2014 New Year Give Away

UPDATE: Jan 7, 2014: CONGRATULATIONS to Debbie Glovatsky for winning the contest!

A New Year is approaching and we're ready to celebrate with our favorite things--wine, black cats and stories of cats with this giveaway!


Before we get into the details, we would like to take a moment to THANK ALL OF YOU for your continued support--moral, financial, volunteering, sharing our messages on Facebook and social media...Every gesture makes a difference collectively to raise awareness about the unique essence of cats, especially stray, feral and black cats, and to reverse the rate of homeless cats!  We are looking forward to accomplishing more for cats in 2014! Now onto the celebration and giving back to you!!!

Uncork the New Year with a bottle of elegant wine, a calendar full of stunning black cats for good luck, and cozy up this winter with a heart-warming book, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey, a purrfect complement to the wine.

Riverfront Cats and Pawsitively Humane, Inc are both featuring six types of wines.  From a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a soft and well balanced Malbec, you'll fall in love with the labels as much as the wine. Each one features a rescued or adopted pet including cats, to dogs, to mini pigs and for the bipetual parent-- a dalmatian napping with a kitten. 

Wine collection from Riverfront Cats. Click here to learn more and view the bottles in larger format.

Wine collection from Pawsitively Humane, Inc. Click here for closeup. 

Need a last minute gift for a friend that lives in another city or state? Wine is the ideal gift to ship plus you are supporting efforts to reverse the rate of homeless pets. A small proceed benefits our nonprofit. It's a win-win-win for all!

Then to kick off 2014 with good luck you'll need a BLACK CAT CALENDAR! We're so excited about our first calendar featuring stunning black cats that were rescued and/or adopted. Click here to view each calendar page.

Can't wait for the contest results? Order your calendar now! Use code 2014NewYears to get 20% discount if you order by January 3.

To round out this contest, we are thrilled to include one of our favorite books "The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey", by Deb Barnes.

 This eye catching book answers pressing cat questions such as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Can they sulk and get mad or even? Written in a warm, funny and conversational tone that harkens to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of captivating photographs, and will steal your heart as it explores the life of unlikely pair of cats (a Bengal and Maine Coone) and their prodigy, the humans who loved them, and the true meaning of life, love and happiness. To get your copy now, click here.

For this contest, we are giving away your choice of one bottle of wine, one black cat calendar and a copy of The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey.

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary and we answer such pressing cat questions as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Do they understand parenthood and responsibility? Can they sulk and get mad? Written in a warm, funny, and conversational way that harkens back to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday of life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of stunning photographs and will steal your heart as it explores our life, the humans who loved us and the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. - See more at: http://zeezoey.com/blog/zee-zoeys-black-friday-mega-shopping-extravaganza-giveaway-and-fund-raising-event/#more-11053

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary and we answer such pressing cat questions as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Do they understand parenthood and responsibility? Can they sulk and get mad? Written in a warm, funny, and conversational way that harkens back to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday of life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of stunning photographs and will steal your heart as it explores our life, the humans who loved us and the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. - See more at: http://zeezoey.com/blog/zee-zoeys-black-friday-mega-shopping-extravaganza-giveaway-and-fund-raising-event/#more-11053

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary and we answer such pressing cat questions as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Do they understand parenthood and responsibility? Can they sulk and get mad? Written in a warm, funny, and conversational way that harkens back to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday of life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of stunning photographs and will steal your heart as it explores our life, the humans who loved us and the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. - See more at: http://zeezoey.com/blog/zee-zoeys-black-friday-mega-shopping-extravaganza-giveaway-and-fund-raising-event/#more-11053

How to Enter to Win.

1. Required: Leave a Comment below letting us know which wine you may choose and why. Be sure we have your email address to contact you. You may write your email like this "riverfrontcats [at]  yahoo.com".

If this is your first time leaving a comment, please follow these simple instructions:
  a.  Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the comment box.
  b. Click on the down arrow in small window box to enter your name.
  c.  If you do not have an account with Google or other blog  formats, select "OpenID".
  d.  Type your name in the box, click "Continue"
  e.  Type your comment in the box and be sure to leave your email within the comment so we may contact you in the event you win. Click "Publish".

