It was a lovely morning, so Flossie and I took off everyone’s rugs, and gave them a brush. It’s always good to see what’s going on underneath because you never know.

 

After brushing everyone who wanted to be brushed, so that’s everyone, we decided to put Tiddles’ rug back on as it is only a 0g fill rainsheet and he’s not that fat.  The other’s, however, have a good covering, though Waffle is feeling a little ribby for the first time ever. I am secretly pleased.

And then onwards down to the old horses and ponies who were very pleased to have their rugs taken off.

Again, it was good to see what was going on under there.

I was particularly impressed with Vitamin.  She looked fab.

The Icelandics were a bit flattened.

Kolka entertained herself with playing with the rugs.  I shouted at her to stop, please.

Floss hung all the rugs on the fence posts for putting back on later.  And, a little known fact, if you suspect you might have cauda equina, climb over an electric fence that’s on and you will soon find out (owie is all I will say and now I know the fence is working and I don’t have cauda equina!)

Later, in the afternoon, just before dark, the sun had long gone away and I called the old horses and ponies to us so we could put their rugs back on.  Fivla and Vitamin did not need asking twice, they were like two old ladies in the January Sales determined to get a bargain.  They cantered over full speed.

The others were a little more casual.

But we put their rugs back on as it was getting cold again and I possibly think they were grateful.

If Fivla and Vitamin could’ve done up the buckles and straps themselves, they would’ve.

Fivla loves her rug.  It is all she ever needs.  That, and food.

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Dark academia blends candlelit libraries, gothic architecture, rainy afternoons, classical music, and a deep love of literature and philosophy. If your cat looks like they belong stretched across a stack of antique books or gazing thoughtfully out a window during a storm, a dark academia cat name may be the perfect fit.

