Creepy Spiders & Cats

Halloween is approaching and fake cobwebs and spiders are everywhere.  It made us realize we never see large creepy spiders in our downtown neighborhood. We wonder do venomous spiders exist in Miami and are cats immune to spider bites? Are they pals in the dark of night? Much like spooky Halloween themes depict?

Turns out cats are sensitive to certain spider bites compared to humans, primarily due to their smaller size and different physiology. However, it's important to note that not all spider bites are equally dangerous to cats. Let's break this down:

General sensitivity: Cats are generally more sensitive to spider venom due to their smaller body mass. A dose of venom that might cause mild symptoms in a human could potentially be more serious for a cat.

Spiders of particular concern:

a) Black Widow (Latrodectus species):

• Black widow bites can be very dangerous to cats.
• Their venom affects the nervous system and can cause severe pain, muscle rigidity, and paralysis.
• Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
  
  

b) Brown Recluse (Loxosceles species):

• These bites can cause necrotic lesions in cats, similar to humans.
• The venom can lead to tissue death around the bite area.
• Systemic effects can include fever, lethargy, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
• Mostly found in Midwest states of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

c) Hobo Spider (Eratigena agrestis):

• While less studied in cats, hobo spider bites can potentially cause necrotic lesions.
• However, the danger of hobo spiders is debated among experts.

                                    
d) Sydney Funnel-web Spider (Atrax robustus):

• Recognized as the world’s deadliest spider, this Australia spider is black and grows up to five centimeters long.
• Funnel-web spiders have a glossy, lightly-haired body. 
• Their bite is deadly for both humans and animals, killing within an hour. The tinier the spider, the more venomous it is.

Factors affecting severity:

• The size and age of the cat
• The amount of venom injected
• The location of the bite
• How quickly treatment is sought
  
  Important notes:

• Many spiders, even those considered dangerous, will not always envenomate (inject venom) when they bite.
• Most common house spiders are not significantly dangerous to cats.
• Cats are natural predators and may be more likely to encounter spiders while hunting or playing.

If you suspect your cat has been bitten by a spider, especially if you observe any unusual symptoms or behaviors, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Quick treatment can significantly improve outcomes in cases of dangerous spider bites.

Remember, prevention is key. Keeping your home free of spider webs and sealing entry points can help reduce the risk of encounters between your cat and potentially dangerous spiders.

Tangerine Has FIP But We Can Still Save Him

 

Tangerine

His ears look as if they were chomped to their tattered deformed edges. One ear almost gone the other missing pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. Whatever happened? We will never know. Like many street cats trying to survive the rough outdoors with no general care other than feedings, this orange cat was rescued from the stables at the Calder Race Track (Miami) in March 2022 after it closed. To make matters worse, his guardian feeder was killed in a tragic accident.  This is when a dedicated animal volunteer, Sharlene, learned about the strays that lived there and offered to help. She came upon this orange cat who had deformed ears but clearly hungry. She quickly gained his trust and feeding schedule. Then suddenly he had difficulty walking. He walked clumsily across a sewer and had runny mucus from the nose and mouth.  Sharlene sprang into action, determined to save this cat. 

Despite his rough condition, after cleaning him up, his fur a perky orange color, and his eyes with a spark of hope, pleading to this kind stranger, she named him Tangerine. Thus began the journey of nurturing and medical visits. Please click here for the full story.

Despite his permanent runny nose, and URI (Upper Respiratory Infection), Tangerine, like the gallant male kitty, seemed to accept it all as part of life and never complained. Rather he was content in his new home, a roof, soft bed, regular food, a friendly feline and canine sibling and the best mom in the world. Yes, life was good for Tangerine. Our hearts were full of joy but cautious optimism. 

That optimism met its unknown deadline a year later. Sadly, it appears in a complication from treating a seizure he has developed neuro dry FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). 

FIP is a deadly illness and in the past cats never survived. However, recent advances in the science of cat health and medical issues have introduced a new treatment.  But like any fatal disease, new treatments, are very costly and arduous. The treatment plan requires 84 days of daily injections. The good news is that a good Samaritan with experience, comes over daily to do the injections. The bad news, the cost for medication is $2,000. 