Note: your comment will not appear right away until the moderator has approved it to prevent spam. This may take a few hours. 

Other ways to earn entries:
2. Leave a comment on any other blog post on Riverfront Cats.(up to three separate comments for three entries).
3. Share this contest on Facebook and return here and leave separate comment with link to FB post.(One time)
4. Share this contest on Twitter and return here and leave a separate comment with Tweet link (one time)
5. Share this contest on Pinterest and return her and leave a separate comment with Pinterest link (one time)


The winner will be announced on or after January 6th.

Good Luck & Happy, Healthy and Purring New Year!

For Adoption: Lulu

Deck the halls with purring kittens, fa la la la la, LULU-LULU!!!

Meet Miss Lulu. ADOPTED ON APRIL 2014

Found by herself at a Publix supermarket parking lot, Lulu gets along with her foster siblings but is anxious to have her own home.

Lulu says: 

 That’s me, Lulu! Will you help me find my forever home for Christmas? Not only will I deck the halls, I will RACE down them at full speed, chasing my toys! I will also give you lots of Christmas kisses, mistletoe optional!!! And I’m always dressed in my tuxedo best! Please, pretty please adopt me!

Lulu is groomed to act as your official greeter with her vocal meows upon entering the room. Playful, bold, spirited, gives kisses, loves to be petted –  and a power-purrer!

She is four months old and tested negative for FIV, FeLV, has all her shots and is spayed. She's ready to go!

To meet Lulu, please contact Christina at cdm1580@bellsouth.net. Lulu is in South Florida.

Thank you!


 

#CuriousCat Owners Try Cat Food--Do You?

Well if you would rather not answer that question, no worries.  One study showed that

15% of Cat Owners Try Cat Food !!!

15% is a small number but that leads to the question: Are you curious for the cat's benefit or for your own curiosity? Cat owners are fascinated by their feline companions-their endless antics, agility prowess, and countless facial expressions.  But cat guardians are lagging behind cat science and proper cat nutrition.

At Riverfront Cats we receive many questions on cat nutrition from cat owners mostly first time adopters, many who have found a stray cat or kitten.  Therefore education is our primary mission to assist cat owners in ensuring a healthy lifestyle and bond for the both cat and human. 

First we recognize your time is valuable so offering you easy tools and fun facts to assist you in making important decisions is our goal.  And we have the solution!

Riverfront Cats is thrilled to share that Royal Canin®, a global leader in Feline Health Nutrition, recently released the results of a national survey of cat owners to dispel myths and better understand the relationship between felines and their owners.

 To make this fun, how about a few trivia questions? Get those buzzers ready!

TRUE or FALSE?
The average cat which weighs 12 pounds, no taller than your mid calf and sleeps 15 hours a day is low energy?

The answer???

 

Johnny Walker "I need my energy sleep"

FALSE!!!


So you may not have to "walk the cat" or take Tiger to a groomer for hair trim and primping. While cats are low maintenance, they are not low energy.

Many cat owners are unaware that their cats spend time each day marking their territory, hunting, and hiding.

Helio enjoys playing Hide-and-go-Seek

TRUE or FALSE?   
72% of cat owners do not consider their pet's health when selecting food for their cat.

The answer?

Gretel is on alert for anyone stealing her food.

TRUE!
It's important to understand that a cat's breed, weight and age are important factors in selecting the right cat food.  A senior cat's needs differs from a kitten or teenage cat.  Do you know if your cat shows traits of a Siamese, Persian, Bengal, Ragdoll, where hereditary traits continue for generations?

Buzzers ready? Reflexes ready? Next question...



TRUE or FALSE? 
Cats have a strong sense of taste.

Figaro tastes sweet potato batter for Thanksgiving casserole

FALSE!!! 


In reality cats have a weak sense of taste. Aroma and texture play a bigger role in how cats choose their food.

Leave the curiosity to the cats.  Knowledge is King and as a cat owner,  your Curious George depends on you for optimal cat nutrition. This is why it's important to conduct your homework, check reputable sources and visit the vet with questions.

