Cats! Declaw or Nah? 

While declawing feline nails may seem like a easy way to keep a pet from ruining furniture, most people do not understand the painful effects it has on cats. Because cat nails include part of the last bone in their toes, certain declawing surgeries resemble cutting off a finger or toe for humans on their last knuckle. Cats can also face a range of psychological and physical damages following these surgeries including anxiety, urination problems, and personality changes. Most of the time these surgeries are given to benefit the owner solely despite the pain and complications that the pet experiences. New Jersey could be the first state to ban these surgeries as a bill has cleared the lower chamber of the Legislature this January. Scratching is part of a cat’s nature and removing their nails could be substituted with clipping them once in awhile, or purchasing a scratching post. While these ways are more work for the owner, they are much more beneficial to the health and well being of the pets.

Where Does Your Wasted Coffee Go?

Seattle consuming more coffee than any other city in America, is starting to face the effects of its extensive caffeine consumption. Traces of caffeine are being being found in our waters however the effect it has on our marine life is unknown. After Seattleites pour their unwanted coffee down the drain, the caffeine is given a second life and eventually ends up in the Puget Sound. This problem may route from the lack of regulation in wastewater treatment plants. While the effects of caffeine pollution as it is now is unknown, aquatic life that is exposed to higher rates of caffeine levels is expected to face a multitude problems including higher stress levels, changes in growth rates, and reproductive problems.

Qatar Spends Big on Sports Infrastructure

Qatar is facing a great deal of controversy as it is preparing to host the world’s biggest soccer tournament. The country is planning to spend about 500 million each week for the next four years in order to prepare for the hosting of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament. These funds are set aside for not only soccer stadiums, but other infrastructure like roads, airports, hospitals and more. Even though Qatar has looked to tighten its budget since the 2014 drop in oil prices, the state budget was approved for a 7.7 billion deficit due to world cup preparation. While the amount may seem extensive, it was cut by about 4 billion from the previous year’s estimation. This deficit will be the first one Qatar has faced in 15 years.