This is not breaking news…. No, this is a retrospective where I want to look back on a VERY strange event that occurred in 2016. Many of you probably already know about it. The rest of you will probably be shocked (and confused) to learn about this. So here’s the story… On Election Night 2016, when President Trump pulled off the win that shocked the world (She was never supposed to lose), suddenly we had an even stranger breaking news story come across the wire… Then-current Secretary of State John Kerry was suddenly on his way down to Antarctica. Do you remember that? My friend vDarknessFalls posted about it today which is what sent me on this memory trip: Antarctica & John Kerry : Mike Pompeo even spoke on John Kerry’s emergency flight to Antarctica he took on the VERY night President Trump won the 2016 election. Why would Mr Skull & Bones John Kerry high-tail it to Antarctica in a panic? All these nations “at war” with… https://t.co/Llv86uW4Iq pic.twitter.com/IkyIfBvCkW — vDarkness Falls (@vDarknessFalls8) July 15, 2023 Backup clip of (2020-era “Fat” Mike Pompeo) here: Antarctica & John Kerry : Mike Pompeo even spoke on John Kerry’s STRANGE emergency flight to Antarctica he took on the VERY night President Trump won the 2016 election when Jeffrey Epstein / Ghislaine Maxwell’s notorious Child Trafficking business partner Hillary Clinton was… pic.twitter.com/ukOvlqSnC8 — DailyNoah.com (@DailyNoahNews) March 14, 2024 Grok claims the trip was scheduled in advance, although I don’t remember ANYONE talking about it in advance. John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State at the time, traveled to Antarctica on November 11, 2016, to learn about the effects of climate change on the continent and to meet with scientists conducting research there. His visit was part of a broader effort to emphasize the importance of addressing climate change and to gather information on the impact of global warming on the region. It is important to note that his trip was planned before the U.S. presidential election and was not directly related to the election results. To the contrary, I remember everyone being shocked when they learned he had departed on Election Night (some even thought he was fleeing). ChatGPT also claims the trip was planned in advance, but that is simply not how I remember it at all: John Kerry’s trip to Antarctica during the 2016 election night was primarily focused on studying climate change and its global implications. As the U.S. Secretary of State at the time, Kerry visited the continent to meet with polar researchers who were studying a wide range of topics supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), many of which related to climate change. His visit was part of a broader effort to understand the science of what was happening in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions and to comprehend the risks associated with environmental changes in these areas​​​​. During his visit, Kerry embarked on a tour of the nearby regions to observe the scientific research being conducted. This included a helicopter tour that featured stops at the Cape Royds Adelie penguin colony, an air tour through the McMurdo Dry Valleys, and a visit to New Harbor. His itinerary was designed to give him a firsthand understanding of the environmental changes happening in Antarctica and their potential global impact. This visit highlighted the importance of scientific research in understanding climate change, as well as the significance of international cooperation in environmental protection efforts​​. Kerry’s Antarctica trip was also aligned with the United States’ commitments to addressing climate change on the global stage, as it occurred just before an international climate change conference in Marrakesh. This visit underscored his and the U.S. government’s dedication to environmental issues and the need for continued research and international collaboration to address the challenges posed by climate change​​. Also, whether it was planned in advance or not, it makes ZERO sense. Kerry was the Secretary of State. His job was interacting with other heads of State and international relations. There is no Government of Antarctica to meet with. Just penguins!  (allegedly) His job is not to work on “Climate Change” and certainly not on Election Night? How very, very strange! Here’s a report from NPR when the event happened: On this Election Day, Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling just about as far from Washington, D.C., as he can go. He’s on his way to Antarctica, becoming the first secretary of state to visit all seven continents after logging well over a million miles while in office. Kerry is visiting McMurdo Station, a U.S. research center in the Ross Sea — and, yes, the South Pole, too. His spokesman, John Kirby, says the purpose is to talk to researchers and scientists before he joins climate change talks in Morocco on Nov. 15. Kirby bristled when a reporter asked if Kerry was just trying to knock Antarctica off his bucket list before his term ends, and while U.S. taxpayers still foot the bill for such trips. “As an individual who has literally championed climate change research and awareness for decades now, the secretary is and will remain committed to increasing the awareness and education of the public about this,” Kirby stressed. “It is important for him