The post 11 Best Cat Scratchers of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks 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. Our beloved cats scratch for all sorts of reasons, so it makes perfect sense to make sure you have at least one type of cat scratcher in your home for your cat to enjoy. While many of us might think that our cats scratch to sharpen their claws, that’s not the case! Cats use scratching as a way to release stress, to help stretch and flex their bodies, and to leave a scent and visual mark on their territory — a.k.a. your couch. Scratching also helps remove the outer layers of their claws, which once dead, need to be removed. So, there are all sorts of reasons that your cat is going to feel like having a scratch, and as good cat parents, it’s up to us to provide opportunities that don’t involve ruining your soft furnishings. A quick look at popular cat shopping sites will reveal a staggering number of options when it comes to cat scratchers. But how do you know which one is going to suit your cat? That’s where our reviews come in! 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 Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher Built with high-quality, durable materials Modern and sleek design Has replacement cardboard available CHECK PRICE Budget Buy Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher Great value for money Stylish design Sloped to encourage scratching CHECK PRICE Scratch Lounge Cat Scratcher Lounge Long-lasting Unique design Comes with catnip Unique design Comes with catnip CHECK PRICE K&H Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Track Good for large cats Includes catnip Plenty of interactive features CHECK PRICE SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher Innovative shape Different surfaces Includes a toy CHECK PRICE The 11 Best Cat Scratchers 1. Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher – Best Overall Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Hepper The Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is a game-changer when it comes to cat scratchers. What makes it our pick for the best cat-scratching post? Well, for starters, it’s adjustable with three different positions. Your cat will never get bored because you can switch it up to keep them nimble and entertained. It also has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any room. But it’s not just about being fancy; it’s built tough with solid birch plywood and a non-toxic gloss coating. The curved design is like a mini-gym for them, helping them stretch, exercise, and stay mentally sharp. And here’s the kicker: you can replace the cardboard part, so it lasts practically forever. It currently only comes in one color option, but it’s a great option in our opinion. So, if you’re looking to spoil your cat and give them the best scratching experience, the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher is the way to go. 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! Pros Modern, stylish design Affordable Curved to encourage stretching and scratching Replacement cardboard available Sturdy and durable Cons Currently only comes in one color option 2. Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher — Budget Buy Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon If you’re looking for the best budget cat scratcher, then we definitely recommend the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher. This offers amazing value for money but is also stylish and won’t look out of place in a modern home. If your cat has taken a liking to scratch seagrass baskets, then this is a great solution because it’s made with the same material! The sloped surface is great for encouraging cats to stretch out to their full length while scratching, a feature that many vertical scratchers miss. It also comes with a sachet of catnip that you can sprinkle over the surface to encourage your cat to come and investigate this for the first time. The only issue we have with this cat scratcher is that it’s a little too small and lightweight for larger cat breeds. To conclude, we think this is the best cheap cat scratcher you can find. Pros Great value for money Stylish design Sloped to encourage scratching Includes catnip Cons Not heavyweight for larger cats 3. Scratch Lounge Cat Scratcher Lounge Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Scratch Lounge Original Cat Scratcher Lounge is our next cat scratcher on the list because it’s set to revolutionize the way that your cat scratches! The unique, three-sided design allows plenty of space for your cat to scratch horizontally, but it’s also designed to indulge your cat’s love of nesting into smaller spaces. This scratcher is made from recycled paper, meaning it’s not only great for your cat but also environmentally friendly! This scratcher comes with a small sachet of catnip that you can sprinkle on the first few times your cat uses it. After that, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite toy. If the scratcher starts looking a bit worn, simply turn over the surfaces to reveal a brand-new side. The only reason this missed out on the top two places on this list is that it’s more expensive than some of the other cat scratchers out there. But the super durable and double-sided design means that you shouldn’t need to invest in another cat scratcher for quite some time! Pros Long-lasting Unique design Comes with catnip Reversible construction Cons Expensive 4. K&H Pet Products Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Track Cat Scratcher Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon If your cat loves to play as much as a scratch, then the K&H Pet Products Kitty Tippy Scratch n’ Track Cat Scratcher includes everything you need to keep them entertained for hours! Each side of this cat scratcher has an indentation for the included balls to sit in, meaning your cat can have plenty of fun batting them about. You can also add rockers to the base, so this scratcher will tip from one side to the other as your cat plays. The large size is perfect for bigger breeds, as they’ll have plenty of space to stretch out when they want to scratch. Some cats can easily remove the balls from the runners, in which case, you’ll need to find and then replace them (only for your cats to knock them out again, of course!). This scratcher isn’t reversible, so once the top side has been scratched into oblivion, you’ll need to invest in another one. Pros Good for large cats Plenty of interactive features Includes catnip Cons Not reversible Balls can pop out of runners 5. SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The innovative shape of the SmartyKat Scratch Scroll Cat Scratcher is designed to allow your cat to use it as a toy at the same time — it even includes a dangly, removable feather to tempt them into playing. The neutral colors blend well into any home and include a combination of carpet and sisal to appeal to all cats! Just be aware that if you have a larger cat, they probably won’t be able to stretch out to their full length using this scratcher, so while they might play with the toy, the original purpose of the scratcher might be missed! Some cats prefer to snuggle up on or under this scratcher for a nap, but it’s perfect for smaller cats and kittens. Pros Innovative shape Different surfaces Includes a toy Cons Cats can’t reach full stretch Not carpeted underneath Not large enough for big cats 6. K&H Pet Products Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon If you’re looking for the ultimate cat scratcher, then look no further than the K&H Pet Products Scratch Ramp Cat Scratcher. We awarded this our best overall category due to its clever combination of a scratching ramp and a toy — with catnip! Some cats need a little encouragement to start using their cat scratcher, and with this offering from K&H Pet Products, you get plenty of chances to tempt your cat. The large cardboard area encourages scratching, while the two balls within a runner will keep your cat entertained and ready to get their claws out (making it the best cat scratcher to file nails). In fact, the only thing we didn’t like about this cat scratcher is that the included bag of catnip is small. You might find yourself wanting to supplement that with more, but of course, your cat might take an instant liking to this scratcher — no catnip required! Pros Great value for money Includes toys and catnip Long-lasting Easy to assemble Cons The bag of catnip is small 7. Petstages Easy Life Scratch, Snuggle and Rest Cat Scratcher View Latest Price If you’re looking for a colorful and eye-catching cat scratcher, then the Petstages Easy Life Scratch, Snuggle and Rest Cat Scratcher will suit you and your cats perfectly. The circular central cat scratcher forms a shallow bowl, which is inviting for scratching and is perfect for your small cat to curl into for a nap. As with many of the cat scratchers in our review, this product also includes a small sachet of catnip. This cardboard scratcher can stand up well to smaller cats, but large cats might not be able to curl up in the central section and can knock the legs off after extended use. This can’t be refilled either, so once the cardboard on the top has been scratched to bits, it’ll be time to invest in a new cat scratcher. Pros Includes catnip Curved scratching surface Can also be used as a bed Cons Legs can come unstuck Not large enough for big cats Not refillable 8. Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon If you’re looking for a basic and budget cat scratcher pad, then the Van Ness Cat Scratcher Pad is going to do the job. This wide scratcher is made from 100% recycled corrugate cardboard that sits within a cardboard box. It also includes a sachet of USDA Certified Organic catnip that you can sprinkle over the surface. The design of this scratcher is quite basic, so don’t expect any additional features like balls, rockers, or a slope. In fact, some cats don’t enjoy scratching on a horizontal feature, so you might find that your cat isn’t interested in this. Luckily enough, it is good value for money, so it’s certainly worth trying it out if you need to save your furniture from your cat’s claws! Pros Good value for money Includes catnip Cons Basic design Some cats don’t like a flat surface Not reversible 9. K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Scratcher View Latest Price The innovative design of this cat scratcher means you can mount it on your window for a double-purpose scratcher and window bed all in one! You can easily and securely fix this to your window using the included suction-cup-mounting system. When you want to pull your curtains or blinds, this can be folded up to sit vertically against the window. While plenty of cats love sitting up high, they don’t always feel comfortable scratching while they’re up there! So, you might find that your cat loves this as a seat, but they might not use it for its intended purpose! If they do, though, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the integrity of the cardboard as they start to scratch through it. If it looks like it’s starting to weaken, then don’t hesitate to replace it! Pros Double-purpose design Includes catnip Cons Expensive Some cats won’t use it to scratch Cords can get in the way 10. K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip View Latest Price If you don’t have much floor space for a cat scratcher but still want to encourage your cat away from your furniture, then the K&H Pet Products EZ Mount Window Cat Scratcher with Catnip is probably your best bet. This vertical cardboard cat scratcher is designed to fix onto your window using strong suction cups at the top and base of the plastic holder. It also comes with catnip, which you can sprinkle over it to encourage your cat to use it. But be warned that some cats simply don’t like vertical scratchers! It’s good that you can position this on different heights, but larger cats may be strong enough to pull this off your window, and then they may not use it at all. Pros Doesn’t take up floor space Cons Small Expensive Can get pulled off the window Cats may not use it 11. K&H Pet Products Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratching Ramp Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon If you’re on the lookout for a cat scratcher that’s a touch removed from the standard designs, then the K&H Pet Products Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratcher is worth a second glance. This cardboard scratcher can be assembled in three different ways: as an upright large letter “A,” as a double-width ramp, or as a narrow up-and-down ramp. While the versatility is great, this is still a little too small and lightweight for larger cats. They will easily be able to move this around and knock it over! The main issue is that they won’t actually be able to stretch out to full length, so they may not end up using it at all. It’s also expensive, so if you don’t mind taking a risk, this could be a good choice, but be prepared for the fact that your cat may just reject it entirely. Pros Multi-purpose design Cons Too small for large cats Lightweight design Can topple over Expensive Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Cat Scratchers Providing a cat scratcher is a great way to save your furniture from being attacked by your overenthusiastic cat. All cats have an instinctive urge to scratch, and this isn’t something that we should try and discourage them from doing, as it’s totally normal and healthy behavior. What we can do, though, is encourage our cats to scratch on an appropriate surface, instead of chair legs, couch arms, and door jambs! Here are a few things to look out for when choosing the best scratcher to suit your cat: This is logical, but the bigger your cat, the bigger the scratcher you’ll need! Cats love to be able to reach a full body stretch while scratching and may just ignore a scratcher that doesn’t allow them to do that. If you’re looking at horizontal or angled scratchers, aim for one that is at least the same length as your cat’s body, minus their tail. Some cat scratchers, especially the cardboard types, can be easily knocked over. This only has to happen once or twice before your cat decides to ignore it and move on to something that feels more stable and secure under their paws. All the cat scratchers in this review are made from cardboard, seagrass, carpet, or sisal. Some are made from a combination of materials. Most cats love cardboard scratchers, as they can feel the cardboard give under their claws, but plenty of cats also enjoy other materials. It may be a little bit of trial and error to find the combination that best suits your cat. Of course, the best solution is to provide a few different scratchers with different materials, but that isn’t always an option either financially or in terms of space available. Cat scratching posts can be vertical, horizontal, or at an angle. Some cat scratchers allow you to place them at different angles, and others are fixed. Angled cat scratchers are usually a safe bet because your cat can get a full muscle stretch on them. Many cats also love both vertical and horizontal scratchers, so again, it might be a case of trying a few and seeing which they prefer. You can also make your own DIY cat scratching post and combine this with cheaper cardboard versions for a full collection of options. It’s true that cardboard cat scratchers are inevitably going to be less durable than those made with materials like carpet or sisal. But the fact that cats just love cardboard scratchers is a good enough reason to invest in one, and they’re usually cheaper than other versions. Look for a cardboard scratcher with reversible sides, so as it wears out, you can flip the cardboard over and effectively double the time that it will last. When it comes to teaching your cat to use their new scratching post rather than your furniture, catnip is a great hack! Many cat scratchers come with a small sachet of catnip. Simply sprinkle this over the scratcher, and encourage your cat to come and play. They might take a liking to their new scratcher straight away, or you may need to encourage them with a toy or treats as well. Most cats love the opportunity to explore and scratch a new surface. You can place their new scratcher near where they already enjoy scratching, and you might find that your cat automatically starts to use the scratcher in place of the old surface. If they don’t, gently move them over to it when you see them using whatever surface they scratched before, and see if they’ll transfer that scratch onto what you want them to use instead! Some cats get bored of scratching in one place or want to mark their territory somewhere different. In that case, it’s a good idea to have a few different scratchers around the house or to move the one scratcher that you do have when you notice that your cat is using it less. Refresh the catnip when you move it, and your cat should love using it afresh! How We Selected Our List of Cat Scratchers Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat scratchers. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs. Why Trust Catster? A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat scratchers. