While the Royal Mail employed cats from 1868, the cats only had one pay rise in the first 84 years. When questioned about these labour practices in the House of Commons, the Assistant Postmaster-General reported “there have been no complaints”.
Your Cat Makes Facial Expressions, You Just Probably Can’t Read Them
If you pay very close attention, you may finally be able to tell WTF your cat is thinking.
A study in the journal Animal Welfare found that cats show their moods on their faces, but that only a small subset of people can actually pick up on what they’re feeling.
Researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada conducted the study by asking 6329 participants to watch videos of cats reacting to certain events. The participants had to name whether the cat was exhibiting a positive or negative reaction by relying only on their faces—not their tails or any other body language.
Most of the respondents were cat owners. Nonetheless, their average score was just 59 percent correct, which is not very impressive.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
But 13 percent of participants scored very well on the test. They correctly guessed 15 out of 20 questions. These participants weren’t just cat owners, but people who had very extensive experience with cats, such as veterinarians.
Thus, the researchers concluded that a minority of people can tell what cats are feeling based on their facial expressions alone.
It’s not clear whether this talent is innate or learned, though.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
“They could be naturally brilliant, and that’s why they become veterinarians,” the study’s senior author, Georgia Mason, told The Washington Post. “But they also have a lot of opportunity to learn, and they’ve got a motivation to learn, because they’re constantly deciding: Is this cat better? Do we need to change the treatment? Does this cat need to go home? Is this cat about to take a chunk out of my throat?”
Who knows? Maybe you, too, can learn this skill one day.
If you want to test yourself, a shorter version of the video test that participants used is available online.
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These Great Cat Posts Should Make You Smile
Do you want to see some cute/funny/mischievous kitty cats! I know I do!
Well, what are you waiting for?!?!
Go ahead and get started!
1. Move along.
2. I’ll be two shelves below the soy sauce.
Everytime we open the fridge, he does this and I don’t know why. from aww
3. This is amazing.
LOOK AT THIS CAT MAKING A COOKIE IM SCREAMING SO CUTEE pic.twitter.com/mLliyyi1pT
— nancyy (@melophobiaaaaa) December 1, 2019
4. Fell for it!
5. No more of that.
..no just.. no pic.twitter.com/qnNsdTzTs5
— Awwwww (@AwwwwCats) December 1, 2019
6. He doesn’t give a sh*t.
7. The Thinker.
8. Hahahaha. Yes!
When they ask me to smile for the camera pic.twitter.com/LuA6ICWA3S
— Awwwww (@AwwwwCats) November 30, 2019
9. All month long.
It has…begun. pic.twitter.com/QNu80X41dc
— Mr. Meowgi (@Mr_Meowwwgi) December 1, 2019
10. Straight up chillin’.
11. All snuggled up.
Catnap pic.twitter.com/jHurdazq08
— cute n squishy (@_Cute_n_Squish) December 2, 2019
12. A new way to do it.
Slinky Kitty pic.twitter.com/AJLdAcIfiW
— Awwwww (@AwwwwCats) December 2, 2019
13. Looks comfy.
My 2 adopted (non-related) kitties really like each other. from aww
14. Better be careful.
Chomp. pic.twitter.com/rjfGJHC4Z4
— Awwwww (@AwwwwCats) November 28, 2019
Show us some pics of your feline friends in the comments!
We’d love to meet them!
The post These Great Cat Posts Should Make You Smile appeared first on UberFacts.
A Guy Got Punished for Trying to Sneak a Fat Cat on a Plane
People can legally bring animals on flights. Some airlines allow you to fly with your pet, either in the cabin or as checked baggage. All airlines are required to allow service animals to fly with their disabled humans.
But in all circumstances, there are specific rules that apply, for the safety of you, your pet, and the other passengers and crew. Rules that Mikhail Galin did not consider or give a flying flip about when he decided to try to sneak his cat (who was over the kitty weight limit) on board.
Posted by Mikhail Galin on Tuesday, November 5, 2019
The saga began when Aeroflot, a Russian-based airline, refused to let Galin’s cat, Viktor, fly home with him the cabin. Galin was worried about putting his little buddy in the cargo hold, though, because he knows that Viktor gets nervous in unfamiliar settings and also that the pressure changes are hard for him.
So, instead of taking no for an answer, Galin took to social media in search of a cat who looked like Viktor, except skinnier.
Once the perfect match was found, Galin checked in with the skinnier cat, then simply traded it back for Viktor to a friend who took the littler guy (or gal) home (where can only assume he had a treat and then got on his kitty treadmill).
Galin and Viktor boarded the flight without issue, but he was busted by airport surveillance footage, which showed him swapping the cats.