to see firsthand what we are learning about the environment down there on the South Pole.” The trip does set and add to a couple of records: Kerry is the first secretary of state to visit Antarctica and all seven continents. This around-the-world trip will also add many miles to his total, which, according to the State Department, exceeds 1.3 million miles since 2013. He has visited 90 countries and his flight-time hours add up to 118 days. Kerry easily tops former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s travel record of 1.06 million miles. Hillary Clinton traveled 956,733 miles, though she tried to tally more, according to a newly released email that hints at her competitive nature to see who has traveled most. Nothing says “fighting climate change” like flying a massive jumbo jet down to Antarctica for no purpose whatsoever. Of course that’s not where the strangeness ended. Just a few days later, Buzz Aldrin was down there and had to be evacuated. Anyone remember this? Sick Buzz Aldrin Evacuated From Antarctica https://t.co/wM6QPa8LPN pic.twitter.com/VjKJtOJBdr — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 1, 2016 From the Daily Caller: Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was evacuated from the South Pole after becoming sick while touring. The 86-year-old former astronaut was visiting Antarctica as a tourist and was evacuated to the U.S. Antarctic Program’s research center. The touring company said in a statement that Aldrin was stable under the care of a doctor, but his condition had “deteriorated.” The evacuation flight was provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation. Aldrin is one of only 12 humans to walk on the moon. Seven of the astronauts are still alive, and include Aldrin, Alan Bean (age 84), David Scott (age 84), John W. Young (age 86), Charles Duke (age 81), Eugene Cernan (age 82) and Harrison Schmitt (age 81.) Every living person to walk on the moon is past the average American life expectancy of 79 years. Attempts to get some new moonwalkers, however, aren’t going well. President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress were more interested in funding global warming science than going back to the moon during their tenure. Obama has repeatedly attempted to cut the parts of NASA that focus on science and exploration, so that money could be redirected to global warming research. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration appears to be interested in returning American astronauts to the moon or sending them to Mars. What in the world would an 86 year old Freemason need to be doing in Antarctica in the first place? Very strange. I have no idea what is going on in Antarctica but I do know one thing…. I do know that it’s VERY strange that almost the entire world has agreed upon the “Antarctic Treaty”. Do you know about this? Even countries currently fighting wars against each other right now are counterparties to the Antarctic Treaty, which says essentially that no one is allowed to go down there. Why do you suppose that is the one thing we can all agree on and nothing else? Does that make any sense to anyone? From ChatGPT, this will blow your mind: The Antarctic Treaty is a landmark international agreement that was signed in Washington on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961. It was established to ensure that Antarctica remains a region dedicated to peace, science, and international cooperation. The treaty sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, bans military activity on the continent, and prohibits nuclear explosions and the disposal of nuclear waste. It also supports scientific research and protects the continent’s ecozone. Over time, additional agreements known as the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) have been added to augment and support the original treaty, covering environmental protection and the conservation of living resources in Antarctica. As of my last update in April 2023, there were 54 parties to the Antarctic Treaty. These include original signatories who have consultation status (decision-making power) because of their substantial scientific activity in the region, as well as countries that have acceded to the treaty later and may have consultation status now. Here is the list of countries that are parties to the Antarctic Treaty: Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Belarus Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chile China Colombia Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Guatemala Hungary India Italy Japan Kazakhstan South Korea North Korea Malaysia Mexico Monaco Mongolia Netherlands New Zealand Norway Pakistan Peru Poland Portugal Romania Russia (as the successor state of the Soviet Union) Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom United States Uruguay Venezuela Finland So…Russia, Ukraine, China and the USA are all parties.  Plus 50 other countries.  