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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Cat Food And It's Dangerous Ingredients

















By Virginina Sutherland

All of us would like to feed our kitty the best food possible, but finding a nutritious healthy food for your cat is not as easy as it seems. Looking at the beautifully designed bags filled with kibble, along with the enticing text using words such as "wholesome" "nutritious" and "Veterinary Recommended" it can be easy to be put at ease, especially after reading that the very first ingredient is meat!

Many ingredients found in pet food have nu business being there. Not only do they have no value whatsoever to the animal, but can be downright detrimental. Their only reason for being in the food is that they are cheap and increases the profit for the company and it's share holders.

Pet food companies go through some effort to make you believe that grains are "wholesome" for your pet. The truth is that grains are implicated with a slew of health problems. Grains are also not part of a cat's natural diet.

The use of corn is a very bad addition to your cat's or dog's food. It causes allergic reactions and acts as an irritant to the bowel. Possibly a problem of an even greater magnitude is the fact the corn has a high glycemic index.

Every time your cat eats food containing corn, there will be a spike in blood sugar levels. Cats do not metabolize foods the same way we do, and do not have the enzymes and hormones necessary to keep their blood sugar levels within normal range after consuming carbs. Cats are designed to get their energy from protein, not carbohydrates.

While the diet of a wild cat contains approximately 3-5% carbs, many commercial kibbles contain 30-60% carbs. 10-20 TIMES the normal amount.

After eating a meal of kibble your cat's blood sugar level will spike because the body is not equipped to handle all those carbs.

The elevation in blood sugar is taxing for vital organs such as kidneys and liver.It taxes and exhausts the endocrine system. After time, the pancreas is unable to keep up and feline diabetes is a not uncommon end result.

Corn also helps making your cat obese. Cats do not register full after eating carbs. They register full after eating protein. A cat eating a food with high grain content will have to eat a lot more in order to consume enough protein to register full.

Switching your cat to a grain-less food frequently reverses diabetes, even if insulin has been given for some time. (A switch should be done ONLY with the cooperation of your vet, while monitoring blood glucose levels in order to prevent your cat's blood sugar to go too low which can be deadly.)

Start looking today for a brand of food that contains no corn, no wheat and no soy. Your furry friend will thank you.

About the Author:

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Cat Cancer


By Moses Wright

Cancer is a significant concern for many cat owners. Cat cancer can significantly shorten the life of a cat. Since not all tumors are cancerous, a cat owner should not panic at the sight of a tumor. However, the cat owner should have a cat with a tumor or any signs of cancer examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Cancer is responsible for approximately fifty percent of pet deaths. Similar to cancer in humans, causes of cat cancer are not well understood.

Many of the signs and symptoms of cat cancer can be caused by other diseases. It is important for cat owners to have the cat properly diagnosed by a veterinarian at the onset of symptoms. Often, the faster that the cat is diagnosed with cancer and treatment is started, the better the cat's prognosis is.

Signs of cat cancer include weight loss and persistent and abnormal swelling such as a tumor. Cats with cancer may have a loss of appetite, a wound with discharge, stiffness or lameness, and difficulty swallowing, breathing, urinating, or defecating.

There are several different types of cat cancer. Skin cancer can be caused by frequent or severe sunburns especially for white cats. Bone cancer, lymphoma, and mammary cancer are examples of other types of cat cancer.

Some cats have developed cancer in the area where they have received vaccinations. Vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS) is a relatively new health concern. If the cat owner notices any lump at the site where the cat has received vaccination injections, the cat owner should take the cat to be examined by the veterinarian to determine if this is normal swelling or vaccine-associated sarcoma.

One type of cancer that is more common in cats than dogs is lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that most commonly affects the lymph nodes. Cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) have an elevated risk of lymphoma.

Cat cancer is diagnosed with physical exams, biopsies, ultrasound, blood tests, and x-rays. The type of cancer and the severity determine the best treatment for the cat.

Methods of treatment for cat cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Pain management is also part of cat cancer treatment. The risks of some types of cat cancer can be reduced with preventative measures. Excessive sun exposure and sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer especially for white cats. If a cat is spayed while it is young, the cat's risk of mammary cancer is significantly decreased.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

What Is Feline Bladder Thickening?