Командировки кота Виктора #викторthecatThe old switcheroo was caught, and for Galin (and Viktor), the jig was up.
As a penalty, the airline stripped Galin of his frequent flyer status and removed his 400,000 saved miles.
Ouch.
But I mean, he seems to really love his cat, so I’m guessing it’s a small price to pay.
Next time, though, maybe just hire a pet sitter.
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These Crocheted Hats for Your Pet Are Just What You Need This Winter
It’s shaping up to be a long, cold winter, and, in addition to keeping yourself warm, you gotta keep those pooches and kitties nice and toasty, too!
So consider picking up a crocheted hat for your pet this year.
Here are some of the best selections from Etsy. The links to the hats are in the photo credit if you want to purchase any of these beauties.
1. Reindeer games.
Photo Credit: Etsy
2. A notorious Viking.
Photo Credit: Etsy
3. This pug is a little confused.
Photo Credit: Etsy
4. This little piggy.
Photo Credit: Etsy
5. Very classy and elegant.
Photo Credit: Etsy
6. I love this one.
Photo Credit: Etsy
7. Long locks.
Photo Credit: Etsy
8. The turkey look.
Photo Credit: Etsy
9. Googly eyes.
Photo Credit: Etsy
10. The queen of outer space.
Photo Credit: Etsy
Check out more hats for your pets HERE. Stay warm this winter!
The post These Crocheted Hats for Your Pet Are Just What You Need This Winter appeared first on UberFacts.
Lil Bub, the Cat That Became an Internet Sensation, Has Died
In some very sad news, Internet-famous cat Lil Bub has passed away at the age of 8. The adorable cat with the goofy face had 2.4 million followers on Instagram and was a social media star.
Lil Bub’s owner, Mike Bridavsky, said on social media, “On the morning of Sunday, December 1st 2019 we lost the purest, kindest and most magical living force on our planet,”
Lil Bub rose to prominence in 2011 when Bridavsky posted a photo of the cat on Tumblr.
Lil Bub became a sensation due to her appearance, which was the result of several genetic deformities. The little kitty had medical problems throughout her life and became the first cat ever diagnosed with osteopetrosis when she was only a year old. Even though Lil Bub had so many health issues, Bridavsky said that her death was a shock, and the day before she passed away she was “cheerful and full of love laying in our bed with us but unexpectedly passed away peacefully in her sleep.”
He added, “I have always been fully transparent about BUB’s health, and it was no secret that she was battling a persistent and aggressive bone infection. Even knowing this, we weren’t expecting her to pass so soon or so abruptly without warning.”
Lil Bub is the second famous cat to die in 2019, after Grumpy Cat passed in May. Here is a photo of the two social media darlings together.
Bridavsky said, “I am forever honored and humbled that you chose me as your caretaker.”
RIP Lil Bub. You will be missed.
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These Funny Cat Snapchats Might Make You Smile
Here’s a question…
What should Snapchat really be used for?
Well, cat photos, of course!
Was there ever any doubt about that? I don’t think so.
Let’s take a peek at some of the best cat Snapchats out there.
1. Awwwww. Peepers.
Peepers the blind kitty is so proud of the gift he brought us from his nightly hunt. pic.twitter.com/6aHzgPjfCV
— Awwwww (@AwwwwCats) January 11, 2019
2. Now you do.
My Dad is recovering from an operation. Mum went out and left a door slightly ajar.
My parents do not have a cat. pic.twitter.com/uuQdBMlKQY
— Andrew Falloon MP (@andrewfalloon) April 14, 2019
3. Look into the darkness.
4. Pitching a tent.
Who could that be? from aww
5. Not a morning cat.
6. Can’t get enough!
7. Dammit, Otis!
8. Wait a second…
9. You need a decoy.
10. Now you know why.
My cat messed up a single part of my window shades.. never realized why until just now. from funny
11. That’s pretty cute.
I adopted Simba to hunt around the house. Instead, he became a friend with this mouse. from aww
12. Never seen this before…
13. A very unique kitty.
All 4 of my cats paws have unique black/pink combinations from mildlyinteresting
14. He is not happy.
This cat doesn’t even know you and it’s had enough of your shit.
15. Mastermind criminal cat.
Miniature Donkeys escaped out of the fence and are heading to town and I’m pretty sure the damn cat orchestrated the entire plan. pic.twitter.com/WWEuPYQb8z
— Sean Schofer (@SeanSchofer) October 10, 2019
Do you have any funny snaps of your kitty cats?
Show them to us in the comments!
The post These Funny Cat Snapchats Might Make You Smile appeared first on UberFacts.