We can all agree on this just fine, meanwhile we’re bombing each other day in, day out? Does that make any sense to anyone? Any why is it so important to establish no one can go down there? If it’s just Ice and Penguins, what’s the big flipping deal? I don’t have all the answers, I’m just asking questions and I know when something doesn’t smell right. Biblical Trees Beyond the Ice Wall…? Our governments and the so-called “Elites” have lied to us for a long time about just about everything, and I think it’s HIGHLY likely that they are lying to us about the shape of the Earth and the nature of where we live. Everyone still ok? Did we lose anyone? Well buckle up buttercup because it’s about to get wild! This article is probably going to be one of the most controversial things I have posted in a long time. And I’m ok with that. I know some people will judge a book by its cover and immediately write this off, but I give you one caution before you do… There is a famous quote I’d like to share with you that has been attributed to many different people over time, so I’m not sure who said it first, but it goes like this: There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation. Powerful. Read that again and let it sink in. If you want to remain in ignorance, write off an idea before you even look into it.  Surefire way to stay uninformed. So let me begin with a question: Why is no one allowed to go to Antarctica? Oh sure you can go, but only to a few selection locations.  And NO further.  And only with a guide. Why is that? Why is it so important to protect whatever’s down there? Why have all the countries of the world signed on to a treaty about Antarctica? Yes, even Russia and Ukraine, who are currently engaged in WW:III have agreed on one thing: something VERY important is down in Antarctica and we have to protect it and prevent anyone from going and exploring. Why is that? What could possibly be so important about ice? Unless of course if they have lied to us about the shape of the Earth? Unless Antarctica is not at the bottom of the “globe” but actually makes up the ring surrounding it? Sounds crazy at first until you begin to investigate, and it very quickly becomes something that has you scratching your head. Let’s start with this video: Biblical Trees Beyond the Ice Wall…. pic.twitter.com/fzsN79IN0T — PaulsCorner21 (@TNTJohn1717) October 8, 2022 Think that’s just some crazy Tik Tok video? It’s not. You’re probably familiar with Answers In Genesis, right? They do NOT espouse a “flat Earth” world view, but they did publish this article titled:  “Stumped By Forests in Antarctica”. Here is a portion: Forests in Antarctica? This frigid, forbidding continent is full of surprising evidences for the worldwide flood. Is Antarctica on your bucket list of vacation destinations? It’s on mine! What could possibly be of interest in Antarctica? After all, the continent at the bottom of the world is covered in ice and snow, and the temperatures are always below freezing. As the coldest, driest continent, it has one of the harshest environments on the planet and harbors a world of extremes. Turbulent winds and snowstorms can last days and even weeks, and the endless barren terrain makes Antarctica the world’s largest desert! For half the year it’s a polar summer, when the unforgiving sun shines 24/7. Then, during the six months of the polar winter, the continent plunges into complete darkness. So why would I be interested in visiting Antarctica? Well, to see rocks, of course! I’m a geologist. Unlike the Arctic, which is simply an ice sheet floating on the ocean, Antarctica is composed of rock covered in ice and snow. Huge jagged mountain ranges jut up through nearly a mile of ice and snow, exposing rocks with all sorts of treasures, if you know what to look for. Just two summers ago, a team was surprised to discover not just one but five “forests” piled on top of each other. They claimed the supposedly 260-million-year-old fossils represent a series of different forests that grew slowly and were buried one on top of the other over millions of years. They were looking for clues to understand how climate changes contributed to their extinction. Finding such mysteries then putting them in the biblical perspective is why I love my profession and want to visit places most people would never consider. Found—Fossil “Forests” of a Strange Extinct Plant The team was led by Erik Gulbranson, a professor of geosciences at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, who set up camp in the central Transantarctic Mountains. They found several layers of tree stumps buried upright with parts of their roots still connected. They also found impressions of long, broad, flat leaves jumbled together in massive mats.1 These remains have been identified as fossils of an unusual extinct plant called Glossopteris, which is unlike any plant alive today. Pieces of this plant are commonly found in large Permian coal beds that are mined throughout the southern hemisphere, such as in Australia and South Africa. The discovery of these plants wasn’t the big surprise. In previous expeditions the same team found similar “fossil” forests in the same rock unit in the central Transantarctic Mountains. Lab studies confirmed that all the fossil wood specimens belonged to the same genus, Glossopteris. But their earlier analysis uncovered a surprise. The long-held assumption was that the Glossopteris plant was strictly deciduous (meaning its leaves drop annually in the autumn). Scientists made this assumption because they usually find their fossil leaves in mats, similar to thick mats on the floors of modern deciduous forests. The new analysis showed they were a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. How could this be? Based on their evolutionary