Christine with Johnny Walker

Below is a helpful infographic dispelling myths and arming you with facts so you can jump to the front of the class and the lead cat pack. Not only are cats entertaining and discovering the world around them, but researchers, vets and cat owners are uncovering new science about feline behavior, cat food and nutrition and health issues. The infographic reveals other surprising facts. Read on!

To connect with a growing community of cat owners to ask questions and share experiences and cat photos, be sure to visit:
Royal Canin's Facebook page,
Royal Canin's Twitter
Royal Canin's Pinterest


For a $7 coupon on your next purchase of Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition, CLICK HERE.

We have written this post on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network for Royal Canin. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about Royal Canin, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.


Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed,lifestyle and special needs. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide.

Note: all cats in this post are rescue Riverfront Cats that now live indoors.  Each cat, depending on age, breed and medical history follow different nutritional protocol. 

Riverfront Cat Wines for any Occasion

In our  mission to elevate, spotlight and  celebrate cats, Pawsitively Humane Inc. is excited to announce Riverfront Wines to benefit Riverfront Cats!

With six wines to choose from and elegant labels featuring a rescued cat from rags to riches, this makes the perfect gift for the holidays or any special occasion--birthday, anniversary, new home, new job, new cat or kitten.

We aim for the best as all cats and their guardians deserve the finest wine.  With organically grown grapes, hand harvested in Chile, Riverfront Wines selection will appeal to all palates.

Riverfront Wines makes ideal gift for
- yourself
- a relative who cherishes their pet cat
- a friend who just adopted a new cat or kitten (instead of handing out cigars, give wine!)
- a colleague who can't have pets but believes in the cause to help homeless pets

Let's educate about cats...
Let's celebrate cats...
Let's spread the cheer that all cats-- homeless, stray, and black cats--make the best companion and deserve a permanent home.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WINES & ORDER your bottle or collection today.

A proceed benefits Riverfront Cats. On behalf of the next kitten that is bottle fed, the next black cat that we scoop up in our arms, the next feral cat that is king of his jungle, CHEERS!

Update on Blackie

Thank you all for your purrs and prayers and inquiries about Blackie!

He was released from the clinic and he's doing much better. According to his foster mother, Maria, while Blackie may not be 100% his old self,  he's definitely improved from the time he was rushed to the vet.

Blackie is eating and drinking fairly well, and is beginning to show signs of friskiness. For example he jumps on furniture and darts out of the bathroom every time. Blackie also wants to drink out of the dog's water bowl, not his own, since dog's bowl is same level and therefore more accessible. Makes sense.

Right now Blackie is napping in the living room next to the German Shepherd. The sight is so heartwarming, it really makes one realize how precious life is and to appreciate what we take for granted-- shelter, food, water, warmth and companionship.

From Maria:

I can't begin to thank all of you for helping Blackie get the medical attention he needed to save his life. This little "under cat" is deemed unadoptable, but still deserves to have peace, food & shelter until his time comes. May you all have a wonderful holiday season, you are generous & caring human beings.
Thank you
Maria

On behalf of Maria and Blackie, we want to thank you all for your support and to those handful of folks who donated toward his vet bill.

You can still help with a small donation or any amount by clicking on the DONATE button on the right.

We will continue to keep you updated on Blackie.

People Magazine's Sexy Cat Men 2013

 by Christine Michaels

As I was reading other cat blogs which I follow,  I came across a very special post from my good friend Tamar's blog I HAVE CAT ( a fellow single, sexy cat gal living in the city). The more I read, the more I researched, and swooned and ...(this is a family-friendly blog). So what has me in a catnip induced- like craze?

People magazine's issue of Sexiest Men Alive 2013 hit the stands.  The difference with this issue is that some men were surprised and a bit shy of the idea of  a "sexy" photoshoot. But what put them at ease? Unlike some individuals who need a glass or two or more of alcohol to help them overcome any inhibitions, one actor wanted his cat!

 According to Ian Somerhalder (actor from Vampire Diaries) he would do the photo shoot with his cat  Moke.  "He's my valium. He sedates me... I wake up every morning with him on my face."  replied Ian. What impressed me the most was how Ian spoke candidly about his relationship with his cat and referred to him as "my kid".
 See his video below. Now that is a sexy cat man! 