This Funny Looking Christmas Tree Will Keep Your Pets Away from Your Ornaments
Christmas trees add a nice touch to the holiday season — until your cat or dog gets their hands on it. Pets are naturally curious about Christmas trees, and for good reason! What animal could resist a brand new tree in the middle of your living room with a bunch of bright, shiny, dangling objects that very much resemble toys?!
But you don’t have to be cursed to forever pick up ornaments off of the floor, or come home to a tree that is fully knocked over. There’s now a half-sized Christmas tree that’s perfectly designed to keep curious paws away from it. It’s called the Parasol Christmas Tree. It’s six feet tall, but only has branches at the top, so the branches and ornaments are out of most pets’ reach.
Photo Credit: Argos
The Parasol Christmas Tree is also useful for other purposes. It’s great for families who have young kids who tend to mess with the tree. It’s also helpful for people who don’t want to crowd up a small apartment with a full-sized tree, but still want a tree with some height to it.
Yes, this tree looks… unconventional. But with the addition of a pile of presents underneath, it still manages to retain the traditional Christmas charm of a full-sized tree. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, including a snowy version.
Photo Credit: Argos
Unfortunately, the Parasol Christmas Tree is only available in the U.K. at the moment. Our friends across the pond definitely aren’t the only ones with naughty pets, though. It’s only a matter of time before a U.S.-based company follows the trend!
In the meantime, you could always make a DIY version or buy a Christmas palm tree instead.
The post This Funny Looking Christmas Tree Will Keep Your Pets Away from Your Ornaments appeared first on UberFacts.
This Is How Your Cat’s Purr Can Literally Help Heal You
This won’t surprise cat owners in the slightest. Your cat’s purr has a real therapeutic effect, and it can even help heal you.
Cats purr for a variety of reasons. Most often, they purr out of contentment and happiness — this is the most obvious reason, easy to observe in any cat who’s happily curled up on the lap of their favorite person. But cats also purr when they are injured, frightened or hungry.
Nobody knows exactly why cats purr when they do. But given that they do so in stressful situations, it’s likely that the purring has a calming and healing effect. According to Wired, some veterinarians have even observed cats lying alongside other injured cats and purring.
It’s called “purr therapy.” (Awesome)
Photo Credit: Pixabay
It seems that the healing power of purring could also extend to humans. Purring is relaxing for humans — it calms our nerves and lowers blood pressure.
Purring may even have literal, physical healing benefits. Domestic cats purr at a frequency of 26 Hz, which is within a range that promotes tissue regeneration. In humans, vibrations at this frequency can help soft tissues like muscles and tendons, and they can also heal bones and keep them strong.
All this isn’t quite as woo-woo as it sounds. Some scientists believe that cats purr to stimulate their bones so they don’t become weak while they lay around all day waiting to hunt. Similarly, vibrating plates have even been proposed to help maintain astronauts’ bone density in space.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
So the next time your cat purrs on your lap, snuggle a little closer. It may be doing your body good!
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A Word to the Wise: Beware of Vampire Cats!
Halloween is a few weeks behind us, but there are still spooky creatures everywhere!
And one terrifying animal to keep on your radar is the frightening vampire cat. In fact, you may even have one of your own that is snoozing away on your couch at this very moment.
But don’t be fooled. These kitties are vicious and are the spawn of Dracula himself.
Enjoy…
1. Welcome to my lair.
. . . #special #holidaze #paws #vampires #meowzers #vampirecats #dracs #outinthesun #reversevampire #daywalker #stylishcapes #rockandroll #ulthar #mooncats #vampyresofinstagram #catsofhalloween #loveya2. Action shot.
3. A real bloodsucker.
#blackcatsofinstagram #vampirecats #fangs4. Showing a little fang.
5. Do not even try to pet!
#bevareofcat #carefully #dontdisturb #bohun #bohun_tuhajbej #tuxedokitty #tuxedocat #vampirecats #niedrażnijlwa #kotbohun #catsofinstagram #catlovers6. Lounging…but still dangerous.
7. Look at this specimen.
8. Cute…but don’t be fooled.
9. The jaws of death.
10. Can those choppers be real…?
. . #angrycat #grumpycat #grumpyface #vampirecat #moodycat #vampires #teef #sabertooth #catsofinsta #catsofig #catslife #igcats #myfurbaby #catmom #rescuecats #whorescuedwho #igkitty #meanmugging #blackcatsofinstagram #blackcats #ellenratemycat #petco #thedodo #catstercats #boop #thatfacethough #cutecatsDo you have any snapshots of your kitty cat looking like a bloodsucker?
Share them with us in the comments!
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