But our favorite Tangerine is such a warrior despite the swelling for now up to 50 injections. It's a delicate balance with his other health issues. He's fighting to live, and we are determined to make his dream a reality. 

Our favorite photo of Tangerine!

Life is Good Indoors

Please help Tangerine fight FIP and 

live the life he so deserves.

For your tax-deductible donation to pay for mounting vet bills and medical care, please click here. Remember no amount is too small. 

Riverfront Cats is part of Pawsitively Humane, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida. 

Or to donate directly to the GOFUNDME (a non 501c3) organized by the wonderful, dedicated guardian Sharlene, please click here.

VET BILLS to date for Tangerine

Feb 2024: $2400 ($700 raised to date)

Aug 2023:  $3400 (only $1600 was raised)

Mar 2022:  $3500 (only $2000 was raised)

Please consider a monthly donation to help pay off outstanding bills. We receive many pleas like this every week. At least five a week. The sooner bills are paid off, the more we can help sick, injured lost, abandoned, or stray animals.

If you are not able to donate financially, there is also a desperate need for fosters and medical fosters (those with experience). Feel free to email us riverfrontcats@yahoo.com or info@pawsitivelyhumane.com

Thank you!!

World Kindness Day--Please Consider Riverfront Cats

Fellow pet lovers, since the pandemic, Florida is facing tremendous migration of residents with higher incomes from northern cities, while locals face higher cost of living and rent increasing by 40-50%.  At the same time, we have never witnessed so many evictions and locals losing their home; forced to go live elsewhere where they cannot bring their pets. Tragically many are left behind in the streets when shelters are full. The daily stories we learn about will leave you heartbroken and sometimes speechless.

The rate of homeless pets has not slowed down. Quite the opposite. The war continues in South Florida to rescue them, treat them, and find homes.  This year has been the worst. 

In addition, we continue to provide pet food for low- or no-income volunteers who are dedicated in managing the cat colonies (community cats are part of the eco system much like opossums). See our post regarding Little Havana by clicking here. 

Here are just a few of the stray or abandoned kitties we helped in addition to buying cat food for other volunteers in the community who want to help look after the cats. 

Oreo received treatment and after a week was released to his colony.
His girlfriend was missing him.  Awwww

Vet Bill - $123.26 was our contribution to overall vet bill

Vet Bill- $370.00

This is Tommy. He was abandoned by his family in
West Palm Beach and was found in neighbor's yard
with large, bloody gash. Thankfully our volunteer took
excellent care that he healed nicely.

VET BILL: $1307

Please consider donating to help these voiceless,

 helpless creatures. 

It really takes a village. Sometimes we need funding. Other times there is greater need for foster guardians.

Please click on the donate button below. It will take you to our PayPal site for our umbrella organization Pawsitively Humane, Inc. a 501c3 nonprofit organization. 

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Helping our Neighbors in Little Havana

Elegance on the sidewalk of Little Havana

While we continue to care for our Riverfront Cats, we have our eyes and ears open for cases nearby where we can make a difference. Right next door to downtown Miami is Little Havana. 

This humble neighborhood is home not only to Cuban and Central American families, but also home to scores of stray roosters, chickens, and cats. Believe it or not they coexist! Why? Well because they are all fed daily by a local volunteer. With a regular food source, the cats have no desire to chase the chickens like prey. If anything, the roosters attack the cats! Truly! Why? Well because the roosters prefer cat food to rice and grains. haha!

Christine works in the area and meets a local woman, named Tamara, who feeds not only the cats and chickens and roosters but also the pigeons and squirrels daily. Tamara is their guardian angel. 

Tamara pets Angel (May 2019), a very sweet but sick stray kitty

Sadly this incredibly sweet kitty passed away in 2020

Free roaming hen and chick on Cuban Memorial Blvd

As informed residents we know the sad reality of what may happen. One day Tamara shared some sad stories of a local resident poisoning the cats. Christine explained the importance of having the cats spayed and neutered to stop reproducing and therefore stop the suffering. 

