Video Shows Cat Using ‘Spring Paws’ Every Time He’s Spooked – CatTime


Felines can sometimes have unique traits that can set them apart from each other. This specific video captured an adorable Bengal cat using his cute little “spring paws” every time something spooks him out.

The owner of the kitty took to Instagram to share the Reel on Instagram through the account @threenawtycats. The clip has received a lot of attention from viewers from different parts of the world. The video has garnered more than 1K likes as of now.

Cat jumps within seconds after being spooked

An adorable video on Instagram showcased a charming Bengal cat jumping instantly using his unique paws whenever something spooks him out. The video has been winning hearts on social media as people are in love with the furbaby’s unique trait. In the caption of the post, the cat parent humorously wrote, “Spring paws to action.”

The Instagram Reel began by giving a closer look at the cute Bengal cat, who was enjoying a ride on his wheel. In the meantime, the text written over the clip read, “How fast my bengal reacts everytime he gets spooked.”

As the video went on, viewers could witness the cat getting spooked quite often. And, as soon as he feels scared of something or someone, the furbaby does not even waste a second and jumps with the help of his “spring paws.”

It happened while he was on the wheel. It also happened when the Bengal cat saw his furry sibling coming his way. He also got spooked when his feline sibling approached him from the back.

People have been expressing their views and thoughts on the Instagram video in the comments section. One fan wrote, “That cat can really jump so flexible of a cat.” Meanwhile, another could relate to the situation. “Omg this is how my Nico is (emoji) every little thing makes him jump out of his skin,” they noted.


Tiny Castoff Cat With A Strange Meow Becomes The Heartbeat Of A Once Empty Home | The Animal Rescue Site


Dark gray cat sitting on a windowsill, partially silhouetted against a bright window.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

Two years ago today, my Oliver came into my life.

Dark gray cat sitting on a windowsill, partially silhouetted against a bright window.

Photo: Holli Bushnell

I was heading out to pack some orders at work when a little cat popped out of our barn. He came right up to me with no fear at all and gave me a look that seemed to say, “Well, Mum, are you going to feed me or what?” I had to give him three bowls of food — hence the name Oliver Twist — before he would follow me into my boss’s house, where he promptly passed out on her couch.

I couldn’t believe someone would abandon such a sweet, adorable cat. I did everything I could to find his owner, but after a month, I took my flyers down and got him neutered.

Gray cat curled up inside a cardboard box lined with white packing paper.

Sometimes I think he dropped out of the sky just for me. I had wanted an animal for so long before Oliver, but because I travel so much for work, I didn’t think it would be possible. Lucky for me, I have never had a cat who so willingly gets into his carrier — he just comes with me.

Sadly, I think he may have been caged all the time before he came to me. He didn’t know how to jump or play, and he had the strangest meow of any cat I had ever encountered. He still has that tiny little Mike Tyson voice, but now he can jump, play, and cat around like a pro.

He LOVES to be brushed and purrs like crazy. He even comes running when I whistle the Doctor Who theme song. He’s my little weirdo, and I’m so grateful we found each other. He’s changed my life — maybe even saved it.


SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY


Story submitted by Holli Bushnell from Great Barrington, MA.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!

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Luminar Neo Light Depth Brings Realistic 3D Lighting and Smarter Updates


Luminar Neo Light Depth Brings Realistic 3D Lighting and Smarter Updates

The latest version of Luminar Neo, including the 1.25.0 and 1.26.0 updates, brings plenty of improvements. As usual with Skylum’s software, they’re aimed at making editing faster, smarter, and more intuitive. From creative tools to performance boosts and cross-platform editing, Skylum continues evolving Neo into a flexible editing ecosystem.

One standout feature introduced in version 1.25.0 is Light Depth. This new tool is designed to bring more realism and depth to your photos without the need for manual masking or complex workflows. So, let’s jump in and see what it offers, along with other improvements and updates to the app.

A Quick Look at Luminar Neo

In case you’re new to Luminar Neo, let me briefly introduce it. It’s an AI-driven photo editor that combines plenty of powerful features with an intuitive workflow. The goal is to help photographers achieve professional results without spending hours in post, learning and using overly complex tools. You still have control over your edits, but otherwise dull and complex tasks are now much faster to perform.

