Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can “hear” sound through vibrations. This usually means the person must be near the speaker or sound source. Science has taken this concept and created a vest that changes music into sound vibrations. When an ASL interpreter adds words to the music, the deaf concert vest offers a realistic “listening” experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bright Side (@thebrightside.official) This incredible technology is now being used in new ways to enhance the lives of hearing-impaired people. In real-time, the Not Impossible Vest translates all types of live music to physical vibrations on the skin. The deaf concert vest can translate the vibrations into varying pitches for a more realistic experience. The Not Impossible Vest can translate any type of music: rock, heavy metal, jazz, and even complex orchestras. The deaf concert vest is sensitive enough to pick up and transfer subtle sounds. Deaf people can now “hear” a flute or violin solo through vibrations during a classical music piece. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Music:Not Impossible (@musicnotimpossible) The deaf concert vests can travel up to 40 miles from their base, making them perfect for festivals and large concert venues. In an interview with Classic FM, Daniel Belquer, the CVO (Chief Vibrational Officer) of Music: Not Impossible, said, “This is the world’s first-ever wireless, wearable, 24-voice, polyphonic vibration synthesizer.” The Vibrotextile is a wearable technology that makes the world more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Other products perform similarly, including the Soundshirt. The 28 sound actuators are sewn into a shirt. The shirt transmits sound through the sensors in the same manner as the deaf concert vest from Not Impossible Labs. Haptic technology advances, opening new doors for those living in a soundless world. Share this with your friends who might be experiencing any form of hearing loss. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Deaf Man Experiences Concert For The First Time & His Reaction Is Awe-Inspiring appeared first on InspireMore.

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Special recognition has been paid to a senior foster mom from Maryland: senior because she’s 88 years old, and senior because she’s one of the most experienced long-term foster moms in the American foster home system. Since opening her home in Montgomery County in the 1980s, she’s fostered over 40 children, and was recently presented […] The post 88-year-old ‘Proud’ Foster Mom Retires After Raising Over 40 Children appeared first on Good News Network.

The post Black Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info 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 Characteristics History How They Gained Popularity Formal Recognition Facts Do They Make Good Pets? The Black Sphynx is one of several colors of the Sphynx cat. The Sphynx is best known for their hairless appearance and wrinkled skin. They have large ears, as well as a muscular body, and they are known for being affectionate cats that do well with an attentive owner. The breed is relatively new and was first intentionally bred in the 1960s. They were bred in Canada and got their name from the Sphinx of ancient Egypt. Although the Sphynx is recognized by the International Cat Association, the Cat Fanciers’ Association, and the American Cat Fanciers’ Association, several pedigree cat associations do not officially recognize the breed because the hairlessness stems from a genetic disorder. Breed Overview Height:13 – 15 inches Weight:10 – 12 pounds Lifespan:10 – 14 years Colors:Black Suitable for:Loving families looking for a playful, attentive feline companion Temperament:Loyal, loving, playful, affectionate, energetic The Sphynx can come in several colors, including white, cream, gray, and black. While the most striking characteristic of this breed is that they have no coat, the Sphynx can, according to breed standards, have a coat of peach-colored fuzz over their whole body, and most Sphynxes have hair on the nose and around the ears. Black Sphynx Cat Breed Characteristics The Earliest Records of Black Sphynx Cats in History Although the name Sphynx conjures up images of ancient Egyptian cats, the cat is a new breed and was established in the 1960s. A random genetic mutation caused the birth of a hairless kitten. Several breeders used the hairless cat to produce more hairless offspring and the Canadian Hairless Cat. Then, they made their way over to the U.S., where they were bred with Devon Rex cats, who are also known for having very little hair. Any naturally