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Cat Care Hacks That Every Cat Owner Should Know

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In this article, I will share with you cat care hacks that’ll make life with your feline companion an even more wonderful experience! Cat owners are well aware that our feline companions are unique in every sense of the word!

Cat Care | Hacks Every Cat Owner Should Know About

I have been around cats all of my life and in my experience they are loving creatures (when they want to be) and they are independent (all of the time). In their eyes, they are the boss of the house! Having cats around can be a wonderful experience! Caring for them can be a challenge at times due to their “I do what I want” personality.

Let’s take a quick glance at a few of the things I’ll cover in today’s article:

  • How to reduce cat litter box odor
  • DIY cat scratch repellent spray
  • An easier cat bathing experience
  • How to clean kitty accidents and remove the odor
  • DIY flea spray

Let’s get started!

How To Reduce Cat Litter Box Odor

Every cat owner knows that “smell” from the litter box! There’s a couple of hacks to help control or reduce the odor.

Hack #1: Every time you change the litter, just simply sprinkle a little baking soda and give it a light stir with the scooper. The baking soda will help to absorb odors.

Hack #2: Sprinkle in a few crushed green tea leaves in with the cat litter, making sure to mix the leaves in well. This will help reduce the odor as well.

You can also build them other creative cat DIY home projects to keep them preoccupied.

DIY Cat Scratch Repellent Spray

Unfortunately, cats love to scratch furniture and carpet. Give this DIY cat scratch spray a try!

What you’ll need:

  • 6-8 oz spray bottle
  • Clear dish liquid (a small squirt is all you need)
  • 10 drops of lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
  • Water

Directions:

  • Fill the spray bottle about ¾ of the way with water.
  • Add a small squirt of clear dish liquid (clear dish liquid is used so the mixture will not discolor any fabrics)
  • Add the lemon and eucalyptus oils
  • Shake well and it’s ready to use!

Spray the areas where they scratch. Most cats hate this odor and will stop!

An Easier Cat Bathing Experience

An Easier Cat Bathing Experience | Cat Care Hacks That Every Cat Owner Should Know

An Easier Cat Bathing Experience | Cat Care Hacks That Every Cat Owner Should Know
Cats are really great about bathing themselves. However, there may come a time when you have to bathe them yourself. Here’s a little tip on how it can go a little smoother.

Cats love tiny and cozy little spaces! If you ever have to bathe them, try bathing them in the sink instead of the tub. They will feel a little safer and more secure.

Another tip is to protect your arms from getting scratched in case your cat gets a little squirmy. A great way to protect your arms is to wear a pair of leg warmers on your forearms (a pair that you don’t care too much for as they will get snagged).

Also, try not to get water on their face. I learned that the hard way once. My cat DID NOT like that at all!

How To Clean Kitty Accidents And Remove The Odor

Cat urine…let’s be honest here…it reeks! If your cat has had an accident on the carpet, here is a great hack to clean it and get rid of the odor.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the wet spot and allow it to absorb the area and let dry completely.
  • Next, sprinkle more baking soda on the area to absorb any additional odor.
  • Let sit for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Finally, vacuum the area and you’re good to go!

DIY Flea Spray

Does your cat have fleas? Here is a great DIY flea spray recipe!

What you’ll need:

  • 4 oz spray bottle
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 lg lemon (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons of witch hazel (alcohol free)
  • 1 tablespoon of dried lavender
  • 2 qt. Saucepan

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients (except the witch hazel) to the saucepan
  • Simmer for 30 minutes
  • Remove and allow to cool
  • Next, strain through a fine meshed colander. Discard the lavender and lemon
  • Add the witch hazel to the strained mixture
  • Add to spray bottle and shake well

Apply this spray to the cat’s back and gently massage the spray into the fur. If you see any fleas jump off make a point to smash it!

Understanding Their Body Language

Understanding Their Body Language | Cat Care Hacks That Every Cat Owner Should KnowUnderstanding Their Body Language | Cat Care Hacks That Every Cat Owner Should Know
image by Mental Floss via Pinterest

Cats are unique creatures and they can be emotional and/or moody. Understanding their body language is important. Check out the infographic above for a better understanding on your cat and their emotions.

Easy Ways To Remove Cat Hair

Cat’s roam freely. What I mean by that is the cat basically roams wherever they want…or at least they try to. With that comes cat hair!

Here is a great hack to remove cat hair. Rubber gloves are a god send when it comes to picking up cat hair. Just simply put a rubber glove and swipe across the hair and it comes right up!

Another great hack is a sticky lint roller!

How To Keep Your Cat Away From Your Houseplants

Cats are curious creatures who are fascinated with houseplants! I’ve never been around a cat who wasn’t. Here is a great hack to try to discourage your curious kitty from hanging around your houseplants.

Place pine cones around your house plants. Use as many as you wish. Your cat will find the pine cones to be an annoyance and an irritation to their paws and of course their noses when they become curious enough to investigate this new arrival.

Here are 7 life hacks posted by Slivki Show you can do for your cat:

Do you have a cat care hack you would like to share? Share with us in the comments section below.

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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