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats! Conclusion For the overall best cat scratcher, we picked the Hepper Hi-Lo Modern Cat Scratcher. This scratcher has plenty of features that your cat will love, including the three-way setup and thick cardboard that is built to last. If you’re looking for the best value cat scratcher, check out the Petlinks Sea Ramp Cat Scratcher instead. This long angled scratcher is perfect for larger cats to get a full stretch, and the minimalist style will suit most homes. Allowing our cats to explore a full range of natural behaviors is a vital part of keeping your cat happy and healthy, not to mention keeping their nails in check. This applies even more so for indoor cats that have fewer opportunities to find their own place to scratch. So, if you haven’t yet invested in a cat scratcher, don’t delay. Our reviews of best cat scratchers and best cat scratching posts to file nails should have given you plenty of ideas to get started! See also: Scratch Lounge Review: Pros, Cons & Verdict Featured Image Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos, Shutterstock The post 11 Best Cat Scratchers of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks 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 11 Best Cat Brushes in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks 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. Regardless of whether you own a fluffy Persian or a smooth Siamese, daily brushing is essential to remove any shedding hair before it makes its way into your home. For cats with longer coats, daily brushing will help prevent any knotting and matting. Daily brushing will also encourage good hygiene and keep your cat looking and feeling great. It is important to use a brush specifically designed for cats. A regular brush can be too harsh for your feline, whereas cat brushes are softer and gentler and won’t hurt your cat’s delicate skin. Plus, regular grooming is a great way to bond with your feline friend. It can be difficult to find the right brush for your unique breed of cat, as they all have different needs. We put together this list of in-depth reviews of the best cat brushes to help you narrow down the options and find the best cat brush to suit your unique needs. 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 of 2024 Image Product Details Best Overall Hepper Cat Brush One click hair removal for easy cleanup 60 degree needle bend to reduce discomfort when combing Waterproof for keeping clean CHECK PRICE Budget Buy Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Inexpensive Wall-mounted Catnip compartment CHECK PRICE Safari Self-Cleaning Brush Self-cleaning Rubber handle Stainless-steel pins CHECK PRICE JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush Comfortable handle Works with any coat length Angled stainless-steel bristles CHECK PRICE KONG Cat Multi-Use Brush Easy to clean Comfortable grip Doubles as a de-shedder CHECK PRICE The 11 Best Brushes for Cats 1. Hepper Cat Brush — Best Overall Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Hepper Brushing cats has never been easier thanks to the Hepper Cat Brush, our overall favorite cat brush. The stainless-steel bristles have 60-degree angles to firmly remove dead hair while preventing scratches and pokes to your cat’s delicate skin. They also gently massage the skin to relax your cat and increase blood flow. The wide brush head covers large areas at once to significantly reduce grooming time. The comfort-grip handle lets you work through tangles and mats with ease. While you brush, the bristles grab loose hair along with dirt and dander, which can reduce symptoms in owners who suffer from pet allergies. If your cat experiences dry skin, the Hepper Cat Brush will remove buildup around their hair follicles, enabling their natural oil glands to work properly. Regular brushing will help distribute these oils evenly, resulting in moisturized skin and soft, silky coats. Once the loose hair is collected in the brush, there’s no need to spend time trying to dig it out of the bristles. Simply click the button on the back of the brush, and the hair is pushed off the bristles for easy disposal in one step. The waterproof feature of this brush enables it to be used during baths to keep your cat’s coat tangle-free. Use it to apply your cat’s conditioner evenly before rinsing for optimal coat softness. It’s also available in three colors! The only downside to this brush is that it is not an effective tool for loosening or combing out matted fur. 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! Pros Gently massages while brushing Doubles as a de-shedder Easy to clean Comfortable grip Cons May not be able to work through matted fur 2. Catit Senses 2.0 Self Groomer Cat Brush — Budget Buy Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Our budget buy option is the Senses 2.0 Self Groomer from Catit. This unique brush can be mounted to a wall to allow your cat to self-groom whenever they feel the urge. The bristles will gently massage your cat’s skin and remove any loose hair to prevent hairballs and keep your house fur-free. The brush has an inner compartment that can be filled with catnip to further entice them into grooming and comes with an included sample. The brush has adhesive strips to easily attach to any flat surface. That said, the included adhesive strips can easily be ripped off by an excited cat, so you will likely have to permanently attach it with screws. The catnip compartment has holes for the smell of the catnip to come through, but they are rather large, and the catnip easily falls through. Pros Wall-mounted for convenient self-grooming Bristles gently massage your cat’s skin Catnip compartment to encourage grooming Included adhesive strips Inexpensive Cons Adhesive strips are not that strong Catnip compartment holes are too large Not all cats respond favorably to catnip 3. Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Self-Cleaning Slicker brush from Safari is another great choice. At first glance, the brush looks like any other pet brush, but the pins on the brush head are retractable for quick and easy cleaning — the hair drops out with the simple push of a button! The stainless-steel pins are gentle on your cat’s skin yet will effectively remove any dead hair and knots. The rubber handle is comfortable to use and ensures a sturdy grip and the brush works well for both shorthaired and longhaired cats. The bristles on the brush head are comparatively stiff and may hurt some cats. This also makes them prone to bending, which will stop the self-cleaning mechanism in its tracks. This brush is expensive too, keeping it from the top two positions on this list. Pros Self-cleaning mechanism Stainless-steel pins effectively remove knots and dead hair Rubber handle for a comfortable grip Ideal for longhaired and short-haired cats Cons Bristles are fairly stiff High price point Bent bristles will keep the self-cleaning mechanism from working 4. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Gripsoft Cat Slicker Brush from JW Pet has a rubber-sheathed handle for optimum comfort and precision while brushing. The brush has angled pins to effectively untangle knots, even if your cat has sensitive skin. It’s designed to work on cats with any length of fur and will aid in the reduction of furballs and shedding around your home. The brush’s pins are made from flexible stainless steel that will effectively untangle while being hygienic and easy to clean. Several customers report that the brush’s pins bend easily and are fairly sharp, which may hurt some cats. The bristles’ white tips may flake off after a few weeks of use, which your cats may end up ingesting. Pros Comfortable rubber-sheathed handle Angled stainless-steel bristles Works with any coat length Easy to clean Cons Bristles bend easily The bristles are sharp Paint on the bristle-ends flakes easily 5. KONG Cat ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The KONG Cat ZoomGroom cat brush doubles as both a massaging tool and a de-shedder, making it a great choice. The soft, rubber fingers will gently massage your cat while you brush, making the experience a far more enjoyable one. Loose hair will cling to these rubber fingers, which will also condition your cat’s skin and prevent hairball formation. The grip is comfortable and flexible, the brush is easy to clean, and the durable material will keep you brushing for years. While the rubber fingers will soothingly massage your cat, they will not remove tangles as effectively as pin-style brushes. This will also result in the brush “pulling” at hair rather than moving through it, which may be an issue for long-haired cats. Pros Gently massages while brushing Doubles as a de-shedder Easy to clean Comfortable grip Cons May not effectively remove knots May pull on cat’s coats with longer fur 6. JW Pet Double-Sided Cat Brush Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Double-Sided Cat Brush from JW Pet doubles as an effective pin brush for removing knotting and matting, and the other side features a soft bristle brush for the finishing touch of a smooth and silky coat. The handle features grip-soft and non-slip technology for a comfortable and precise brushing experience. The wire bristles are rounded at the ends to ensure no irritation to your cat’s skin, while the bristle side will effectively remove dead hair and prevent hairballs. Both sides are quick and easy to clean. The brush is large and bulky, making it difficult to use on smaller cats. Several customers report that the wire bristles are too hard and don’t work effectively for knots, while the opposite side will only give a superficial brushing at best. Pros Double-sided design Comfortable grip-soft handle Rounded wire bristles Easy to clean Cons Large and bulky May not effectively remove knots 7. Andis Steel Pet Comb Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Andis Steel Pet Comb is great for cat owners looking to remove tangles, mats, loose hair, and dirt. Its dual-ended design offers wide and narrow teeth, making it a great tool for cats (and dogs) of all shapes and sizes. The wider end is best on tangled mats and to give your kitty a fluffy finished look, while the finer side