The post How Many Calories Should a Cat Eat? Vet-Reviewed Cat Feeding Guide by Catster Editorial Team 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 How Many Calories Do Cats Need? A Cat’s Metabolism Foods for Weight Maintenance All cats have individual dietary needs based on their breed, size, age, and health conditions. As notoriously picky eaters, finding the right food for them is only half the battle. Feeding your cats the appropriate amount is a crucial aspect of their diet. Obesity in cats comes with a long list of severe health problems, so keeping their weight in check with appropriate food portions is key to keeping them at a healthy weight long term. In general, an average indoor cat should have about 20 calories of food for every pound of body weight. How Many Calories Do Cats Need? While every feline is different, there are a few general guidelines for an indoor cat’s calorie consumption. Veterinarians use calculations that are based on your cats’ resting energy requirements (RER) and factor in additional needs such as life stage and activity levels. There are useful calorie calculators that can take the guesswork out of it for you and put you at a good starting point. Image Credit: IMG-Stock-Studio, Shutterstock Maintaining Weight If you’re trying to maintain their weight, the average cat should have about 20 calories of food for every pound of body weight. If you have an outdoor cat, they need about 35 calories for every pound of body weight. Indoor/outdoor cats usually land somewhere between the 20 and 35 calorie mark. With that said, an indoor cat should eat roughly 200 calories per day if they weigh 10 pounds. If they weighed 15 pounds, they would consume about 300 calories per day. Weight Loss Some of us have cats that are overweight. Thankfully, their food consumption is in our control. For overweight cats, you’ll want to feed them for 2 pounds less, or about 40 fewer calories, every day. You will have to readjust this number every time your cat loses a pound until they hit a healthy weight. From there, you can give them maintenance calories. Many veterinary clinics have weight loss programs to help support and advise you through this journey. Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch! If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price! Click to Speak With a Vet A Cat’s Metabolism While these calories are a good guideline for cats, there are some major factors that also need to be considered. Not every cat can eat 20 calories per pound of body weight simply because their metabolism is faster or slower than an average cat. If you put your cat on a diet and they aren’t losing weight, then you may need to lower the number of calories they consume even more. Always consult with your vet before changing your cat’s diet plan. Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock Foods That Cats Should Eat for Weight Maintenance Like with the foods we eat, there are some cat foods that are of better quality for their bodies than others. The trick is to find a food that your cat enjoys eating but makes them feel full at the same time. Meat Cats are carnivores, and nearly all of their food should come from meat-based protein. They are not omnivores like dogs. Cats do not need grains, fruits, and veggies to live healthy lives. Sure, they can add some nutritional value to their diets, but they are not necessary for survival. Fats If you’ve ever tried eating a low-fat diet for a long period of time, then you understand how it feels to be hungry all the time. The same is true for cats. They have a requirement for moderate fat levels in their diets, with 9% on a dry matter basis as a minimum standard. With that said, there is such a thing as too much fat. Excess fat in the diet that is not burned off as energy will lead to weight gain. Fiber Fiber is essential for promoting efficient digestion and utilizing food calories. It also keeps your cats from feeling hungry as often. However, it is sometimes hard to find meat-based cat foods with high levels of fiber. The safest way to introduce fiber into your cat’s diet is with a higher fiber food recommended by your vet. You can also try supplements but monitor for digestive upset. Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew... NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking... Check Price on Amazon Feeding your cat a high-quality diet is important for keeping them healthy and happy. But it goes beyond the food you choose; the dishes they use also matter. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite for its unique, five-star design that protects from whisker fatigue and promotes good posture which also aids in better digestion. As an added bonus, it’s beautifully crafted and offers a modern take on the traditional cat bowl that fits seamlessly with all home stylings. Learn more about the NomNom by clicking here. At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!     