assumptions about slow changes over millions of years, scientists suggested a possible explanation. They claimed that earth’s cooling climate had forced these late Permian polar forests to adapt to environmental stresses. The accumulation of these stresses ultimately caused their extinction. There’s a lot more out there than your government is telling you! And of THAT I am 100% confident. Here’s another one, from the Christian Times: A Christian geologist has argued that the recent discovery of fossilized tree stumps in Antarctica confirms the Bible’s account of a global Flood. Live Science reported last month that a team of scientists led by Erik Gulbranson, a paleoecologist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, had discovered a forest of fossil trees in Antarctica, which is said to be an indication that the climate was warmer there in the past. While the researchers have not dated the forest precisely yet, they surmised that it flourished about 280 million years ago before it was rapidly buried in volcanic ash, which preserved it down to the cellular level. However, Dr. Tim Clarey, a research associate at the Institute for Creation Research (ICR), contended that the fossilized trees are more consistent with the Biblical account of a global flood just thousands of years ago. “This discovery should be no surprise to those who take Genesis as literal history. The Bible clearly describes a global Flood that affected all land masses—why should Antarctica be an exception?” he wrote in an article published on ICR’s website. Clarey explained that dinosaur and mosasaur (massive swimming reptiles) fossils are found on every continent including Antarctica, which he says suggests that a much warmer global climate existed before the Great Flood. He further noted that some creationists have tried to explain the presence of temperate climate fossils in Antarctica by claiming that the Earth had “rolled” on its axis during the Flood, resulting in the North Pole shifting from central Asia to its present position. But Clarey pointed out that the temperate and tropical-type flora and fauna fossils, like dinosaurs, can also be found in central China — which he said would have been the north pole if the earth indeed rolled on its axis. He contended that the entire globe was warmer before the global Flood and that the forces that are required to explain the shift on the Earth’s axis has not been resolved and remains a speculation. Gulbranson, who specializes in geochemistry techniques, noted that the plants found in Antarctica were so well-preserved that some of the amino acid building blocks that made up the trees’ proteins can still be extracted. Clarey argued that the secular science community cannot provide a viable explanation for such discoveries. “How could proteins and original amino acids survive for millions of years?” he asked. “These trees were buried rapidly during the global Flood described in Genesis. Temperate and tropical plants and animals were caught up and quickly buried in the ash, mud, and sand that engulfed them in this cataclysmic event. These fossils remind us that God’s Word is true,” he went on to say. Another video: https://www.tiktok.com/@cardeecuebrav1/video/7118792799650106670?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7118792799650106670&lang=en But….but….we went to the Moon! How can this be? Right, about that: Mars vs Greenland…. pic.twitter.com/SVrA2bTc7r — PaulsCorner21 (@TNTJohn1717) October 9, 2022 And this: Buzz Slipped Up Again – Part 1 pic.twitter.com/pj8aAy2wxG — PaulsCorner21 (@TNTJohn1717) October 10, 2022 And this: Buzz Slipped Up Again – Part 2 pic.twitter.com/Npmw5TQbCw — PaulsCorner21 (@TNTJohn1717) October 10, 2022 Let’s go back to the Bible: The earth is a topographical level plane where the sun, moon and stars circle above us. Research #flatearth pic.twitter.com/kkOpSvHTk7 — Flat Earth Zone (@FlatEarthZone) October 9, 2022

U.S. authorities are now claiming that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky was behind the Nord Stream pipeline explosions in September 2022. According to reports, the Zelensky regime detonated explosives in order to reduce Russia’s energy revenues. [...] The post CIA Admits Zelensky Behind Nord Stream Pipeline Attack appeared first on The People's Voice.

Scientists are now saying that climate change is to blame for the sharp rise in child marriages in Muslim countries around the world. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), man-made global warming is causing pedophiles to [...] The post Scientists Blame ‘Climate Change’ for Rise in Child Marriages appeared first on The People's Voice.

TV scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson has declared that DNA “has zero bearing” on determining whether a person is male or female. In the video below, deGrasse Tyson claims that every day anyone can decide “today I feel [...] The post Video: Neil deGrasse Tyson Says Chromosomes ‘Has Zero Bearing’ on Biological Sex appeared first on The People's Voice.

WEF executive and former New Zealand premier Jacinda Ardern has been invited to preside over the Democratic National Convention this week. A spokesperson for the former Prime Minister confirmed her attendance on behalf of the World Economic [...] The post WEF’s Jacinda Ardern To Preside Over DNC Convention appeared first on The People's Voice.