is ideal for thinner coats or around the sensitive areas of your pet’s body. It is available in two sizes (7.5 inches or 10 inches), so you can pick the one that works best for your cat’s size. However, we recommend the smaller option if your cat is of average size and weight, as the tool may be too long otherwise. The comb can be awkward to hold for long periods and lacks the ergonomics of some of the other options on our list. Additionally, it may not be as effective on shorter-haired cats as it doesn’t pick up the hair quite the same way it does for those with longer coats. Pros Dual-ended design Two size options Great for achieving a finished look Can tackle mats Cons Can be awkward to hold May be too big for some cats Not as effective on shorter coats 8. ConairPRO Soft Slicker Cat Brush Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The ConairPRO Soft Slicker Cat Brush has gentle pins that will safely and gently remove dead hair from your cat’s coat, as well as remove matting and knotting without hurting their sensitive skin. The brush tips are reinforced for extra protection and are safe to use on sensitive areas like the face and paws. The brush also has a memory grip gel handle for increased comfort and accuracy and is ergonomic and non-slip. No matter the breed and coat length of your cat, the ConairPRO is a worthy choice. The brush head is really small, making it great for difficult areas but not ideal for your cat’s entire coat. The head doesn’t hold onto hair, so it can make quite a mess while you’re brushing. The bristles are stiff and spaced far apart, making them likely to pull on cats with longer fur. Pros Has gentle yet effective pins Reinforced bristle ends Memory grip gel handle Suitable for any coat length Cons Small brush head Doesn’t hold onto loose hair Stiff and widely spaced bristles 9. Four Paws Gentle Slicker Wire Cat Brush View Latest Price The Four Paws Gentle Slicker Wire Cat Brush has gentle and flexible wire bristles with a rubber under-pad that is guaranteed to never come loose. The wire bristles are effective at both removing any dead hair and keeping your cat free from matting and knotting. It has a comfortable rubber grip handle that is also non-slip for easy and precise brushing. The design of the brush allows you to effectively remove knots without pulling, which your cat is sure to appreciate, and the rubber under-pad keeps the loose, brushed fur from flying in all directions. The brush head is fairly large, which is an issue for sensitive areas like the face and paws. The brush is difficult to clean, with hair easily getting stuck in the bristles. Some customers report that the brush doesn’t work well on cats with longer coats. Pros Gentle, flexible wire bristles Soft, rubber under-pad to collect loose hair Comfortable rubber grip handle Brushes effectively without pulling Cons Large handle and brush head Difficult to clean May not work well with longer coats 10. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb is an ergonomic option featuring non-slip grips and a comfortable-to-hold handle to offer the most control while grooming. Designed with medium and long-haired cats in mind, this comb is a great way to prevent matting and the inevitable formation of hairballs in cats that ingest a lot of their loose hairs. This tool works best in conjunction with JW Pet’s Gripsoft Cat Brush but can be used on its own, too. The comb may not work on all coat types. The teeth are quite far apart, which can make removing the fur difficult. As comfortable as the comb is to hold, it may be too bulky for folks with smaller hands. Pros Comfortable to hold Can prevent mats Can prevent hairballs Sturdy design Cons Bulky design Doesn’t work on all coat types 11. FURminator Dual Grooming Brush View Latest Price The FURminator Dual Grooming Brush features a double-sided head to tackle any fur type. One side features durable, ball-end-protected metal bristles to detangle your cat’s hair and massage their skin, and the other side has stiff plastic bristles to smooth their topcoat and spread essential coat oils. It has a comfortable ergonomic handle for maximum control and comfort and is suitable for cats with any length coat. The brush is poorly made, and plenty of users report the handle slipping off the brush easily. The soft bristle side of the brush is densely packed, making it difficult to properly brush your cat’s hair. The brush head attachments also easily come apart from the head, and bristles can fall out one by one due to the plastic disintegrating within a few weeks. Pros Double-sided design Comfortable handle Suitable for any coat length Cons Handle grip slips off easily Bristles are too densely packed Head attachments come off easily Bristles fall out easily Plastic parts made from inferior materials ­Buyers Guide: Finding the Best Brushes for Cats A grooming brush for cats is not a complicated item, and the simpler the brush is, the less chance of something going wrong. Still, some brushes have multiple applications and still do the job they were designed for effectively. Here are a few factors to look for when purchasing a new cat brush: You’ll likely be using your cat brush daily, so you’ll want it to be made from the most durable materials possible. Most good-quality brushes use stainless-steel pins, which can be prone to bending but are the most effective at detangling and preventing knots. Some use plastic bristles, but these are generally only effective for the topcoat and give only a superficial surface brushing. Many brushes feature a combination of the two, which are the most versatile options. Some brushes also feature a self-cleaning mechanism, which is a convenient added feature. The brush should be comfortable not only for your cat but also for you. The handle should be non-slip and grippy, preferably made of rubber, so you can brush without hurting your hands or your cat’s sensitive skin. Some brushes feature metal pin bristles, others plastic, and still other rubber, all of which have unique use. Brushes with rubber fingers will massage your cat’s skin, making them enjoy the essential brushing process. Some have short pins that will not reach your cat’s skin and cause irritation, which is ideal for cats with sensitive skin, and some have a combination of all three. The design that you choose to go with depends on your cat. Cats with longer fur will have different needs from cats with short coats. Some designs are also for self-grooming and can be attached to the wall to allow your cat the freedom to brush when they choose. Benefits Of Using A Cat Brush You may see your cat grooming and licking their fur all day long and wonder if a brush is even necessary. Even if you have a cat with a short coat, there are numerous benefits to giving them a daily brush: Knotting and matting. While it’s true that most cats constantly self-groom, you can assist them in this process and help avoid knotting and matting from getting out of hand. Fur periodically falls off your cat’s coat, and daily brushing will allow you to collect it before it ends up strewn all over your home. When your cat self-grooms, they are licking up and ingesting all the loose dead hair on their coats. This may cause hairballs, which is not fun for you nor your furry friend. Brushing can help avoid this dramatically. Daily brushing will help stimulate the production and distribution of the natural oils on your cat’s coat, keeping their fur healthy and shiny. A daily brush is a great way to encourage bonding with your feline friend. It also gets them used to being touched and handled, which is useful to prepare them for trips to the vet or grooming parlor. Our Cat Brushes Selection Process Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs. Why Trust Catster? Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat brushes. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this. Final Thoughts The Hepper Cat Brush is the top choice overall according to our tests. The double-action brush has soft, rubber fingers that will gently massage your cat while you brush, and any loose hair will cling to the rubber fingers for a furball-free feline.  It also has a comfortable grip and is made from durable rubber, giving you a brush that will last for years to come. Our budget-friendly choice is the Senses 2.0 Self-Groomer from Catit. The brush can be mounted to a wall via adhesive strips or screws to allow your cat to self-groom whenever they feel the urge. The plastic bristles will gently massage your cat’s skin, and it has an inner compartment that can be filled with catnip to further entice them into self-grooming. It comes at a highly affordable price. There are a ton of different cat brushes on the market, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully, our in-depth reviews have helped you narrow down the options so you can find the perfect brush for your feline friend. See also: Do Cats Like Being Brushed? Best Cat Brushes for Dandruff – Reviews & Top Picks Featured Image Credit: Koltsov, Shutterstock The post 11 Best Cat Brushes in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks 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.

