Q: If your cat obsessively grooms, she will groom to the point of damaging her coat. Her barbed tongue breaks the hair shafts, causing her to swallow healthy hair that has been barbered and broken off in addition to the loose fur. Check your cat for bald patches. Typically affected areas include the tummy, the back of the hind legs, and the flanks. You should not be able to see the skin, so if these areas lack fur and you can see the skin, the cat is likely to be obsessive-compulsive about grooming. One of the reasons your cat may obsessively groom is due to fleas. This is because some cats are over sensitive to flea bites and have an allergic reaction to the presence of flea saliva. This creates an intense itch sensation on the skin, which triggers the grooming behavior. If you find fleas, apply an appropriate flea treatment (such as Frontline) as directed. These treatments often last for a month or more. You should apply to all pets in the house that can harbor fleas to prevent the resurgence of fleas after the treatment application. Some cats obsessively groom due to simple boredom. Try engaging your cat with more playtime than usual and some new toys. Anytime you notice your cat grooming for excessive periods of time, distract her from the behavior with playtime. Just like humans, cats can have allergies that lead to itchiness and therefore excessive grooming. Allergies can range from pollen allergies to food allergies. If your cat obsessively licks her back or abdomen, allergies have a higher chance of being the culprit. See your veterinarian and discuss the symptoms. Your veterinarian may place your cat on a monitored hypoallergenic diet to test for a food allergy. Follow your vet's instructions to ensure that your cat maintains a well-balanced diet. Some cats over groom because of stress. Anything from stray cats in the yard to moving to the arrival of a new pet or baby can cause stress in your cat. Give your cat time to adjust, and try using a synthetic feline pheromones (such as Feliway), which can have a calming effect. Obsessive grooming can also be the result of medical conditions such as neurological disorders. If other steps haven't stopped your cat from over grooming, then you should see your veterinarian to rule out more serious conditions. If your cat has episodes of retching without producing the hairball, then you should also seek assistance from your vet. This can be a sign that a hairball has past into your cat's intestinewhich can create a dangerous blockageor it can also be a sign of a respiratory ailment such as asthma.
A: Monitor your cat for obsessive grooming. Check for fleas. Provide new toys and more playtime. Have your veterinarian test your cat for allergies. Take environmental changes into account. See your veterinarian.

Article: Thoroughly mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking sodafor instance, 1 US cup (240 ml) of each. Apply the mixture to stains on carpeting, walls, and other surfaces with a cloth, leave it for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Like any stain remover, this may cause damage or discoloration to some surfaces. Test it on an inconspicuous arealike the corner of the carpet under the end tablebefore applying it to the stain. Melt 4 tbsp (60 g) of coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix in 4 tbsp (60 ml) of white vinegar and 2 tsp (10 ml) of lemon juice, then add it to a spray bottle. Shake the bottle, spray a light coating of the mixture on your wood furniture, and buff it off with a clean, soft cloth. Test the cleaner on a hidden area of the furniture first, just in case it reacts with the finish and causes staining or discoloration. Use the mixture right away, since the coconut oil will congeal if it cools below 76F (24C). Scoop a fingertip-sized amount of coconut oil onto a clean cloth. Work it into the leather item using a circular rubbing motion, leaving behind only a thin, shiny film of oil. Add more coconut oil to a clean section of the cloth as needed. Test the coconut oil on a small spot of the leather first. There's a small chance it may discolor your favorite leather jacket or sofa! Scoop a small amount of coconut oil onto a cloth and rub it into the sticky spot. The oil should cause the sticky residue to release and lift away. Wipe the area with a damp cloth if needed. Try this on a sticky spot on your carpet, or to remove tacky residue left behind by a price tag or other sticker. Like always, test the coconut oil on an inconspicuous area first.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Remove stains with coconut oil and baking soda. Make a coconut oil furniture polish. Clean and condition leather with straight coconut oil. Lift away sticky residue by rubbing on coconut oil.

Q: Your breath and thought largely determine your behavior. Wake up early and do 15 minutes of yoga every morning. When you feel stressed, take a break and meditate. This can be enormously calming. You'll feel more comfortable and your body will relax. Learn yoga by using a video online or going to a local class. Learn how to meditate by practicing calming breathing techniques in a quiet place. You can do yoga or meditation virtually anywhere, even in the middle of a conversation. Do yoga stretches on an airplane or meditate for a few seconds when you feel nervous during a party. Physical activity is scientifically proven to reduce stress, fight anxiety, and boost self-esteem. Exercise also releases pleasure-inducing endorphins. Even just 15 minutes of exercise a day can help you settle down and be happy. Exercise doesn't have to be in the gym. You can go for a run or play pick up basketball with friends. In fact, exercising with friends can be more fun and more beneficial than working out alone. Set a work out plan and stick to it. Decide when and how often you want to work out. Aim to exercise significantly four times a week, while still getting some physical activity every day. Walking or riding your bike to work rather than driving is a great way to work in exercise to your everyday routine. Exercise also has enormous health benefits like increased energy levels and a stronger heart, both of which will help you calm down and be more confident. Doctors recommend seven to nine hours of sleep every night. When you're sleep deprived, you're more at risk for anxiety and depression. However, when you're well rested, you're more likely to stay calm and composed in social situations. Beware of oversleeping. Sleeping ten hours or more can make your problems worse. Avoid caffeine and chocolate. These will keep you up late and independently act as stimulants which increase anxiety symptoms. Nicotine is a stimulant that leads to greater anxiety levels and lower self esteem. Drinking also acts as an unhealthy crutch. It can seem like a good solution, but in reality alcohol increases your chances of an anxiety attack. Make a plan to quit smoking. Tell your family and friends what you're doing, and go to meetings. Use nicotine patches and reward yourself for going without a cigarette. Similarly, make a plan to quit drinking or cut back significantly. Always be conscious of how much you're drinking. If you're having trouble, consider going to alcoholics anonymous. About 13 percent of the population suffers from some kind of social anxiety so you are not alone. Self-help doesn't work for everybody, and at some point, you need to get help. Tell your family and friends about your condition first. They want to help you and they can give you the same or better help that a therapist would give you. Don't self-medicate. Seek a doctor first. They'll refer you to a specialist who can give you beta blockers or antidepressants to fight the symptoms of social anxiety. They won't fight the underlying cause, however. If you stop taking your medication, the problem will likely come back full force. Always try self-help methods first, but there's nothing to be ashamed about in seeking professional help. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult and brave.
A:
Try yoga and meditation. Exercise! Get plenty of sleep. Quit smoking and drink only in moderation. If these steps don't work, consider going to a therapist or taking medication.