Between her cancer battle and pregnancy, recording Nightwish's latest album offered some different challenges

In a staggering revelation, a recent poll has unveiled that more than 40% of Venezuelans, amounting to roughly 10 million people, are contemplating fleeing their homeland due to the ongoing crisis plaguing the nation. The study, conducted by Meganalisis paints a grim picture of a country on the brink, with citizens increasingly desperate to escape the deteriorating conditions under the socialist regime of Nicolás Maduro. The poll's findings highlight the severe disillusionment among Venezuelans, many of whom have been grappling with crippling inflation, widespread poverty, and rampant crime. The economic and social collapse that began under Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez, has only deepened in recent years, pushing millions to the edge. With food and medicine shortages becoming a daily reality, many see no other option but to leave in search of a better life abroad. MUST WATCH CNN just DESTROYED Kamala Harris' economic agenda. "We‘ve seen this kind of thing tried in lots of other countries before. Venezuela, Argentina, the Soviet Union…it leads to shortages" and would "cause a lot of harm." pic.twitter.com/pFEMYDjpN0 — House Republicans (@HouseGOP) August 16, 2024 This exodus has already been underway for years, with millions of Venezuelans having fled to neighboring countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. The United Nations estimates that more than 7 million Venezuelans have left the country since the crisis began, making it one of the largest displacement crises in the world. However, the latest poll suggests that this number could swell dramatically if those considering leaving decide to act on their intentions. The dire situation in Venezuela has caught the attention of international bodies, but solutions remain elusive. Despite attempts at dialogue and sanctions aimed at pressuring Maduro’s regime, the crisis continues unabated. The Maduro government has dismissed the poll's findings as propaganda, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Streets in Caracas, once bustling with activity, now tell tales of despair, with many businesses shuttered and citizens queueing for hours for basic necessities. The Vatican has sent a new Papal Nuncio to support the communist hellscape of Nicolás Maduro, who called Catholic leaders in Venezuela "devils in cassocks", and tried to have them criminally investigated. Is anyone surprised? pic.twitter.com/ZiQ6Hvyi72 — Mason-Dixon Latin Mass Society (@mdlatinmass) August 15, 2024 The impact of this potential mass migration would be felt not just within Venezuela but across the region. Neighboring countries, already stretched thin by the influx of Venezuelan refugees, would face even greater challenges in accommodating another wave of migrants. The strain on resources and services in these host nations has been immense, with many struggling to provide adequate support to the displaced populations. The poll also sheds light on the demographics of those considering leaving. A significant portion of this group is made up of young people, who see little future in a country where opportunities are scarce, and the prospects for change appear bleak. The brain drain that has accompanied the crisis has left Venezuela with a dwindling pool of professionals and skilled workers, further exacerbating the challenges facing the nation. Meanwhile, those who remain in Venezuela are facing increasingly dire conditions. The healthcare system is in shambles, with hospitals lacking basic supplies and medicines. Education has also suffered, with many schools closing or operating under severe constraints. The once-robust oil industry, the backbone of Venezuela’s economy, has all but collapsed, contributing to the country’s economic freefall. The international community’s response to the crisis has been mixed, with some countries offering support to Venezuelan refugees while others have taken a harder stance, closing their borders to prevent further influxes. The United States, under the Biden administration, has maintained sanctions against the Maduro regime while providing humanitarian aid to refugees. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis and to support those affected. The post Over 40% of Venezuelans, or 10 Million, Considering Leaving the Country Amid Crisis appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

This animal-loving couple wasn’t sure what would happen when they brought a baby pig home, but they definitely weren’t expecting this! As soon as the new pet entered their house, one of their dogs became the little guy’s best friend. Maggie May, a basset hound, immediately became obsessed with the tiny pig, whose name is Harrison Ford. Since then, she’s been looking after the baby animal like a mother! Christopher Cluff shared the most adorable footage of the two pets interacting on social media. His clips show the baby pig and the basset hound playing together in the most wholesome way! “POV: you’re worried your new pig will be lonely living indoors…” the man wrote in his video. “But your basset hound adopts him as her own.” In his caption, he added, “Harrison Ford needed a mama and Maggie May needed a baby.” It looks like this was a match made in heaven! Although Harrison seems to share a special relationship with the basset hound, his owners have a number of other dogs who also love to play with the baby pig. Christopher shared another adorable video showing how all of these four-legged siblings get along together. One of these pooches wasn’t much larger than the piglet! Since they live on a farm, Christopher and his wife have even more animals outside their home. They also have more dogs not featured in either of the clips above. In many of his videos, this husband jokes that his spouse is constantly begging to adopt even more animals. So, we’re sure their new baby pig won’t be the last pet to walk through their door! Chris and his wife must have truly big hearts to open their home to so many critters in need. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Precious: Basset Hound Falls Head Over Paws For Baby Pig appeared first on InspireMore.

