Making Concert Photography Stunning Again
Spring Turret Stairs Portraits
It was a sunny day…which meant nice lighting in the turret. Especially the stairs. My human was thinking of doing a different photo session, not on the stairs, when she saw me right here. Like, she was literally holding the camera, which was why she got the shot. So she changed direction and decided to take some photos of me that very moment. You can see the results below. No secret messages necessary!
I hope you liked them! Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite (I actually like the first one the best!).
To Stay or Leave? Young Women in Lebanon Navigate War, Crisis, and Uncertainty
A question scrawled on a wall in Beirut—Where do I go?—forms the emotional core of Rania Matar’s powerful new body of work. Her solo exhibition 50 Years Later – Where Do I Go? ???? ????, on view at the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art through August 2, 2026, coincides with a photobook of the same name. Bringing together approximately 128 color portraits of young women living in Lebanon today, the project reflects on identity, belonging, and the weight of difficult choices.
The images are evocative and layered, shaped through a deeply collaborative process in which each participant plays an active role in how she is seen. For many of the women portrayed, the question at the heart of the work is not abstract but immediate, as they navigate the pressures of war, economic instability, and an uncertain future.
We asked Matar to tell us more about her process and the uncanny timing of this work’s release.
All the women seem to be around the same age. What made you choose this
particular period in a woman’s life?
“The women in this project are of a similar age, generally, and that was entirely intentional.
In 1984, I was their age when I left Lebanon and faced one of the most wrenching decisions
of my life: to leave, or to stay. These women stand at that same crossroads. One path leads
away from family, home, and everything familiar; the other means remaining in a country of
fractured hope. All these years later, I saw myself in each of them, and with that came a
painful understanding that history keeps repeating itself.
“These women are also the ages of my daughters. Had I stayed in Lebanon, my daughters
might literally be them: standing where I once stood, facing the same impossible question
that I never thought the next generation would have to answer.”
Generally, what does this period in a woman’s life look like in Lebanon? What
decisions are they grappling with? And what are their choices?
“Generally speaking, young women in Lebanon aren’t so different from young women
anywhere else in the United States or elsewhere. They worry about education, career,
finding their path, falling in love, and life in general. But in Lebanon, sadly, they
sometimes also have to carry an extra burden: the burden of survival and war.
“This project grew out of a very specific moment that threw these young women into adulthood much faster: the explosions at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. That event shattered so many lives in such a massive way that it forced a generation of young women into an impossible crossroads: do they stay, or do they leave? What comes next?
“And those questions are not simple. Leaving home and family to go into the unknown is not
an easy decision to make. And if they stay, how do they begin to build something new out of
the rubble, literally and figuratively? Many stayed; some left and came back; others left,
but they never really left. I know that firsthand. And as I mentioned earlier, I viscerally felt their dilemma, their shattered hopes, their dreams, their pain, and I wanted to give them a platform to tell their story and the story of their relationship to this beautiful and fractured country.
“In 1984, when things in Lebanon got very bad, I faced the same decision. That’s when I came to the United States, thinking it would be for a couple of years. And here I am, so many years later.”
Did the women have a particular feeling that they wanted to convey, and how much
was discussed before the location scouting and positioning?
“I give the women agency over the process, and they’re deeply involved in every decision we make. Before any shoot, I always try to schedule a phone call first. I want to hear their story, what Lebanon means to them, where they’re from, and what relationship they have with a particular place.
“We plan the shoot together from the very beginning. We don’t scout the location in advance, and we don’t stage anything. I either pick the young woman up or we meet there, and from that point on, it’s pure creation, experimentation, and collaboration. We start feeding off each other — her ideas, my ideas, bouncing back and forth— and together we make something beautiful and meaningful happen. I make sure to establish a relationship of trust and respect throughout the collaboration. I want the session to be enjoyable and empowering.
“None of these pictures could have been made without the specific person standing in front of me. Each image exists because of who she is, what she brought to that moment, and what we created together. It’s a beautiful collaboration which, for me, is the heart of the project. If I get a picture I love, it’s the ultimate reward.”
