected by catnip‚ many will‚ so they’ll love finding some in their party favor bag. This rolled catnip by Meowijuana Catnibas Meowy J is the perfect way to add it to those bags. Because it isn’t loose catnip‚ you don’t have to worry about bagging some up yourself or it making a mess in the bag. These are entirely mess-free. It’s also 100% organic‚ so you know you’re giving your cat’s pals something good. 12. Spring Toys Our Pick: Frisco Colorful Springs Cat Toy Check Latest Price You’ll want to add more toys than just some crinkle balls to your party favor bags. We recommend spring toys like these from Frisco. Spring toys are a cat favorite; they’re easy to bat around‚ they bounce‚ and they go rolling across the floor‚ so the kitty has to chase them down. They’re the perfect cat toy! These springs come in packs of 10‚ 20‚ or 40‚ so you can ensure you have enough for your party favor bags. They’re incredibly affordable‚ too‚ which makes them an even better addition to the party favor list. Decorating Supplies 13. Party Garland Our Pick: Funny Cat Party Garland Check Latest Price We’ve looked at many party supplies‚ but now it’s time to tackle some of the most important supplies needed for a cat party—the decorations! This party garland is the perfect place to start when it comes to decorating for your favorite feline’s event. Not only do you get a string of kitty faces to hang up (some of which are truly hilarious)‚ but you also get balloons spelling out ‘Meow”. Just one or two of these garland and balloon combos will jazz up the space where you’re holding your kitty-themed event. Each garland is about 5 feet long‚ and the balloons are approximately 13.5 inches tall when blown up. 14. Table Decoration Our Pick: Aloha Sugar Table Decorations Check Latest Price You’re not going to get a bunch of cats to sit at a table to enjoy some cake‚ but since you also have human guests‚ a table or two for people food will likely be needed. This combo of table decorations includes a kitty-themed tablecloth‚ centerpiece‚ plates‚ napkins‚ and cups. It even comes with a banner! This table decoration bundle includes enough stuff for 16 guests‚ so it should be the perfect size for most parties. Plus‚ it’s super cute! The pink and mint color combination‚ plus the cartoon felines‚ makes for extra adorable decorations. 15. Cake Topper Our Pick: Artczlay Happy Birthday Cake Topper Check Latest Price This decoration will depend greatly on what type of cake you make or purchase‚ so it may not be needed. But if you have a cake that’s looking a bit bare‚ a cake topper is the perfect addition. We love this one by Artczlay because of how glittery it is. We also enjoy the lovely rose gold color! This cake topper is 6.3 x 3.6 x 0.5 inches‚ so make sure it fits your cake before purchase. It’s incredibly inexpensive‚ and people who have used it say it’s super cute! Conclusion Having a party for your kitty’s birthday is the perfect way to celebrate them! And putting together a party for your cat isn’t all that hard. You simply need a few supplies like food‚ decorations‚ and party favors‚ and you’re all set (well‚ you need to invite other people and cats over‚ too‚ of course!). Hopefully‚ your favorite feline will enjoy their party‚ as will their kitty friends! Sources Pet MD   Featured Image Credit: AlonaPhoto‚ Shutterstock The post 15 Essential Cat Party Supplies for a Kitty-Themed Event by Misty Layne 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 Why Does My Cat Play With Poop? 6 Possible Reasons For This Behavior by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Possible Reasons That Cats Play With Poop Cat Litter Requirements Why Does My Cat Fling Poop Out of the Litter Box? Why Does My Cat Go Crazy When They Poop? Typically‚ cats are very clean animals. They groom themselves regularly and they have quite specific demands when it comes to litter trays. Despite this‚ cats can develop some odd habits that seem dirty to us humans. One such habit is playing with their poop. Although most common in kittens‚ some adult cats might also develop this habit‚ with common causes including boredom or the provision of inappropriate litter equipment. Below‚ we look at six of the most common reasons that cats might play with their poop‚ so you can identify the cause and take steps to rectify the situation. The 6 Possible Reasons That Cats Play With Poop 1. They’re Young Kittens are still learning the ropes‚ and one of the things they need to learn is how to properly bury their poop. Your young kitten might not be playing with poop intentionally. They might be unsuccessfully attempting to bury it. Alternatively‚ they might see the poop as a toy and play with it in the same way they would a stuffed mouse. As well as being more likely to play with poop‚ kittens are also more likely to accidentally stand in it and smear it around outside the litter tray. They may also sit in it and get it stuck in their fur‚ carry it outside the tray‚ and then play with it. Don’t tell your kitten off for playing with the poop but continue with litter training and praising them when they do things properly. It does take time for kittens to learn how to appropriately bury their poop. Image Credit: Kachalkina Veronika‚ Shutterstock 2. They’re Bored Even some adult cats will play with their poop like it’s a toy. This is most common in cats that are bored because they don’t have enough toys or aren’t getting the kind of interaction they require from their humans or other feline members of the household. Buy extra toys and spend time engaging with your cat by playing with interactive toys. The more playtime your cat gets‚ the less likely they will be bored. 