Conclusion Determining how many calories your feline friend needs is simple once you’ve wrapped your head around the equation. Of course, you should always check with your vet to ensure they are eating the appropriate amount of food before making any changes to their diet. They will be able to give you the best guidance for appropriately feeding your beloved pet and keeping them healthy for years to come. Sources https://www.allfelinehospital.com/getting-your-cat-to-lose-weight.pml   The post How Many Calories Should a Cat Eat? Vet-Reviewed Cat Feeding Guide by Catster Editorial Team 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 Top 10 Healthiest Cat Foods in 2024 (Top Ingredients & Brands) by Catster Editorial Team 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. We all want our cats to be as healthy as possible and part of that comes from choosing the correct food for our cats. For our cats to be as healthy as possible, we need to select the healthiest food for them. Of course, this is often easier said than done. It can be challenging to sort through the cat food and select the best option for our felines. That’s where we come in! We’ve reviewed 10 of the healthiest cat foods this year to help you determine the best option for your feline. We’ll also examine what factors to consider when selecting one of these formulas. Click to Skip Ahead Our Top Picks at a Glance Our Reviews Buyer’s Guide Our Selection Process Why Trust Catster? Final Thoughts A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024 Image Product Details Best Overall Fresh Other Bird Recipe by Smalls Fresh ingredients Very high in protein Substantial moisture content Click to Save 40% Use Code: Catster24 Budget Buy Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon Inexpensive Omega fatty acids included Reputable brand CHECK PRICE Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food High protein Calorically dense Includes fish for omega fatty acids CHECK PRICE Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Cat Food Chicken as the first ingredient Added EPA and DHA Small pouches to prevent food waste CHECK PRICE Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula High in protein Made in the USA For all life stages CHECK PRICE The 10 Healthiest Cat Foods 1. Fresh Other Bird Recipe by Smalls – Best Overall Save 40% - Click Here & Use Code Catster24 Main Ingredients: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Kale Protein Content: 16% Fat Content: 5% Calories: 1,415 kcal/kg We recommend the Fresh Other Bird Recipe by Smalls as the best overall healthiest cat food. Smalls is a subscription-based meal service exclusively for felines, offering a range of fresh raw food options. With several recipes available, each with unique textures, you can select the best fit for your cat. In the case of the Fresh Other Bird recipe, you can choose between two textures: smooth and ground. To get started, you simply answer a few questions about your cat, which helps design personalized meal plans. However, you also have the flexibility to modify these plans according to your preferences. Once finalized, the meals are meticulously prepared and promptly delivered to your doorstep. Depending on the texture you opt for, your beloved kitty will receive a substantial amount of crude protein ranging from 16% to 23.7% per meal. Moreover, these nutritious meals are enriched with abundant vitamins and minerals sourced from fresh ingredients such as turkey thighs, green beans, peas, kale, and various supplements. Pet parents who have already tried Smalls’ Fresh Other Bird Recipe have been ecstatic about the positive results. Their feline friends have experienced weight loss, enhanced coat quality, and an undeniable love for this food. It’s safe to say that this option is truly approved by our feline friends and their doting owners! Pros Fresh ingredients Very high in protein Substantial moisture content Cons Subscription required 2. Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon – Budget Buy Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Salmon, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Soybean Meal Protein Content: 34% Fat Content: 15% Calories: 3,734 kcal/kg While Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Salmon isn’t necessarily the healthiest food, it provides optimal nutrition at a lower price. Therefore, it is the healthiest cat food for the money. Your buck stretches far with this recipe. Purina is a well-liked brand in the cat food industry. They have a surprisingly low number of recalls, so you can rest assured that this food is safe for your feline. Unlike many other cat food brands, they also have all their recipes formulated by veterinary professionals. The first ingredient in this recipe is fish, which provides plenty of omega-fatty acids to support your feline. Including omega-6 fatty acids in this formula nourishes your kitty’s coat, producing soft and healthy skin. Additionally, the presence of vitamins A and E helps to preserve the brightness of their eyes. The crunchy kibble of this cat food contains added calcium, which supports your cat’s dental health by strengthening her teeth. Designed for adult cats, this easily digestible cat food aids in maintaining a balanced microbiome in your furry friend’s digestive system. It contains natural prebiotic fiber, which promotes gut health and provides immune support to keep your cat in optimal condition. Pros Inexpensive Omega fatty acids included Formulated by veterinary professionals Reputable brand Cons Includes some less-than-stellar ingredients, like rice flour 3. Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Eggs, Dehydrated Chicken Protein Content: 40% Fat Content: 20% Calories: 4,120 kcal/kg One of the standout features of Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is its high protein content, with up to 90% of the ingredients being animal-based. This ensures your cat receives the nutrition necessary to thrive and maintain optimal health. The recipe includes premium protein sources such as fresh or raw chicken, turkey, whole mackerel, turkey giblets, and flounder. Orijen is committed to “WholePrey” ingredients, which means incorporating the most nourishing parts of prey animals. This approach mirrors the natural diet of cats in the wild, providing them with a complete and balanced range of nutrients. To add to its appeal, this cat food features a freeze-dried liver coating, delivering a burst of raw flavor that will undoubtedly entice your cat. This enhances the taste and appeals to your cat’s instinct to crave raw foods, making mealtime a highly enjoyable experience. However, this food is incredibly expensive. It’s more calorie-dense than other recipes, but you’ll still spend a lot to feed your cat. Pros Organ meats and other nutritionally dense ingredients High protein Calorically dense Includes fish for omega fatty acids Cons Very expensive 4. Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Cat Food – Best for Kittens Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch, Duck, Eggs, Chicken Liver Protein Content: 8% Fat Content: 2% Calories: 1,030 kcal/kg Kittens need special nutrition as they are still growing. The Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Kitten Chicken Cat Food is designed explicitly to support these kittens and help them reach their full potential. It is made with real chicken as its first ingredient and many other animal-based ingredients, like chicken liver. These provide the amino acids and protein your feline needs to thrive. Plus, the recipe is formulated with DHA and EPA for brain health. Each pack comes with very small, single-serving pouches. Because these are so small, it makes feeding kittens that much easier. You don’t have to worry about throwing lots of food out. However, this recipe is expensive, which may be a downside for many cat owners. Pros Chicken as the first ingredient Added EPA and DHA Wet food with high moisture content Small pouches to prevent food waste Cons Expensive 5. Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat Protein Content: 40% Fat Content: 20% Calories: 4,000 kcal/kg Another good option is Diamond Naturals Active Chicken Meal & Rice Formula, especially for cats on the more active side. It is almost exclusively chicken and has a very simplified ingredient list, which may be helpful if your cat has allergies. You can rest assured that this formula gives your cat the meat-dense diet they deserve. Diamond Naturals is family-owned and operated. Their foods are made in the USA vwith quality ingredients, though they source them worldwide. While this food is designed mostly for adults, it’s also suitable for kittens and pregnant cats. It’s nutritionally dense enough for these life stages, a rare find in today’s cat food industry. Its high-protein, energy-dense formula works well for practically all felines. However, this food is harder to find than most. We’ve seen many availability issues over the past few years, which is something to keep in mind. Plus, it’s also a bit pricier than other recipes. Pros High in chicken High in protein Made in the USA For all life stages Cons Availability issues Expensive 6. Wellness CORE Signature Selects Poultry Selection Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Protein Content: 8% Fat Content: 2% Calories: 842 kcal/kg If your cat prefers wet food, we recommend Wellness CORE Signature Selects Poultry Selection. Wet food is generally better for cats due to its high moisture content (and this food has a very high moisture content). It helps your feline stay hydrated, which can prevent urinary tract problems. This formula is 100% grain-free and almost solely contains some kind of meat. Plus, since this is a variety pack, your feline may find mealtime more interesting. Each recipe is shreds of real meat combined with a sauce of some kind. Only natural ingredients are used, meaning no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives exist. These formulas are very high in moisture, which can cause a problem for some cats. Certain felines may just not be able to stomach all of the sauce. Plus, this is a variety pack. So, if your cat doesn’t like a particular flavor, you may be wasting a few cans. Pros Range of recipes to keep things interesting Only natural ingredients Almost completely made of meat High moisture content Cons Moisture content can be too high for some Many different flavors 7. Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Cat Food Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard Protein Content: 45% Fat Content: 25% Calories: 4,360 kcal/kg Interested in feeding your cat raw food but want the convenience of dry food? Then you may consider Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels Cat Food. It’s made with almost exclusively chicken that is freeze-dried. You can serve it as-is for a more kibble-like meal or rehydrate it with water. This food is very high in protein and fat. It’s one of the highest protein-containing foods on this list. It is also very calorically dense, so your cat will need to eat less. However, this is also one of the most expensive foods out there. There aren’t any scientific articles backing the proposed benefits of raw food, either. While this food is one of the best freeze-dried options on the market, it’s only recommended for those who want to try raw food (and have the money to do so). Pros Made with almost exclusively chicken Can be fed several ways for convenience Very high in protein Cons Expensive May be low value 8. Orijen Six Fish Dry Cat Food Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Whole Herring, Flounder, Acadian Redfish, Monkfish, Whole Hake, Mackerel Meal, Herring Meal, Blue Whiting Meal, Pollock Oil Protein Content: 40% Fat Content: 20% Calories: 4,060 kcal/kg We also like the Orijen Six Fish Dry Cat Food recipe. This formula is very similar to the Orijen recipe we already mentioned. However, it contains almost exclusively fish, a good option for most cats. It’s very high in fish oil, which contains omega fatty acids that may improve your cat’s joint health. It’s also a good decision for felines with allergies since fish is a rarer allergy. This cat food contains 90% animal ingredients, including bone and organs. It features many nutritionally-dense organs our cats would naturally eat in the wild. Plus, this formula is also coated in freeze-dried liver for added flavor. Therefore, it may be a good option for picky cats. However, some felines cannot handle this much fish. It is extremely fish-dense, which makes it high in fat. Pros Almost completely made of fish Lots of fish oil Freeze-dried coated for added flavor Cons Expensive It may be too much fish for some cats to stomach 9. Fussie Cat Market Fresh Quail & Duck Meal Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Main Ingredients: Quail, Duck Meal, Peas, Pea Flour, Sunflower Oil, Duck Fat, Duck Protein Content: 33% Fat Content: 15% Calories: 3,604 kcal/kg Fussie Cat Market Fresh Quail & Duck Meal is one of the few recipes that uses lots of duck and quail. Typically, recipes that say they’re made with these ingredients use chicken to bulk their food. However, that isn’t the case with this brand. Therefore, it would be a great option for cats with allergies. If your feline cannot eat chicken or fish, this formula would probably be okay for them to consume. For the most part, this formula is duck and quail. However, it also includes peas and pea flour, which are high in protein. However, these don’t necessarily have all the amino acids your cat needs to thrive. Keep that in mind when looking at the protein content of this food. Compared to other premium cat foods, this formula is low in protein. However, that isn’t necessarily a problem for all cats, as some may do best on less protein. Pros Contains mostly duck and quail Includes sunflower oil for added omega fatty acids No artificial ingredients Cons Low in protein Contains peas 10. Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe Check Latest Price Main Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Peas, Organic Coconut Flour, Organic Dried Egg Product, Organic Pea Protein Protein Content: 9% Fat Content: 5% Calories: 1,116 kcal/kg Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe is one of the healthier cat food recipes available. However, it includes many peas, including pea protein, to artificially increase the crude protein content. Peas are very high in protein. Therefore, when added to food (especially pea protein alone), it raises the protein level. However, you should not interpret the higher protein content to mean that the formula contains more meat, as this isn’t the case. It’s a bit misleading, especially since peas may be associated with some health conditions. Cats wouldn’t naturally consume peas in the wild, either. The other ingredients in this formula are high-quality, including chicken and chicken liver. It’s also pretty high in moisture, which can help cats prevent urinary tract infections. However, it’s very expensive, and it doesn’t provide many added benefits for the cost. Pros High in protein High water content Includes chicken liver, a nutritious organ meat Cons Very expensive Includes lots of peas Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Healthiest Cat Foods There are several things to consider when purchasing healthy cat food for your feline. However, how healthy a cat food is comes down to a few things. Protein Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat for optimal health. Essential nutrients like taurine and arachidonic acid are