How did you find the women you worked with? Is there something you were looking for?
Or feel they all have in common?
“I often find the women by putting out a call on Instagram before I travel to Lebanon. I
describe the project and ask who would like to collaborate. I was grateful and humbled to
have received such a large response. We then schedule a phone call to get to know each other and discuss where to go from there. There was no scouting involved, and I never asked anyone to send me photos or anything like that.
“My thinking was simple: anyone who responds is going to be interesting, creative, and
exciting to work with. Eventually, the circle grows from there: I collaborate with someone,
and she recommends a friend, a cousin, or an acquaintance. I also often meet people in other settings, really anywhere, and I approach them and invite them to be part of this series, then we take it from there.
“I have to emphasize that I owe so much to every one of these women. Their willingness to
put themselves out there takes courage and grit. Maybe this is what they ultimately have in
common. It’s always a little tentative at first. But then something beautiful happens as we
begin to discover each other, as the ideas start flowing between us. That connection is really where the work comes alive.”
I sense a “phoenix rising from the ashes” theme as well as portal-like elements such
as shafts of light, mirrors, or women sinking into the earth or flowers. Could you
speak to some of the recurring motifs?
“I’m glad you raised that, because hope is absolutely central to this project. It all began after
the Port of Beirut explosions in 2020, when I discovered that these young women were out
there: working in the reconstruction, clearing the debris. They inspired me profoundly. I was
in awe of them. And from that moment, the idea of hope and rebirth became inseparable from the work.
“It was important to me that the images feel metaphorical rather than documentary. Some
reflect the architectural wounds of the city, the destruction, the layers upon layers of it. But others reach toward something else entirely: the beauty of Lebanon, the Mediterranean light, the flowers, the mountains. I wanted to hold both truths at once.
“The mirrors and the light are very deliberate. For me, they speak to duality. There are always two sides being revealed at the same time. The light shining through a woman, the mirror reflecting something just out of frame. It’s that constant tension between devastation and resilience, between what has been lost and what is still possible.
“And ultimately, that generation gives me genuine hope for Lebanon, in so many ways. I
wanted that hope to live in every image, even the difficult ones. Especially the difficult ones.”
How do you feel about the timing of this exhibition with what is going on in
Lebanon currently? And do you think the portraits take on a different meaning
now?
“The timing feels almost eerie, and sadly, incredibly timely. The question at the heart of this project, ‘Where do I go?’ — the title of the book and the exhibition — is being raised again and again as a quarter of Lebanon’s population is currently displaced.
“When I was working on this book and the exhibition was being planned, my goal was to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Lebanese Civil War (1975 –2025). Little did I
know that a year later, we would be living through something like it all over again, or even
something worse. I am heartbroken.
“And yet I am grateful that this exhibition is happening now. The news cycle talks about
numbers, statistics, the price of gas, etc., none of which bring you close to the human
reality. What I hope this work does is put a face on these women, many of whom are from
South Lebanon, from areas that are currently being bombed and occupied. They deserve to be seen as individuals, as full human beings, not as abstractions in a headline.
“Do the portraits take on a different meaning now? Absolutely. They have become the face of hope against what feels quite bleak at this moment. And for me, that is everything: to be able to show the world the beauty of my people, and of this country that refuses, generation after generation, to stop believing in itself.”
Are you hearing from your models and keeping tabs on what is happening with
them?
“Yes, I am very much in touch with them. Some have been displaced and are sheltering with
their families in different parts of the country. A few of them are from South Lebanon, so it
has been an incredibly difficult time for them.
“But I am also in awe of them, truly. Just as they rose to the occasion after the port
explosions, so many of them are doing it again right now. They are raising funds, sourcing
mattresses, cooking meals, and distributing food to the people who have been made homeless by this war. They are showing up in the most concrete and human ways possible. I am grateful to every single one of them.