With mobile and desktop versions available, Luminar Neo is a cross-platform experience. You can start an edit on your phone, continue on your desktop, and keep every mask and adjustment in place thanks to real-time sync.

Luminar Neo Light Depth

With the latest updates, Luminar Neo adds tools like Spaces for instant photo galleries, Restoration for reviving damaged images, and the latest highlight: Light Depth.

What Is Light Depth?

Light Depth is a pretty advanced tool that adds a nuanced, realistic effect to your images. Instead of adding contrast or brightness across the entire 2D photo, Light Depth analyzes your photo in 3D. In other words, it generates a depth map, figuring out what’s in the foreground and what’s farther away.

Once the analysis is done, you can enhance lighting with a simple sider in a way that feels spatially accurate. Think of it like subtle dodging and burning, but smarter and far more natural-looking. Whether you’re editing portraits, still life, or any other genre of photos, this tool helps you add realistic lighting depth that enhances dimension and mood without looking artificial.

[Related Reading: A visual approach to the Inverse Square Law and how it affects photographers]

travel photography locations sivac
© Dunja Đuđić

Why is Luminar NEO’s Light Depth Helpful?

Most photo editors treat images as flat layers. If you want to enhance lighting, you either apply adjustments across the whole image or spend time carefully masking. Light Depth skips that hassle by using AI to understand your image’s structure.

Here’s what makes it genuinely useful:

  • It gives your photo a more “three-dimensional feel”
  • You don’t need to manually paint masks or duplicate layers
  • It’s subtle when you want it to be, but if you want dramatic results, you can go for that too

Applying Light Depth lets you guide the viewer’s eye and adds richness to your edit without diving into complicated workflows.

Best travel photography locations
© Dunja Đuđić

More Updates and Innovations

While Light Depth takes the spotlight in version 1.25.0, Skylum quickly followed it with another major release: Luminar Neo 1.26.0, which builds on this momentum. Here are the most important features:

Highlights from the 1.26.0 Update

  • AI Assistant: Now integrated into both the Presets and Edit tabs. Use simple text prompts like “Enhance this photo” to get tailored adjustments or ask questions like “How do I remove this object?” to receive step-by-step guidance.
  • Faster performance: Exporting is now up to 20% faster on Windows and 15% faster on Mac when working with multiple edits.
  • Expanded camera support: Canon EOS R6 Mark III, Canon EOS C50, Fujifilm X-T30 III, Leica M EV1, Leica Q3 Monochrom, and Sony DSC-RX100 VIIA are now supported.

Additional Fixes and Improvements

MacOS:

  • Photo positions in Spaces now stay in place
  • Exporting to Spaces starts immediately after pressing Return
  • Folder lists refresh properly after deletions
  • Stability improvements when working with damaged images
  • Resolved memory leaks during DNG batch exports
  • Light Depth maps now calculate accurately, even with Clone or Erase tools

Windows

  • Mobile photo deletions sync correctly with the desktop catalog
  • Color space is applied correctly when exporting to Spaces
  • Imported skies display properly in the editor
  • Light Depth previews now align with actual results
  • Space Imports update smoothly with correct counters
  • Depth maps work reliably with other tools applied
Luminar Neo Light Depth

Pricing and Availability

In terms of cost and licensing, Luminar Neo offers flexible purchase options to suit different workflows and budgets. And at the moment, there’s a discount, so hurry up.

You can buy a perpetual (lifetime) license with a one-time payment for the desktop app for €99. If you need it for more devices (Luminar Neo on Desktop, Mobile app for iOS, Android, ChromeOS), you’ll pay €129. There’s also the Perpetual Max License for €139, and it includes Luminar Neo on Desktop, Mobile app for iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Creative Library Access.

All purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no separate license key is required since activation is handled through your Skylum account. Subscription plans are also available if you prefer ongoing updates and cloud-connected features as part of a monthly or annual plan.

Whether you’re a long-time Luminar user or just considering trying it out, these updates show that Skylum is serious about making photo editing faster, smarter, and more enjoyable. You can check out all the plans here and choose the one that suits you best.