occurring skin color is accepted as standard with the Sphynx Cat, which means that black is one of several colors. However, there is no clear record of exactly when the first Black Sphynx was bred or witnessed. Because it is a natural cat skin color, it is likely that Black Sphynxes were among some of the first to be bred. Image Credit: Anne, Pixabay How Black Sphynx Cats Gained Popularity The breed originally gained popularity with breeders who saw the hairless trait as an unusual, positive characteristic. The same unusual looks were likely the reason that the cat became popular with owners. The breed’s popularity was also helped by their playfulness and loving nature. However, many potential owners are put off by the lack of hair. Although the breed is hardy and no more prone to most conditions than other breeds, they’re vulnerable to some health conditions. Formal Recognition of the Black Sphynx Cat Although the Sphynx cats are recognized by some pedigree cat groups, they aren’t formally recognized by all of them. The International Cat Association formally recognized the Sphynx in 2005, after the Cat Fanciers Association did so in 2002. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association also recognizes the breed, but they have different standards. Image Credit: Marykor, Shutterstock Top 5 Unique Facts About Black Sphynx Cats 1. They Don’t Like The Cold It’s not that surprising for a hairless cat, but the Sphynx does not like cold weather. They don’t enjoy the natural warmth that other cats get from their coats, which means this breed not only struggles outdoors in cold weather but can get cold in an unheated home, too. 2. Sphynxes Need To Be Kept Indoors As well as struggling with a cold climate, Sphynxes are prone to sunburn and heatstroke because of the lack of hair. Because they don’t even have the natural physical protection that a cat coat offers, they need to be kept as indoor cats. Image Credit: Olga Shusters, Shutterstock 3. Sphynx Cats Come From Canada, Not Egypt The name Sphynx comes from the Sphinx statue in Egypt, which was based on a mythical creature with the face of a human and the body of a lion. However, the breed we now know as the Sphynx did not originate in Egypt but was intentionally bred in Toronto, Canada, in the 1960s before making its way over to the U.S. 4. They Are Very Social As well as being recognizable for their unusual appearance, the Sphynx is also known for being a loving, loyal, and affectionate cat, which makes them a great choice for a family pet. They’re people-friendly, get along with other cats, and typically get along just as well with strangers. 5. They Are Considered Hypoallergenic People who suffer from cat allergies are allergic to a protein found in cat urine, saliva, and dander. Although no breed is entirely hypoallergenic, the Sphynx may cause less of a reaction and may be ideal for those with mild allergies. Does the Black Sphynx Cat Make a Good Pet? The Black Sphynx can make an excellent pet for the right owners since they are playful, affectionate, and energetic. However, they can be clingy and don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Therefore, they may not be the best pet choice for owners who go out to work all day or leave the house for extended periods. While they don’t need daily brushing, the Sphynx has some very specific care requirements. They need regular bathing and the use of a good-quality, gentle shampoo that doesn’t cause irritation. They are also somewhat prone to putting on weight, and owners must be especially careful about monitoring their diet. Image Credit: photosounds, Shutterstock Conclusion The Black Sphynx is instantly recognizable for their hairless body and black skin. They are friendly and loyal and get along with most people. Despite having a name inspired by a mythological creature from Ancient Egypt, the Sphynx was developed in Toronto, Canada, in the 1960s. While they are recognized by several cat fancier associations, some refuse to formally recognize them because the lack of hair stems from a genetic mutation. Some groups do not believe the mutations should be intentionally bred into the next generation of cats. Sources https://www.thesprucepets.com/sphynx-cat-4176530#toc-appearance https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/sphynx-cat-colors/ https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/sphynx https://pethelpful.com/cats/Sphynx-Cats https://relaxmycat.com/blog/facts-about-sphynx-cats   Featured Image Credit: Olga Shusters, Shutterstock The post Black Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info 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.