“It brings me back, again, to the heart of this project, and that question: ‘Where do I go?’ It felt urgent when I began this work. Sadly, it feels just as urgent today. And these women, in
everything they are doing right now, are the most honest and beautiful answer I know.
“These images are my love letters to them. This project is for us all: the ones who stayed and the ones who have left but can never leave.”
Discover More
Are Your Equipment Purchases Really an Investment?
The word “investment” often gets thrown around among photographers whenever new gear is discussed, as if this buzzword gave them some bragging rights that they are somehow financially savvy. It’s a comforting word that makes spending large sums of money sound responsible and even borderline strategic. But is your equipment purchase really an investment in the truest sense of the word? Let’s take a step back and examine that.
[Read More]
WAN Exclusive: Inside The Care Of Three-Week-Old Mountain Lion Cub Crimson Rescued in SoCal – World Animal News
A tiny mountain lion cub named Crimson has captured the hearts of wildlife experts after being found abandoned in Southern California. WAN spoke with Nikki Van Ausdall, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at the Oakland Zoo, about the little cub’s journey.
At just three weeks old, Crimson is thankfully in good health, though he is missing toes on one foot. Experts suspect his mother may have had multiple cubs and was forced to abandon one.
Crimson was found at his den site, weak and having lost 10% of his body weight. When officials realized his mother had not returned, the National Park Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stepped in to rescue him.
Crimson is the 33rd mountian lion to join the Bay Area Cougar Action Team, also known as BayCAT. The program is an alliance led by the Oakland Zoo, the Bay Area Puma Project, and the Mountain Lion Foundation. Established in 2013, BayCAT works closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned, injured, or habituated mountain lions in the Bay Area.
Crimson is receiving round-the-clock care at the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital. Staff bottle-feed him every three hours, and his caregivers are carefully nurturing his wild instincts to ensure he continues to behave naturally despite human intervention.
It is still too early to know whether Crimson will eventually return to the wild. Mountain lions rarely abandon their young, and his missing toes could be the result of an accident. It is also possible his mother was relocating her cubs and he became separated in the process.
Ultimately, the goal is to introduce Crimson to another rescued cub named Clover. Using a method called “fence line howdies,” the cubs will gradually become accustomed to each other before a full introduction.
Clover, who was rescued in Northern California in March, was in much worse condition than Crimson. At less than three months old, she weighed only five pounds, about half of what she should, and was severely malnourished. She even required a lifesaving blood transfusion from another rescued mountain lion named Briar. Now, Clover is stable and slowly adapting to her new surroundings.
Experts say mountain lions thrive best with a companion, and the planned introduction of Crimson and Clover is expected to help both cubs develop natural social behaviors, a strategy that has proven successful in previous rescues.
Briar, now one year old and the lifeline for Clover’s blood transfusion, was rescued near Portola Valley after his mother was hit by a car. He is now a permanent resident at the Oakland Zoo, as mountain lions typically need 12 to 18 months with their mothers to learn the skills necessary to survive in the wild.
“Each rescue comes at a significant cost, ranging from $18,000 to $20,000 per month per mountain lion for veterinary and ongoing care, something many people may not realize,” Nikki Van Ausdall, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at the Oakland Zoo, told WAN.
Ask Dr. Paola – Help! I Am Worried My Cat Isn’t Getting Enough Water! (April 6, 2026) – Catster
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cat’s health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Help! My Cat is Restless After Puking!
“On occasion, after my cat vomits, she starts walking around restlessly, going towards corners of the room and finding dust or hair the vacuum didn’t pick up, and eats it. What could this mean? “- Jenny
Hi Jenny,
What you are describing is something many cats do after vomiting, and it can look quite unsettling. That restless pacing followed by eating dust or hair is often a response to lingering nausea. In simple terms, her stomach still feels “off,” and she is trying to self-soothe. Cats may seek out non-food items, a behavior called pica, especially when their gastrointestinal tract is irritated. Think of it as the stomach and brain being slightly out of sync after the episode. The nausea lingers, and she may try to settle that sensation by ingesting unusual things. In many cases, this is linked to residual nausea or gastric irritation rather than true hunger.