FACT: Half of all stray kittens suffer and die before age 8 weeks

Tamara, like many local residents, has little to no income for these extra costs. So we sounded the alarm for volunteers to trap the cats and take them to an animal clinic for spaying and neutering, especially the kittens once they were old enough. 

(Left) male cat or Tom cat    (Right) female cat -her name is Leslie

Feeding so many (over 20+) is another big cost.  So, we readily donated bags of food and cans of high-quality cat food and kitten food.  

Kitty smells cat food in blue bag donated by our nonprofit organization

We want to continue to help Tamara with this major feat. She is the only person who feeds the 20+ cats and 50+ roosters/chickens and baby chicks, spanning several blocks. She currently is unemployed.  

It really takes a village, everyone contributing what they can: cat food, time to feed, fundraising, taking cats to vet clinic...

Please consider making a donation to help provide food and spay/neutering for these sweet cats. Any amount is appreciated whether it's $5, $25, $50, $500.

Click on DONATE button on right column. If viewing from a cell phone, please switch to website view.

Or you can send funds via PayPal to info@pawsitivelyhumane.org. 

We are a 501c3 organization for tax purposes. 

ARE THESE CATS ADOPTABLE?

While we do not know the entire history of these cats, most have lived outdoors. Some may not adapt to living indoors right away and some may prefer an indoor/outdoor access. If you think you would like to adopt one of these cats we could try on a trial basis. Our team will offer guidance on what to do and what to expect or not expect.  Anyone interested in adopting or fostering must fill out an application and show driver's license. A home check (we visit your home) will be conducted to ensure you home is "cat safe" much like baby-proofing your home. 

If you would like to foster or adopt a cat, please contact us at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com

A Poetic Plea for Help for Tangerine, the orange cat

 

     Tangerine       

Under the steely frame of an old trailer, in the quietude of a horse barn, where the sun's rays filtered through the cracks, there existed an orange cat (later named Tangerine). His fur, once vibrant, now bore the scars of countless days spent beneath the forsaken trailer. For years, he had navigated the narrow space between rusted wheels and forgotten dreams. 

Then one day the bustling trailer of workers was emptied, with news of permanent closure of the racetrack. Tangerine clung to the edges of existence. He watched as his fellow cats vanished, ensnared in a mass trapping operation. The world outside shifted, and the trailer's fate hung in the balance. Demolition loomed like a specter, threatening to erase the last vestiges of warmth and safety. 

Yet fate, in its enigmatic dance, left Tangerine behind with several other cats. Perhaps it was his quiet demeanor or the way he blended into the shadows. Regardless, he remained—a silent witness to abandonment and loss. 

But Jose, a man with calloused hands and a heart as wide as the open sky tended to the cats, even after the stable's demise. Every night, he slipped through the gates, a beacon of compassion in the moonlight.

But life, ever unpredictable, snatched Jose away. A tragic accident silenced his footsteps. Upon hearing the news, a local dedicated animal volunteer, Sharlene, became the keeper of the flame. She fed the lone cat, hoping to find others left behind. Soon Tangerine and his (possible) siblings learned to crawl under the fence, over an open sewer drain. Each day, they inched closer to their new feeding schedule, their hunger mingling with grief. 

And so, under the green fence, they gathered. Tangerine, the quiet but brave soul, led the way. His paws danced with anticipation as Sharlene approached, a silent promise passing between them. They would survive this together. 

Relentless in its tests, life threw a cruel twist. Last month's cold front left Tangerine sneezy, a delicate tremor in his frame. Sharlene watched, helpless, as he stumbled, unable to maintain balance. She knew she had to act swiftly. 

We come before you, as humble advocates for Tangerine's survival. His rough, sad life has etched lines upon his face, but hope still flickers in those fervent eyes. We don't know the battles he's fought, the frostbitten nights he's endured. Yet, we can change his story. 

This fundraiser is our lifeline. With your help, we can lift Tangerine from the shadows, cradle him in warmth, and heal his fragile body. Perhaps, in a new space—a sun-dappled windowsill or a cozy hearth—he will find solace. No more rusty trailers, no more hunger gnawing at his insides. 

So, let us weave a different ending. Let Tangerine's tale be one of resilience, compassion, and second chances. Donate, share, and spread the word. For every dollar given, we inch closer to a miracle—a life reclaimed, a heart rekindled.