By Kate Rieger

When your cat gets diagnosed with feline bladder thickening, then they likely have a urinary tract infection previously that caused the thickening. What is feline bladder thickening, and what can you do to reverse it?

First, you will need to understand that this condition is not a disease, but rather a symptom. Even though it can lead to other urinary issues, it is not going to be life threatening on its own. However, it is still something that will need to be fixed.

When a cat has had a urinary tract infection and is unable to relieve the pressure, it will feel the constant need to urinate. Over time, if ignored, then this pressure will increase and the muscle walls of the feline bladder will become thicker. This will make it even more difficult for your cat to control urination. If this happens, it can become a serious problem because the toxins within the bladder need to be emptied regularly and completely.

Using steroids and drug therapy, as well as antibiotics is one of the best ways to alleviate bladder thickening in cats. The down side is that cats are very sensitive and will not often be able to tolerate the side effects of such medications.

Natural remedies are another way that you can treat this problem in cast. Herbs like Cantharis or Staphysagris have been clinically proven to help treat the infection as well as soothe the inflamed tissues. This will help heal the bladder so that the thickening of the bladder goes away completely. Luckily, since these treatments are completely natural, they are gentle towards your cat and will not have any side effects.

Make sure that your cat always has fresh, clean water at all times. Instead of giving them tap water that is full of impurities, use filtered water. The chemicals that exist in tap water can often alter the pH balance of the bladder, leading to more infections. Make sure your cat is drinking plenty of water. The more water they drink, the better diluted their urine will be, and the more likely that the cat will flush out toxins.

Feline bladder thickening is a symptom that can lead to further problems in your cat. It is important you treat this right away so that it does not become a bigger problem in the future. We all love our cats, which is why it is important to do everything we can for them.

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Keeping Your Pets Safe on Halloween

care2.com
The following is a list of precautions suggested and recommended by numerous animal shelters and veterinarians designed to keep pets safe on Halloween.

NOISES and STRANGE STRANGERS:
Trick or treaters can cause loud and excessive noise and frighten your pet, so try to keep your pets inside in a quiet room where they are insulated from the Halloween rukus. : )
Pets, especially dogs, that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers should be kept from the front door so they cannot bite anyone or run into the street. With many people visiting the home in strange attire, even normally calm pets might overreact.
Keep pets on a shorter-than-normal leash if you plan on walking outside on Halloween. Again, scary and weird looking trick-or-treaters could provoke aggression in even the nicest pet.

KISS OF DEATH
Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic for animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death. Ask kids not to share candy with pets.

CANDLES
Be careful with lit pumpkins and candles because pets can knock them over and start a fire. Therefore ensure that all burning objects are out of pet’s reach. Remember that cats can jump high, and birds can fly, so try to confine a pet if it demonstrates an “unhealthy” interest in flames (e.g. it puts its paws in lit pumpkins or tries to play with candles).

PETS IN DISGUISE
Avoid costumes held in place by rubber bands, which can be uncomfortable and, more important, rubber bands mistakenly left on a pet can quickly burrow into the animal’s skin and cause injury. Additionally, rubber bands in the wrong place can choke a bird.
If a pet wears a costume, make sure it is not constricting, causing your pet to trip, or blocking its vision. Do not force a pet to wear a costume if it demonstrates discomfort. All of the above can cause undue stress and possibly cause aggression in even the nicest dog, goldfish, or iguana.

EVIL IN THE NIGHT
Don’t leave pets outside on Halloween. Many animals disappear as pranksters and those with darker intentions tease, abduct, torture, or even kill pets.
Be especially watchful of black cats, who which are frequent targets of cruel activities on Halloween. Try to keep black cats inside for the week of Halloween. Many animal shelters make black cats unavailable for adoption the week before Halloween because of black cat abuse.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Ten Ways to Avoid Cat-Related Sleep Deprivation

singaporecommunitycats.blogspot.com



Does your cat constantly wake you at night by either playing on the bed, waking you to be fed, or wanting cuddle time when all you want is sleep? Many people with sleeping disorders have problems going back to sleep after being awakened by a cat. There is no need to suffer from cat-related sleep deprivation. Try one or more of these suggestions to get a full night's sleep, and still give your cat the attention he needs.


