INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Check that the kitten has a visible waistline and that you can feel its ribs. The kitten should also seem alert and energetic, which indicates that it is within a healthy weight range.  If you are getting the kitten from a breeder, ask the breeder about the ideal weight for their particular kittens. Kittens that don’t have a defined waistline are overweight or may have parasites, and kittens with visible ribs are underweight. Seek veterinary care if your kitten falls into either of these categories. Although different personality types mean that each kitten may display different traits, the kitten should still seem inquisitive and interested in its surroundings, regardless of if it’s shy, quiet, or confident. Kittens that seem overly disinterested or lethargic may be unwell. Regardless of the breed, all kittens tend to be playful, whether they have a confident personality or not. Healthy kittens will not have runny eyes or noses. Make sure that the kitten that you pick isn’t sneezing, appears happy and well-cared for, doesn’t have any bad odors, and that its eyes are bright. If the kitten has mucus or is wheezing, it is likely to be unwell. Get the kitten treated by a veterinarian if you choose it. Look out for bare patches of missing fur or small specks of black dirt. These symptoms can indicate ringworm or fleas. A healthy kitten has a soft, full, and clean coat. Clean ears are a good indicator that the kitten is well-cared for and healthy. The ears must be clean and without any odor, discharge, or inflammation. A dirt-like buildup in the kitten’s ears can indicate parasites.

SUMMARY: Look for a kitten that weighs approximately 2.2–4 lb (1.00–1.81 kg) at 12 weeks. Choose a kitten that is interested in its surroundings and isn’t lethargic. Check that the kitten has a clear nose and eyes. Observe the kitten’s coat to make sure that it is healthy. Look at the kitten’s ears to make sure that they are clean.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Many young runners aim for a roughly identical run each time -- challenging themselves about the same amount. But high-level runners tend to alternate very challenging runs with very easy ones, knowing that the truly challenging runs are where they make the most gains. A good way to start is to find 2 routes you love -- one easy and one hard, and then slowly add or subtract distance as you get stronger. se plyometric exercises to boost explosive power, maximizing each stride you take. While untrained runners believe they can just run to get better, strong runners know that specific strength training is key to staying fast and healthy. Plyometrics are exercises that require a burst of power, which translates into much stronger, more efficient strides when you run. Try out:  Box jumps, both single leg and double. Shuttle runs Squat leaps -- perform a squat without weight, then explode up and to one side. Power skip -- see how high you can get on each leap The top runners today train for sprints, even if they'll never actually use that speed in a race. That's because sprinting pushes your body to a degree that helps create huge training gains in a much shorter time. Some ideas include:   Intervals: Warm up for 5-10 minutes, then sprint for 30 seconds. Jog for a minute to relax, then sprint another 5-6 times. As you get better, cut the jogging portion to as close to 30 seconds as you can. Cool down for 5-10 minutes at the end.  Ladders: Warm up for 5-10 minutes, then sprint a lap at roughly 90% top speed. Jog a lap to recover. Then sprint 2 straight laps. Jog a lap to recover. Keep escalating until you can no longer push yourself, then cool down for 5-10 minutes. A strong, healthy diet will have long-term effects on your ability to run long distances. If you're always putting junk into the engine, like multiple desserts, fatty and fried foods, and empty calories like soda, you will have a much harder time efficiently turning that food into energy. While you don't have to be on an Olympian's diet, you can take some cues from them:  Keep your proteins lean -- fish, chicken, beans, whole wheat pasta, etc. Make fruits and vegetables a large part of every meal. Snack healthily -- using fruits, low-fat options like pretzels, and yogurts and granola instead of "treats." Drink water all day long -- it will always help your body run more efficiently. As mentioned above, your core is the most essential set of muscles to keep an efficient, smooth, and relaxed posture while you run. This doesn't mean you need a shredded six-pack, but you should try out the following exercises. It doesn't take much -- try mixing and matching 2-3 of the following into a 10 minute work out, resting for 30 seconds between each exercise.  Sit-ups Crunches Side crunches Planks Side planks Bridges You'll only get better if you actually push yourself to your limits. Except on the easy runs, make sure you struggle at the end of all your runs. It is this ability to push through the struggle that will make you stronger, making future long runs much easier to pull off.  If you feel strong, pick up your pace for the last five minutes, giving yourself a good challenge to end the run on. There is a difference between running through pain and running through a temporary struggle. If you feel sharp pain, wooziness, or sick, you should stop and get water.

SUMMARY: Follow the "easy-hard" rule of elite runners to grow strength quickly. . Use sprint training to build the speed needed for long runs. Cut fats, excess sugar, and grease from your diet. Dedicate 2-3 days a week to focus on your abs, oblique, and core muscles. Trust your body as you train, always trying to challenge yourself in the last few minutes.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Motivating a cat isn’t likely with praise.  They don’t work in a partnership, so there is no reason to really do what you command.   When the cat sits, you can praise it, but be sure to do so with a treat as well. Cats do not respond well to dominance or stress.  When stressed, they are likely act out, and they certainly won’t be responsive to training.   To avoid negative reactions from your cat, be sure not to react negatively to failure or setbacks.  When your cat doesn't sit immediately, and it won't, remember the following:  Do not punish.  There is a good chance that no matter the punishment, your cat won't make an association between it and the action.  If it doesn't sit and you punish it, there may be an association with any number of other things instead of your actual command.  Do not get physical with the cat.  Hitting, shaking, or slapping could make it fearful.  If that happens, the cat may avoid you, which will make training nearly impossible. Do not force the issue.  The more you force it, the more likely the cat will stress out.  Cats learn on their own terms, and at different speeds.  You may just frighten the cat if you push too hard. Use the treats solely for training.  If you use the treats too often, your cat will start to beg.  It will pester you for a treat when it does anything whatsoever. You will want to be on the ground with your cat to show you want its attention. It may also help because being higher than your cat could appear like you’re about to pounce and show dominance.  The extra focus should help when trying to persuade your cat to start the sitting movements.

SUMMARY:
Motivate with treats over praise. Be positive. Sit on the ground.