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Happy 94th Birthday to Walter Sonny Rollins was born. Widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians, Rollins’ seven-decade career has seen 60 records released with him as band leader. A number of his compositions, including St. Thomas, Oleo, Doxy, and Airegin have become jazz standards. Rollins has been called “the […] The post Good News in History, September 7 appeared first on Good News Network.

The post How to Harness Train a Cat: 10 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks by Chantelle Fowler 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. Most cats enjoy being outside as it gives them fresh air and allows them to practice the hunting sequence they were born to do. But as a responsible owner, you know that inside is the safest place for them. If you’re interested in introducing the great outdoors to your indoor cat, you should know that it is possible to train a cat to walk on a leash with a harness. When harness and leash training is done correctly, your cat will have the opportunity to explore the outdoors in a safe and controlled environment. This isn’t something that necessarily comes naturally for our feline companions, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be taught. Read on to find out 10 simple steps for harness training your kitty so you’ll be one step closer to giving them the taste of the outdoors they desire. The 10 Steps on How to Harness Train a Cat 1. Set Realistic Goals In a perfect world, every kitty will take to their harness quickly and easily. However, as a cat owner, you know that cats do what they want, when they want, on their own time! Some kitties warm up to the idea of their harness and leash right away, while others may take quite some time to become comfortable with them. You know your pet best, so make sure you’re always watching their body language for signs of anxiety or discomfort. Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock 2. Choose the Right Harness Before you can begin training, you need to buy the correct harness for your cat’s size. Not all harnesses are created equal, nor are they the same size, so you’ll actually need to take some measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Not all manufacturers use the same sizing system, so read the measurement instructions provided by your harness manufacturer very closely. You’ll need a soft measuring tape. Most harness sizing charts require your cat’s neck diameter and thoracic girth size, but the exact measurements may vary. Hold the tape nice and close to the skin to ensure you get the right fit. The harness should be nice and snug but not so tight that it’ll hurt them. Cats can easily escape from loose harnesses, so make sure yours fits properly before taking your cat out for the first time. 3. Get Your Rewards System in Place Cats are often very food-motivated, which means having the right treats on hand can make all the difference when training them. Pick a high-value reward that your cat will only receive during harness training to help them form positive (and yummy) associations with the training at hand. Image Credit: shulers, Shutterstock 4. Let Them Explore the Harness As excited as you may be at the prospect of adventuring with your kitty, you must first acclimate them to the idea of the harness before you even try putting it on them. Lay the harness on the floor and allow your cat to inspect it on their own time. Whenever they approach it, give them a treat to help them form a positive association with it. If they turn their cute little nose up at the harness, try laying some treats on top of it to entice them to explore it further. Let them sniff and paw at the harness. This will allow them to become familiar with its scent and feel. This process can be drawn out and tempting to skip, but it’s an integral part of harness training your kitty. You’ll have a much more difficult time training them if you immediately try putting the harness on them without giving them time to explore it first. Forcing them into their harness can be terrifying for your pet and may make them less likely to want to wear it ever again. 5. Familiarize Yourself With the Harness You, too, need to become familiar with your cat’s harness, especially before you even think about putting it on them the first time. The last thing you want to do is to try to force your kitty into their harness when you don’t even know it works in the first place. Familiarize yourself with how it goes on and what and where all the bells and whistles are. Try adjusting the buckles or clips a few times so you know how they’re supposed to work. This ensures you will be able to make the proper adjustments confidently when it’s on your cat. Because there are several different styles of harnesses, you’ll need to read the manufacturer’s instructions to fit it just right for your kitty. Image Credit: Sergio Canovas, Shutterstock 6. Put It on Inside Your House Once you feel that you’re comfortable with the ins and outs of the harness and that your cat is used to the smell and feel of it, it’s time to try it on. The first few times you put it on, don’t buckle it shut. The snug feeling of the harness can be pretty scary for your cat at first, so let them get used to how it feels when it’s loose on their body first. After giving them some time to get used to their harness unbuckled, try fastening it and adjusting the straps so it fits properly on their body. Offer lots of positive reinforcement and a healthy distraction while doing so. Remember, we want a snug fit, but nothing so tight that it digs into your kitty’s skin. Allowing enough space to place one or two fingers between the harness and your cat’s skin should be about right. 