• Adeline: noble; vintage literary charm
• Alaric: ruler of all; gothic strength
• Alcott: tribute to author Louisa May Alcott
• Ambrose: immortal; old-world scholarly tone
• Anselm: divine protection; medieval thinker
• Arden: Shakespearean forest setting
• Aristotle: ancient Greek philosopher
• Augustine: early philosopher and theologian
• Aurelius: golden one; inspired by Marcus Aurelius
• Austen: tribute to author Jane Austen
• Basil: royal; refined classic name
• Beatrice: literary heroine from Dante
• Bellamy: beautiful friend
• Benedict: blessed; monastic feel
• Blaise: inspired by philosopher Blaise Pascal
• Bram: nod to Bram Stoker
• Bronte: gothic literary sisters
• Byron: romantic poet Lord Byron
• Caius: Roman name meaning rejoice
• Calliope: muse of epic poetry
• Calix: chalice; symbolic and ancient
• Camus: existentialist author Albert Camus
• Caspian: romantic literary tone
• Cecily: Victorian elegance
• Circe: enchantress of Greek myth
• Clarimonde: gothic literary heroine
• Coleridge: romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• Corvin: raven-like; dark imagery
• Dante: author of The Divine Comedy
• Darcy: brooding literary hero
• Delphine: inspired by Delphi; classical mystery
• Desdemona: tragic Shakespearean heroine
• Dorian: from The Picture of Dorian Gray
• Draven: dark and mysterious
• Edgar: inspired by Edgar Allan Poe
• Edith: Edwardian charm
• Eldritch: eerie or supernatural
• Elara: moon of Jupiter
• Eliot: poet T.S. Eliot
• Elowen: elm tree; woodland mystique
• Emerson: transcendentalist philosopher
• Erasmus: Renaissance scholar
• Estelle: star; luminous in darkness
• Evangeline: poetic heroine
• Ezra: literary nod to Ezra Pound
• Faust: legendary scholar of myth
• Felix: fortunate; Latin classic
• Fenwick: marshland farm; gothic tone
• Fitzwilliam: aristocratic literary name
• Florian: flowering; Renaissance softness
• Gideon: mighty warrior; biblical gravitas
• Giselle: ballet heroine; elegant tone
• Gotham: dark and brooding city
• Grimm: fairy tale legacy
• Hadrian: Roman emperor
• Hawthorne: author of gothic tales
• Helios: sun god of mythology
• Hermione: literary heroine
• Hollis: dweller by holly trees
• Horatio: Shakespearean loyal friend
• Huxley: author Aldous Huxley
• Icarus: mythic figure who flew too high
• Imogen: Shakespearean heroine
• Iris: rainbow messenger of the gods
• Isidore: gift of Isis; classical origin
• Isolde: tragic romantic heroine
• Ivy: climbing vine; academic imagery
• Jasper: antique elegance
• Jocelyn: medieval origin
• Julian: classical Roman tone
• Keats: romantic poet John Keats
• Lavinia: Shakespearean character
• Lenore: poetic figure from Poe
• Leopold: regal old-world name
• Lucasta: poetic muse
• Lucien: French intellectual tone
• Lysander: Shakespearean lover
• Magnus: great; Latin strength
• Marlowe: playwright Christopher Marlowe
• Matilda: mighty in battle
• Meridian: poetic geography
• Milton: author of Paradise Lost
• Mina: heroine in Dracula
• Montague: family name in Romeo and Juliet
• Morrigan: Celtic phantom queen
• Mortimer: gothic aristocratic name
• Nero: Roman emperor
• Nightingale: poetic songbird
• Nocturne: musical piece inspired by night
• Novella: short literary work
• Oberon: fairy king
• Obsidian: black volcanic glass
• Odette: ballet heroine
• Octavian: Roman imperial name
• Ophelia: tragic Shakespearean figure
• Orion: hunter constellation
• Orpheus: mythic musician
• Oswald: divine power; gothic sound
• Pandora: mythic bringer of mystery
• Pascal: philosopher and mathematician
• Peregrine: scholarly wanderer
• Persephone: queen of the underworld
• Petrarch: Italian poet
• Phineas: antique scholarly charm
• Poe: tribute to Edgar Allan Poe
• Prospero: magician in The Tempest
• Quentin: literary nod to Faulkner
• Quill: feather pen; writer’s tool
• Raven: dark bird of gothic lore
• Ravenna: ancient Italian city
• Remus: mythic founder of Rome
• Rilke: poet Rainer Maria Rilke
• Rousseau: philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Rowena: medieval heroine
• Salem: historic town with mystical tone
• Sappho: ancient poet
• Sebastian: classical and refined
• Seraphine: fiery angelic being
• Shelley: poet Mary or Percy Shelley
• Silas: forest; rustic academia
• Solstice: seasonal turning point
• Soren: philosopher Søren Kierkegaard
• Sylvia: forest spirit
• Tennyson: poet Alfred Lord Tennyson
• Thaddeus: courageous heart
• Theodora: regal elegance
• Thorne: gothic imagery
• Tobias: biblical scholarly tone
• Tristan: tragic romantic hero
• Umber: dark brown earth tone
• Valerian: ancient herb and Roman name
• Valmont: aristocratic literary character
• Vesper: evening star
• Victor: protagonist in Frankenstein
• Violet: Victorian flower
• Virgil: Roman poet
• Vittoria: Renaissance elegance
• Waverly: meadow of quivering aspens
• Whitaker: English countryside tone
• Wilhelmina: resolute protector
• Wisteria: flowering vine climbing stone walls
• Woolf: tribute to Virginia Woolf
• Xanthe: rare classical name
• Yorick: Shakespearean character in Hamlet
• Zephyr: west wind
• Zenobia: ancient queen
• Zola: French author Émile Zola

Dark academia names evoke scholarship, mystery, romance, and the quiet intensity of a candlelit study. Whether your cat is brooding like Dorian, poetic like Keats, or regal like Persephone, there’s a name here worthy of ivy-covered halls and whispered secrets.

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In 2026, more brands are opting for AI-generated imagery over traditional photography. As a photographer, this hits a little too hard. I’m confused about whether this shift signals the decline of our creativity or merely a transformation of its role in the industry. AI Is Changing Photography Careers. That’s a fact we must acknowledge.