That said, this behavior should not be ignored, especially if it happens repeatedly. Eating hair and debris can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation or even obstruction over time. Common underlying factors include hairballs, dietary sensitivities, or mild gastrointestinal inflammation. Supporting her with smaller, more frequent meals, regular grooming to reduce hair ingestion, and ensuring good hydration can make a meaningful difference.
If these episodes are happening more than occasionally, or if her behavior seems more intense each time, it would be wise to have her evaluated, as chronic vomiting in cats is often linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or dietary intolerance. For now, try to gently limit access to debris right after vomiting and offer a calm, clean space while she settles. If this pattern continues, she would benefit from a more thorough in-clinic evaluation. I hope this helps!
Regards,
– Dr. Paola
How Do I Fix Tear Stains?
“I adopted a Persian cat, Gia. Her nose is not too squished in, so she can breathe normally, which is wonderful, but she gets tear stains pretty badly. Why is this? And what can I do to help?”
– Macklin
Hi Macklin,
Gia sounds lovely, and it is great that she has a more moderate facial structure, which already reduces many of the breathing challenges we see in Peke-face Persians. Even so, tear staining is very common in this breed. It usually comes down to how their tear drainage system is shaped. In many Persians, the nasolacrimal ducts, which normally carry tears from the eyes into the nose, are narrower or slightly misaligned. When tears cannot drain efficiently, they overflow onto the face, and over time, those pigments oxidize and leave the brownish stains you are seeing.
In most cases, this is more of a cosmetic and hygiene issue than a medical one, but keeping the area clean is important to prevent skin irritation. Gently wiping the area once or twice daily with a soft, damp cotton pad or a veterinary eye-cleaning solution can help, always moving away from the eye. Keeping the fur trimmed around the eyes and ensuring good grooming reduces moisture buildup. Some cats also benefit from a balanced diet and good hydration, since tear composition can be influenced by overall health. Avoid harsh products or hydrogen peroxide, as the skin in that area is very delicate.
If you notice thick discharge, a change in color to yellow or green, redness, squinting, or if the tearing seems excessive even for a Persian, that can indicate underlying issues like infection or inflammation that should be examined in person. If it is just persistent staining without other concerning signs, a safe cleaning routine should help.
Kind regards,
Best wishes,
– Dr. Paola
Help! I Am Worried About My Cats Hydration!
“What can I do to keep Cleo hydrated? She won’t eat wet food or wet treats.” – Merryanne
Hi Merryanne,
This is a very common situation with cats, and you are absolutely right to focus on hydration, since cats naturally have a low thirst drive. When wet food is not an option at first, the goal is to make water more appealing, almost like turning it into something she is curious about. Many cats prefer moving water, so a fountain can encourage drinking, and placing several bowls in quiet areas away from food and litter can also help. You can gently flavor her water with a small amount of low-sodium, onion- and garlic-free broth, or a splash of water from plain cooked chicken or tuna, to make it more enticing. Many owners also report success with cat milk treats formulated for cats, so these can be worth trying in moderation.
You can also add moisture directly to her dry food by lightly misting it with warm water, which softens the texture and increases fluid intake without drastically changing her routine. From there, a gradual transition to wet food can be very effective. Start by mixing in a very small amount of wet food with her kibble, just enough to introduce the smell, and slowly increase the proportion over time as she accepts it. Think of it like adjusting a recipe little by little so it remains familiar while becoming more hydrating. Slightly warming the wet portion can further enhance its aroma and improve acceptance.
Keep an eye on her litter box output and overall energy, as these can give you helpful clues about hydration. And remember, with picky cats, small, gradual steps often lead to lasting success more effectively than sudden changes that can feel overwhelming.
Good luck!