Books SFF Bestiary A Fish, a Lizard, or a Furry Mammal: Peter Costello’s In Search of Lake Monsters A meticulous, exacting, and detailed report of Nessie and her lake monster cousins. By Judith Tarr | Published on October 15, 2024 Comment 0 Share New Share Thanks to commenter Raskos for pointing me toward Peter Costello’s exhaustive summary of lake monsters around the world. In Search of Lake Monsters is primarily about the queen of them all, Nessie herself, the Loch Ness Monster, but Costello puts her in a broad and sweeping context. She’s neither unique nor singular. She has relatives everywhere from other lochs in Scotland to North America to Australia to Europe and Asia and Africa. Costello’s book was first published in 1974. A new edition appeared in 2015, with an introduction by cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, but it was only minimally updated. Costello, who had gone on to become an eminent literary scholar, professed himself satisfied with his work. It is remarkable considering he began it as a teen and published it in his twenties. It’s meticulous, exacting, and detailed. He gives us report after report, example after example, and he’s thorough in his evaluation of his sources. According to Costello, the legend of the monster in Loch Ness began in 1933 with a photo, a rash of sightings, and a fit of monster mania. The iconic image of the long-necked creature floating in the water was published in 1934, but was revealed many years later to have been a hoax. That revelation came twenty years after Costello’s book, and the 2015 edition doesn’t mention it. Still, there are plenty of other photos and videos, not all of which have been debunked, and hundreds of reported sightings. Costello discusses them at length and in detail. They tend to be remarkably consistent, which might be ascribed to a kind of madness of crowds—people see what they expect to see. But then he cites tales from other lakes in Scotland and Ireland, as well as in other countries and continents, and finds that there’s a common thread running through them all. These creatures, whatever they are, are large—anywhere from six feet to forty or fifty or more. They have long necks and small heads, sometimes with horns (or small ears), sometimes with a mane or a frill on the neck. The body emerges from the water in a series of humps, usually three, sometimes more, sometimes fewer. The animal may have flippers or fins, or short stumpy legs; it doesn’t appear to have a tail, or the tail is very short. It’s usually dark in color, grey or brown, and may have a lighter underside. It lives in large, very deep, cold alpine lakes. Scotland and Ireland are full of them, and have a broad tradition of monsters in those lakes. There are similar stories around similar lakes through Scandinavia and into Russia, and in North America. It’s generally benign, as cryptids tend to be. Often it’s seen at dawn or dusk, splashing in the water. Sometimes it emerges onto land, to the profound startlment of passersby. In other lakes, it may have a propensity for attacking and drowning hapless humans, but Nessie appears to be singularly unaggressive. So what is it? Costello digs deep into history and myth for an answer. He mentions the ancient tales of the Water Horse and the Kelpie and the Pooka. He goes back even further, in fact, to the dragons of the Ishtar Gate in Babylon, for an example of a four-legged, long-necked, mythical or semi-mythical beast. One popular theory about Nessie is that she’s a Lazarus species, a survival from the age of the dinosaurs: a plesiosaur, an aquatic reptile. That’s not likely, he believes. Loch Ness and its ilk are just too cold to support a cold-blooded animal. (He doesn’t seem to know about the theory of warm-blooded dinosaurs.) She may simply be a misidentification. Many of the sightings of dark humps far off down the lake may be odd waves, tricks of the light, logs or debris in the water. The accounts of the monster breaching the surface and rolling and bubbling may in fact be mats of vegetation rising up from the bottom and emitting gas bubbles. Costello doesn’t like this one at all, and subjects it to some mockery. Vegetable mats, he splutters. They just aren’t common in the deep, cold lake, though he allows as how they might surface once in a very great while. It’s possible the monster is a very large fish. A sturgeon would fit some of the stories—the dark, glistening body, the narrow head. But it doesn’t explain the frequent analogy to an overturned boat, or the long curving neck. It could be a gigantic eel; that would tick many of the boxes, though eels don’t have legs or flippers. It’s possible some of the sightings may be of otters swimming in a line as they’re known to do. In fact the dark color, the humped back, and the small, tapered head is very otter-like. It could be a super-otter, he says. Even normal otters can be up to six feet long. Might there be an as yet unknown variety that runs to eight or ten feet or more? One strong candidate in Costello’s opinion is a seal. The color is right; the shape is right. The surging, humping movement both on land and in the water is definitely right, as is the mention of fins or flippers and the multiple descriptions of a bifurcated tail or set of rear flippers. But what about the neck? Seals aren’t known for their long necks. But suppose, says Costello, that this is a hitherto unknown species of very large, long-necked seal. He is convinced that this is a mammal, not a fish or a reptile or an amphibian. It’s a radical theory for its time, when consensus tended toward the plesiosaur. A seal would explain most of the observed behaviors, the way of going, the rapid passage through the water. It would be simple enough for seals to find their way to this and other lochs from the sea. The lack of physical evidence is a problem, but it’s pretty much universal with cryptids. Costello hopes some will be found, somewhere. There are all the photos and videos, and many of the eyewitnesses are people of good character and proven expertise. Costello believes, or wants to. He’s certainly done his homework. I’ll be coming back to his work as I travel around the world on my own search for lake monsters. Meanwhile, I’m not sure I’m entirely on Team Seal, but it does explain a lot about the animal as it’s been described by witness after witness. As theories go, it’s not completely improbable.[end-mark] The post A Fish, a Lizard, or a Furry Mammal: Peter Costello’s <i>In Search of Lake Monsters</i> appeared first on Reactor.