exclusively found in meat sources. Throughout their evolutionary history, cats have been predators with a diet predominantly composed of protein, followed by moderate fat and minimal carbohydrates. When choosing cat food, prioritize those with named meat sources listed first in the ingredients. Look for meats like beef, chicken, or salmon, indicating higher quality. Be cautious of foods that contain generic terms like “meat by-products” or “poultry,” as they often include less desirable animal parts mixed in the food. Carbohydrates Too many carbohydrates can be a bad thing. They can cause your cat to gain weight, and they often aren’t very nutritionally dense. However, cats need carbohydrates just like they need protein. They use them for energy, and one of the main purposes of food is to give our cats energy! Look for grains like rice, oats, and potatoes. These often work well for many cats. However, some cats are sensitive to gluten, so you may need to select a gluten-free food for these felines. Image Credit: Patrick Foto, Shutterstock Life Stage Like humans, cats have distinct nutritional requirements at different stages of life. Therefore, it’s best to choose food specifically designed for each stage. Here’s a breakdown of what cats need at each stage: Kittens require food that supports their growth and should contain single-source proteins like beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, or tuna. Their diet should be high in protein, fat, and folic acid. Adult cats are generally less active than playful kittens and require less protein and fat in their diet. This is also the ideal time to consider portion control or timed feeding to prevent excessive weight gain. Senior cats (typically 7 years or older) benefit from foods that are lower in protein and fat to avoid weight gain. These foods should also provide ample vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support their aging immune system. Senior formulas are designed to reduce kidney stress, helping older cats avoid kidney disease. Always choose a food that fits your cat’s life stage.

On the latest episode of “The Tony Kinnett Cast,” the transgender battle finally makes it to the halls of Congress, President-elect Donald Trump prepares his first 100 days, and President Joe Biden plays Jumanji. It all culminates in a spectacular battle between the voters’ mandate via Trump versus the meltdown of long-time bureaucrats and legacy media. Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life stops by to discuss how pushing pro-life policy should be a marathon, not a sprint, and what a blueprint for the next four years looks like at the state and federal levels. Tyler O’Neil joins us to talk Trump’s latest cabinet nominations, rumors, and expectations from voters and Congress alike! Catch the live radio show and livestream weeknights at 7 p.m. ET on The Daily Signal’s YouTube, X, or Facebook—and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode or exclusive interview! The post Mandate vs. Meltdown appeared first on The Daily Signal.

You may have heard of diatomaceous earth and its many benefits. It's making more and more headlines lately. But what is diatomaceous earth exactly? By Dictionary.com's definition, it's a fine siliceous earth composed chiefly of the cell walls of diatoms: used in filtration, as an abrasive, etc. Let’s talk about diatomaceous earth in more detail before we go over its many benefits. There are two forms of diatomaceous earth: industrial grade and food grade. Industrial grade is mainly used for filtration purposes and is not safe to consume by humans. In addition to that, it's also not safe to spread in your yard. Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and protective eye and mouth gear when handling industrial grade DE is recommended, as it's been known to cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. However, food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for consumption by humans and for pets. Food grade is also safe to use on your carpets, plants…basically anywhere! 10 Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth Before I go any further, let’s talk about how much food grade diatomaceous earth you can consume. To start off with, you should take 1 teaspoon of food grade DE once daily with water, preferably on an empty stomach about 2-3 hours after eating. Be sure to drink plenty of water when using food grade DE to make sure your body stays hydrated! Over the next few weeks, you can gradually increase your dosage. The maximum dosage recommended after this dose increase is 2 teaspoons. When you reach the maximum dosage, it's recommended that you split the dosage up – one dose (1 tsp) in the morning and one dose (1 tsp) in the evening. Make sure you give your body a break when consuming food grade DE. For example, you can take it for 10 straight days, then take 10 days off. This gives your body a chance to break down toxins and basically “renew.” Now, let’s begin! 1. Body Detoxifier As time passes we, as a society realize more and more the importance of detoxifying our bodies. A daily intake of food grade diatomaceous earth will help our bodies rid of all the harmful chemicals we unknowingly ingest on a daily basis. 