– Dr. Paola
If you’d like to talk with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one of our other expert veterinarians, you can head over to PangoVet. It’s our online service where you can talk with a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat — all at an affordable price!
Catster reader exclusive deal: Save 65% on your first call, use code ASKDRPCATSTER65 at checkout.
This article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series
They Welcome Stray Cat into Their Home and Watch Him Form the Sweetest Friendship with Another Cat
They welcomed a stray cat into their home and watched him form the sweetest friendship with another cat.
Wilbur@poohlovestigger
A tabby named Wilbur was found wandering the streets of a neighborhood in DC. From the beginning, it was clear he was never meant for life outdoors.
The team at Tails High, an all-volunteer rescue, saw just how friendly and gentle he was and knew he deserved a loving home. “This sweet, affectionate boy belonged somewhere soft, safe, and surrounded by love,” the rescue shared.
A volunteer who lived a few blocks from where Wilbur was rescued offered to foster him.
@poohlovestigger
While Wilbur waited for his test results, his foster mom set up a cozy playpen for him in the foster room. He quickly settled in, purring nonstop as he soaked up every bit of affection she gave him. “Wilbur is a total sweetie pie, and he loves being pet,” she said.
Not far from his setup was another foster cat who was curious and eager to meet him.
@poohlovestigger
Wanda, a dilute tortie, had recently arrived after raising a litter of kittens. Although all of her babies had found homes, Wanda remained in foster care, still learning to trust people.
She was shy around humans, but she adored other cats. Wanda greeted Wilbur through the playpen and even ate her meals nearby, as if the two had known each other forever.
@poohlovestigger
Wilbur was thrilled to have another cat around. Once he was medically cleared, he wasted no time befriending Wanda, and the two quickly became roommates.
Wanda watched as he played with bursts of kitten-like energy. “She keeps him in check when his playful energy gets a little over the top, and he absolutely adores her for it,” the rescue shared.
@poohlovestigger
Once Wilbur was fully integrated into the foster room, he rolled around beside his foster mom in pure delight.
He embraced indoor life like he’d been waiting for it all along. “He is equal parts playful and snuggly. He’ll carry his toys around like prized possessions, leave you little ‘gifts,’ and then melt into your arms like he’s been yours forever.”
@poohlovestigger
As time went on, Wilbur and Wanda’s friendship grew sweeter. They began sharing toys, taking turns at the window, and lounging side by side on the couch like old pals. Along the way, Wilbur seemed to help Wanda realize just how comforting human affection could be.
Little by little, Wanda started leaning into pets and snuggles, even climbing into her foster mom’s lap for the first time.
Wanda and Wilbur@poohlovestigger
“Whether they’re chasing toys, sharing window-watching duties, or just hanging out together, Wilbur thrives with a feline friend.”
In just a few weeks, Wilbur has blossomed into a lovable social butterfly. He adores the resident cats and happily offers them cheek rubs through the door. “He thinks he’s ready to join the big boys club.”
Wilbur and Tigger@poohlovestigger
Whenever his foster mom sits down, Wilbur comes over for a cuddle. Sometimes, he even drops toys into the food bowls—his own charming way of saying thank you. “He’s the kind of cat who wants to be part of everything you’re doing, whether that’s lounging on the couch or watching the world go by outside the window.”
“Wilbur is ready for adoption and waiting for someone to see just how special he is.”
@poohlovestigger
After spending so long wandering the streets, Wilbur is overjoyed to be safe indoors, to have a feline friend by his side, and to finally enjoy the cushy life he was always meant to have.
@poohlovestigger
Share this story with your friends. More on Wilbur, Wanda (in the DC area), and Tails High on Instagram @tailshigh and Facebook. Thanks to the foster mom @poohlovestigger.
Related story: Cat Follows His New Family from Room to Room, Guarding Them After Many Lonely Years Outside
Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion – Catster
This review was created in partnership with Neakasa, who compensated us for our time and editorial work. However, our opinions and ratings remain entirely our own—we only recommend products we genuinely believe in, and all assessments reflect our honest experience and testing.