In her latest video, photographer Daria Koso tackles this digital crisis head-on. She tells a story about a brand client who almost skipped a professional shoot because they believed AI could handle it. It makes me think: is the art we cherish fading away, or are we just seeing the less exciting parts of the industry disappear?

The “Death” of Photography is an Old Story

If you feel like the sky is falling, you aren’t alone. Daria notes that since digital cameras came out, people have been saying that photography is finished. Then came smartphones, and later, Instagram. Each time a new gadget makes taking pictures simpler, traditionalists lament the change.

Although the tools change, the true worth lies with the person using the camera. I agree that it’s easy to focus too much on equipment and technology, but Daria reminds us that a camera is just a tool. It’s your vision that matters most. It seems we’re facing yet another adapt or fade away moment that every creative field experiences.

Why Some Clients Are Swiping Right on AI

AI fashion campaigns and perfect AI influencers are everywhere now. Daria points out a tough reality we need to face. Many brands care more about getting things done quickly and cheaply than about the artistic essence of a photoshoot. Clearly, AI is changing photography careers for many in the industry.

If a company needs 50 basic images of a sweater for a catalog, they might not think it’s worth hiring a full team, booking a studio, and providing food. It looks like AI is taking the easiest jobs. If your business mainly focuses on just copying photos, 2026 might be a challenging year for you.

The Extinction of the Generic Photographer

Daria believes that the photographers facing the toughest challenges are those whose images are “interchangeable” or “invisible.” If your photos resemble stock images or standard edits, you’re up against an algorithm that can create them for just a few cents.

Today, clients are looking for vision and taste beyond just the finished image. This is a crucial point. You’re no longer just selling images. You’re offering your unique perspective on the world. This is a strong reminder to take risks with your work. If your photography lacks a distinct voice, what makes you stand out to clients compared to an automated option?

You Have Something AI Doesn’t: A Pulse

AI relies on math, while you are a person. Daria notes that while algorithms can create impressive visuals, they can’t engage with human emotions or ease someone’s anxiety.

Photographers like us likely spent a lot of time chatting, joking around, and helping the model feel at ease. Daria believes that areas like weddings, personal branding, and documentary photography, which need a real human presence and emotional connection, will not only survive but also flourish. You offer a unique experience, and as far as we know, you can’t just download a good atmosphere from a tech company. Furthermore, AI is changing photography careers in unexpected ways.

You’re a Director, Not a “Shooter”

The job of a photographer has changed from just taking pictures to directing the scene. While AI can create a face, it doesn’t capture a person’s true essence or build a rich cultural narrative like a human can.

It seems like the time of simply pressing buttons is done. Now, it’s important to understand the reasons behind an image. I believe this change actually benefits us. We can move away from technical tasks and concentrate on the stories and emotions behind our work. You’re now a guide to human experiences, which is a great role to have in 2026. In summary, AI is changing photography careers and opening new pathways for photographers to have an impact.

Stop Chasing “Perfect” and Start Getting Real

Daria encourages you to stop striving for perfect retouching. Why? Because AI does a much better job at that. If you spend hours fixing every little detail, your work might end up looking overly computer-generated.

In 2026, people find intentional flaws and natural skin textures to be more valuable and genuine. You want your photos to reflect the human touch. Embrace the imperfections that show you’re real. A bit of motion blur, some grain, and a touch of chaos can really make your work stand out. That’s how you show you were really there.

Curation is Your New Superpower

Daria points out that “curation is the new skill” you must learn. With everyone, including AI, capable of creating countless images, your true worth comes from selecting the best ones. She advises choosing wisely rather than editing too much, ensuring you maintain a consistent style and a strong perspective.

She also highlights that if your only asset is a camera, you can be easily replaced. I completely agree. Owning equipment doesn’t make you a photographer any more than having a microwave makes you a chef. You need to develop a unique taste that clients wouldn’t even think of replicating with a machine.