Lush was formed in 1987 by Miki Berenyi (vocals, guitar), Emma Anderson (guitar, vocals), Steve Rippon (bass), and Chris Acland (drums). The band hailed form London, England. Known for their role in the shoegaze music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, Lush combined ethereal vocal harmonies, textured guitar work, and lush, dreamy soundscapes, which positioned them as one of the key bands in the genre alongside groups like My Bloody Valentine and Ride. The band released their first recording, the mini-album Scar, in 1989 under the UK indie label 4AD. Over the course of their career, Lush produced The post Complete List Of Lush Albums And Songs appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

The post Can Cats Have Bipolar Syndrome? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) 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 Overview Cats and Bipolar Syndrome Diagnosis How to Help Your Cat One minute, your cat is cuddling with you as happy as a clam, and the next minute, they are climbing up the curtains, yowling, and acting like a banshee. What could be going on? With such fluctuation in behaviors, one may wonder if their cat could have bipolar syndrome. While this is a reasonable suspicion, it’s important to note that at this time, cats are not recognized as being able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome. In this article, we’ll explore what this condition is, specifics of why it’s not recognized or diagnosed in cats, and tips and techniques for ensuring good mental health for cats in general. About Bipolar Syndrome What exactly is bipolar syndrome? The word bipolar can be broken down into the root “bi” which means two and “polar” which can be akin to having extreme opposites on two points or ends of an axis. In people, this mental illness is characterized by two very different moods: that of a very high or elevated mood (termed mania) and that of a very low or hopeless (termed depressive) mood. These intense and extreme emotional states swing dramatically from one to another over time, with each mood often lasting from days to weeks or months. In between, there is also the potential for a normal mood, called euthymia. While bipolar syndrome was also previously referred to as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, there are different types, such as bipolar syndrome type 1 or type 2. What all bipolar diagnoses have in common is that they are characterized by recurring, dramatic shifts or swings in mood. These intense moods can affect the individual’s energy levels, thinking patterns, overall behavior, sleep schedule, etc. In people, a diagnosis is obtained by ruling out other causes followed by a thorough psychological evaluation. If diagnosed, treatment often includes various medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Image Credit: Kginger, Shutterstock Cats and Bipolar Syndrome As mentioned, cats are not recognized to have bipolar syndrome. In fact, it’s a bit tricky to actually assess depression and mania in our feline friends. When a pet cat is acting subdued or potentially displaying some of the signs below, one may inadvertently think depression could be a potential cause: Personality change Not eating Lethargy Hiding Withdrawal Decrease in grooming behavior Changes in social relationships with people or other pets If these types of changes in the behavior of a cat are seen, they are most often explained in veterinary medicine by an underlying medical or physical health condition. While the list of potential reasons for illness is long, some may include: Pain – common examples could include pain from an injury, dental problems, or arthritis, (even in young cats) Infection Kidney failure or obstruction Foreign body Diabetes Anemia (low red blood cell count) Cancer Feline cognitive dysfunction (dementia) Regardless of the cause, once a health condition is properly treated, it can make a world of difference in a feline’s demeanor and subdued overall behaviors will typically improve. Cats will display varying levels of activity throughout the day, which is normal.  While they may sleep much of the time, they can also have their little windows or bursts of activity and energy (hello, zoomies!) since they are predators with natural hunting instincts. These “highs” may be misunderstood by the cat’s owner to be a display of mania. Some cat owners may also mistake many of the following for mania: Extremely high activity levels (hyperactivity) Aggression Losing weight despite eating well Pacing Excess vocalization Excess grooming Irritableness Some underlying health conditions that may be actually causing these behaviors might include: Anxiety/fear Compulsive disorders Pain Stress Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis Hyperthyroidism Feline cognitive dysfunction (dementia) An official diagnosis of hyperactivity Again, if one of these (or another) health conditions is the cause of what appear to be “manic” behaviors, proper medical treatment can help bring a cat back to baseline. Furthermore, while cats do exhibit signs of stress and can have mental health conditions