Our Final Verdict
We give Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Effectiveness: 4.9/5
Features: 4.7/5
Build Quality: 4.8/5
Value: 5/5
For most cat owners, the battle against litter box odors is an endless one. It doesn’t seem to matter how good your litter is at absorbing odors, how often you scoop, or how much you spend on the newest automatic litter box; those odors always seem to find their way back.
This battle is precisely what Neakasa’s new AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step was created to put an end to, once and for all.
This multi-purpose cat box step not only catches litter to prevent tracking, but it also features a powerful built-in air purifier to trap odors before they wage war against the air in your home. With a high-density activated carbon filter, multiple fan settings, and an incredibly useful design, this litter box step goes beyond functional.
My cat, Makoa, and I had a chance to put this revolutionary purifying litter box step to the test. Keep reading for my full Neakasa AirStep review and find out if this really is the secret weapon you need to win the war against litter box odors.
Why Litter Box Odors Are so Hard to Defeat
If your litter box leaves a lingering (and embarrassing) “catty” odor in your home, don’t blame yourself. You, like every other cat owner out there, were set up for failure from the start. Why? Because cat excrement odor is notoriously hard to deal with.
It starts with the concentration. Domestic cats are descended from desert felines that had to conserve every nutrient and drop of water, which means their urine and feces are highly concentrated. Translation: your cat’s pee and poop are much smellier than those of the average animal.
Worse still, that smell only grows after your cat goes to the bathroom. Urea in cat urine breaks down into ammonia due to bacterial activity. This is the compound that makes your eyes water when you scoop the litter box. And no matter how good your litter is at clumping and absorbing moisture, this potent stink will escape into the air as a gas.
Cat urine also contains uric acid, which, over time, crystallizes. These microscopic crystals bind to surfaces and are difficult to remove. They are especially prone to making their way into the porous surface of plastic (hello, every litter box ever made!) and into the scratch marks your cat leaves behind.
All this is to say that, unless you dump your litter box and clean it with an effective enzymatic cleaner after every use, you will have lingering odors that will escape into the air. You can invest in all the best auto-boxes and odor-absorbing litters you want, but unless you clean the air, those odors will prevail.
About the Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step
Cleaning the air around your litter box is exactly what the Neakasa AirStep was created to do. The high-iodine activated carbon filter absorbs 95% of ammonia, 99% of acetic acid, and 98% of hydrogen sulfide (the rotten eggs stench common to cat feces).
Unlike traditional home air purifiers, this one is designed for use with cat litter boxes. The step shape makes it functional and easy to place right next to the source of the problem, while additional features—like the litter catching grate—make it far more useful than other purifiers.
This highly useful litter box step is compatible with almost all automatic and manual litter boxes. It features three fan settings for continual use and targeted purification. Most impressive of all, it doesn’t cost much more than most litter-catching cat steps, but it does so much more.
Who Makes the Neakasa AirStep and Where Is it Produced?
Neakasa is a smart home accessories company with a focus on pet products and cleaning solutions. They are based in Shenzhen, with offices around the world.
Which Type of Cats Is the AirStep Best Suited For?
The AirStep works with almost all types of litter boxes, including automatic models.
The air-purifying features are effective regardless of whether your cat uses the step to get into their litter box. However, the litter catching component only works if your cat steps down onto the AirStep after doing their business. In other words, if you have an open litter box that your cat can jump out of in all directions, don’t expect this feature to live up to expectations.
Owners of cats of all types and ages will benefit from the purifying component, as all cats, whether we admit it or not, are stinky when they do their business.
Neakasa AirStep Odor-Eliminating Cat Litter Box Step Product Specs (the boring bits)
Odor-Fighting Filter
The Neakasa AirStep features a large filter to help capture odors, dust, and hair.
The filter is encased in a fine mesh to catch larger particles and features 230 grams of high-iodine activated carbon to capture odors. High-iodine carbon has extra pores that increase its surface area and help it grab onto more odor-causing gases.
