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Some of the country’s biggest liberal foundations are behind a plan to inject climate hysteria into newsrooms across the country by encouraging journalists in all fields to employ left-wing tactics and talking points when reporting on climate change. The Climate Blueprint for Media Transformation was born out of a 2023 climate conference sponsored by the Solutions Journalism Network and Covering Climate Now. The Solutions Journalism Network is funded by a who’s-who of left-wing foundations, including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Ford Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Hewlett Foundation. The Gates Foundation has been instrumental in the war on meat, while the Hewlett Foundation has a track record of working to influence reporters. Their influence can be seen in the Climate Blueprint, a 14-part guide for how journalists should cover climate change. Each section of the document is written by a different journalist or activist, and covers subjects ranging from “Community Engagement” to “Climate Justice.” The Climate Blueprint opens with a section called “The Everything Story,” in which Covering Climate Now deputy director Andrew McCormick encourages journalists to “take bold action” and make stories on “every beat,” including crime and sports, about climate change. Covering Climate Now co-founder Kyle Pope echoed his colleague’s advice in the Columbia Journalism Review Monday, complaining that the Kardashian family received more coverage than rising ocean temperatures. Pope also claimed that climate change has begun to be covered only “very recently,” and urged journalists to step up and “tell the most important story on Earth.” In the Blueprint’s section, on “Community Engagement,” “India Currents” audience engagement editor Prachi Singh says that “reporters need to shift from chasing deadlines to meaningfully connecting” with “women, people of color, Indigenous peoples, the LGBTQIA+ community,” and other groups Singh says are more affected by the “climate crisis.” Investigative reporter Amy Westervelt explicitly urges journalists to paint anyone involved with the fossil fuel industry as a villain, urging reporters to find universities that take money from energy companies and build relationships with “one professor who doesn’t particularly like the arrangement,” presumably to have him criticize his employer. On the flip side, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jennifer Oldham encourages reporters to “put in the time to gain activists’ trust,” noting that “validation is paramount” and offering tips for reporters to “best cover climate campaigns in order to give them the weight they deserve.” One such tip: “Be intentional with your language.” “Do you call an event a ‘demonstration; or a ‘riot’?” Oldham asks. “Words matter. Calling an encounter a ‘violent clash with police’ criminalizes demonstrators without offering a comparable criticism of law enforcement’s actions.” The Climate Blueprint may call for reporters to go all-in on the climate crisis. But it also notes that doing so could be traumatic for journalists. “Leadership at the publication has taken thoughtful steps to lighten the workload in summer, when heat-driven extreme weather — from wildfires to hurricanes — worsens,” Yessenia Funes, “a New York-based queer Latina journalist,” writes in the Blueprint. “By getting ahead on stories during the lull of winter and spring, the team isn’t overwhelmed by the onslaught of tragedy after summer tragedy.” “Ultimately, climate and environmental reporters can’t carry this burden alone,” Funes adds. “It is incumbent on the industry to take the time to build resources professionals urgently need — including access to high-quality health care and flexible work schedules that give journalists the time they need to pause and reflect on the stories they’re responsible for sharing and the emotions they’re silently carrying.” The push to inject more hysteria into reporting comes amid mounting evidence that the warnings about the climate crisis have been overblown. The Washington Post this month published a chart showing the Earth’s current mean surface temperature is actually around the lowest it has been in the past 485 million years. This year also marks the deadline for the Pentagon’s 2004 predictions in a report to President George W. Bush that in 20 years, climate change would wreak havoc on the world, turning Great Britain “Siberian” and leading to nuclear conflict, drought, and famine. None of those predictions have come to pass.

Depending on who you talk to, possums are either the cutest animal alive or the ugliest. While they do have attributes of both, the cute far outweighs the ugly. And that is what led TikTokker Marta Leigh to explore the Possum-Bilities store in Northern Virginia. If you are like Marta’s husband and don’t care much for possums, you might prefer to read something different. But if you are intrigued by the idea of a possum gift shop, stay here because the cuteness is about to hit overload status. @martaleigh_ When you’re obsessed with possums and find a gift shop dedicated to them off I-95, you make a detour. Ryan was less than thrilled ♬ September – Earth, Wind & Fire Awesome Possumz is a wildlife rehabilitation business operated by Karen Brace. Karen began with small mammals like squirrels and groundhogs. Her possum craze started in 2016 with a box of 11 possum joeys. Since then Karen has been on a mission to help people understand the only native marsupial in North America. She works to rehabilitate animals to return them to the wild or to train them as animal ambassadors. Image from Instagram. Karen was selling a few possum-related items at presentations and educational visits. Late in 2021, she lucked into a storefront and opened Possum-Bilities early in 2022. In the possum gift shop, you can find all things possum. Coffee cups, stuffed animals, hand-made crocheted items, possum plaques, stickers, and even some real live critters to interact with. Image from Instagram. The possum gift shop is home to several animal ambassadors, including a bearded dragon, tortoises, a tegu, a tarantula, a pet pug, and a possum or two. A cat hangs out occasionally, a pigeon drops by, and an emu recently visited the store. Learn more about the Awesome Possumz crew and mission on their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Please share if you love possums. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Delighted Travelers Spot Possum-Themed Gift Shop With The Perfect Mascot! appeared first on InspireMore.