Disclaimer: This post is part of a paid partnership with the featured brand. While sponsorship supports our work, all editorial content is independently written and reflects the voice and standards of DIYP. We only cover products we believe are relevant, trustworthy, and of interest to our readers.





BTS of My Pro Photo Session


BTS of My Pro Photo Session
Here’s a full BTS of my pro photo session! It started with a trip to a ranch in the faraway reaches of Santa Clarita to work with the training team. That was a couple of days before the shoot, and after the practice session you saw yesterday.

Somali cat looking at a stick
They used this stick to help me get my paw up the way they wanted. They also took some test photos of me.

Somali cat looking at the camera right after her bath
The day before the session, the inevitable happened — I got a full bath and groom!

Somali cat looking at herself in a mirror in a dressing room
Shoot day started off early in Hollywood, and as is usually the case with these things, my human and I waited for a few hours before they needed us.

Somali cat looking at grooming comb
I sat in my carrier most of the time because we shared the dressing room with so many other cats. The Norwegian Forest cat group included a couple that my human and I know from the cat shows. They’ve worked with this company before.

Somali cat getting ready to be photographed
They were ready for us after lunch. Which was fine with my human, since they had catering. For the humans, that is. Well, I did get treats during the shoot.

Somali cat posing on the set, looking at a hand
The session went on for a long time! Maybe a whole half hour. But I tried my best to be a pro. At least for most of the shoot.

Tablet with cat photo just taken
The photographer used a tablet so he could check his work as he went along.

Somali cat with tongue out looking at a bag of chicken
I wasn’t kidding about getting treats during the shoot — they had a huge bag of fresh chicken!

Somali cat raising her paw with human hand giving her the signal
Getting the paw raised shot turned out to be really difficult because they wanted me to do it with my head and paw turned at certain angles! So we worked on that a lot.

Tablet with photo of cat with paw raised
I don’t know if I ever got it right. I guess I will find out.

After the shoot, my human and I had to wait to make sure they didn’t need me. And then we still weren’t done because several of the people there were fans, and they wanted to spend some time with me! So I did. I think that was my favorite part of the whole day.


Bearded Dragon Temperature Chart The Ultimate Habitat Heat Guide 101 – Talis Us


Understanding Optimal Temperature Ranges for Bearded Dragons

Creating the perfect thermal environment for your bearded dragon requires meticulous attention to temperature gradients that mirror their native Australian habitat. These remarkable reptiles are poikilothermic creatures, meaning they depend entirely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature and maintain essential physiological functions.

The cornerstone of successful bearded dragon husbandry lies in establishing distinct temperature zones within their enclosure. A proper basking area should maintain temperatures between 95°F to 110°F for adults, while juveniles require slightly higher ranges of 100°F to 115°F due to their accelerated metabolic demands. The cool side of the terrarium must provide refuge at 75°F to 85°F, creating the essential thermal gradient these dragons instinctively seek.

“Temperature regulation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival. Without proper thermoregulation, bearded dragons cannot digest food, synthesize vitamins, or maintain immune function effectively.”

Nighttime temperatures present different requirements entirely. Dragons naturally experience cooler nocturnal conditions, with optimal sleeping temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. This temperature drop mimics their circadian rhythms and promotes restorative sleep cycles crucial for growth and health maintenance.

Essential Heating Equipment and Setup

Primary Heat Sources

Selecting appropriate heating apparatus forms the foundation of thermal management. Ceramic heat emitters provide consistent warmth without light emission, making them ideal for nighttime heating. These devices generate infrared radiation that penetrates effectively while maintaining darkness essential for natural sleep patterns.

Basking bulbs serve dual purposes by delivering both illumination and concentrated heat. Halogen floods offer superior heat penetration compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, creating more natural warming patterns that stimulate thermoregulatory behaviors. Mercury vapor bulbs combine UVB radiation with heat output, though they require careful positioning to prevent overheating.

Secondary Heating Solutions

Under-tank heating pads supplement primary heat sources by warming substrate from below. However, these should never serve as sole heating methods since bearded dragons primarily absorb heat dorsally through basking behaviors. Radiant heat panels mounted overhead provide gentle, consistent warmth across larger terrarium areas.