3. The Litter Tray Is Dirty Cats are clean animals and they expect you to play your part in keeping their habitat clean. This means cleaning out the litter tray. Pick up solids whenever you see them and scoop clumped wet litter every day. You should also give the tray a thorough clean every week or so to get rid of any crusted litter or litter contents. As well as ensuring that your cat has somewhere clean to do its business‚ clearing up the poop means that your cat will have less to play with. Image Credit: SURKED‚ Shutterstock 4. The Litter Tray Isn’t Right Cats can be quite finicky little animals. They need everything just right to ensure they are content and less likely to make a mess. Everything from the type of litter tray you choose to the litter inside will determine whether your cat is happy with its toilet arrangement. Ensure the litter tray is large enough for your cat. It should be one and a half times the length of your cat. Choose a litter that your cat likes‚ and try a different litter if you’re struggling. There are many types of cat litter and some cats do have preferences regarding the type they use. 5. It’s In the Wrong Position You will need one litter tray per cat‚ plus one extra‚ and the litter trays need to be placed in suitable positions to ensure your cats use them and use them appropriately. Litter trays should be in quiet areas and ideally have at least one side against a wall so your cat won’t feel exposed. If you have dogs‚ you may want to consider a covered litter tray in a spot where the dog can’t reach. Try moving your litter trays to different positions‚ but always allow your cat free and easy access to the trays to prevent accidents outside the box. Image Credit: Nils Jacobi‚ Shutterstock 6. They Like the Smell To us‚ cat poop can smell disgusting‚ but to cats‚ it can smell pleasant! Your cat may be playing with its poop because it likes the smell. Your cat might be able to smell some protein or other nutrients and is playing with the poop as a way to investigate what’s in there. If your cat likes the smell of poop‚ you can expect some investigation. Sniffing the poop is fine‚ but you shouldn’t encourage your cat to play with feces. Cat Litter Requirements Cats need somewhere safe and clean to pee and poop. Even those who get to spend time outdoors need indoor litter trays. Buy one per cat plus one extra tray‚ and try to put them in different positions around the house. Avoid putting them in areas where there is a lot of traffic but place them somewhere your cat has ongoing access to. Choose a litter that effectively covers urine and feces but that is easy to scoop and clean. If your cat is reluctant to get in the tray in the first place‚ it could be a sign that it doesn’t like the feel of the litter you’re using and you might need to try something softer like a recycled paper cat litter. Clean the tray regularly by scooping poop whenever you see it and getting rid of urine and clumped litter daily. You should also give the trays a thorough clean once a week‚ so they are fresh and appealing for your cat. Image Credit: LADO‚ Shutterstock Why Does My Cat Fling Poop Out of the Litter Box? Cats have some odd and sometimes messy habits. As well as playing with their poop‚ your cat may fling it out of the tray and onto the floor in the surrounding area. Sometimes‚ this activity can be accidental. Your cat might have gotten carried away while attempting to cover up. Alternatively‚ it could be a sign that the litter needs cleaning out more regularly. If you have multiple cats‚ one cat might be flinging poop from your other cat out to try and claim the tray. This might be an indication you need more litter trays or that one of them is dirty and needs clearing out. Why Does My Cat Go Crazy When They Poop? Some cats experience “zoomies” when they poop‚ especially if passing a large poop. This is because the distension caused by passing the poop triggers the vagus nerve. This causes a drop in heart rate‚ blood pressure‚ and blood to the brain. Lightheadedness caused by these changes can result in your cat showing mild signs of hyperactivity. Image Credit: xamnesiacx84‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Cats are curious animals that have some habits that seem odd to us humans. While most are clean and tidy animals that will fastidiously use litter trays. Kittens might play with their poop while they learn how to properly cover it up while adult cats might be playing with stools because of a dirty tray‚ inappropriate litter choice‚ or because it doesn’t approve of the litter tray itself. Some cats play with their poop because they like the smell of it. Consider your litterbox setup and make changes‚ first‚ before moving on to other possible causes. Sources https://catschef.com/cat-plays-with-poop/ https://petcosset.com/why-is-my-cat-playing-with-his-poop/ https://askmycats.com/cat-playing-with-poop/   The post Why Does My Cat Play With Poop? 6 Possible Reasons For This Behavior by Nicole Cosgrove 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 Cat Hotels: What to Expect When Leaving Your Pet by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead What Is a Cat Hotel? How to Prepare for a Stay in a Cat Hotel If you are traveling for work or pleasure and have a cat‚ you have a few options: traveling with your cat‚ putting them in a boarding facility‚ or hiring a cat sitter. There is another alternative‚ however‚ which gives your cat a luxury experience: a cat hotel. Cat hotels‚ or catteries‚ are similar to dog boarding kennels‚ but they