Joe Walsh’s solo career traces its roots back to his time as a member of the James Gang, a hard rock trio that gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Known for his innovative guitar work and distinctive vocals, Walsh left the band in 1971 to pursue a new creative direction. His first post-James Gang endeavor was the formation of Barnstorm, a band that included drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli. While their self-titled debut album Barnstorm was a group effort, Walsh’s name remained the most recognizable, and it wasn’t long before his solo career began to The post Complete List Of Joe Walsh Albums And Songs appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

In Australia, wild deer that were destroying sea turtle habitat on an island near the Great Barrier Reef have been eradicated. The result is that Australia’s largest flatback turtle rookery is now a safe haven for these ocean-goers once again. It’s just the latest in a string of high-profile success stories from islands all over […] The post To Save Sea Turtle Population Invasive Deer Successfully Eradicated from Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef appeared first on Good News Network.

The post Why Is My Cat Eating Cat Litter? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Jessica Kim 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 are capable of doing many things that leave us feeling bewildered and scratching our heads. It’s often challenging to figure out if something that’s strange to us is actually normal for cats. When it comes to eating cat litter, we can safely say that this isn’t normal behavior no matter how much your cat tries to make it seem normal. Eating cat litter is often associated with an underlying health issue that requires medical attention. Here are a few possible reasons why your cat may be eating cat litter and what you can do to help them stop this behavior. The 10 Reasons That Cats Eat Cat Litter 1. Pica Pica refers to a condition where cats will chew or eat inedible materials and objects. Cats with pica are known to eat items like cardboard, plants, soil, and wood. They may also develop a habit of eating cat litter. Pica can be caused by a variety of factors, it can be seen as a sign of an underlying medical condition or it can be a behavioral problem. Some medical conditions that have been linked to pica include endocrine diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and parasitic infections. Image Credit: Lightspruch, Shutterstock 2. Dietary Deficiency Sometimes, cats can start to eat cat litter and other materials due to a nutrient deficiency. They do this in an attempt to compensate for any essential nutrients that they lack in their daily diet. Therefore, it’s important to seek advice from your vet and ensure your cat is eating high-quality cat food and eating appropriate portions. Making healthy adjustments to their diet may put an end to your cat’s litter-eating habit. 3. Anemia Anemia can be related to nutrient deficiencies, in particular iron deficiency, so some anemic cats may start to eat cat litter. Riboflavin, vitamin B12, and niacin deficiencies can also cause anemia. Other signs of anemia include low energy, little stamina, pale gums, and lethargy. After a cat has been restored to health and any nutrient deficiency has been addressed, the cat litter-eating behavior usually goes away. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock 4. Curiosity Cats are curious animals, so they might just be interested in playing with and tasting cat litter. Cat litter may feel fun or have a unique texture that cats want to taste. In most cases of curiosity, your cat will usually taste cat litter a couple of times before they become disinterested. So, if your cat continues to eat cat litter on multiple occasions, it’s safe to say that it’s not because they’re curious about it. 5. Flavor Sometimes, cats can enjoy the flavor of their cat litter and develop a liking for it. This usually happens when their cat litter is made with natural materials like grass, wheat, or corn husks. If your cat likes the flavor of their cat litter, you can try switching to another cat litter that’s made with a different material. You can also try providing them with cat grass as a safe alternative. Image Credit: Duet PandG, Shutterstock 6. Coprophagia Coprophagia refers to a condition that causes cats to eat their own feces. Cats with coprophagia may look like they’re eating cat litter, but they’re actually eating their own poop. Coprophagia is often a sign of another underlying health condition, such as malnutrition, colitis, or dementia. Therefore, it’s important to get your cat your veterinarian if they start to eat their own poop. 7. Boredom Cats who feel bored or stressed out may resort to eating cat litter. Eating litter may be a way for bored cats to feel stimulated, or it may be a habit that cats develop when they’re feeling stressed out or anxious. Ensuring your cat gets enough exercise and playtime can help alleviate boredom. Providing mentally stimulating activities like treat dispenser toys can also prevent boredom. Alleviating boredom can cause your cat’s litter eating habit to go away on its own. Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock 8. Hyperthyroidism Sometimes, cats with hyperthyroidism may start to eat cat litter. The high levels of thyroid hormone can increase a cat’s appetite and metabolism, which can lead them to eating inedible objects like cat litter. Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in cats, and it’s most prevalent in older cats. Other signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, drinking more than usual, poor body condition, and an enlarged thyroid gland. 