Remember no amount is too small. $20, $15 or even $10 from many contributors can make a difference.  

UPDATE Feb 23, 2024: Tangerine has taken a turn for the worse. He was diagnosed with FIP. A new fundraiser is in effect.

UPDATE Aug 14, 2022: Tangerine is doing better and is a fighter and they are currently trying different medications.  The vet bill has amassed to $3500 but only $2000 was raised.

For tax-deductible donation please click this link and please specify "TANGERINE" in the notes. Riverfront Cats is part of Pawsitively Humane, Inc. a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Or you can donate directly to the GoFundMe fundraiser click here.

We Lost a Legend--Romeo

 

Romeo 2013

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of the sweetest cat at the Riverfront colony who got along with all the other cats.  

Romeo just relaxing-Nov 2013

Romeo had developed dental disease (a sign when the tongue starts to stick out) and the infection coupled with his FIV caused him to lose weight, discolor his coat and slowly deteriorate. Thanks to a kind resident, she offered to provide hospice care for his remaining weeks. He was estimated to be about 13 to 14 years old. Not bad for an outdoor cat with FIV. (Feline AIDS).

Romeo resting in his tee pee bed

Romeo was loved by everyone who met him. Especially the security guards of the neighboring condos who interacted with him daily. He was a cool cat, laid back and loved to rub on your legs.  He often would meow just to say hello, wanting affection, not food. He was a true gentlecat. 

Romeo we fed you and cared you for the past 12 years. Your meows and tender looks and affectionate ways are missed by everyone who met you.  You were such a joy and taught us so much about the essence of community cats. Now you are over the rainbow bridge with your great love Aurora, and the other Riverfront cats who have passed on Lion King, Cosette, Fanny, Sinbad, Mama, Gabriel, Sabrina, Muki, Scotty, Missy, Master & Zeke. We know you are together running freely, having a grand time. As you should.

You were the heart of the Riverfront community. The Riverfront will never be the same. 

Never Did I Imagine I Would be a Pioneer

by Christine Michaels

When someone would ask, "where do you see yourself 10 years from now," in  my "younger" years, normally in a job interview I had a prepared statement. Something along the lines of a position utilizing my degree... I now say I have no idea. In this fast-paced digital life where everything changes and evolves yearly even monthly, it is impossible to answer that question.  It is my hope to be doing what I love most.

 In April 2009 I moved from south downtown (Brickell area) to a new building in north downtown, within a neglected neighborhood--empty gravel lots, old, dilapidated buildings and many stray cats.  Never in my life did I live in a neighborhood with stray cats. I thought they only existed in other countries. How wrong I was. That led me to do some homework and seek answers to my burning questions about how to help these stray cats that looked hungry and sad. Thus, the more I learned, the more hands-on I became in helping these helpless creatures. 

A community cat in downtown Miami

So I started learning how to care for these stray cats and kittens and find homes for the friendly ones. But there were so many. A few volunteers across South Florida would never put a dent in the estimated half a million homeless pets.  Education was key to get others informed and involved. So I started blogging to share what I was learning with hopes of motivating residents to take action in their neighborhood. This was in 2009.

First I never realized there were other cat bloggers. And some who had been blogging consistently for over a year.  I wasn't alone! We shared our knowledge and love for cats through our blogging. 

At a pet blogging conference in May 2012, the keynote speaker was Betsy Saul, founder of Petfinder.com. She shared the history and progress of our nation in helping stray and unwanted dogs. But the world was sorely behind in science when it came to stray cats. The population of stray and feral cats was only rising at epidemic proportions. That is the greatest need.

A slide from Betsy Saul's presentation

She went on about how to start a movement. The room was so quiet, Betsy had us spellbound.

When she asked the question how many blogs were dedicated to feral and community cats, out of an entire conference room of 200 attendees, only two people raised their hands. Ironically those two individuals raised their hands from the "newbie" table.   The two bloggers were Peter Wolf of Voxfelina.com and me. Certainly there were others in the country right? 