Books book culture The Evolving, Living Art of Books There’s something timeless about holding a novel in your hands, feeling the weight of its pages, and getting lost in its world. By Abi Walton | Published on October 15, 2024 Art by Charles Emmanuel Biset (c.1648-93) Comment 0 Share New Share Art by Charles Emmanuel Biset (c.1648-93) Yesterday, I finished reading Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea for the second time this year, and it reminded me of something I’ve always loved—the way the physical form of a book shapes the experience of a story. The Starless Sea is a novel about the love of storytelling and books. Zachery, our main protagonist, finds himself lost in a world full of stories, a place known as The Starless Sea, a cavern-like refuge which is truly is a bookworm’s dream. Stacks of books, cosy wingback chairs and bumble bees to bake you biscuits as you have the time and space to just read. It made me consider how precious reading is. There’s something timeless about holding a novel in your hands, feeling the weight of its pages, and getting lost in its world. Many readers speak lovingly of the smell of a new book, the thrill of finding a floppy paperback at Waterstones, or the magic of discovering a sun-aged title hidden in the back of a second-hand shop. But beyond the tactile nostalgia, there is an art form here—one that is evolving in surprising ways. With the rise of social media like BookTok and Bookstagram, readers are increasingly drawn to beautiful editions. These special titles have become an affordable luxury, especially important amid the cost-of-living crisis. Some of my favourites include the Folio Society edition of The Song of Achilles, Wuthering Heights from Chiltern Publishing and my beautiful edition of The Tainted Cup from Inkstone Books.  But it’s not just about aesthetics. The book as an object, from its typeface, to its dimensions, plays a crucial role in how we experience stories. Having worked in publishing for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the intricate process of transforming digital manuscripts into tangible books that live on readers’ shelves. Although I haven’t been directly involved in production, I’ve observed the meticulous attention given to every aspect of a book’s creation—from the jacket design to the choice of typeface, each element carefully selected to enhance the story’s impact. The choice of typeface is especially crucial, as it can subtly influence the mood and tone of a narrative. For example, when Natasha Pulley selected the Bell typeface for her novels, she wasn’t merely choosing a font; she was making a deliberate artistic decision. Bell, originally designed by Richard Austin in 1788 for John Bell’s The Oracle newspaper, evokes a sense of classical elegance and historical continuity, qualities that resonate deeply with Pulley’s intricate, time-spanning narratives. Similarly, Anna Smaill’s use of the Doves typeface in her debut, The Chimes, carries profound historical significance. The Doves type was infamously lost to the Thames in 1913, thrown into the river by Thomas James Cobden-Sanderson amidst a bitter dispute with his business partner. Rediscovered in 2015 after nearly a century submerged, the Doves typeface has come to symbolise a resurrection of forgotten art, mirroring the themes of memory and loss that Smaill explores in her novel. The physical form of a book is more than just its packaging; it’s integral to the story it conveys. In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, this aspect of storytelling deserves celebration. Books transcend mere narratives—they offer comfort and refuge. My connection to literature took root at fourteen, during my first experience away at boarding school. Homesick and yearning for the familiar, I found solace in the volumes I had brought with me: Prince Caspian, A Little Princess, and Tom’s Midnight Garden. These stories, gifted from my grandmother’s library, served as a bridge to home. My Grandmother is a formidable woman—reminiscent of Maggie Smith’s character in Downton Abbey—who instilled in me the importance of treating books with respect. She encouraged my curiosity, allowing me to explore the library while teaching me to be gentle and mindful with each cherished volume. Our shared love for literature has always forged a bond between us, and I have many cherished memories of us reading together in her garden. A Little Princess, in particular, resonated deeply, as I identified with Sara Crewe, a girl navigating loneliness but ultimately rewarded for her kindness and resilience, much like many Victorian heroes that my Grandmother and I read together. This led me to see books as more than just objects; they carry the marks of our experiences. As David Mitchell once said, “A book you finish reading is not the same book it was before you read it.” He was referring to the transformation that happens within us when we finish a story, but for me, this also speaks to how books themselves change in the act of being read. My mother is constantly urging me to sort through my overflowing collection of books, and she’s right—I don’t have enough space in my London flat for the number of books I own. But, as we all know, book buying and book reading are entirely separate hobbies. This shift towards beautiful, ‘affordable luxury’ editions is a smart move by publishers—since lockdown, we’ve seen a rise in physical book sales, and last year, the number of independent bookshops in the UK increased for the sixth consecutive year. Communities like BookTube, BookTok, and Bookstagram have played a significant role in bringing physical books back into the mainstream. In particular, genres like romantasy and book subscription boxes have fueled this resurgence, and for some readers, owning multiple editions of the same book has become a rite of passage. Whenever I visit friends, I always check their bookshelves first because they tell me so much about who they are and what they love. Despite working in publishing and knowing the ins and outs of the industry, I am an unabashed buyer of beautiful books. I own three copies of In Memoriam by Alice Winn and have been easily persuaded to buy multiple editions of Babel because they are simply gorgeous. I regularly check Goldsboro Books for their latest special editions and love that they only sell signed first print. However, I can’t ignore the real challenges that come with overconsumption and rising prices. Like many readers, I find myself struggling with space and can’t justify owning multiple copies of the same book, no matter how beautiful they are. As hardbacks climb to around £20, it becomes a luxury to consider their format, and sometimes, the aesthetics alone can’t justify the expense. Some publishers now prefer print paperbacks with French flaps and foil-stamped jackets to justify the £14.99 price point, moving away from the traditional hardback as the first print run. Is this a sign that hardbacks might become less common in the future? We’ve already seen genres like Romance and Crime adopt paperback originals, and I wouldn’t be surprised if historical fiction follows suit. While book subscription boxes might keep hardcovers alive for genres like science fiction and fantasy, the price tag is likely to keep rising. Are e-books the ultimate solution for storytelling? My Kindle mostly serves as a tool for work-related reading, but I completely understand why many people prefer it. The convenience of carrying thousands of books in one device is incredibly appealing, especially when space is limited. For readers with dyslexia, like myself, the ability to customize fonts can make reading more accessible and enjoyable. And audiobooks hold a special place in my heart. My brother, who is blind, relies on audiobooks to immerse himself in the joy of storytelling. Witnessing his deep appreciation for this format highlights the diverse ways we connect with literature. Each Christmas, we engage in lengthy discussions about the books we’ve been reading, providing a cherished opportunity for my very British family to bond. He shares which narrators he’s enjoyed, discussing the voices that brought stories to life and those that didn’t quite capture the essence he hoped for. Knowing that audiobooks now account for nearly 12% of the UK’s book sales reassures me that this format will continue to grow, making books more accessible and offering new opportunities for publishers. While I deeply appreciate the tactile joy of physical novels and their significance in my life, I also recognise the benefits of digital formats. After all, though the story itself is central, the format through which we experience it profoundly shapes our connection to it. Few novels have buried themselves into my soul like The Wode Series by J Tullos Hennig, Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly and anything written by Natasha Pulley. Yet even among these beloved books, my most prized possession—the one thing I would risk running back into a burning building to save—is my copy of The Song of Achilles. My battered and bruised copy was purchased in 2012 on the night it won the Orange Book Prize (now the Women’s Prize for Fiction). At seventeen, I found myself in the audience at the ceremony, captivated as Miller read an extract—specifically the moment when Patroclus first catches sight of Golden Achilles, “his heels flashing pink as licking tongues.” In that instant, I felt profoundly seen by Miller’s words, resonating with the boy experiencing desire and jealousy toward someone destined for greatness. I was enamoured by Miller’s intellect and her ability to make the Iliad and Odyssey—texts I had only dabbled with at school—accessible and wonderfully queer. This queerness echoed the feelings I had long suspected within myself but had been too afraid to acknowledge in school. From that moment, I was smitten. As I prepared to attend university in Vermont, this book dug itself deep into my soul, inspiring me to change my degree to include a minor in classical literature. During J-Term, I even took Ancient Greek, just in case I ever encountered the original text. It has been my steadfast companion for more than a decade, travelling with me through the pivotal moments of my life. This book carried me through university in a foreign country and accompanied me as I explored the U.S., dragging it across San Francisco and the West Coast. A deep black mark stretches across the bottom from the time my suitcase burst open, and I unwittingly pulled it along the pavement for over a mile before a kind stranger informed me I was about to lose it. It has been read to reluctant strangers on long coach journeys, and on romantic evenings in Italy. It was with me during my inter-railing trip across Europe and while island-hopping in Greece. This book even helped me land my first job at Penguin Random House, where I wrote an essay on the importance of Greek retellings for my internship. Over the years, I’ve annotated it in sparkly pink pen, tabbed my favourite quotes, and even accidentally put it through the washing machine. It’s now on the verge of collapse, but it is a truly loved book. I’ll never forget the look Madeline Miller gave me when I handed her my dog-eared, battered copy of The Song of Achilles at The British Library just before the pandemic. Her raised eyebrow spoke volumes. This encounter took place in 2017, long before TikTok fame and even before the release of Circe. I can’t recall who Miller was speaking with; all I remember is the incredibly long queue and the excitement bubbling within me as I counted down the number of people ahead. As always, I attempted to express my appreciation for her work, but I think I only managed to mumble that it was a pleasure to meet her before I hurried away, a whirlwind of nerves and admiration. In essence, I hope that all forms of storytelling remain accessible and cherished. Bookshops and libraries must always serve as safe third spaces, a place where everyone has the option to become Zachery finding their way to the Starless Sea. As Oliver Darkshire once said, ‘Anyone worth knowing enjoys spending time in a bookshop,’ and these spaces, filled with stories, should be celebrated. The romance of paper and ink, sun-bleached pages, and worn bindings deserves to be cherished. We should continue to expect and demand beautiful endpapers and marbled boards. Imprint yourself onto the pages of beloved paperbacks, highlight paragraphs, and leave your mark. These stories will carry a piece of you long after the final page is turned. Books are not meant to remain pristine; they are living objects meant to be handled, read, and loved. So, dog-ear that paperback, gently break the spine of a hardback, and leave your fingerprint smudges from the bath. Show each novel the joy of being read, and let it absorb its own story through your hands.[end-mark] The post The Evolving, Living Art of Books appeared first on Reactor.