The Future: Emotion Over Algorithms

As Daria finishes her thoughts, she remains hopeful yet realistic. She emphasizes that photography focused on human emotions is increasingly important. With the rise of artificial intelligence producing perfect images, people will seek out authentic and genuine moments.

Personally, I think the harsh reality isn’t that photography is fading away. Rather, the standards have simply become higher. Being a decent photographer isn’t enough anymore. You need to be true to yourself. Instead of fretting over what AI is doing, focus on discovering what makes your perspective special. What can you capture that a machine cannot? That’s how your career will thrive in 2026.

[The Harsh Reality of Photography in 2026 | Is AI stealing clients? I Daria Koso; Image credits: Envato]

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The Financial Advantages of Automated Pet Supply Delivery

Contemporary pet guardianship demands strategic financial planning, and auto-ship pet supplies benefits extend far beyond mere convenience. Subscription-based delivery models fundamentally transform how conscientious pet owners manage their budgetary allocations while ensuring consistent access to premium nutrition and essential accessories.

The economic paradigm of automated replenishment creates substantial cost-mitigation opportunities through predictable purchasing patterns. Pet supply retailers frequently incentivize subscription enrollment with tiered discount structures that compound over time, generating meaningful savings across annual expenditures.

Subscription Discounts and Bulk Pricing Advantages

Auto-ship programs typically offer percentage-based discounts ranging from 10% to 25% off standard retail pricing. These reductions amplify significantly when applied to premium nutritional formulations and specialized dietary supplements. Family-owned retailers often provide additional loyalty incentives that traditional brick-and-mortar establishments cannot match due to reduced overhead expenses.

Volume purchasing inherent in subscription models unlocks wholesale pricing tiers previously accessible only to commercial buyers. This economic leverage translates to substantial reductions in per-unit costs, particularly beneficial for multi-pet households requiring consistent supplies of species-specific nutrition.

Elimination of Impulse Purchasing and Budget Predictability

Subscription-based procurement eliminates spontaneous purchasing decisions that frequently inflate pet supply expenditures. The predetermined delivery schedule creates budgetary certainty, enabling more precise financial planning and resource allocation across household expenses.

Monthly or bi-monthly automated shipments prevent reactive purchasing at premium prices when essential supplies unexpectedly diminish. This strategic approach to inventory management mirrors professional procurement methodologies adapted for residential pet care.

Time-Saving Conveniences for Busy Pet Parents

The temporal efficiency gains from automated pet supply delivery systems address the increasingly compressed schedules of modern pet guardians. Professional obligations, family commitments, and personal pursuits often compete for limited discretionary time, making subscription-based solutions particularly valuable.

Automated replenishment eliminates recurring decision-making processes around routine purchases. This cognitive load reduction frees mental bandwidth for more complex pet care considerations such as health monitoring, behavioral enrichment, and quality time allocation.

Automated Inventory Management

Sophisticated subscription platforms employ algorithmic inventory tracking that learns consumption patterns unique to individual households. These systems automatically adjust delivery frequencies and quantities based on historical usage data, preventing both stockouts and excessive accumulation.

The predictive capabilities of modern auto-ship systems account for variables such as seasonal consumption fluctuations, life stage transitions, and multi-pet household dynamics. This intelligence eliminates manual monitoring requirements while ensuring optimal supply levels.

Flexible Scheduling and Delivery Options

Contemporary auto-ship programs offer granular customization options that accommodate diverse lifestyle patterns. Delivery intervals can typically be adjusted in weekly increments, providing precision matching between consumption rates and replenishment schedules.

Advanced logistics networks enable specific delivery time windows, contactless delivery options, and alternative location specifications. These flexibility features ensure seamless integration with varying work schedules and travel patterns common among active pet owners.

Enhanced Product Availability and Quality Assurance

Subscription-based procurement provides preferential access to premium formulations and specialty products that may experience periodic availability constraints through conventional retail channels. This priority allocation system ensures consistent access to preferred nutritional programs and therapeutic supplements.

