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Free Malaysia Today
13 hours ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Why milk is by no means a treat for your cat
Cow's milk contains high levels of fat and protein, making it highly palatable to felines.- but this doesn't mean it is good for them. (Envato Elements pic) PARIS : The relationship between cats and humans goes back over 9,000 years. Attracted by rodents that swarmed around early crops, felines drew close to humans, forging a relationship that would last for millennia. Farmers soon found them invaluable as pest hunters. It was in this agricultural context that cats discovered milk, whether by prowling around cows or licking up spillage. The image of the cat drinking milk has thus taken root in our collective imagination, relayed by fairytales, films and cartoons. Unfortunately, science has now shattered this myth. While kittens can digest their mother's milk, everything changes after weaning. After six to 12 weeks, production of lactase – the enzyme essential for digesting lactose – drops drastically. As a result, most cats become lactose intolerant. This has an impact on their health: from diarrhoea and gas to abdominal pain and even vomiting, digestive problems linked to milk consumption are common. In some more sensitive felines, a milk allergy may even occur in addition to intolerance. This sometimes explosive cocktail can lead to more serious complications, such as dehydration or malnutrition. Like us, cats sometimes have a weakness for things that do them harm. Cow's milk contains high levels of fat and protein, making it highly palatable to felines. The next time you're tempted to give your cat a saucer of milk, give them a cuddle instead. (Envato Elements pic) One protein in particular, casein, releases a substance with a mild soothing effect once digested. Over time, this can create a positive association. But this in no way justifies regular consumption. Good at hiding their discomfort, a cat that drinks milk with pleasure may suffer in silence soon afterward. So, are there alternatives? Lactose-free or specially formulated cat milks can be given very occasionally. While these products avoid digestive problems, they offer no nutritional benefits. As for plant-based alternatives such as oat, soy or almond milk, these are just as problematic and potentially irritating for cats' digestive systems. In short, it's best to avoid milk in all its forms, as cats neither need nor want it. Their health depends on an appropriate diet rich in animal proteins and tailored to their specific needs. So, the next time you're tempted to offer them a saucer of milk, opt for a cuddle or a kitty treat instead. Their stomachs will thank you.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Genius 45p ‘bait' will banish wasps from your garden for good this summer – and you probably have it in your cupboard
WITH temperatures rocketing across the UK in recent weeks, it's been the perfect excuse to enjoy some al fresco dining. But along with the lovely weather comes a familiar nuisance, with wasps often crashing the BBQ, picnic or meal. Wasp season began in April, and this year's prolonged warm weather has created perfect conditions for them to thrive. Painful stings can quickly ruin a sunny afternoon, and for those with allergies, they can even trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. There's also the risk of infestation. If wasps decide to build a nest in your home or garden, their numbers can multiply rapidly and removal by pest control professionals can cost as much as £200. But thankfully, there's an inexpensive items which most Brits will have lying around in their fruit bowl or in the fridge. Fruits like pears or mango or even sugary fizzy drinks out in your can act as a sort of lightning rod for wasps, drawing them away from where you are and over to a safe place out of your way. The former can be nabbed from Sainsbury's for 45p each. This 'bait' should be placed about 10ft-20ft away from where you are, effectively creating a safe zone for the wasps to buzz around, keeping them away from you. ANOTHER USEFUL TIP Another household item which can be used to repel the pesky insects is garlic. Garden expert at Polhill Garden Centre, Josh Novell lifted the lid on why the pungent bulbs are so effective. 'Place minced garlic in a small bowl near outdoor seating or food,' Josh recommends. How to Keep Wasps, Bees, and Flies Out of Your Home with a 5p Onion Hack Or, you can fill a spray bottle with water and two teaspoons of garlic powder, and then spray it around patios, doors and bins. The garlic odour will linger and deter wasps. Josh's other nugget of advice was to consider growing garlic in garden beds or containers - it's a win-win for repelling wasps and ensuring you're always stocked up on the culinary essential. Many people's first instinct is to set out a jar of jam or sugary water to lure wasps, but Josh warns this can actually make things worse. 'Sweet traps can attract wasps from neighbouring areas, increasing activity rather than reducing it,' he says. 'You're unintentionally drawing them in.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sex in back row, filthy pick ‘n' mix and rats… cinema worker's confessions about the grubby goings-on at the pictures