9. Brain Tumors Brain tumors are a rare type of cancer and an uncommon cause of a cat eating litter. However, brain tumors can affect a cat’s behavior depending on their location and it’s possible for them to increase hunger. Older cats who are over 10 years old have a higher risk of developing a brain tumor. Image Credit: Danielle Masucci, Shutterstock 10. Intestinal Parasites It’s not entirely clear what the link between intestinal parasites and pica is, but some cats with intestinal parasites such as worms will also develop pica. Cats may become continuously hungry, which can cause them to start eating inedible items. Treatment will vary since there are different types of intestinal parasites. Once your cat is free from an intestinal parasite infestation, their pica also usually goes away. Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Cat Litter? It’s not safe for cats to eat cat litter, so it’s important to find effective solutions to prevent them from eating it. Some cat litter isn’t safe for consumption and can cause intestinal blockages. Clumping clay litter and silica litter are both types of cat litter that are particularly unsafe for consumption. It’s usually okay if a small amount gets in your cat’s mouth, but eating large amounts will cause complications in the gastrointestinal system. Eating cat litter is also unsanitary. Ingesting parasites and bacteria from dirty cat litter can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock How to Prevent Cats from Eating Cat Litter The first step to preventing your cat from eating cat litter is to take your cat to your veterinarian. Since eating cat litter is often associated with a medical issue, it’s important to get your cat in for a physical exam. Your veterinarian may also run diagnostic tests to find the reason behind your cat’s litter-eating behavior. If your veterinarian finds a diagnosis, they’ll be able to provide a treatment plan to help your cat return to good health. In many cases, cats will stop eating cat litter once they’ve gotten better. If your cat continues to eat cat litter, try switching to a different brand or type of cat litter. This can make the cat litter less palatable to your cat and discourage them from eating it. Make sure to also play with your cat regularly and distract them with another activity if you find them going to their litter box to eat cat litter. Conclusion Cats can start to eat cat litter for a variety of reasons, but this behavior is often tied to a health issue. Therefore, it’s best to get your cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice that they’re starting to eat cat litter. Your veterinarian can help you understand what’s causing this behavior and how you can prevent it from occurring. Along with getting your cat medical help, it’s important to ensure they’re living a healthy lifestyle that consists of a nutritious diet, adequate amounts of exercise, and mentally stimulating activities. Prioritizing your cat’s wellness can prevent them from eating cat litter and developing other unsafe or unhealthy habits. Sources petMD – Pica Merck Manual VCA Animal Hospitals Vetster petMD – Hyperthyroidism petMD — Brain Tumors Featured Image Credit: Oleg Opryshko, Shutterstock The post Why Is My Cat Eating Cat Litter? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons by Jessica Kim 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 Is My Cat’s Fur Matted on His Back? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons 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. Our feline friends spend a good amount of their time grooming themselves, but even with all that work and attention, they occasionally get mats in their fur. This is especially true when it comes to the back, as matted fur along the spine is fairly common. But why does your cat’s fur get matted on their back? The fur of a cat’s back can get matted for various reasons, which we’ll look at in detail below. We’ll also share why matted fur is bad for your cat and what you should do to help them, so keep reading! The 10 Reasons That Your Cat’s Hair is Matted on His Back 1. Difficulty Grooming the Back For some felines, the issue is that they simply can’t groom their backs very well. After all, the back is a difficult area for any cat to reach, and if there isn’t another cat around to help them groom that area, they can easily develop mats. Difficulty grooming the back is a more significant issue in cats who are overweight, as they may just have too much mass to reach around to get to that part of the body. Matted fur on the back can also be more likely to occur in felines experiencing pain that stops them from bending their spine to reach the back. If you’ve noticed that your cat seems to be struggling with reaching their back for grooming, ascertain whether they’re showing any signs of being in pain or if they might be a little chunky. Take them to the vet if you believe they’re hurting, and if your cat is overweight, speak to your vet about how to help them shed a few pounds. Image Credit: ErikGlez, Shutterstock 2. Age As cats age, they often lose some flexibility, making it more challenging to reach their back to groom. So, if your cat is getting up there in years, there’s a good chance this is why the fur along their back has gotten matted. While it’s always important to brush your cat (particularly if they have longer fur), it’s vital to do so when your cat reaches an age where they can’t groom as much of themselves due to being less flexible. 