diagnosed such as compulsive disorders or cognitive dysfunction, these would be diagnosed after other medical causes are ruled out. Image Credit: Ro_ksy, Shutterstock Diagnosis of Bipolar Syndrome in Cats As the above discussion illustrates, signs in a cat that would normally be considered to be “depressive” or “manic” in humans are most often explained in veterinary medicine by some other underlying medical condition. In addition, a cat’s more extreme moods do not stay and last for long periods of time and then cycle to the opposite end of the spectrum like bipolar syndrome in people. Furthermore, because bipolar syndrome requires consistently alternating manic and depressive states to be diagnosed, it is easy to see how bipolar syndrome diagnosis is not recognized as an option for a cat. In addition, in the medical testing world, it has been difficult to use animal subjects for modeling medical treatment for bipolar syndrome in people. Some of the reasons for this, as set out below, help explain even more why cats have been unable to be diagnosed with this disease. Many of the qualifying characteristics of bipolar syndrome in people are not able to be evaluated in animals. Because veterinarians can’t talk to their patients and their patients do not have the same awareness and cognitive abilities as people, evaluating feelings of worthlessness or guilt, for example, is just not possible. In the human world, testing using animal models for bipolar syndrome has had to be separated into two categories: one group with animals that are modeling mania, and one group that is modeling depression. There has not been a successful group that has exhibited both depression and mania. Even further, there has not been shown a way to replicate the characteristic cycle between the two in animals. While cat behavior can be complex and can fluctuate widely, there could be additional reasons for this behavior besides the aforementioned health causes. Not only do a cat’s genetics play a role, but aspects such as what occurred during their socialization period as kittens, life experiences, individual personality, etc., all can come into play. Many times, their mood or variations are triggered or activated because of an external factor in their surroundings, rather than a biochemical abnormality going on in their brain. How to Help Your Cat If your cat is suffering from what appear to be signs of hyperactivity/mania and depression, what can you do? Plan a visit to your cat’s vet. Rule out any medical causes for the behavior changes. Many times, changes in behavior can be attributed to a medical problem which, when treated, can help resolve changes in behavior. Some cases may benefit from a veterinary behaviorist, a veterinarian who specializes in animal behavior and has more advanced training in managing behavior modification plans and psychotropic medications. Be a detective! Try to think like a cat and see if you can parse together potential reasons for the behavior that you would normally not be aware of. For example, some stressful event or change in routine such as a recent move or new addition to the family (furry or human!) may be at play. Another example could be that a cat goes haywire near a certain area because they’ve observed from that room’s window an outside feral cat slinking around. Some components for encouraging overall good mental health for a cat that you can implement at home may include: Offering safe, comforting, and quiet places to rest, perch, or hide. This could be as elaborate as a large cat tree or as simple as a box placed in a quiet area with a blanket inside. Proper litter box etiquette – one more litterbox than the number of cats placed separately throughout the home. Ensure they are cleaned routinely and regularly. Calming products such as a pheromone diffuser. Environmental enrichment – varying rotation of favorite toys such as prey toys, tunnels, catnip, opportunities for watching birds, etc. Ensure you are giving your cat their desired amount of attention, affection, and interactive playtime; this will vary from cat to cat. Mental stimulation such as clicker training, working for food/treats, and incentivizing with treat balls/food puzzles. Image Credit: H_Ko, Shutterstock Conclusion While cats are not currently able to be diagnosed with bipolar syndrome, they may have other mental and/or physical health conditions that could be influencing how they conduct themselves. If your cat is displaying concerning behaviors towards themselves or others, promptly starting a conversation with their veterinarian will help ensure the best outcome. Sources https://journalbipolardisorders.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40345-017-0104-6 https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/can-dogs-have-bipolar-disorder https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9072677/   Featured Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey, Shutterstock The post Can Cats Have Bipolar Syndrome? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Rachel Ellison DVM (Veterinarian) 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.