WATCHING as the hordes file out of the cinema I gird my loins for what I might find during the clean-up – knowing it won't be pretty. Some of the sights are more X-rated and horror-filled than many of the films. 5 5 In my five years working in a cinema I have cleared up everything from used condoms to a poo, which was by far the most revolting discovery. It was two years ago but still haunts me. I remember catching sight of it from the corner of my eye — it wasn't quite under the seat and they had half- covered it with an empty sweet packet, but the stench was unmistakeable. It had been a mid-afternoon midweek performance, so the screen wasn't crowded, but I still have no idea how or indeed why they did it. I immediately called in my co-workers and we argued about who should remove it. In the end I volunteered, on condition that I got paid time and a half and was allowed to go straight home. Thankfully that was a one-off. Next up has to be the rats. They make regular appearances and we have to get pest control in every month or so. 'Rats dart under the velvet seats' I once took the rubbish to the main big wheelie bin and was busy compressing it when I saw one so huge I thought it was a cat. It was terrifying. Other times I have seen them scuttling around screening rooms. It's horrifying to see them dart under the velvet seats. It's probably because we don't actually clean quite as thoroughly as we should. A lot of food is spilt by the audience and when there's a huge new release we only have ten minutes or so to clean a room where 400 people have been sitting, munching their popcorn and sweets, before the next lot come in. Baby girl born in cinema foyer during screening of Sing 2 given free membership for life If I'm in a rush, I just sweep it under the seat to be dealt with later, then forget where I did this. But, if I'm being honest, we're slapdash anyway. I started working in a cinema because I love films and get to watch them for free, not because I like cleaning up after people, so I don't scrupulously disinfect every cup holder. Thankfully used condoms are a rarer find than they used to be since we put in night-vision CCTV a couple of years ago and play it out into the foyer. Punters can see what goes on and it acts a deterrent as they wouldn't want to be projected to the masses. Before that, couples used to come in for sex all the time and we'd find a used condom every couple of weeks, just lying on the floor or under the seats. The first couple of times I was horrified, but I got used to it. We had one couple who visited weekly on a Tuesday morning and would get it on, full sex, in the back row. They didn't realise we knew what they were up to, as we once took someone in who was late for a screening and we saw what was happening. We checked on another Tuesday, and sure enough, they were going at it. Every week, they'd come out smiling and they were always snogging. If we were feeling mischievous, one of us would change out of uniform and go and sit beside them just to stop them in their tracks. 'We had sex in the popcorn cupboard' In fairness, they never left a used condom so we only spoilt their fun occasionally. I'll never forget the disappointment on their faces when they saw the CCTV playing in the foyer. 5 5 It wasn't them on the screen but they realised they couldn't do it any more. But some people still manage to as we find those used condoms under the seats and fight over who is going to clean it up. The couples must lie on the floor to evade the cameras. I have to confess that the cinema workers can be just as risque in staff previews of shows. I was dating a fellow employee and we'd discreetly sit in the back row to have our fun — we went all the way at least three times. It was before the CCTV cameras and in empty screens, so we never got caught. I also had sex with the same partner in the cupboard where we stored the food — including the popcorn. And I have to admit it's just one of the reasons I'd never eat the food in the cinema. The nacho cheese is often left out for hours at a time and the popcorn is reheated. But worst of all are the pick 'n' mix sweets. I've watched kids scurry over to them and pick up handfuls, only for parents — understandably worried about the horrific cost — go and grab them out of their hands and put them back in the tub. And the big tubs are never emptied, we just keep pouring new sweets on top of the old ones, though the scoops get a cursory wash every day. Talking of children, I was very glad when they stopped doing the kids' club. I was in charge of it for a year, greeting all the children and helping them find their seats. Their parents would often say they were popping to the loo but clearly saw me as a babysitter. They'd disappear for about half an hour leaving me with their child. 'I don't go looking for trouble' I'm only 23 and don't have children but did get nits constantly thanks to these movie goers. Young children aren't the biggest nuisance, it's the ones allowed in on their own, aged around 12. They think it's hilarious to have popcorn fights and I've had to chuck these children out several times. Generally speaking it's not a rowdy crowd and, bar the odd drunk at a late-night screening, we don't get too much aggro. I don't go looking for trouble and I rarely pull a customer up on something. 5 But I did have to stop a family who thought it was OK to bring in a full Indian takeaway — strong-smelling food might ruin the experience for other customers. One of the reasons we never turn the lights up full before the audience leaves is because we don't want them to see how stained the seats are. Suspicious matter would definitely be found on the fabric of a lot of our seats if anyone looked closely. I'm not too vigilant about checking ID for age-rated films. If they look near enough to 15 or 18 I'll let it go, unless they've been overly cocky, in which case I will demand to see it. My manager is pretty good at turning a blind eye too. If I'm meeting friends after a late shift I'll bring in a small bottle of vodka and pre-drink using the cinema slushies as my mixer, so I'm not too far behind my friends in drunkenness when I meet them. The manager knows and is yet to sack me thankfully as, despite the rats and the nits, I love working here.