ALERT Black cat fans!! Below is a video of actor Norman Reedus from the Walking Dead and his black cat Ian the Dark.




People magazine listed other Sexy Cat Men and my favorite?? Gilles Marini! I fell in love with him on Dancing with the Stars.Who are the other lucky men? You'll just have to buy the issue! Let us know who is your favorite?

Now why can't I find one? Shouldn't a sexy cat lady have a sexy cat man?

[If you are new to this blog, you can leave a comment by clicking on "comment" below and follow the steps. Your comment will be published after review by moderator.]

Blackie Wants a Third Chance, the Charm

If cats have nine lives, then Blackie is fighting for a third chance.You can make his wish come true!

Blackie in carton box with blanket and heating pad

Before I continue, I must warn you, this posting sheds light on the dark side of our city. These pockets exist not just in Miami but across our country and it's a constant struggle for government officials, law enforcement, and residents to combat crime and violence.  In the meantime, animal welfare advocates do what they can to help the stray dogs and cats of the neighborhood live one more day without hunger and injury.

Blackie's story is special on many levels.  He lives in a depressed area of south west Miami infested with crime and acts of animal cruelty.  Community cats are often targets of BB guns, serve as "play toys" for unleashed pitbulls aggressively chasing these harmless cats (residents train these pitbulls as attack dogs); and targets for speed demon automobiles, their lifeless bodies visible in the middle of the road the next morning.

Blackie is a Survivor

During a very cold spell last winter, our angel volunteer Maria, brought in this tom cat that she trapped, neutered and released four years ago. Her decision was further prompted by the fact that three other community cats went missing.  Most likely victims of the neighborhood crime wave. She couldn't bear the thought, the possibility that her beloved "BigHead" (his outdoor name), would become another deadly statistic. Once indoors, Blackie never looked back. He beat the odds!

It is estimated that Blackie is anywhere from 7-9 years old.  He has survived the worst and has lived longer than most cats in that neighborhood.  No sudden loud noises from gunshots or screeching tires. No rimmed wheels or two legged and four-legged monsters chasing him. He's made it this far which for a black cat, is extraordinary.

Are You a Black Cat Angel?

This weekend he became very ill. His symptoms are dehydration and weakness. The vet is recommending hospitalization, IV fluids and antibiotics. The initial assessment indicates he should survive.  But animal hospitals also require prepayment based on estimates ($345 - $496) before they begin treatment.  Therefore we are asking for your help. A donation of any amount is appreciated and no amount is too small. $25, $15 even $5. Simply click on the Donation button on top right. 

Tom Cat turns Sweet Cat

We want to give Blackie that third chance, a  peaceful life to make up for the hell as a stray. He is now a sweet cat-- a sign that he recognizes the love of his guardian, the safety of an indoor environment, and the chance to live like a normal cat--toys, uninterrupted naps and lots of TLC.

On behalf of  Blackie, Maria and all stray and black cats, THANK YOU!!!

A Review of Minted

by Christine Michaels

Another favorite time of the year is upon us. Creating Christmas cards! As a marketing professional, "image is everything" and so it's important to our organization to create a card that conveys our message of elevating community and black cats, in a distinct, memorable way.  While some women spend hours shopping in a mall, I lose myself scrolling through pages galore picking pretty colors, shapes, fonts, images, etc..  Custom creating holiday cards is so much fun and now it just got easier.  With so many online programs available, the only talent you need is decisiveness--something I sorely lack!

Here's one that I just created using my own black cat photo

This year I discovered Minted. Based in San Franciso, CA, Minted offers hundreds of styles for holiday cards.  Their unique designs are a result of design competitions where customers select the winners.

With a seemingly endless selection, it's hard to choose. There are the old-fashioned fonts, the contemporary blocks, the traditional scrolls, etc..  However! Minted offers a special feature to simplify the decision making called Find It Fast.  Just upload the photo you would like to use, regardless if it's horizontal or vertical format, click on the "Find it Fast" header, and your photo is automatically added to every design template! So now when you scroll through 10, 20, 30 pages, you save time from clicking the template, adding your photo and clicking to preview.  This is brilliant!