1. Give Your Cat His Own Bed

If you already have a sleeping disorder, it is best that you never encourage your cat to sleep on your bed. This means making your bedroom off-limits at all times. Once a cat finds your bed a comfortable place to snooze during the day, he will automatically want to sleep with you at night. Give kitty a comfortable bed in a spare room, corner of the living room (with a screen for privacy), or even a bathroom. If necessary, rub a bit of catnip on the bed initially, to encourage him to use it.


2. Schedule Playtime Before Bed

Cats are normally nocturnal animals. They sleep all day and play or hunt all night. You can help readjust their schedules by scheduling an interactive play period of at least 15 minutes before bedtime, with a toy such as da Bird. Follow the play sessions with a snack for kitty and a warm bath for yourself. Both of you will feel more like sleeping when you are through.


3. Close the Bedroom Door

A determined cat might scratch at the door for awhile, but he will eventually give up and either go to sleep or find some other activity. You can help prevent damage to the door by either mounting a vertical scratch pad on it, trimming his nails, or using Soft Claws.


4. Use Earplugs

If his scratching at the door keeps you awake, even though he eventually stops, use earplugs. Swimmers' earplugs effective seal the ear canal and should give you some sleep relief


5. Use Ocean Sounds or White Noise

There are a number of commercial products on the market for peaceful sounds that will help you sleep (with the cat on the other side of the door). You can select from bird sounds, ocean/waterfall sounds, or just "white noise," and earphones will help amplify and enhance the sleep-inducing effects.



6. If He's Home Alone, Adopt a Second Cat

A single cat may easily become bored at home alone all day, and rightfully will expect his human companion to give him attention in the evening and at night. A second cat will give him companionship of his own kind to keep him happy during the day, and will lessen those nocturnal urges to wake you for play. This is especially true with kittens, who have much more excess energy to burn during their first year of growth. Two kittens are almost always better than one.


7. Darken the Room

If you are only bothered by those pouncing, biting attacks at your toes at night, use those room-darkening shades to completely darken the room. Replace the digital or florescent dial clocks by the bedside. Although cats can see in very low light, they cannot see in total darkness. (They'll also be more inclined to go to sleep.)


8. Don't Give In To Food Demands

If your sleep annoyance is those little pitty-pats or nose bumps to your cheeks in early morning hours when kitty thinks it's time for breakfast, don't allow her to train you. Tell her firmly, "no!," then cover your head with the sheet, blanket, or even pillow, if necessary. When your own clock (internal or table model) tells you it's time to wake up, feed her immediately. She'll soon learn that breakfast is served on your schedule rather than hers.


9. Try a Temporary Sleep Aid

Drink a glass of warm milk flavored with a drop of vanilla after your bath. If that doesn't help, as a last resort, ask your doctor to prescribe a mild sedative to help you sleep. It doesn't necessarily have to be something that will "knock you out for the count," but a mild relaxant should do the trick. You should consider this only a temporary solution as your feline nocturnal training progresses.


10. Establish a Predictable Schedule

Cats do not like surprises, and are most happy when their household revolves around a predictable schedule. Giving them a set time for food, safe outdoor play, interactive play, grooming, and petting will go a long way toward maintaining their well-being and giving you a good night's sleep, every night.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Can People Get "Cat AIDS" or FIV?


















yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com
Can animals get AIDS? My daughter was told her cat had AIDS, and she put the cat to sleep. Her two small children have been scratched many times by this cat. Can they get AIDS this way? I am worried about this.

C.E.
Answer :

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), the virus that is the primary cause of AIDS, belongs to a family of viruses called retroviruses. HIV-1 is actually the third retrovirus scientists identified and described. The first two retroviruses found were human T cell leukemia/lymphoma viruses, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 -- so named because they infect T cells (a type of white blood cell) and can cause blood cell cancers, leukemia and lymphoma, as well as neurologic conditions. A second human immunodeficiency virus, HIV-2, also causes AIDS and is seen primarily in Africa.