2. Rid Your Body Of Parasites Everyone on this green earth has parasites in them! Daily food grade diatomaceous earth consumption can rid your body of those microscopic unwanted guests. 3. Boost Your Immunity System There are many natural ways we can boost our immune systems, and your daily intake of food grade DE can be one of them. 4. Kill Head Lice Head lice! No one wants that nightmare! But if you have contracted head lice, don't worry! Just sprinkle food grade DE on your head and around your home. You’ll soon be rid of these unwanted pests. 5. Deter Pests In And Around Your Garden Do you have pests in or around your garden? Sprinkle food grade DE in those suspected spaces to deter those pesky spring and summer pests. 6. Deter Insects From Your Home Do you have an inside insect problem? Just sprinkle food grade DE around your home. Targeting baseboards, inside cabinets, and/or doorways to interrupt their path of travel is the best way to make sure they'll go elsewhere. 7. Get Rid Of Fleas On Pets And In Your Yard Does your dog or cat have fleas? Food grade DE is a great, affordable, and all natural option! Just sprinkle your pets to be rid of these persistent pests! The DE actually acts as a cutting mechanism and physically destroys the fleas and their eggs within hours. Same thing in your yard. Just give your yard a coat of food grade DE. 8. Kill Bed Bugs Bed bugs can infest a mattress in no time at all! If you have a bed bug infestation, simply sprinkle food grade DE on your mattress, making sure to get every crease. As I said before with fleas, DE acts as a cutting mechanism and will physically destroy bed bugs and their eggs within hours. 9. Deter Bugs Around Your Food Storage Do you have a great amount of grains stored? If you're worried about a possible bug problem destroying your grains, then add food grade DE to the grains to help deter any pests. 10. Kill Lice On Goats Like humans, goats can contract lice. Don’t worry, it’s a different type of lice and is not contagious to humans…thank goodness! However, to keep the goats free of lice to begin with, sprinkle their coat with food grade DE regularly. The information within this article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer HERE.. Do you have a use for diatomaceous earth that you want to share with us? Have you used it for one our tactics in the past? Tell us in the  comment section below! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook! Check out these other great articles! 7 Quick Tips For Keeping Snails And Slugs Out Of Your Garden | Survival Gardening 4 Organic DIY Insect Sprays For Your Survival Garden 10 Coconut Oil Survival Uses | Basics For The Savvy Survivalist

Netanyahu: Robert Gates Had It Right on Biden

Employees of an Indiana Planet Fitness gym were shocked to discover the dead body of a 39-year-old man inside of a tanning bed after he first got inside three days previously. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said officers were called to the gym at Hardegen Street on Nov. 11 just before 8:30 a.m. on a report of a body found. The Marion County Coroner's Office said the body belonged to Derek Sink.There was a foul smell inside the building that worsened as she approached the tanning rooms.“We were deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members, and the franchise owner is working with the local authorities in their investigation," read part of a statement from a spokesperson for the gym. "We are working closely with our local franchisee to ensure they are upholding those brand protocols." The man's aunt told WTHR-TV that he was wearing an ankle monitor that led police to conclude that he had not left the gym when he got inside the tanning bed on Friday, Nov. 8. A woman who had been at the gym before police arrived said there was a foul smell inside the building that worsened as she approached the tanning rooms. Sink's mother, Karen Wetzel, told People magazine that he had gone to the gym with his girlfriend and his daughter but that they had left him to go shopping and couldn't find him when they returned. She also said that he had struggled with a drug addiction and that a syringe was found with his body. She believed a toxicology report might find fentanyl in his system. "I'm just trying to keep myself together until this funeral is done, and then I'll have my fall-apart," the grieving mother said. In a similar story from August, the body of a woman was found dead at her work desk at the Wells Fargo corporate office in Tempe, Arizona. The 60-year-old's body was at the desk over the weekend and was discovered after her boss emailed her and she didn't respond. Police said no foul play was suspected. Officials later said she died from “sudden cardiac death in the setting of myocardial fibrosis." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Donald Trump has selected John Ratcliffe to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. Ratcliffe’s experience as a member of Congress overseeing the intelligence community and later as director of national intelligence highlighted his readiness to confront the CIA’s abuses of power during the Russia investigation. However, leading the CIA requires more than a strong director; it demands a capable team to implement meaningful reforms.Drawing on my 19 years of service in the CIA under four presidents and eight directors, I offer insights into how the next director can navigate and reform the entrenched bureaucratic structures often called the “deep state.”The goal should not be merely to dismantle the deep state but to establish an environment where transparency, accountability, and integrity are the new norms.History shows that even the most skilled directors can become figureheads without solid backing. When John A. McCone succeeded Allen Dulles in the 1960s, Dulles’ personnel retained control of the agency, keeping McCone in the dark about key activities. More recently, John Brennan’s influence persisted within the CIA under Mike Pompeo’s leadership. Gina Haspel, who served as Pompeo’s deputy and later as director, continued Brennan’s legacy through his surrogates. Brennan had handpicked and groomed Haspel, who reportedly played a key role in assembling the Steele dossier.To effect real change, the new director must secure organizational support, beginning with the deputy director. The deputy director will play a critical role in complementing Ratcliffe’s vision and overcoming bureaucratic inertia. This position must focus on managing the agency’s operations effectively rather than allowing career civil servants to dictate their will to the director. Appointing the right deputy director is essential for achieving meaningful reform.Many people don’t realize how much of the CIA director and deputy director's time is consumed by protocol duties. They manage communications and meetings with foreign dignitaries and advise the president and key administration officials on complex intelligence issues. As a result, career CIA staff — sometimes called the “Defenders of the Bureaucracy” — often handle much of the operational management.This makes the role of chief operating officer, the agency’s No. 3 official, particularly vital. The COO oversees daily operations and serves as the critical link between the CIA’s leadership and its operational staff. A COO aligned with the director’s goals can dramatically improve the director’s ability to implement policy changes. The new director must ensure that the COO and deputy director manage the agency in line with the director’s reforms, rather than allowing career bureaucrats to control the COO, deputy, and director, as was the case with McCone and Pompeo.Other key appointments include stakeholders often overlooked, such as the heads of the Office of Congressional Affairs and the Office of Public Affairs. Congressional Affairs plays a critical role in shaping perceptions and securing support in Congress. Without a trusted ally here, bureaucrats could undermine the director’s agenda through legislative channels. Similarly, the Office of Public Affairs influences public and media narratives about the CIA. Exercising control over this office can prevent leaks intended to discredit or pressure the director into serving bureaucratic interests rather than pursuing meaningful reform.And we must not forget the Office of General Counsel. Past abuses in this office, especially in handling personnel and whistleblower issues, highlight the urgent need for legal alignment with the director’s reforms. The OGC’s litigation division has been a stalwart defender of the bureaucracy, seeking to crush whistleblowers, making it nearly impossible to foster an agency culture of accountability that aims to stop abuses of power.The task at hand is immense. The CIA’s internal culture and the broader intelligence community’s dynamics resist change. History offers cautionary tales, such as the tenure of former Director Porter Goss, who faced intense internal opposition. His efforts to implement reforms were undermined by leaks that ultimately embarrassed his leadership and curtailed his time in office. Any incoming director must know that he could suffer the same fate as the entrenched career bureaucrats who will resist change.As Ratcliffe or any successor assumes the director’s office, he must be prepared for a battle against the internal saboteurs and the inertia and resistance within. The support system around a new director will determine his success in leading the CIA and truly reforming it. The goal should not be merely to dismantle the deep state but to establish an environment where transparency, accountability, and integrity are the new norms, ensuring that the agency serves its true purpose of safeguarding national security without overstepping its bounds.Ratcliffe faces a daunting journey that will test his resolve like never before. However, with the right team and strategy, he has the potential to redefine CIA leadership in the 21st century. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, Ratcliffe can help the CIA return to its original purpose, free from abuses of power and bureaucratic overreach.

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