With each new year comes a spate of New Year's resolutions, but we'll often find it hard to stick with them after we've made them. Some years, it seems like a miracle if we even still remember them by March. But if you've thought of something that you'd really like to stick to this year, perhaps a little motivation can be found in the resolutions that survived through the ages. At the very least... Source

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Today marked a notable development for Rumble, a video-sharing platform and cloud services provider, as they welcomed Sticker Mule, a prominent online custom merchandise seller, to their roster of cloud clients. Sticker Mule, known for its rapid production of a diverse range of personalized items, has opted to transfer its Artificial Intelligence processing to the Rumble Cloud, capitalizing on Rumble’s use of the NVIDIA H100 technology. This move deepens the existing ties between the two companies, which have previously collaborated with Sticker Mule advertising on Rumble for several years. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Amsterdam, NY, Sticker Mule has grown significantly, now boasting a global workforce exceeding 1,200 employees. The company offers a variety of customizable products, including stickers, magnets, buttons, labels, packaging, keychains, temporary tattoos and more. Rumble’s CEO, Chris Pavlovski, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced partnership, stating, “Sticker Mule has been a great partner for Rumble, and we appreciate the chance to build on that by welcoming their AI processing to the Rumble Cloud.” He highlighted the shared values of creativity and customer-led design that define both entities: “Sticker Mule’s customers are only limited by their own imaginations, and our Rumble users are bound only by their own creativity.” Echoing this sentiment, Anthony Constantino, CEO of Sticker Mule, remarked on the symbiotic relationship with Rumble, emphasizing the alignment in values, particularly around freedom of expression: “Our partnership with Rumble has been mutually beneficial from the start and we are proud to be entrusting the Rumble Cloud with our important data. It’s a natural fit.” By choosing to migrate its Artificial Intelligence processing to Rumble Cloud, Sticker Mule not only diversifies the technology ecosystem beyond the dominant players like Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure but also validates the capabilities of alternative platforms to handle significant and sophisticated workloads. The narrative around free speech and reducing censorship has been a critical talking point for platforms like Rumble. Sticker Mule’s public support through actions like launching StickerPAC, which directly addresses political discourse, aligns with Rumble’s ethos. This alignment not only attracts users who prioritize free speech but also strengthens the platform’s brand as a bastion for unrestricted expression. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Rumble Scores Big as Sticker Mule Chooses Its Cloud for AI Processing appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. PayPal has recently launched PayPal Ads, a new venture into the digital advertising space under the leadership of Mark Grether, a veteran from Uber and Amazon. The program raises concerns as it capitalizes on its access to extensive user transaction data, which includes data from not only PayPal itself but also Venmo and the shopping tool Honey. This approach involves analyzing the financial transactions of its 400 million active users in the US who still use the service, sparking skepticism about the ethical implications of such deep data mining for advertising purposes. In an interview with ADWEEK, Grether boasted about the unprecedented scale of transaction data available to PayPal, which exceeds what any single retailer could accumulate. Such statements highlight the vast scope of personal financial information PayPal plans to utilize, underlying potential privacy concerns for consumers who may not fully realize how their purchasing data is being commoditized. “The newest offering from PayPal underscores the importance of incrementally: While data and signals tied to consumer purchasing are not necessarily new, the opportunity to infuse incremental moments of influence throughout shoppers’ journeys opens up real-time engagement for advertisers,” JiYoung Kim, the chief operating officer for North America at GroupM told Business Insider. PayPal’s entry into this market includes features like Advanced Offers, which were tested earlier in its app to provide targeted cash-back promotions. This feature has now morphed into a broader ad-selling business across PayPal’s platforms, with plans to expand into video ads and self-serve ad technologies. While PayPal touts the advantages of its comprehensive view of consumer behavior, which purportedly helps brands optimize their advertising expenditures and increase market share, this level of surveillance and data exploitation can be seen as overreaching. The firm’s anticipation of an inevitable consolidation in retail ad networks, as stated by Grether, suggests a future where fewer, more powerful entities hold significant sway over consumer data and privacy. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post PayPal’s New Ad Move: Power Play or Privacy Overreach? appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

If you’re planning on putting your homestead on the market anytime soon, you’re most likely going to be looking at a few renovation projects before you sell. Besides adding value to your property, improvement projects are an amazing way to gain new skills and deepen the pride you feel for your home. However, if you’re planning on staying put for a while, renovating serves another purpose — it allows you to make your home better fit your lifestyle. Luckily for DIYers everywhere, there are a number of home improvement projects that can can do both at once. Home Improvement Projects 1. Boosting Curb Appeal When considering curb appeal, we tend to think of suburban homes. You know…homes that actually have curbs in front of them. That being said, it’s just as important for homesteads — curbs be damned. Most buyers associate the condition of the exterior with that of the interior, thereby forming an opinion of the house before setting foot inside. If you are planning on selling your homestead (either now or in the future), increasing curb appeal is the first thing you should focus on. | There are a number of factors that go into curb appeal, including: The condition of the grass, landscaping,  trees and bushes near the front of the property Condition of the roof The condition of the siding The condition/presence of patios and decks Improving the curb appeal of your property may be more costly than you imagined, but it’s definitely worth it. Not only can it have a huge impact on the sale price, it will also give your homestead a glow that will have you beaming for years to come. Landscaping: Start by tackling the landscaping. Put plants on the porch, flowers in the garden, and dark or redwood mulch around freshly trimmed trees and shrubs. If you have overgrown evergreen shrubs, rip them out and replace them with leafy plants and colorful annuals. Pull weeds and cut down invasive vines. Once you’re done, put a crisp edge on the garden beds to give everything a clean look. Baby your lawn by starting and maintaining a fertilizer and watering regimen. Cover any bare spots with seeds or sod, and be sure to get rid of crab grass and thistles. Fencing: Next comes your fencing. As any homesteader knows, the most important part about fencing is whether or not it keeps the animals in (and the predators out.) Aesthetic rarely plays much of a part. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make sure it’s clean and in good condition. Replace any broken slats, panels, and electric wiring, gates and tighten loose latches. A sturdy fence won’t necessarily give extra value to your property, but it will attract buyers who are bringing animals with them. Roof: Roof in disrepair? It’s time to replace it. If you’ll be staying in your homestead for a while, this will serve you well — and if you’re selling, you’ll be able to sell increase the asking price. Power wash the outside of the house to brighten it up. If you notice any damaged siding or peeling paint, you’ll need to replace and repaint. Do all of this for barns, outbuildings, and animal housing as well. Freshly painted trim, new shutters, and updated gutters can make your house look brand new. And if you really want to make things pop, paint your front door in a bright tone that compliments the trim. It doesn’t hurt to update the house numbers and mailbox, as well. Outdoor Living: Finally, you’ll want to create an outdoor living area. Repair, paint/stain, and seal your porch, patio, and/or deck. If space allows, furnish these areas with chairs, tables, benches, fire pits, lighting, decor, etc. To create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, consider building a pergola or installing a water feature. Outdoor living spaces are in very high demand as most Americans find them a necessity for throwing parties, socializing, and spending time with friends and family. Not only do they add a ton of value to the home, they’re a great way to get your family outdoors for more than just doing farm chores. 2. A Wow-Worthy Kitchen Since the kitchen is the popular room in the house, upgrading it is a sure-fire way to add value to your home. You can update an old-fashioned design, add and island to enhance your kitchen’s functionality, install energy efficient appliances, or simply remodel your kitchen to suit your family’s needs. No matter what reason you decide to do it, it’s important to remember that a kitchen remodel is a big deal. It can be surprisingly expensive and should be well thought out. To avoid blowing your budget, consider doing the following: | Stick with your current layout. While taking out walls, moving gas lines, plumbing connections, and electrical wiring doesn’t seem like too much work, the cost can add up really quickly. If your cabinets are in good shape and you like the style, give them a few coats of paint and fresh hardware for a whole new look. If you need new cabinets, buy ready to assemble or in stock cabinets, as custom cabinets will cost thousands more. Though granite has been king for the past few years, it can be quite expensive. There is a wide range of affordable countertop options to choose from — butcher block, concrete, tile, and even laminate can look equally as beautiful for a lot less dough. Don’t forget to make space for the utilitarian things as well. Oven hoods aren’t overrated — they work hard to vent smoke, heat, and humidity, and smells to the outside world. Create a hidden space for trash cans, whether it be under the sink or in it’s own dedicated pull-out drawer. Wall outlets are your friend; make sure to install a few extra so you always have room to plug in your countertop appliances. 3. Making the Most of Your Bathroom It might surprise you to know that bathrooms rarely have proper lighting. Light your bathroom in a series of layers. For general lighting, a ceiling fixture works well; but when it comes to your vanity you’ll want sconces or other vertical fixtures mounted on either side of the mirror to reduce shadows and light your face evenly. Use decorative light fixtures over tubs or showers to enhance the overall mood of the room. | Bathroom storage can be a real challenge — especially when you have a full size shower and pedestal sink. If you have room, a closet, armoire, or even just a simple chest is ideal for handling the essentials. Install shelving anywhere there is blank wall space, such as above the toilet or over towel bars. You can even use the spaces between wall studs to create built in niches for holding soaps and toiletries. There are also a multitude of ways to store the small stuff, including magnetic strips and undercabinet caddies. If you’re doing a full bathroom remodel, there are a few simple ways to avoid overspending. Consider refinishing your bathtub, shower, sink, or tile rather than replacing it — you’ll end paying a fraction of the price. You can also update your bathroom cheaply and easily by changing hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles, and showerheads. And just like the kitchen, if you really want to save money, keep your current layout. Leave the sink and toilet where they are or you’ll find yourself hemorrhaging money to move the plumbing. 4. One Thing at a Time If you simply don’t have the budget for full on room renovations, there are smaller projects you can take on one at a time to add value and interest to your home. For instance, interior doors are a key part of a home's overall decor, and replacing them with flat or raised panel doors adds fresh style, character, and personality. In many homes, interior doors are hollow core. Switching them out with solid core doors will not only add weight, it will also significantly reduce noise. Poor lighting and outdated fixtures take attention away from your home’s true beauty. Install new fixtures with higher wattage bulbs to give your house a modern feel and friends and buyers alike focused on its best features. Something as simple as changing candle shaped bulbs to round ones in a chandelier can make a huge style difference! Staircases are often a focal point in homes, so keeping them in tip top shape is incredibly important. Repair broken treads, fill gouges, and fasten railings and carpeting securely. If you want to change the look of your stairs, you can replace the balusters, refinish/paint the wood, or add runners. There are tons of fun and easy ways to dress up staircases on a budget. If you live in an older house, you may find yourself lacking storage space. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to make the most of the closets you do have. Update your closets by installing multilevel rods, shelves, and pullout drawers. Not only will this leave you with a far more functional closet, your home will look more customized to potential buyers when you're ready to sell. 5. Hiring Smart When it comes to home improvement projects, you’ll want to honestly assess which projects you can do yourself, and which are better left to professionals. Trust me, it’s far cheaper to have a contractor do the project from the get-go than having to call them in to fix your mess. Of course, choosing the right contractor is the key to a successful home renovation project — and it’s not the easiest thing to do. Start by gathering referrals from friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Then, search the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of contractors available in your area. Once you have a list of three to five, you can start collecting bids. Be wary of the lowest bidder as this may indicate that a contractor is cutting corners or using subpar materials. You’re most likely safest with the bid that falls somewhere in the middle. Once you’ve chosen a contractor, ask for a copy of both their license and that of the major subcontractors who will work on the project. You absolutely must hire a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor. Otherwise, you’ll be liable if a member of the work crew gets injured on the job. Before you make your final decision, check disciplinary boards, the Better Business Bureau, and local court records for any claims. Finally, draw up a contract that details: Start and projected completion date Project description Specific materials and products to be used Total cost Payment schedule Contractor’s license number and that of all subcontractors Proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation payments A requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers Hiring a contractor means putting a lot of trust in a total stranger — not to mention welcoming them into your home. It’s important to do your due diligence in order to find the right person. You’ll find your thoroughness and patience was well worth it in the end when you’re left with an amazing finished product. Up Next: 15 Ingenious Garage Organization DIY Projects And More Did you find this post on home improvement projects useful and informational? Let us know in the comments section below! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!  

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