The post When Can Kittens Leave Their Mom? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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 Kitten Growth Process Rules Regarding Kittens Leaving Mom How to Wean Kittens Without a Mother FAQ Kittens are born helpless and blind—dependent on mom to get them through life. After the first several weeks, mom and onlookers alike will be shocked at how quickly they grow and become independent entities apart from their caretaker. If you have a litter of kittens or you’re wondering how to care for an abandoned litter, this article has valuable information for you. Generally, cats are dependent on their mother for at least 8 weeks and should be fully independent by 14 weeks. We will go over how the average kitten matures, special health considerations, and how you can help kittens in need. Kitten Growth Process Before you get to the goods, you might want to brush up on the early development of a kitten. What is it like for them between womb and adulthood? Let’s start at the top. Gestation Cats can go into heat at roughly 4-6 months of age. Afterward, they can become pregnant and will quickly do so if given any opportunity. Once they successfully mate, you can expect a litter of kittens in about 65 days. During this time, the mother should swell in the abdomen and her nipples might protrude and become much more noticeable. If you realize your cat might be pregnant, you might be reading this to know how soon you can rehome the kittens. Just be patient. Trust us! We have solutions for you below. Image Credit: AYDO8, Shutterstock Dental Development Like us, kitties get a set of deciduous or kitten teeth before the permanent teeth come through. Kittens get 26 deciduous teeth which they need to be able to eat food rather than milk or mush. The incisors are small teeth at the front which erupt around 2-4 weeks of age. Deciduous premolars are used for chewing and come through around 5-6 weeks of age. Kittens will get a full set of 30 permanent teeth by 7 months of age. Weaning Stages Once a kitten is born, they depend on their mother’s milk solely for the first several weeks. However, when they reach approximately 3 to 4 weeks of age, many owners start mixing a milk supplement with solids to deliver their first food in the form of a liquid or paste. They will go between this and their mother’s milk for a few weeks. Eating Solids Once the kitten starts to eat solids, they won’t slow down! They will take pleasure in chowing down each time the dish hits the ground. You might notice that the kittens start to fight over the food; some of the more dominant kittens might start getting quite frisky and being a little stingy. As they get older the food can gradually become less liquid and have a bit more consistency about it. By around 6 weeks the kittens can be offered some dry kibble. Image Credit: Vanilin Ka, Shutterstock Socializing The socialization period occurs from 3-9 weeks in kittens. Socialization is imperative to each kitten’s development. They will have some much-needed time spent with mom, brothers, and sisters to ensure that they know how to behave. Socialization teaches kittens how to play properly and get along with others. So, it is a very crucial stage of development. Kittens should also be exposed to people, kids, grooming, and gentle handling during this period to ensure they are prepared for life as pets. They should so be exposed to different kinds of foods, places, car rides, and everything they will need to be familiar with in their lives. Socializing cats has some important behavioral benefits; it reduces fear and increases their bond with their owners. Self-Sustaining Eventually, you’ll notice by 12-14 weeks, if not sooner that the kitten is totally capable of self-sustaining. You won’t have to worry about the kitty needing mum—it is all put together in a nice little package and ready to come home. Mom will be totally hands-off by this point. Rules Regarding Kittens Leaving Mom If someone is trying to rehome a kitten, the little one needs to be at least 8 weeks of age, but ideally closer to 14 weeks. The reasons for kittens not being able to leave mum too early are behavioral. One study reported behavioral problems in kittens leaving their mother before 8 weeks of age and showed the behavioral benefits of staying with their mom until 14 weeks. If you have a single orphaned kitten, be mindful of “single kitten syndrome”. These cats don’t get enough socialization from their mother and littermates, which leads to some behavioral problems. They may not understand appropriate social behavior with other cats and humans. They may hurt others without meaning to because they weren’t taught to regulate their bites or scratches. If you can find another kitten so they can be raised together this is ideal. The 5 Tips on How to Wean Kittens Without a Mother If you have a litter of kittens that have been abandoned by their mother, you may have to intervene. If this is the case, then it is imperative you follow direct guidance from a vet to get the kittens in optimal