It was not until after the conference that I met a veterinarian at my regular job and she brought her dog on a tour that I was guiding. I was excited to talk to her about pet care especially cats. When she asked me how long I had been blogging, she turned to me in amazement and said, "Do you realize you're a pioneer ?"  I stood dumbfounded.  I studied in college and held a Master's degree in business. Never in my dreams did I picture myself a trailblazer in a field not related to my academic studies.

To learn that my hard work, blood, sweat and tears was paving the way was one of the greatest discoveries and joys of my life. 

I had joined the ranks of cat bloggers like Bonnie Koenig, Ingrid King, Deb Barnes, Debbie Glovatsky, Tamar Arslanian, and Caren Gittleman to name a few. 

Christine Michaels, Snoopy, Deb Barnes, GloGirly

Pioneering women. 

Little average me. 

Ten years ago:
I had no idea I would become a cat owner.
I had no idea I would become a cat lover.
I had no idea I would become a stray and feral cat trapper and rescuer.
I had no idea I would become an award-winning, nationally recognized cat blogger.
I had no idea I would be a pioneer. 

I Am A Pioneer. 

And I used to say I'm not a cat person!

The power of social media and passion combined with determination can move mountains to make a difference in my city. Yes we are making a difference. 

Join us--and let's move mountains!

Sweet Romeo Needs Your Love and Help

Romeo, always with tongue out

One of the sweetest cats in our colony is no doubt a black cat named Romeo.  Always gentle. Ready to greet you. And no he is not expecting food. If anything, he is disappointed if you serve food before spending quality time bonding with him, petting him. He is a true gentlecat.  Manners and affection come first. He is loved by all, the volunteers that feed him, the security staff, guests, visitors, and passerbys.   

Romeo as well other Riverfront Cats are now turning 11 years old.  Visibly Romeo is showing signs of illness and pain. His beautiful black cat has turned red. We knew the time would come when they start to age and reach this sad stage of deterioration.

As you can see Romeo is skinny. We can feel the spinal cord. With other healthy cats this is not visible. Also his shiny black coat has dulled and turned red, a sign of deficiency. While his tongue tip sticking out makes him even cuter, the drooling concerns us. Normally this is a sign of oral difficulty.  Upon feeding him dry food, he winces and waits for the moist food.

Romeo looking skinny and his coat turning red

At the vet for his examination, one could see the back teeth were in horrible condition and would need to be extracted. Romeo also has FIV, thus making it harder to fight any infection. We obtained an estimate for dental extractions. Below is a copy of the estimate.

Therefore friends we ask for your help in raising funds to help Romeo.  We have zero funds now during the pandemic.  Our goal is to raise $400 to cover the first visit and the procedure for dental work. Please click here to donate with Paypal or debit/credit card. Or Paypal payments can be sent to info@pawsitivelyhumane.org, our umbrella nonprofit.

There are also two new cats that sadly were dumped in the neighborhood.  So funding is needed for their vet exam and to get the necessary vaccinations, flea/tick treatment and spayed/neutered.  Remember no amount is too small.

As always we welcome donations of cat food. We have never missed a day of feeding. Preferably moist food with lots of gravy. Friskies canned food with gravy is their favorite easy on the teeth.

Thank you all for your generosity.

Stay safe.

Judge Listens to Pet Advocates in Animal Cruelty Cat Hoarding Hearing (Cheryn Smilen)

Charlene Grall (Board Member Cat Network) Karina Goldenberg  (cat rescuer/volunteer),
Michael Rosenberg (President of Pets Trust), Christine Michaels (President of Riverfront Cats)
Yatir Nitzany (volunteer and lead organizer for "Justice for Smilen Cats")
inside courthouse after Smilen hearing

An entire year and half has gone by since Cheryn Smilen was arrested in March 2018, the self proclaimed cat rescuer who shockingly turned out to be a hoarder. Over 30 cats were starved to death in an efficiency in North Miami with no air condition, food or water in over 30 days. The discovery was so shocking that both the lead investigator at Miami Dade Animal Services and police detective declared it the worst case of animal cruelty in Miami. An entire animal/pet advocate community was devastated. One of their own was not a rescuer but an evil monster.  The news spread instantly, in a digital second. A Facebook page was created to track the case. (Warning some pictures are graphic!).