cater exclusively to cats. If you’re planning to put your cat in a cat hotel while you’re away‚ find out what to expect when leaving them behind and how to prepare them for a stress-free stay. What Is a Cat Hotel? Cat hotels‚ also known as catteries‚ can vary widely in what they offer. They all provide a place to house your cat temporarily and care for their basic needs‚ including feeding and watering. Typically‚ catteries are designed with the specific needs of cats in mind‚ so they’re preferable to general pet boarding. Like human hotels‚ cat hotels can vary in what they offer as far as amenities go. Some are basic and provide close-set cages with basic care‚ like a clean bed‚ regular feeding‚ a litter box‚ and light grooming. Some high-end cat hotels provide a more premium experience with perches‚ windows‚ and more cage space. You may be able to pay a fee for human interaction like playtime and cuddling in some facilities. If you have a special needs cat‚ some cat hotels offer additional services like medical care to ensure your cat is safe and comfortable while you’re away. Some facilities have larger cages to board multiple cats‚ which is great if you have a bonded pair to reduce their stress. Regardless‚ one thing you can count on in cat hotels is that there will be no barking dogs to stress your cat out. Image Credit: hedgehog94‚ Shutterstock How to Prepare for a Stay in a Cat Hotel Many people believe cats are independent and can be left on their own for long periods‚ unlike dogs. Cats do experience stress and discomfort when they’re without their owner and thrust into a new environment‚ especially with the sights‚ sounds‚ and smells of unfamiliar cats. It’s important to prepare your cat for the experience and reduce unnecessary stress in advance. Here are some tips: 1. Research the Cat Hotel Researching local cat hotels is just as important as researching your own accommodation. This facility will be responsible for caring for your cat while you’re gone‚ so you don’t want to leave it to just anyone. The best place to start is by asking your vet for recommendations. You can also narrow your selection by seeing what amenities are available and reading reviews‚ not just on the business website but from third-party sources like Yelp. Once you have a few cat hotels in mind‚ take a tour of the facility and pay attention to the staff‚ the cleanliness‚ the accommodation‚ and the requirements for your cat’s stay. Image Credit: Fusso_pics‚ Shutterstock 2. Get Your Cat Comfortable With Carriers A carrier is a must when you’re traveling anywhere with your cat‚ even if it’s just a short car ride. Most cat hotels will require a carrier for your cat as well. Hopefully‚ your cat is already comfortable with a carrier‚ but if not‚ devote some time to training. Work in short sessions and make the carrier a fun place with treats and toys‚ then gradually increase the time your cat is in the carrier. Once the carrier is no big deal in your home‚ step up to short car rides. Again‚ make it fun with treats and toys during and after the drive. Build up to longer car rides slowly as you approach your vacation dates. 3. Book a Trial Night Staying in a cat hotel is a big experience for your cat. Instead of making the first time a long stay‚ book a trial night or two to get your cat more used to the experience. This gives you an opportunity to see how your cat adjusts to the new environment and new people and cats so you can plan better for your long trip. Ideally‚ you should introduce your cat to staying in a cat hotel when they’re kittens. Even if you don’t have an upcoming trip planned‚ this helps with cattery training early and prepares your cat for your future vacations. This is also good training for overnight or hospital stays at the vet. Image Credit: 279photo Studio‚ Shutterstock 4. Get Your Cat Up to Date on Vaccinations Most cat hotels will require your cat to be current on all vaccinations and parasite preventatives. This is essential for your cat’s health and the health of the other cats in the facility. Make sure to refill any medications that your cat takes as well. If your cat takes medication regularly‚ make sure the staff knows in advance. Most facilities will have staff trained to administer medication to cats‚ including injectable medications like insulin‚ but they need to know in advance. You should also leave detailed information about your cat’s vet‚ medications‚ dosage‚ times‚ and the best way to administer them to make the process as smooth as possible. 5. Pack Your Cat’s Belongings Cat hotels will have supplies for your cat‚ but you can ease the transition by bringing your cat’s favorite things from home. Pack your cat’s food and treats and some favorite toys. You could provide a bed or blanket that your cat likes as well‚ which will make the cat hotel feel a little more like home. Image Credit: Veja‚ Shutterstock 6. Prepare the Staff for Your Cat Cats are individuals. You may know all your cat’s quirks‚ but the staff at the hotel do not. Make notes about your cat’s likes and dislikes or unique habits so that the staff can look after them as well as you do. Conclusion A cat hotel is a great alternative to bringing your cat on your vacation or relying on a general pet boarding facility. Cat hotels are designed just for cats and keep the experience as relaxed as possible‚ but you have to do your part by preparing yourself‚ the staff‚ and your cat for the stay. Featured Image Credit: Frau aus UA‚ Shutterstock The post Cat Hotels: What to Expect When Leaving Your Pet by Nicole Cosgrove 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.