Animals are also infected with a variety of retroviruses. The simian immunodeficiency virus, SIV, can cause an AIDS-like disease in primates. SIV's chemical structure is actually very similar to that of HIV-2, and these two retroviruses probably have common ancestors in their evolutionary past. Although some laboratory workers have become infected with SIV, the infection does not appear to cause illness in humans. Cattle also can be infected with a similar cattle virus, the bovine immunodeficiency virus. Cats, as you may have guessed, can become infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This virus cannot be passed to humans, so your daughter's children are at no risk.

Cats infected with FIV have impaired immunity and develop an illness that is very similar to human AIDS. For example, FIV-infected cats have difficulty fighting various kinds of infections that pose little risk to healthy cats. Some experts consider the cat illness to be an ideal experimental model for studying AIDS. Many of the secondary infections that occur in people with AIDS, especially AIDS-related neurologic problems, are closely mimicked by the feline disease. FIV infection also can be treated with some of the same drugs that we prescribe for HIV infection.


We are very fortunate that there are animal models of HIV that can be studied, because this helps advance our understanding of HIV infection and how to treat it. A number of studies of possible vaccines and new kinds of treatment are currently under way in both cats and primates. While such work theoretically may pose a very small risk to laboratory workers, there should be no risk to pet owners.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Best Products To Get Rid Of Fleas & Ticks | Warning: Hartz Flea and Tick Poison!
















By Azlan Irda

The primary way for fleas and ticks to survive is to suck blood from your pet, may it be a dog or a cat or a bear or a lion or chimp. But it would be difficult for your naked eye to see if there are ticks and fleas in your dog's skin because of its thick fur unless your dog scratches itself to death. You might say that it's only a "scratch" but what you might now know is when there are more fleas, more than you can imagine, it will render your dog anemic and they can transfer some awful disease to your pet. The best way to get rid of them is to get Advantage flea drops cheap and effective.

K9 Advantix is a once-a-month topical flea & tick remedy in dogs. What is best about this product that it will never be washed away with water unless you give a good bath to your canine.

You may not know it but your very health-looking tabby is actually suffering from a disease which you are not still aware and she got the virus from dirty things right across the street or from a nearby deli.

But as always, any kind of product that uses substances like these are considered insecticides and therefore, should still be handled with proper care. All you have to do is to ask your veterinarian about it before you do anything it doesn't mention. But is this the only solution for your dog?

That is why you need some flea control. Talking about flea control, here is one tip that you might find helpful. You need to pay a little visit down your favorite pet store and find a really good flea control or the best way is to go to your vet and have your pet dipped in a flea control product that will keep them look and feel good for a certain amount of time.

This topical treatment, available for various types or sizes of dogs, is excellent for those pets who love to swim or who require frequent bathing but attention cat owners. This is very, very, very important. You can't use Advantix on cats and it could be dangerous for them. For cats, it is highly recommended that you get a "feline version" of Advantix and its called Advantage and according to personal experiences, this is best recommended product for fleas in cats.

That's right, it's about the Internet and if you should try to find different anti-flea products or remedies, the best ones are really found online. Shopping for your pet's needs through the Information Highway will make you save time and money. You can find what you're looking for in a short period of time and you can choose the best and the most affordable.

Bear in mind that to get the best advantage flea and tick precautions, tips and advices, the best place is still the Internet. Why don't you try it? After all, you have nothing to gain but everything to lose and if you can find what you're looking for, remember, this will also be advantageous to your family's health as well.

About the Author:



WARNING: The problem is Hartz Advanced Care flea and tick products for cats.

Hartz Mountain Corp manufactures a product known as "Flea & Tick Drops Plus," an anti-flea remedy which is applied to the animal's back, like Frontline or Advantage. The difference is that Frontline and Advantage use a much newer chemical, which DOES NOT HURT the animal. Hartz uses phenothrin which --- according to my vet --- has been around for 50 years, is not nearly as effective, and can be toxic. Cats apparently are much more likely to be sensitive than dogs.