Heat tape offers versatile installation options for custom enclosures, though proper thermostatic control becomes absolutely critical to prevent dangerous temperature spikes. Always position heating elements to create natural thermal gradients rather than uniform heating throughout the habitat.

Comprehensive Temperature Chart by Life Stage

Life Stage Basking Spot Warm Side Cool Side Nighttime
Hatchling (0-2 months) 105°F – 115°F 90°F – 95°F 80°F – 85°F 70°F – 75°F
Juvenile (2-12 months) 100°F – 110°F 85°F – 90°F 78°F – 83°F 68°F – 73°F
Adult (12+ months) 95°F – 105°F 80°F – 85°F 75°F – 80°F 65°F – 72°F

These temperature parameters accommodate the physiological differences between life stages. Younger dragons require elevated temperatures to support rapid growth rates and efficient nutrient absorption. Adult dragons maintain stable temperatures with slightly lower requirements as their metabolic rate moderates.

Monitoring and Measurement Techniques

Accurate temperature monitoring demands quality instrumentation positioned strategically throughout the enclosure. Digital thermometers with probe capabilities provide precise readings at specific locations, while infrared temperature guns allow spot-checking of basking surfaces without disturbing your dragon.

Thermostatic controllers represent essential safety equipment, automatically regulating heating elements to prevent dangerous temperature fluctuations. These devices feature adjustable parameters and emergency shutoff capabilities that protect against equipment malfunctions or power surges.

Temperature data loggers record continuous measurements over extended periods, revealing patterns invisible through casual observation. This technology identifies subtle variations that might impact your dragon’s behavior, appetite, or overall wellbeing.

Common Temperature-Related Problems and Solutions

Overheating Issues

Hyperthermia manifests through excessive panting, lethargy, and seeking cool surfaces continuously. Dragons may exhibit gaping behaviors where they open their mouths to facilitate heat dissipation. Immediate intervention requires reducing heat source intensity and providing additional ventilation to prevent heat stroke.

Equipment failures can create dangerous hot spots exceeding safe parameters. Regular calibration of thermostatic controls and backup monitoring systems prevent catastrophic overheating events that could prove fatal within minutes.

Insufficient Heating Problems

Hypothermic conditions impair digestive efficiency, leading to food impaction and nutritional deficiencies. Dragons experiencing inadequate temperatures often display reduced activity levels, prolonged basking attempts, and decreased appetite responses.

Respiratory infections frequently develop when dragons cannot achieve optimal body temperatures necessary for immune system function. Proper heating supports natural defense mechanisms against bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Seasonal Temperature Adjustments

Mimicking natural seasonal variations enhances physiological health and encourages natural behaviors like brumation. Gradual temperature reductions during winter months trigger hormonal changes that regulate reproductive cycles and metabolic processes.

Summer temperatures may require adjustment to prevent overheating when ambient room temperatures rise significantly. Enhanced ventilation and modified heating schedules maintain appropriate thermal gradients despite external temperature variations.

Transitional periods between seasons demand careful monitoring as dragons adjust to changing conditions. Gradual modifications over several weeks prevent thermal shock while allowing natural acclimatization processes to occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly should temperature changes occur in bearded dragon enclosures?

Temperature modifications should progress gradually over 3-5 days to prevent physiological stress. Sudden changes can disrupt digestive processes and trigger defensive responses that impact feeding behaviors.

What happens if my bearded dragon’s enclosure gets too cold overnight?

Occasional mild temperature drops rarely cause immediate harm, but consistent cold exposure compromises immune function and digestive efficiency. Emergency heating sources should restore appropriate temperatures promptly.

Can I use multiple heat sources simultaneously?

Combining different heating methods often produces superior results when properly controlled. Layered heating approaches create more natural thermal environments that accommodate various behavioral preferences throughout the day.

  • Always use separate thermostatic controls for each heating element
  • Monitor interaction between different heat sources carefully
  • Ensure adequate spacing prevents equipment interference
  • Maintain backup systems for critical heating components

Mastering temperature management transforms bearded dragon care from challenging to rewarding. Proper thermal environments support every aspect of dragon health, from digestion and growth to reproduction and longevity. Investment in quality heating equipment and monitoring systems pays dividends through improved dragon vitality and reduced veterinary interventions.