Rather than “absorbing” odors like litters do (a process that allows much of the gaseous odors to escape), activated carbon “adsorbs” odors. That “d” is an important distinction. It means the carbon grabs and holds onto gaseous odors via chemical bonding, preventing them from escaping.
This filter lasts up to three months under most conditions, though multi-cat households may need to replace it every two months.
Features
The AirStep features a relatively simple interface. The front control panel has two buttons: a power button and a fan speed control.
There are three fan speeds for the purifier: low, medium, and high. There are no timers, movement sensors, or automatic functions. Rather, this device is meant to be used as a set-and-forget accessory with the option to crank up the purifying power manually when needed.
In addition to the purifier, the step also features a grate that helps capture stray litter particles stuck to your cat’s paws before they get transferred to the floor. This grate is easy to remove, and the surface below features a removable catch cup to make disposing of the wandering litter a breeze.
Lastly, this cat box step also does what all cat box steps do: make it easier for your cat to get in and out of the litter box. This is especially helpful if you have a tall automatic litter box (like the Neakasa M1) or have a kitten or older cat who needs a little help.
Size, Noise Output, and Energy Use
The AirStep is 17 inches end-to-end, 12 inches across, and 6 inches tall.
The marketing material for this product claims a noise output of 40 dB. According to my measurements, the low setting averages around 35 dB, while the highest fan setting peaks at just over 50 dB. On low, the hum is noticeable in silence, but quickly fades into the background when any additional noise is present.
According to my tests, at low speed, the AirStep uses about 1.09 watts, which equates to an average monthly energy cost of about 12 cents if you leave it running continuously. Even if left on high continuously, this purifier is fairly cheap to operate. At the highest setting, it uses about 3.64 watts on average, which equates to about 40 cents extra on your energy bill per month.
Comparison
Not surprisingly, this innovative product currently stands alone in the market. With no other purifying cat litter box steps to compare it to, here is how the AirStep stands up to the leading pet air purifier and the leading litter box step.
| Neakasa AirStep | Leading Litter Box Step | Leading Litter Box Air Purifier | |
| Price: | $$ | $$ | $$$$ |
| Features: | High-iodine activated carbon filter, stray litter catch with removable grate, 6-inch step | Stray litter catch, 4.5-inch step | Professional modified activated carbon H13 filter |
| Compatibility: | Works with all litter box types | Works with most litter box types | On-floor design to sit next to all litter box types |
Our Experience with the Neakasa AirStep
I had never heard of such a thing as a purifying cat litter box step before this one arrived on my doorstep. Now, after having used the Airscape for over a week, my only question is: Why didn’t someone think of this sooner!
It is such a brilliant, functional, and effective product. But before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you how I tested and used the Airscape to come to this conclusion.
When the AirStep arrived, my cat, Makoa, was immediately curious. Luckily, it was incredibly easy to set up and get working. No assembly was required, and one of the biggest complaints in other reviews—threading the cord under the step—had already been taken care of for me.
I set it in front of Makoa’s automatic litter box and plugged it in.
At low speed, the purifier emits a quiet, consistent hum that fades quickly into the background. I left it running at this speed for the duration of the week, except for one ten-minute episode after an especially stinking bathroom trip by my otherwise perfectly gentlemanly cat.
The AirStep “disposed” of that odorous evidence quickly—much more quickly, in fact, than the exhaust fan in the room typically does.
Outside of that moment, I didn’t notice a single foul odor coming from the litter box the entire week. That lingering, stale, urine smell that my litter box has developed after way too long between deep cleans? Gone. In fact, the litter box room may now be the freshest-smelling room in my house!
Makoa had no problem using the step to get into his litter box, and the amount of litter caught in the grate after a week tells me he happily used it to get out as well. However, it is worth noting that when he isn’t using the litter box, he goes out of his way to avoid stepping on the step. I think the grate is not quite as soft and cushy as his little paws prefer.