CNET
20-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
This Tick Removal Hack Doesn't Require Tweezers
Sunny weather is finally here, but this also means tick season has begun. It's time to check yourself and your pets for these major pests. On top of being nuisance, these small insects carry a variety of diseases. Tick bites can cause Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, allergies to red meat and Powassan virus. These diseases can cause a variety of short and long-term problems, and even death in some cases. Depending on where you live, you'll need to watch out for ticks after spending time outdoors until the late fall. Different types of ticks are more common in different regions, and carry different diseases -- so finding them and removing them safely are crucial. Accidentally breaking off part of the tick while trying to remove it is also a problem, as it can still transmit its illness, or become infected. CNET The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using fine-tipped tweezers for removing ticks. But what if you don't have any handy? I discovered a little-known tip some years ago, and it forever changed how I remove the little biters. Here's how to remove ticks quickly, easily and safely -- if you don't have or can't find tweezers. This easy Q-Tip trick will remove a tick quickly Don't have tweezers? Remove a tick with a cotton swab, instead Suchart Doyemah/EyeEm/Getty Images Other, older methods for removing ticks have been debunked for one of a few reasons. Either they induced the tick to detach with time -- whereas you should remove ticks immediately to minimize chances of disease transmission -- or they risked injuring the person or animal getting bitten by the tick. (Fire burns skin as well as ticks, after all.) But this method is quick and harmless. All you need is a cotton swab. When you locate an attached tick, immediately grab a cotton swab, and gently twirl tight circles around the wound, lightly pulling at the tick. The goal here is not to pull the tick free, but to cause it to release and latch onto the swab. It should happen within moments. I've removed many ticks this way, and it is invariably quick and painless. What's more, you have virtually no risk of leaving mouth pieces in the wound, since the tick detaches itself. And if something goes wrong, you can always still run out to the store and get some tweezers, as the CDC recommends. Once you dispose of the tick, you can clean the bite with soap and water or alcohol. And if you're worried about disease transmission, follow up with these steps. For other helpful tips related to the outdoors, here's what you should know about poisonous flowers and plants in your backyard and five lawn mowing mistakes that are easy to fix. More healthy home hacks to try
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Alan Titchmarsh issues urgent warning to gardeners over 'savage' pest that will 'wipe out crops' completely
Alan Titchmarsh has issued an urgent warning to gardeners about a pest so savage it could 'wipe out crops' completely. Any green-fingered enthusiast will know to keep an eye out for slugs, but the TV gardener warned that there could be a far more invasive threat - the Colorado beetle. Speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show this week, Titchmarsh warned that the tiny black and yellow-striped pest is one of the biggest threats to the UK's food security and could pose a 'savage' threat to the British potato industry. The expert warned that if the situation is left untreated, the troublesome insects could spread 'like locusts' and decimate the UK potato crop in as little as 10 years. Colorado beetles were eradicated from British soil 50 years ago following a vigilante campaign in the 1970s but larvae from the insects was discovered in a potato field in Kent in 2023, marking the first known return of the species. However, swift action by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA meant the situation was managed and kept under control. Titchmarsh said: 'It devastates potato crops and we need all the crops we can get in this country. 'It's so savage it'll wipe crops out. It's like locusts – it's that fast.' He added that the key to avoiding disaster is to 'stamp it out before it becomes reality' - but reassured gardeners that all will be okay. 'Don't panic about it, just be vigilant and then we can keep it out,' Titchmarsh said. The avid gardener also reflected on his experience of the 1970s outbreak and praised the green-fingered community of the time for coming together. He said: 'We just need to be vigilant. We managed to stamp it out about 50 years ago. 'I remember when I was a boy there were posters in police stations and post offices saying "look out for this beetle" but I never saw one because we were quite vigilant.' The Love Your Garden host went on to highlight the importance of the UK working towards growing more of its own food. He said: 'It's really, really important for our exports and for feeding ourselves. 'We need to grow more food not less and with outbreaks like this, our potato exports are in grave danger.' Anyone who spots the insect is urged to catch it in a container and contact APHA with a photo and location details of where it was found. The beetle, which is around 6mm to 11mm in size, does not pose a threat to human health but has been known to be imported into the UK on food items, such as leafy vegetables, salad leaves, fresh herbs, grain, and frozen vegetables. Therefore, experts are urging people to check these items as well as any vegetables picked from their gardens and allotments before consuming them. Officials are hopeful that the outbreak – the first case of a breeding population since the 1970s – can be declared eradicated by the end of this year, but warned the public need to remain vigilant to the threat. Professor Nicola Spence, the Environment Department's chief plant health officer, said: 'Colorado beetle poses a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry. 'The public have an important role to play in helping us take swift and effective action to protect UK biosecurity. 'The public are urged to be vigilant and report suspected sightings to the Animal and Plant Health Agency with a photo and location details.' Dr Jenny Stewart, APHA interim chief executive, also encouraged all green-fingered brits to be on the look out for the Colorado beetle. She said: 'Public vigilance was key to eradicating the beetle in the 1970s, and we really need home gardeners, allotmenteers and farmers to step up again, and identify and report suspected sightings to protect potato crops. 'Our surveillance capabilities protect UK borders from a wide range of plant pests and diseases, including the Colorado beetle, but we cannot do this without the help of the public.' APHA currently holds an exhibit at this year's Chelsea Flower Show with the hopes of raising awareness about the impact the pest can have on UK food security and the potato industry, after outbreaks in the 1930s, 1950s and the 1970s.