Once you select your design, that's only the beginning. Then you can choose the shape of the card--rectangular, rounded, oval... color of font, the thickness of paper, and a free digital proof.  Need help on the spot? No worries a "Live Chat" button will save the day.

Minted is not limited to cards. Invitations, mini card books, and paper ornaments are other Minted offerings. Known for their fresh unique designs, luxe paper, and customization features,  your audience will be impressed and wonder if you hired a professional stationery connoisseur.

Minted is great not just for your family holiday cards. We use them for our nonprofit organization to stand out from the pack.  Don't have a clear, quality photo? No worries. Just use photos already provided by Minted. Cody below is a pro at posing. So visit www.minted.com and let us know what you think!

Got my cup of cocoa, toes wiggling in fuzzy slippers, Christmas tunes streaming, settling in my comfy office chair, and now I'm ready to go shopping and create the Riverfront Cats Christmas card!

Disclaimer: I was offered Minted merchant credit  for sharing my experience through this blog post.

Cat Women Claw their Way to Dallas

Deb Barnes, Angie Bailey, Janiss Garza, Christine Michaels
(photo by  Glogirly)

Hissing, back stabbing, cat fights...Those are the sights and sounds of the every day Housewives of New Jersey, Miami, Atlanta. Not in Dallas, TX! The cat women I'm referring to clawed their way to the top of their talent--the Cat Writer's Association (CWA). But not in the literal sense.  The members of CWA have filed those fingernails to type away on the keyboard and honed their writing and marketing skills to educate the world about all things cats.  Many of them are pioneers in this field--Joan Miller, Amy Shojai, Marion Lane to name a few. I know the level of difficulty today, as I walk, talk and write about cats attempting to trigger a conversation, to open that door, in hopes people will listen and learn and care. I can only imagine the challenges, the closed minds, the odd looks that long-time CWA members faced 10, 20 years ago. They have my utmost respect.

However the CWA is not open to any Tom, Dick and furry Harry.  Membership is exclusive and in order to join, an applicant must demonstrate published writing works and at least one third of the content should cover cats*. My sponsor, Karen Payne, approached me four years ago when I was a fledgling member of the Cat Network. I was determined to find a solution to help homeless cats and writing/blogging was my weapon of choice. So much has happened since 2009.

I started trapping and feeding one neighborhood cat, then 3.
Now I manage 21 neighborhood cats and write about it!

So I know you are wondering if there were any cats at the conference. Of course there were! Silly goose.

My heart leapt with glee at the first sight of a cat--a blind gray tabby.  This is Spirit. She's only two years old  and Spirit is also a service pet for her owner who suffers from PTSD. I'll be sharing her story in an upcoming feature story. 

Spirit a Blind Cat sits on lifeguard chair by outdoor hotel pool

There can never be too many cats and within minutes I came across Zeki.

Zeki is a stunning Turkish Van, her fur like angora, and the only cat in the country certified for assistance in pet first aid. Her story is remarkable. She was found as an older kitten, her fur knifed away on the lower half. Luckily Zeki escaped and a good Samaritan found her help.  Today she travels around the country and serves as a model during presentations. Zeki sits calmly on a table and allows her guardian Arden Moore to wrap her in a towel, check her pulse, assess her gums, and attach a safety muzzle. Despite a traumatic beginning, Zeki is a fighter, a survivor and now a teacher! Follow her on Facebook  www.facebook.com/ZekitheCoolCat.

Deb Barnes petting Zeki

The cats attended seminars along with their human guardians but you would not see them or hear them. They are purrfectly trained cats. Who said cats are hard to train? If only kids today behaved as well-mannered. Back to our program...

CWA AWARDS CEREMONY
On Saturday night, the conference culminated into the Award ceremony. Several of my friends and colleagues won Muse Medallions including Debbie Glovatsky, JaneA Kelley and Angie Bailey for various categories including photography and blog posts. As the evening progressed, the coveted Purina Cat Writer of the Year Award was presented to  Deb Barnes, Board member for our nonprofit Pawsitively Humane, Inc.! Deb's reaction said it all. She did not expect it. Deb is so deserving of this pinnacle award and we are so proud of her.  Deb has a genuine heart and has developed her skills and devoted her energy and talent to creating awareness about the unique essence of cats. Dedication and perseverance. No clawing required!

