To get rid of cattails, you need to completely remove the root system. Cattails propagate through rhizomes. The rhizomes send out additional roots horizontally, quickly resulting in new plants. Manual removal is most effective if you dig out the rhizomes when cattails are first establishing themselves in a pond.  Dig down below the root system to remove the cattails. Dispose of the cattails. Consider using a backhoe for manual removal if you need to remove a larger amount of cattail stands.

Summary: Dig up the cattails.


. If you have a nice fitted bedsheet laying around or you want to save money on fabric yardage, learn how to make a dress out of one. The elastic on the sheet will add a secure band to your dress, while the size of the sheet gives you plenty of material to work with for cheap. Whether you simply like the 20's dress style or you're looking for a Halloween or costume party dress, making your own flapper dress is an easy sewing project. Combine a basic dress form with a few layers of fringe and a little sewing skills, and voila! You'll be ready for the greatest of Gatsby's parties. Save some money and make your dream dress to your own exact specifications. Find a pretty pattern, the perfect fabric, and churn out your own evening gown at home! People will be dazzled with your style and your crafty sewing abilities.

Summary: Use a fitted bedsheet to make a dress Make a 1920s flapper dress. Make your own prom dress.


It may take up to a month for your cat’s tail to heal. Your cat may have low energy and/ or little appetite following a tail pull injury or surgery. Rest is one of the most important components of your cat’s recovery. You can help your cat rest and recuperate at home by putting its food and water dishes, bedding, and litter box in a quiet place.  Consider making a cozy space in a separate room or crate for your cat. This can help you better observe your cat and its recovery. Place warm blankets in your cat’s space. These can invite your cat to rest often. Make sure to provide fresh food and water at least once every day, even if your cat doesn’t have much of an appetite. This can minimize the risk of infection. Understand that cats are very clean and sensitive to their litter box. . Provide your cat a clean little box filled with shredded paper instead of litter. This can minimize the risk of infection from litter dust. Your cat may have very few symptoms following treatment for a tail pull injury. If this is the case, it’s still important that you cat rest for at least a week. Limiting activities such as running, jumping, and playing with you or other pets can help your cat heal and minimize the risk of further injury.  Let your cat get mild exercise such as playing with a ball in its rest area or crate. Keep your cat indoors if it goes outside. This can also help prevent further injury, infection, and even attacks by other animals. Many cats experience urinary and fecal incontinence because due to a lack of sensation from a tail pull injury. This may continue during treatment, but about 60% of cats recover their continence. If your cat has any type of incontinence, provide as much support during this time as possible. In some cases, cats may never regain continence, which may require manual expression or catheterization.  Recognize that your cat’s vet will let you know the best way to handle the cat’s incontinence. Your cat may require manual expression of the bladder by your vet or you at home. The vet may also suggest a cystotomy, or surgical incision, into your cat’s bladder to aid urinary incontinence.  Give your cat stool softeners as advised by your doctor to aid any constipation. Let your vet know if the incontinence gets worse or doesn’t go away. The vet can suggest different or alternative treatments for it. Your cat will likely need to visit its vet on multiple occasions following a tail pull injury or surgery. These appointments determine if healing properly and is in relatively good health. Avoid missing any appointments to ensure your cat’s tail and overall health. Schedule follow-up visits as often as your vets suggest or is necessary if your cat is experiencing additional problems with its tail.

Summary: Create a cozy environment. Limit your cat’s activity. Aid your cat’s incontinence. Attend follow-up vet visits.


Before trying any type of removal, it's important to cleanse the area where the thorn entered your skin. Use a gentle soap and wash the area with warm water before you begin the removal process.  Don’t scrub the area, or you could push it in deeper. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth. It might be tempted to push and prod the area around the thorn to get it to come out. However, you may end up pushing it in further or breaking it into pieces, leaving you with a more difficult problem on your hands. Leave it alone and try better methods for getting it out. Check out the angle and depth of the thorn to figure out how to remove it. Different methods are better for removing thorns at different angles and depths. See how close it is to the surface and whether a layer of skin has grown over it. You may need to use a magnifying glass for a closer look.  If the end is poking out, you might be able to remove it with tweezers or tape. If it’s deeply embedded, drawing it out will be required. If it's covered by new skin, you may need to use a small needle or razor, which will need to be sterilized first. If the thorn has been in your skin for a few days and you see signs of infection, see a doctor to get it removed. It's better not to attempt getting it out yourself since you could further injure yourself. A doctor will be able to safely remove the thorn and dress the wound to cure the infection.  If it’s leaking pus or blood, go to the doctor. If it’s itchy, red and swollen, go to the doctor.
Summary: Cleanse with soap and water. Do not try to squeeze it out. Inspect it closely. Know when to see a doctor.