7. Keep Sessions Short The first few times you put the harness on your cat, leave it on for just a minute or two at a time. As you progress with your training, they can begin wearing it for extended periods. Offer plenty of those aforementioned high-value treats at this stage to reinforce the process. Image Credit: Katerina Dalemans, Shutterstock 8. Put the Harness on at Meal or Play Time Another great way to encourage your kitty to form positive associations with their harness is to put it on them for a few minutes at meal or playtime. Incorporating the harness into everyday activities will help them become accustomed to it quicker, and they may even come to enjoy it. You may need to sit on the stage for some time, allowing them to wear the harness around the house and go about their day. Do not rush to introduce the leash. The more time you allow your kitty to get used to the harness, the easier it’ll be to propose the idea of exploring the great outdoors. 9. Introduce the Leash Once you know your kitty is comfortable in their harness, you can begin leash training them. Start off with walking them leashed around your home. Avoid introducing the leash outside. Image Credit: LemPro Capture Life, Shutterstock 10. Pull Back at Signs of Stress Keep a close eye on your cat during the harness training process so you can quickly pick up on signs of them being overwhelmed or stressed. Overstimulating your cat can make them terrified of the harness—and even you! Signs of being overwhelmed or stressed include: Acting defensive Cowering Ears laid back Hunched back Loud vocalization Final Thoughts Harness training your cat sounds like a complicated and drawn-out process, but it doesn’t have to be. The steps we’ve shared above should provide you with the framework necessary to get your kitty accustomed to wearing a harness. Once they’re used to the feel of a harness, you can introduce a leash and take the next steps to ensure your cat is safe while you explore the outdoors together. Featured Image Credit: Abis Photos, Shutterstock The post How to Harness Train a Cat: 10 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks by Chantelle Fowler 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 to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room: 8 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks by Chantelle Fowler 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. Cat owners love their cats; there’s no denying that. But not one has ever remarked how much they love the smell associated with owning cats. There’s nothing worse than the scent of cat litter taking over your home. If your cat’s litter box stinks up your spaces, you need to reevaluate the litter box system, placement, and cleaning regimen you have in place. Read on to find nine helpful tips and tricks for ensuring your home doesn’t smell like cats live there. The 8 Tips on How to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room 1. Choose the Right Litter Box While it might seem that litter and waste make your cat’s box smell, it could actually be due in part to the box you’re using. Cats are incredibly finicky creatures, especially when it comes to their toileting habits. A box that’s too small can result in messes and behavioral issues, like eliminating in other places around your home and spreading the odor everywhere. The litter box should be sized appropriately to accommodate your kitty comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to choose a box at least 1.5 times the length of your pet and as wide as your kitty is long. This ensures you’re not only managing the litter and waste odors but also keeping your cat comfortable. Image Credit: Mesa Watthanaphichai, Shutterstock 2. Scoop Litter Daily We don’t leave our toilets unflushed all day long, as it’s not only gross, but it’ll get smelly, too. The same applies to your cat’s litter. Make it a point to scoop the litter in the morning and before bed. This will cut back on odors and make your cat happier, as they’re much more likely to use a fresh litter box than one filled with clumps of old pee and poop. 3. Replace the Litter Often Unfortunately, scooping away the waste and adding fresh litter on top of the old stuff isn’t an effective way to manage odors. You’ll need to completely replace the litter in your kitty’s box at least once weekly to reduce the smells. When the box is emptied, clean it thoroughly with a soapy solution and warm water. Image Credit: Garna Zarina, Shutterstock 4. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals or Heavily Fragranced Cleaners Cats are very sensitive to smells, so avoid using any chemical or heavily fragranced cleaner on their litter box. An overpowering chemical scent may make them less likely to return to the box to do their business. Use a cleaner that is not overwhelming. A great tip is to clean the box with a non-scented enzymatic spray cleaner after the wash. This will ensure there is no lingering smell left behind. 5. Use a Litter Additive Litter additives are an excellent tool for controlling litter box scents. They’re typically formulated with active charcoal or baking soda that helps to absorb and remove the unwanted scents, and since some are fragrance-free, they won’t just mask the odor with an artificial scent. There are litter additives that work with all types of litter, regardless of whether you use traditional clay style, crystal, corn, non-clumping, etc. Image Credit: Strigana, Shutterstock 6. Bypass Scented Litters While it might seem as if a scented litter will be the answer to keeping your cat’s litter box smelling fresh, these aren’t the best types to use. Most cats don’t like strong scents, which may make them more likely to avoid using their box if you’re using heavily scented litter. 