10 Gorilla Skulls & 50kg Of Pangolin Scales Seized In Major Cameroon–Nigeria Wildlife Trafficking Bust – World Animal News




10 Gorilla Skulls & 50kg Of Pangolin Scales Seized In Major Cameroon–Nigeria Wildlife Trafficking Bust – World Animal News






















A devastating wildlife trafficking seizure has exposed the relentless killing of endangered species across Central and West Africa, revealing the brutal pipeline that moves wildlife parts across borders and into international criminal networks.

According to TRAFFIC, authorities intercepted 10 gorilla skulls off the coast of Cameroon in a discovery that signals the growing scale and brutality of wildlife crime. Gorillas are among the world’s most iconic and threatened primates, and the presence of skulls rather than live animals underscores the lethal nature of this cruel trade.

The seizure included far more than gorilla remains. Officials recovered 19 ivory tusks, the heads of protected bird species, including hornbills, parrots, and vultures, as well as vulture feathers and approximately 50 kilograms of pangolin scales, according to TRAFFIC.

Each part represents a life taken from the wild and an ecosystem destabilized. Vultures play a critical role in preventing the spread of disease, while elephants and pangolins are keystone species essential to ecological balance.

The operation was carried out in January by Cameroon’s specialized defense unit, the BIR (Brigade d’Intervention Rapide), at the Cameroon–Nigeria border. Two suspects were arrested and handed over to the gendarmerie, while the confiscated wildlife parts were transferred to the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF) to begin legal proceedings. The interception highlights the critical importance of on-the-ground enforcement.

The seizure once again underscores Nigeria’s role as a major global hub for illegal wildlife exports, particularly pangolin scales and ivory destined for Asian markets.

• Between 2016 and 2019, Nigeria was linked to more than half of all large global pangolin scale seizures.

• Since 2021, joint enforcement operations in Nigeria have led to more than 25 tons of pangolin scales seized, over one ton of ivory confiscated, and dozens of arrests connected to trafficking networks.

Cameroon functions both as a source and transit country for trafficked wildlife, including elephants, pangolins, and protected bird species. Smuggling routes frequently cross the Cameroon–Nigeria border, highlighting the organized, transnational networks driving this illicit trade. These are not isolated poaching incidents. They are coordinated criminal networks that exploit weak border controls and governance gaps.

Globally, the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth between $7 to $10 billion annually, ranking it among the top forms of organized crime. Pangolins remain the most trafficked mammals on Earth, and experts warn that seizures like this represent only a fraction of the total volume being illegally traded. For every shipment intercepted, others likely slip through the cracks.

Denis Mahonghol, TRAFFIC’s Central Africa Director, joined an emergency meeting last week with international crime-fighting counterparts to strengthen coordinated action against trafficking syndicates.

“Killing of endangered wild animals, such as gorillas, elephants, and pangolins, for smuggling across borders and into the hands of ruthless trafficking gangs is on the rise in West Africa,” stated Mahonghol. “This shocking seizure demonstrates growing wildlife crime between Cameroon and Nigeria, which we must take immediate steps to stop.”

In response, TRAFFIC and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will intensify collaboration with national law enforcement bodies to gather and share intelligence on trafficking routes, markets, criminal involvement, and destination countries. According to TRAFFIC, this coordinated effort will feed into the 2024 Cameroon–Nigeria anti-wildlife crime cooperation agreement.

“No one organisation can beat wildlife trafficking alone. TRAFFIC has significant amounts of data and knowledge of wildlife trafficking which we look forward to bringing to the table and sharing with key partners such as UNODC and, of course, government bodies. Together we have the skills and expertise to beat organised crime and protect nature,” Mahonghol added.

Wildlife crime is not a distant conservation issue. It fuels corruption, undermines the rule of law, threatens biodiversity, and robs future generations of irreplaceable species. This latest seizure is both a warning and a call to action. While enforcement efforts are making critical gains, dismantling the networks profiting from endangered species will require sustained political will, cross-border cooperation, and global commitment to protect the world’s most vulnerable wildlife before it is too late.