The predictable demand patterns created by auto-ship programs enable retailers to maintain deeper inventory levels of specialized products. This improved stock management translates to enhanced product freshness and reduced likelihood of receiving items approaching expiration dates.

Priority Access to New Products and Seasonal Items

Auto-ship subscribers frequently receive early access to innovative formulations and seasonal specialty items before general market availability. This preferential treatment stems from the established relationship and predictable revenue stream that subscription customers represent.

Limited-edition nutritional formulations and exclusive product collaborations often debut within subscription programs, providing added value beyond basic convenience and cost savings.

Customization and Personalization Features

Modern auto-ship platforms incorporate sophisticated personalization algorithms that adapt to evolving pet needs and owner preferences. These systems track consumption patterns, seasonal variations, and life stage transitions to optimize product selection and delivery timing.

The ability to modify, pause, or accelerate deliveries provides unprecedented control over pet supply management. Emergency adjustments accommodate unexpected circumstances such as travel, dietary transitions, or health-related consumption changes.

Species-Specific Optimization

Multi-species households benefit from compartmentalized subscription management that recognizes the distinct nutritional and accessory requirements of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small animals. This granular approach ensures appropriate product selection and optimal delivery scheduling for each companion.

The following considerations optimize auto-ship benefits across different pet categories:

• Nutritional formulation stability and shelf-life characteristics
• Consumption rate variations based on life stage and activity level
• Seasonal preference shifts and environmental factors
• Health condition considerations requiring specialized dietary management

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto-Ship Programs

How do auto-ship programs handle dietary transitions or health changes?

Reputable auto-ship services provide flexible modification systems that accommodate immediate dietary transitions. Most platforms offer instant adjustment capabilities through customer portals, enabling seamless transitions between formulations without disrupting delivery schedules.

What happens if my pet doesn’t finish their food before the next shipment arrives?

Advanced algorithms learn individual consumption patterns and automatically adjust delivery frequencies to prevent oversupply situations. Additionally, most programs allow manual schedule adjustments with several days’ notice to fine-tune delivery timing.

Can auto-ship subscriptions accommodate irregular consumption patterns?

Modern subscription platforms excel at managing variable consumption through flexible scheduling options and pause functionality. Seasonal activity changes, temporary diet modifications, and travel disruptions can all be accommodated through user-controlled adjustments.

The strategic implementation of auto-ship pet supplies benefits creates a comprehensive solution that addresses the dual imperatives of fiscal responsibility and time optimization. This approach to pet supply management represents an evolution in responsible pet guardianship that aligns economic efficiency with convenience and quality assurance.

Cats peeing on furniture isn’t a behavior problem. It’s a communication problem. Your cat can’t tell you their litter box hurts to use, or that the new dog is stressing them out, or that the box itself is too small and smells terrible. So they find somewhere else to go – usually your couch, your bed, or that chair you just reupholstered.

The frustrating part is that what looks like one problem (cat peeing on furniture) can have a dozen different causes. Medical issues, anxiety, litter box setup, territorial marking, multi-cat household dynamics – any of these can trigger the same behavior. And treating the wrong cause just wastes time while the problem gets worse.

But once you identify what’s actually driving this behavior, most cases are fixable. But that means starting from the right place: ruling out medical problems first, then methodically working through environmental and behavioral factors.

Here’s how to figure out why your cat is doing this and what actually works to stop it.

Why Your Cat Is Peeing on Furniture

Medical Problems (Check These First)

If your cat previously used their litter box without issues and suddenly stopped, your first call should be to the vet. Several medical conditions make urinating painful or urgent, and your cat may have started associating their litter box with that pain. Bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and even arthritis can all interfere with normal litter box use. Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease increase urination frequency, making accidents more likely. If your cat is 11 years or older and showing distress while trying to urinate, this is urgent. Get them to a vet as soon as possible.