3. Doesn’t Groom Often Another reason the fur along the back can get matted is that some cats just don’t groom themselves as frequently. While this could be due to your cat being a little lazier than other felines in this area, it could also stem from some kind of oral problem. Dental disease, stomatitis, oral tumors, or a cut or sore in their mouth may make it so they won’t want to groom themselves. If your cat has always been a little lax in the grooming area, it just means you’ll need to brush them more often. But if your cat formerly enjoyed grooming but doesn’t groom often now, it could be due to an issue with their mouth. Oral problems aside, a cat that isn’t feeling well for any reason may not groom themselves as much. So, if your kitty is showing any signs of illness, such as not eating, a change in behavior or litter box habits, a change in water consumption, or anything else that seems off, see your vet. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock 4. Friction Cats are constantly rubbing up against stuff—your legs, furniture, blankets, cat trees, and more. All that rubbing against things equals friction, which can make it more likely for fur to get knotted, tangled, and matted. So, if your kitty is fond of rubbing their back on things or enjoys rolling around on carpets, this could be why the fur is matted on their back. 5. Long Hair Cats with long hair are gorgeous, but all that hair makes them more likely to develop mats. Whether they just have an overabundance of fur or a thick undercoat, longhaired feline breeds are more prone to mats, which could show up on their backs. If you have a longhaired feline, it’s vital that you brush them regularly to prevent mats from happening! Image Credit: Esin Deniz, Shutterstock 6. Shedding All cats shed. However, if a cat’s loose hair isn’t regularly removed from the rest of their haircoat, it can increase the chances of matting. Again, this is especially true for longhaired kitties because their lengthy locks are more apt to tangle. 7. Humidity Interestingly, humidity can also cause a feline’s hair to mat on the back and in other areas. So, if you live in a particularly humid part of the country or your cat is often outside when humidity hits, this could be causing their mats. Image Credit: Vasylchenko, Shutterstock 8. Foreign Objects This reason is likelier for cats who spend time outdoors, but foreign objects can get tangled up in the fur and lead to matting. This could be anything, but the objects most prone to tangling include sticky substances, burrs, and twigs. Of course, foreign objects can get lodged in the hair of indoor felines, too, but if your pet is running around in the backyard, they run a bigger risk of getting something caught in their fur. 9. Skin Conditions Has your cat been dealing with skin allergies, dermatitis, or another skin condition? If so, this could be why their fur is matted on their back. Skin conditions such as these can cause irritation and itchiness, which lead to excessive licking, scratching, and biting at the affected area. These behaviors can cause fur to become matted if they go on for too long. Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock 10. Stress It may seem odd to think of our pets getting stressed, but they do. For cats, stress can be caused by significant life changes, such as a new baby in the home, moving, or the death of another pet. If your cat is experiencing stress, they could be grooming excessively or not at all. This could lead to the fur on their back becoming matted. If your feline is stressed, they may also show signs like lack of appetite and frequent hiding. You can try to help your pet with their stress or talk with your vet if it seems like what you’re doing isn’t helping. Why Is Matted Fur Bad for Cats? A few small mats here and there may not seem like a big deal, but matted fur is often uncomfortable for felines. Plus, if the fur gets incredibly matted or large areas are matted, the mats could cause pain for your pet. Worse than that, mats in a cat’s fur stop the skin underneath the mats from receiving fresh air, so skin can get hot, dry, itchy, flaky, or even infected. And there’s more—matted fur is the perfect place for parasites like fleas and ticks to hide; your cat might have these on them, and you’d never even know. Keeping your kitty’s fur as mat-free as possible is vital to their health and well-being! Image Credit: Mouse family, Shutterstock How Can I Help My Cat With Their Mats? If your cat’s fur is matted on the back, you can help them out a couple of different ways depending on the size and severity of the mats. If the mats are small, you can use a metal mat comb to try to work them out (gently!) Hold the matted fur close to the skin while you comb with short strokes to decrease pulling on the skin. You may also want to try an oil-based detangler on your pet’s mats. If mats are large, the comb probably won’t work on them. Instead, you can try pulling them apart (again gently!) with your fingers. If that doesn’t work, the mats will need to be cut out. Unless you’re experienced in grooming, you do not want to cut a mat out yourself. Feline skin is incredibly delicate and can easily be cut or nicked. Instead, take your pet to a groomer or your vet to have mats removed. And if you want to prevent mats on your cat’s back, brush them regularly! Not only will this make kitty feel better, but it also offers the two of you an excellent opportunity to bond. Conclusion Cats can develop mats in the fur on their back for several reasons. This can occur when a cat ages and loses flexibility, has an issue with their mouth, isn’t feeling well, is stressed, and more. You can help prevent mats on your cat’s back by brushing them regularly, but if the cat already has mats, you can try gently detangling them with a comb or your fingers. If this doesn’t work, the mats will need to be cut out. Sources Cornell ASPCA Catster https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-skin-diseases Featured Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay The post Why Is My Cat’s Fur Matted on His Back? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons 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.