After using this product cats may show the following symptoms; go into convulsions, become dizzy, uncoordinated and having trouble walking and loose weight if used over a prolonged time...

This is far from isolated. 1000's of cat owners purchase this over the counter product without knowing the risks. Many others find out to late...

Personally I have two cats. I had to put one to sleep after using the Harts Flea & Tic dip. (I didn't know not to use the product at the time) He became so ill from the toxic poison in the product, which I applied to my cat for fleas as per the instructions on the label... little I knew 3 weeks later I would be cremating my best friend of 14 years..

What is shameful is the way Hartz covered up the problem, and rather than fixing it, or making the public aware that this toxic may be harmful to your cat... they were more interested in hiding it from the public.. registering domain names that could out them, or allow individuals to post the truth online.. e.g.hartzvictims.org, www.HartzKills.com or www.HartzSucks.com


PLEASE READ! IT IS MY STORY ABOUT THE HARTZ PRODUCT THAT KILLED MY CAT

In early April of 2009, I applied Sergeants Flea & Tick Powder to my 5 year old Tabby, Oliver. A couple days following, I noticed that he was having muscle spams. When I took him to the vet, I was asked if I had applied any topical powder to him and was then told that Permethrin– one of the active ingredients in Sergeant Flea and Tick Powder for Cats—is harmful to animals and was causing the “tremors.” Oliver was diagnosed with Permethrin poisoning.

In doing research about Permethrin Poisoning/Toxicity, I have come across hundreds of horrible, heartbreaking stories not only about the Sergeants product I used on my cat, but other Sergeants products that have caused skin burns, skin irritations, neurological problems, seizures, kidney problems & even death in cats AND dogs. Why Sergeants has products on the shelves that are harmful to the animals they are supposed to protect is beyond my scope of understanding, but I do know this: They need to be held accountable.

At the end of May, I took Oliver in to discuss treatment as the tremors have not ceased. My vet suggested that we may be looking at extensive neurological damage, and that he needs to stay on meds. Since he has been taking Diazepam (Valium®) for more than a month, a full blood work up on him was necessary to be sure the drugs weren’t harming his liver. As I waited for the results, I watched my once energetic, playful kitty tremor away feeling completely helpless and saddened that he may never be the same. All I want is for him to be well—and wished I could get back the day I dusted him with that poison. 15 minutes passed and my vet entered the room with a somber look on her face. Olivers blood work showed her was in the advanced stages of Kidney Failure.

We treated Oliver for two months until he let me know that he was tired and needed for us to let him go. Jeff Balion, a FOX9 investigative reporter, followed Olivers story. As of right now, it will air September 23 on the 9pm newscast. On August 10, 2009 we gave Oliver his wings. The FOX9 cameras were with him the remaining few hours of his life recording him doing what he loved– walking around the yard and watching the birds and butterflies. We were with him until he closed his eyes for the last time. Although it is difficult, we know he is at peace. Now he’s our Angel.

I have started a Facebook page in his name to serve as a petition. Adding Oliver as your friend (facebook.com/oliver.d.cat) means that you agree that the sale of over the counter products that hurt, permanently damage and kill our pets needs to be stopped. You will not receive any emails from me other than to remind you of the broadcast.

Additionally, I would like you to view the links below so that you may see what these products do to our pets.

Please send your questions and comments to: ithinkimoliver@yahoo.com

Thank you for reading.

I URGE YOU TO VIEW THESE LINKS. Copy and Paste in Youtube

This clip shows Olivers reaction to the Flea & Tick Powder 48 hours after I applied it to him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79v_kw5lg0M

This one shows the tremors two weeks later:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE_CVYSFmzI

Two cats’ reaction to Hartz Flea & Tick Drops (VERY DISTURBING):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0HK24wG_mA&feature=related

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Getting A Cat From A Breeder Or A Shelter? What Is The Best Way?

By Virginia Sutherland

When the time comes to welcome a cat into the family, the question of whether to purchase a cat from a breeder or pet store instead of adopting a cat from another family or an animal shelter may come up.