 In the first hearing, Smilen was released on bond. Cat rescuers who knew and interacted with Smilen patiently waited for the wheels of justice. Behind the scenes, prosecutors and defense attorneys do a dance. Communications back and forth to get a sense of what the other wants.  Deals are often made to prevent court trials and from sending offenders to prison, due to lack of prisons. Extensive probation time, we learned, is the norm.

Our founder and President, Christine Michaels was asked to join the core group in leading efforts to maintain visibility of the case. The group met with the prosecutor to learn about the law and proceedings and alerted the pet community of updates.  Prosecutor Schwartz promised to advise us of when a next hearing would occur.

On August 28, 2019, a hearing was requested by  Smilen's  attorney to ask for "downward departure".  In layman's terms it means that the defense attorney wanted to ask for probation for Smilen claiming she suffered from depression and anxiety. Prior to the hearing behind the scenes, the prosecutor offered 15 year probation, no jail time. (This was before our group met with Prosecutor Schwartz and urged to go to trial). The attorney for Smilen, considered it too excessive. The prosecutor essentially offered "take it or leave it". There would be no other deal. The defense chose not to take the deal and to take their chance on minimal probation. We awaited the hearing date.

In a hearing, the judge may allow the public to speak.  Thankfully Judge Millian did allow residents to speak as long as they maintained courtroom decorum. Christine was asked to speak on behalf of cat and animal advocates.

In a passionate and well prepared speech, Christine stood before the judge and introduced herself and the group and carefully alerted him who was following this case and why.

I represent not only my fellow animal advocates here in this courtroom, and Miami but all over. Your honor an entire nation is watching this particular case. 

As volunteers that are in the trenches of pet rescue, we come across and see and hear about animal and pet cruelty cases, but the police repeatedly tell us over and over and over again, '"there is not enough evidence to arrest". In the case of Cheryn Smilen there is overwhelming evidence...."  

She continued to share some details of the gruesome discovery. Her conclusion was for a maximum punishment. (Technically it would be 30 years considering the guidelines that Smilen does not have prior record.  It is doubtful she will get that much if convicted, but one can only hope a jury will convict and the judge will seek a punishment that fits the crime within the law).

Other speakers included Yatir the organizer, who personally interacted with Smilen and offered insight that the defendant had a team of supporters around her that offered to help Smilen feed and care for the cats. That Smilen's actions were deliberate. Michael Rosenberg also spoke and let the judge know there would have been 200 supporters in the courtroom if there was space.  The tiny courtroom only allowed for 20 outside observers.   Detective Judy Webb spoke last and stunned the courtroom with almost an entire recount of the horrific conditions.

The judge listened intently.  When the five speakers were finished, the judge asked the prosecutors for their recommendation of sentencing. They offered 365 days plus many years of probation. Now this may see insignificant to us animal advocates, but we learned going to trial is a gamble.  Smilen could get less jail time.  We urged the prosecutor to go for it. We wanted to take that risk.

Holding back tears at the detective's observation, advocates clutched each other's hands just as families do when the judge is about to announce the fate of a killer and took a deep breath. When the judge ruling came he rejected the defense's motion. A huge sigh was released.  (No clapping or signs are permitted in courtrooms).

Prosecutors Kathleen Hoague and Helen Page Schwartz asked the judge to sentence Smilen, if convicted, to at least 364 days in jail, followed by probation and forbidding her from working with animals. By his ruling, Milian signaled even that possible sentence was too low.  Miami Herald article 

The case now goes to trial. Exactly what we wanted.  A case this horrific, a new low in Miami should not be swept under the rug with probation in our opinion in understanding the law. The trial date was set for December the 9th. A tiny step forward.

After the hearing, local media that was covering the event inside the courtroom , came outside to interview organizers.

News coverage appeared on all local stations.  Organizers are still collecting the video.

Christine Michaels interviewed by Channel 4 local news after the hearing

We await the trial date.  In the meantime, we hope Miami Dade follows the example of another county in Florida, Brevard county in taking swift action in addressing and arresting those who commit animal cruelty.


https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2473902519357323