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Stress and Life Changes

Cats are creatures of habit who prefer their world to stay predictable. A new baby, a new pet, a move, or even a loved one leaving the household can trigger tremendous anxiety. That stress often manifests as inappropriate urination. If you know a major change is coming, talk to your vet beforehand about anti-anxiety options to help your cat through the transition.

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The Litter Box Itself

Sometimes the problem isn’t your cat, it’s their bathroom setup. Most cats dislike covered litter boxes and liners. They need a box that’s at least 1.5 times their body length. The litter matters too. Most cats prefer fine or medium clumping litter that’s unscented and easy on their paws. If you’re not sure what your cat likes, set up a few temporary boxes with different litter types and let them vote with their paws.

Even the best litter box won’t work if it’s not kept clean. Scoop daily and do a deep clean with soap and water weekly. Cats have incredibly sensitive noses, and a dirty box will send them looking for alternatives.

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Location, Location, Location

Where you put the litter box matters just as much as the box itself. If it’s in a high-traffic area near the front door, next to a noisy washing machine, or tucked away in a hard-to-reach basement, your cat might avoid it. The ideal spot is quiet, private, and easily accessible on the main floor of your home.

Getting In and Out

For small kittens, senior cats, or any cat with mobility issues, high-sided litter boxes create a physical barrier. If your cat has to struggle to climb in, your couch starts looking like a much easier option.

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Multi-Cat Dynamics

The rule for multiple cats is simple: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Three cats need four boxes. Without enough boxes, conflicts arise. Sometimes one cat will guard the litter box and prevent others from using it, creating a stressful situation that leads to accidents.

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Territory Marking

Both male and female cats use urine to mark territory, especially when a new pet enters the home or if they haven’t been spayed or neutered yet. Getting your cat fixed while they’re young typically stops this behavior.

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New Adoptions Need Time

Newly adopted cats need time to adjust to unfamiliar environments. Stress from the transition can lead to inappropriate urination until they settle in and feel safe.

How to Actually Fix This

The solution depends entirely on the root cause. Here’s what works:

For Medical Issues: After your vet rules out or treats any health problems, focus on making the litter box as appealing as possible. Place it in a quiet, safe location. If your cat still avoids it, try multiple boxes in different areas. Place treats and toys near the box and play with your cat nearby, but keep food away from it since cats don’t want to eliminate near where they eat. Use the litter your cat prefers, filled 1 to 2 inches deep. If nothing works, consult an animal behaviorist.

For Stress-Related Problems: Keep the box impeccably clean with daily scooping and weekly washing. Avoid corn-based, crystal, or scented litters. Remove covers and liners. Place boxes in stress-free locations. Give your cat plenty of high perches where they feel safe and secure above other household members. Ask your vet about calming supplements if needed.

Home Remedies That Help:

Last Resort Tactics:

If you’ve tried everything and your cat still targets your furniture, make those spots less appealing. Cover them with aluminum foil or double-sided tape. Cats hate the sticky feeling on their paws and the texture of foil. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a professional behaviorist. You might have missed something, or there could be an underlying medical issue that wasn’t initially apparent.

What Not to Do

Never use ammonia-based cleaners. Urine contains ammonia, so these products actually encourage repeat offenses. Stick with enzyme cleaners only.

Don’t carry or drag your cat to the litter box, don’t scold them, and absolutely never rub their nose in their urine. They won’t understand what you’re trying to teach them. They’ll only learn to fear you.

Don’t confine your cat in a small space with their litter box for extended periods. This creates more stress and won’t solve the problem.

Final Thoughts

Your cat isn’t peeing on your couch to make you miserable. They’re telling you something is wrong, whether that’s a health issue, environmental stress, or a problem with their bathroom setup. Start with a vet visit to rule out medical causes. From there, evaluate your litter box situation honestly: Is it clean? Is it accessible? Is there enough space and privacy?

Show your cat patience while you work through this. Play with them, give them safe spaces to retreat, and address the underlying cause rather than just the symptom. With time and the right approach, you’ll have both a happy cat and furniture that stays dry.

Feature Image Credit: Creative Cat Studio, Shutterstock

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