If you are interested in showing your cat, buying a purebred cat may seem like the only option, but in fact the major cat organizations such as ACFA also have a household category where you can show off your pretty kitty regardless of origins.


There are different advantages to getting your cat from either a shelter or a breeder. Breeders will give you a guarantee and the kitten will come with a wellness check by a veterinarian. You may be restricted in showing, and most certainly breeding. Getting a cat from the shelter assures that cats has been screened for some diseases and you will also most likely get a history about the cat.


Some people are really attracted to certain breeds which have the looks they like and are more likely to display a breed characteristic temperament. For some, this is the only way they would consider getting a cat. Bringing a cat into your family is a long term affair. Getting a nice match with the cats personality is important.


Adopting a cat does not reduce the possibilities of getting the kind of cat you are wanting. All kinds of cats in just about all breeds are available for adoption. A plus to adopting a cat that has had a previous owner is that they are already litter box trained, and it is easier to get a feel for their personality when they are past the kitten stage.


Many of the cats at the shelter come with a full history. Important information as to how they deal with children or other pets, such as your dog. Adopting a cat in the shelter also mean you have given a precious feline another lease at a great life. With all the cats at shelters, millions of them are euthanized each year. Saving a cats life can be very gratifying.


Not all adopted cats come from shelters. Some people have to give their cats away for whatever reason - allergies develop, moving to another city, financial problems - so if you peruse the pet ads within a local newspaper you'll probably find an impressive selection of cats looking for new homes.


The advantage of adopting a cat from another family is that there usually isn't any charge involved unless the cat is a purebred with documentation. The disadvantage is that unless you take the cat to a veterinarian beforehand, you can't ever be quite sure if the cat has some underlying health issues that may wind up costing you quite a bit of money.


The choice of whether to purchase a cat or instead adopt one is easy for some people, while other folks may struggle with the decision. If you aren't sure with which route to explore, start at your local animal shelter and take a look at the cats there. Chances are you'll find a great cat that will fit right into your family nicely, and as a bonus you can feel good knowing you've saved a life.


About the Author:

Saturday, September 5, 2009

New Baby Snow Leopard - Tama Zoo Hino City, Tokyo

















zooborns.com
A new baby male snow leopard, Yukichi, went on display before the public at Tama Zoo in Hino City, Tokyo. Yukichi was born on July 2nd to mother Yuki and father Valdemar. Yukichi is the forth baby for Yuki and the first for Valdemar.



Urinary Problems in Cats - How to Deal With This Common Cat Illness

















By Kate Rieger

You may be alarmed when your vet tells you that the cat urine problems your cat is exhibiting are really related to a common cat illness. Urinary problems in cats is a excruciating condition often misread as a behavior problem. Now don't you feel a bit small that you've been scolding your cat when she's been sick and hurting? Here's some tips to help you recognize feline urinary tract infections and to get it under control fast - before its and emergency.

It is critical that you treat any urinary problems your cat experiences. Left untreated, urinary problems in cats lead to weight loss and severe pain in your cat. Needless to say, you are dealing with cat piddle it all kinds of weird places too.

So that's your first clue. Your cat is urinating around of the litter box, underneath the litter box, on the bathroom tile or even in the tub.

You may also notice she is going to the litter box very repeatedly, but only a few drops of urine is produced. In fact she may squat for a l-o-n-g time or reposition herself, even stand on the edges of the box. She isn't trying to be a contortionist, she is demonstrating litter box behavior related to urinary problems in cats.

Finally, she may vomit or you may notice she has a really full and expanded bladder. Do not sit around and wait for things to get better. When her bladder is clogged, her kidneys are starting to fail and the toxic waste material is backing up in her blood. That's why she is now vomiting. That's why its time to get her to the vet pronto!

One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for urinary problems in cats is a natural remedy that targets urinary tract infections in animals. These remedies contain herbal extracts like Cantharis and Uva Ursi that restore the proper pH to your cat's bladder so it can heal.

You should also consider your cat's water source. Filtered or distilled water is best and make sure its changed every day. You'll be surprised how much more water she will drink when its fresh. Drinking plenty of water helps her flush out her system and discourages buildup of minerals. That can lead to cat bladder crystals.

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