The step seemed to do a good job catching the litter, as I didn’t notice nearly as many stray granules on the floor as usual.
Under the removable grate is a flat surface with a removable cup in the center of one end. When I first saw this, I wondered whether the purifier’s vibrations might scatter the litter into the cup over time. After a week, I can tell you this is not the case.
Rather, I believe the cup is there so you can sweep the scattered litter into it and then dispose of it. If only the AirStep came with a tiny broom!
But overall, I am very happy with this product.
The step/litter catch function works well enough as long as your cat actually uses it instead of jumping straight out of the litter box onto the floor (as noted in some other reviews). But the real reason to get this is for the air-purifying effects.
The purifier works exceptionally well, uses very little energy, and, unlike other purifier options, can be placed right up next to the litter box opening for maximum effectiveness. Best of all, it integrates seamlessly into the litter box setup, providing a functional step without taking up extra floor space.
I highly recommend this product for anyone who is sick of battling litter box odors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where should I place the AirStep?
Simply place the AirStep in front of the opening to your litter box. If you have an open box, it may be worth getting a guard or otherwise blocking off the sides to force your cat to use the step. Be sure the wall of your litter box does not block the intake vents at the back of the step (you may need to leave a slight gap between).
Should I leave the AirStep on at all times?
The AirStep is most effective when left on continuously. Most of the lingering odors from cat boxes come not from the waste itself, but from the breakdown of waste material, especially the traces left behind after scooping. The energy consumption of this product is incredibly low, even when left running continuously.
Conclusion
If you’ve tried better litter, the best cat boxes, and all the odor absorbers on the market and are still battling lingering litter odors, the AirStep is for you.
This functional, effective, and well-designed litter box step with a powerful built-in purifier neutralizes lingering gaseous odors that other cat litter products fail to capture. Best of all, it is inexpensive to run, easy to integrate into your litter box setup, and doesn’t cost much more than the leading litter box step (which, for the record, has zero odor-eliminating features).
Two Adorable Eaglets Hatch Amid Battle To Save Their Moon Camp Habitat – World Animal News
Exciting news for one of America’s most beloved bald eagle pairs, Jackie and Shadow. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), on April 5 at 8:30:45 AM cam time, Chick #2 hatched, joining their sibling during the chick’s first feeding. Early feedings can be tricky for these tiny “bobbleheads,” but Jackie’s saliva, rich in electrolytes and antibodies, helps give the chicks a strong start. Shortly after, Shadow arrived to meet his two new eaglets and immediately jumped into daddy duty. Both chicks are thriving, looking healthy, and ready for the journey ahead.
While this joyful moment is being celebrated by fans around the world, Moon Camp, vital habitat located less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow’s nest, remains under threat from development. This area is essential for foraging and perching and is currently slated for potential housing and marina construction, which wildlife experts warn could cause significant harm to the bald eagles and the local ecosystem.
In response, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and San Bernardino Land Trust have launched one of their most ambitious efforts yet: a $10 million fundraiser to purchase nearly 63 acres of Moon Camp and permanently protect it as wildlife habitat. This land would be added to adjacent United States Forest Service property to ensure it remains wild and undisturbed.
The San Bernardino Land Trust now holds a limited Purchase Option Agreement, but time is running out. The full amount must be raised by July 31, 2026, or the property could be developed. Conservationists emphasize the urgency of acting now to secure this habitat, not only for Jackie and Shadow, but for countless other species that depend on the unique Big Bear Valley ecosystem.
Recent updates show meaningful progress. The campaign has raised almost $1.7 million toward its $10 million goal, but much more is needed in the coming months.
Jackie and Shadow’s two eaglets represent new hope and life in Big Bear Valley. But without protection of their foraging grounds and surrounding forests, their future and the future of this richly biodiverse area could be in jeopardy.
Please support the Save Moon Camp campaign today. Every donation helps safeguard critical habitat from development and ensures that this treasured landscape remains a protected home for wildlife.
Donate today at: SaveMoonCamp.org