Angie Bailey, Dusty Rainbolt, Deb Barnes, Christine Michaels

Deb Barnes beaming with her Friskies Writer of the Year Award
(Photo by Glogirly)

As I nestled in bed that night, I reflected on a smaller achievement. My  CWA "Certificate of Excellence"  arrived in the mail a couple of weeks prior.  It was unexpected which made the acknowledgement all the more special. It was for the blog post about the decision to end the suffering and say goodbye to a Riverfront Cat, Lion King. Entitled "The Circle of Love", the posting was symbolic on many levels. By leading by example and giving selflessly, we succeed and are loved in return.  That love may come from humans or a former scared cat. The latter, that unconditional love is the greatest of all.

To lead, I must continue learning. I'm grateful the yellow brick road has led me to CWA --a fountain of knowledge and wisdom and the support of like-minded cat advocates and writers.  No clawing required.

* At the time of this posting, the CWA launched a new website. The CWA membership requirements are not yet posted to the new website.  However, please visit my personal blog by clicking here and scrolling to the end of the posting to learn more about the guidelines for joining.

Pink Panther Investigates Swag Bag Pilfering

What is this? Who's pilfering the swag bag?

"I don't know I'm just minding my business", replies Geisha

 The Pink Panther was called to investigate!

Suspect #1; orange marmalade

Suspect #2; Black pants, white socks

Suspect #3; gray with black stripes

Pink Panther:"You two must have seen something?"

"Truly it was not I", says Geisha

[Suspect #4]

Gotcha! Twas the dog!

Thanks to the Pink Panther for solving the case!

Bringing Sexy Back!

The most important date is upon us!

It's National Feral Cat Day!

For National Feral Cat Day, our founder Christine is like a kid at Halloween--brainstorming creative ideas, weeks of planning, culminating into one hot mess--a music video.  That's because Christine admittedly can not sing! The lengths she goes to, to raise awareness and trigger a dialogue about homeless cats, feral cats, black cats and cat women!

Take it away Christine...

Hello followers, fans and first-time visitors!  In my mission to overturn misconceptions about stray cats and cat women, and to elevate and celebrate them, this year I donned my black cat costume and kicked it up several notches by orchestrating a quirky but fun music video to show:

1) Feral cats are cats too. Community cats, whether friendly or feral, exhibit the same range of emotions and need for food and affection as indoor pet cats. They have a special place in my heart. Stray cats are thrilled with a scoop of food and  head scratches and do not make demands. They have taught me valuable life lessons, yet society remains largely unaware of their plight and suffering.  To know them is to love them! I have my work cut out for me.

Cosette is a 5 year-old feral Riverfront Cat who never lets us pet her.
But she smiles, meows and does her happy dance when she sees or hears caretakers.

2) Cat women are sexy on the inside and out. Stereotypes surround cat women. In reality we are single, married, with kids, grandchildren, and work as doctors, lawyers, teachers, models, actors, bankers...Cat women come from all backgrounds and professions. We're Sexy and We Know It (hey that's a famous party song --hmm I sense next year's video), although we may not dress sexy while feeding cats. We're also practical when making our rounds. Cat women are not crazy. We are compassionate and passionate. It's what's on the inside that matters most.

This is Midnight. One of three black Riverfront Cats.

3) Cat women know how to have fun.  Lord knows I can not sing.  Have you ever sang in the shower when you're in a great mood thinking no one can hear you?  I feel good about the work I do and wanted to let that exuberance shine through a-la-Christine style, clean fun (no twerking necessary).

"What was a I thinking?"

"Wind blown hair is not all that glamorous"

"Can you tell I'm cleaning and grooming my face after eating?"

[For those that may not recognize the music, it's inspired by Justin Timberlake's song "Sexy Back"]

So sit back, grab your beverage of choice, and please laugh with me, not at me.
CHEERS to Feral Cats and Cat Ladies!



To learn more about Christine, visit her personal blog. www.aboutchristinemichaels.com

So how did you honor National Feral Cat Day? Was it like any other feeding day? Or did you indulge your colony with special treats? (We served lactose-free milk--healthy and yummy!)  Did you host a special event? Anyone else humiliate themselves like Christine?  Let us know! Share your comments below.