7. Reconsider Your Litter Box Placement Where you place your litter boxes in your home can have a significant effect on how well the scents carry throughout your spaces. It’s especially true to consider your litter box placement when you have multiple cats. The ideal place for the box is somewhere with good ventilation. There should be one box on every level of your home so they have access regardless of where their day’s adventures take them. You might need to put your litter box in an area you can block off or keep doors shut, such as a laundry room or garage. You’ll need to install a kitty door so they still have access, though. Try to avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or excess noise to ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable when doing their business. Pro Tip: Keep the litter box far away from where your cat eats and drinks as they don’t like to eliminate in their drinking and eating spaces. Image Credit: Jennifer McCallum, Shutterstock 8. Store Used Litter Properly How you dispose of your cat’s used litter can have a significant impact on the odors in your home. Scooping it directly into your garbage can may not only cause awful scents to linger, but the weight of the waste can poke holes in your bag. This may mean you end up with litter particles sitting in the bottom of your can, smelling up your home. Instead, scoop the litter into garbage or compost bags and tie the ends in a knot. Take them immediately to your outside trash bin. You can also invest in a litter disposal system, like the Litter Genie. They come in multiple sizes and can hold up to 4 months’ worth of litter. Final Thoughts There’s nothing worse than walking into someone’s home and knowing immediately that they have cats, thanks to that tell-tale litter scent. With our eight tips above, you can not only ensure your home won’t fall into that category, but you can also keep your cat healthy and happy with proper litter box hygiene and a regular cleaning schedule. Featured Image Credit: Robert Petrovic, Shutterstock The post How to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room: 8 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks by Chantelle Fowler 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 AI Tell When a Cat Is Happy? Interpreting Body Language Through Technology by Matt Jackson 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 The Ultimate Poker Face Body Language Vocalizations Contextual Background AI Interpretation Cats are often unpredictable, difficult to read, and aloof. And, for a lot of cat lovers, it is part of their appeal. Most people struggle to be able to read a cat’s mood, so can we expect artificial intelligence, which is said to simulate human intelligence, to be able to read a cat’s emotions or tell when our favorite moggy is happy? AI might be able to estimate a cat’s happiness by analyzing body language and vocalizations, but it still can’t fully replace the nuanced understanding of a cat’s owner. The Ultimate Poker Face The biggest challenge when attempting to discern a cat’s feelings is that they have evolved an incredible poker face. They are not social animals like people and, in the wild, cats do not give away feelings of pain, anxiety, or any other emotion for fear that rivals will challenge them, or predators will attack them. While most domesticated cats live lives of luxury, free from the threat of wild animals, they retain a lot of their wild instincts. Whether AI can detect micro-expressions or see through a cat’s face remains to be seen. Body Language Using cameras and learning from past footage of cat movements, AI might be able to recognize, determine, and even use body movements to determine a cat’s mood. While they might not give much away with facial expressions, movements like raising the tail or swooshing their tail can be a good way to tell a cat’s mood. A cat rubbing its head on its owner’s leg or hand is also another good indication of mood, but so too are raised hackles on the neck. These are all quite obvious movements that should be easy for AI to detect and use the motions to give a best guess as to a cat’s mood. Image Credit: Fusso_pics, Shutterstock Vocalizations Some cats make a lot of noise, and some cats are quiet. But, some cats are prone to becoming more vocal when they feel under threat or are feeling anxious. On the other hand, some cats might be less prone to vocalizing in these circumstances. A change in vocalization patterns is an indication your cat is suffering some emotional change. Contextual Background Key to all of these possible signs of anxiety, fear, or even happiness, are context and individuality. Cat play closely mimics hunting, which means a playing cat can also have similar body language and facial expressions. Some cats might have a happier facial expression while they’re playing, and if you have more than one cat, they might have a different facial expression when playing with the other cat compared to when playing with toys. The point of AI is that it learns. Give it enough background information and let it study the cat’s behavior and an advanced AI would likely be able to identify, at least with a reasonable degree of success, whether a cat is happy or not. However, it would be unlikely to be able to determine this from a single meeting or watching one cat for a short time. Can AI Tell Us Whether AI Can Tell When a Cat Is Happy? When we asked an AI tool this question, it gave a long-winded response that started out by saying AI could estimate a cat’s emotional state using facial recognition, body language, vocalizations, and behavioral patterns, while pointing to the differences between individual cats and the need for context when measuring these patterns. It signed off by stating that while AI can provide insight, it should only ever be used to complement a human’s understanding and observation. Image Credit: Daisy Daisy, Shutterstock Conclusion AI aims to mimic or simulate the intelligence of humans, which means it studies and learns. The AI needs background and context, and with this, it would be able to determine a cat’s mood with a reasonable rate of success. Considering many humans struggle to be able to tell when a cat is happy, an AI, armed with the right information, could achieve a similar result. However, nobody knows their own cat better than that cat’s owner, and it is they who are most likely to be able to determine their feline companion’s mood. Sources https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/ever-wondered-what-your-pet-is-thinking https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/nov/04/scientists-turn-to-ai-for-help-translate-animal-vocal-physical-cues https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/ai-can-now-read-your-cats-pain1/ https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/is-your-cat-happy-how-ai-can-help-you-find-out-with-a-picture   Featured Image Credit: Monster Ztudios, Shutterstock The post Can AI Tell When a Cat Is Happy? Interpreting Body Language Through Technology by Matt Jackson 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.