health. Rushing the weaning process is a no-no. Whether the mother has lost interest in her litter or is nowhere to be found, it is so important you make the switch from formula to food slowly and at the correct age. Image Credit: Adina Voicu, Pixabay 1. Offer Formula for 3–4 Weeks, Then Start to Introduce Solids You can offer a kitten milk replacer to your kittens for at least 4 weeks using a bottle. When the time comes to add in solids after bottle-feeding for so long, you can slowly mush and mash kitten kibble or wet food until it is a rather slop-like substance. Ultimately, you’re looking for something that is the consistency of puree. Some kittens will take right to the plate, chowing down like a madman. Others will take a more confused approach, wanting to eat, but taking a while to get their bearings. If they seem uninterested you can put some on their nose as they will lick it off and enjoy the taste. Just remember—mix a small amount at first. You’re looking for baby food consistency. 2. Adjust as Needed As your kittens get the hang of it, you can give more solids and less milk—just be sure not to do so too quickly. Any diet changes could lead to gastrointestinal upset if they are introduced too quickly. The kittens should have all their baby teeth by around 6 weeks. At this point, they can chew kibble and meaty chunks so you can offer some more solid solids. 3. Monitor Kittens Eating Don’t let any kitten bully the rest. Make sure you monitor at first to make sure no kitten is hogging the food dish and they are all getting their fair share. Sometimes, if you have a particularly aggressive kitten, it’s best to feed the docile kittens elsewhere to ensure they get adequate nutrition. 4. Monitor Growth Make sure you keep a close eye on the kittens’ weight. They should be gaining it pretty consistently. You may notice that there is one kitten bigger than the rest and one smaller than the rest—this is pretty standard as long as it isn’t an extremely drastic difference and they are all growing and gaining weight. Image Credit: Mohamad Hairi, Shutterstock 5. Provide Fresh Water When Appropriate Kittens can start drinking water as they get less fluid from their food. Basically, when they stop consuming milk and mushy paste, they will naturally drink water for hydration. This usually starts around 5 weeks. They must have a fresh, clean source of water available at all times. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do kittens miss their mom and siblings? It is expected that kittens miss their mom and siblings after they depart. After all, this is the kitten’s family and they form close attachments and teach each other valuable information. It is normal for a kitten to miss their family for a few weeks before you see improvement. How long does it take for a cat to adjust? Luckily, the quicker you form a bond with them, the more they will adjust. Each cat is different, so some kittens will warm up right away while others will take a few weeks. Adult cats may take longer to adjust, even up to a few months. Image Credit: Kelley Varisco, Shutterstock How do you report illegal selling of underage kittens? You can call your local humane society for information on how to properly report for your area. Different places will have varying laws about the subject so it’s always best to go to the most accurate source of information first. Conclusion Now you understand that kittens should leave their mothers absolutely no sooner than 8 weeks old, but ideally, you should wait until about 14 weeks for optimal behavioral outcomes. If you have a motherless litter, make sure to keep them fed according to their age. If you need any help in the meantime, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional. Sources PetMD Cats.org RSPCA Veterinary Partner MSD Vet Manual Animal Law Kitten Coalition https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159108000051 Featured Image Credit: Yana Vydrenkova, Shutterstock The post When Can Kittens Leave Their Mom? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates 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.

Updated July 3, 2024: Looked for new codes! Only you can decide the outcome of the Toilet War. It’s your time to take a stand and defend the world from the never-ending waves of Skibidi Toilets. If the song gets stuck in your head, maybe you should use ST Blockade codes before you turn into one of them. All ST Blockade codes list ST Blockade codes (Active) !redeem Scientist — 400 Points !redeem Sandbox — 500 Points !redeem Return — 2,500 Points !redeem Digi — 1,000 Points ST Blockade codes (Expired) !redeem UTSM !redeem 18kLikesW !redeem 5MVisits !redeem 15kLikes !redeem DelayUTCM !redeem 12kLikes! !redeem ForgorLoop !redeem 10kLikes! !redeem 8.2kLikes! !redeem 9kLikes! !redeem Reinforcement !redeem DelayedUpdateFinallyHere !redeem ParasiteIncident !redeem StoryBugFixingGrrr !redeem SORRYFORSHUTDOWN !redeem 1Mvisit !redeem SORRYFORSHUTDOWN2 !redeem 3KLikeTHX !redeem ToiletTimeStop !rede...

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