CAT WOMEN & MEN, BRING YOUR SEXY ON!

Whether it's wearing your favorite tshirt and jeans, or wearing fuzzy slippers while drinking glass of wine or your rendition of sliding across the room in socks and briefs lip synching...

Send us your sexy self photos 
--and/or--
 sexy cat photos and stories! 

Special appearances by the Riverfront Cats: Romeo, Cosette, Tabitha, Samantha, Fannie, Sinbad, Bobbie, Gabriel, Mama, Midnight, Cali, and Tomcat.  Indoor rescue cats: Johnny Walker, Ninji and Gretel.

Cat food or monetary donations are always needed and welcomed! 

Contact us at riverfrontcats[at]yahoo.com or click the DONATION button on the right column. Thank you.

 Note: This is not a paid sponsorship by Purina for Friskies. We feed the cats Friskies dry and moist canned food and therefore used the brand name in the lyrics.

Blessing of the Pets, Oct 6

October is one of our favorite months because many important dates in this tenth month celebrates cats.  This weekend is the blessing of pets throughout churches in the U.S. in honor of St. Francis of Assisi who devouted to a life void of material things, helping the poor and homeless animals.

Francis saw animals as his brothers and sisters because they were God’s creatures, just like people. He said of animals:

“Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission -- to be of service to them wherever they require it.” 

So Francis prayed that God would work through him to help animals as well as people.

His Saint Day is observed October 4th and therefore the Blessing of Animals is observed on or near October 4th.

In downtown Miami, Riverfront Cats is volunteering and celebrating at Trinity Cathedral beginning at 4pm.

TRINITY CATHEDRAL
 464 NE 16th St  Miami, FL 33132

(305) 374-3372

Have you had your pet blessed? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Check local listings in your area. You don't have to be Catholic to attend. All are welcome!

Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas?

Simple logic would suggest that house cats are immune from fleas, as long as they are strictly indoors and never step outside.  There’s nothing wrong with this theory, except that it’s completely wrong. Unfortunately, even house cats are susceptible to fleas (and the other risks of being outdoors,) the only difference being there is a little more you can do about it. Here are a few of the things to help explain why:

How are cat fleas different? 

To understand what the fleas are capable of, it’s first important to understand why they are different to other kinds of fleas. Firstly, they have massive jumping capabilities. They can cover up to seven inches vertically and thirteen horizontally, that would be the equivalent of 250 feet up and 450 feet across for humans – a pretty long way. Indoors they tend to live and hatch in carpets, floor cracks and in the creases of furniture. While they need to eat (you/your cat) to breed and lay eggs, they can survive in a dormant state for any time up to a year.

How do they get inside? 

Excluding the instance of your indoor cat making its way outside, in which case the cause is obvious, the cause comes from the fleas’ ability to jump those huge distances. Outdoors they tend to live in muddy and sandy areas, as well as long grass, so fleas can jump on to humans or other animal residents in your house. They can also get in via windows. If you regularly leave your window open, fleas can jump onto your cat either from another cat coming up to the window or by long grass near the window giving them a close enough area to jump from.

Highrise condo cats are still susceptible.  Let's say your neighbors have cats or dogs that regularly go outside.  Fleas travel! If you feed or manage a colony of community cats, then you are a carrier for fleas.  Outdoor neighborhood cats carry many fleas and those pesky fleas will jump onto your clothes and food bags and thus get inside your home. 

How to get rid of them? 

While the contractions of fleas may be different for indoor cats, getting rid of them is always the same. There are plenty of different kinds of medication to help remove fleas from the cat. Solutions like Advantage or Revolution are applied on the top of their back on the shoulder blades where they can’t reach with their mouths and tend to be really effective. If you’re house is infected with fleas it can be a little more difficult. Flea powders are effective if applied thoroughly throughout the house, but they really do need to be applied to all areas rigidly if you’re to avoid any return of the fleas.

Summary 

While cat fleas may be slightly different biologically to other fleas, the main point of this is to highlight how flea prevention should not be avoided or treated any differently when you have indoor cats. Prevention is much easier to handle than removal, so being pro-active is always the answer.