Giving Tuesday 2024

 

Magic was found with bandage and bloody paw

In Miami, the homeless cat crisis is a heartbreaking reality that many of us in the community have witnessed firsthand. On this National Giving Tuesday, we're calling on you to join us in making a difference.  

Just recently, we rescued a little black kitten we named Magic. He is dehydrated and has an injured paw, and it was a homeless person who first found him and tried to help by putting on a makeshift gauze bandage. Thanks to his kindness and alerting us, we were able to step in and rescue Magic, but he still needs X-rays and further care. An estimate of the bill from Dec 2, 2024 is below.

This November, we took in a white cat who was found alone after his owner passed away. Tragically, he suddenly fell ill, and we rushed him to the vet. No doubt the sudden loss of his guardian, being in a strange new environment is stressful for Bobo.  His diagnostics are at least another $900.  The bills just keep avalanching.

Bobo is in shock at the vet clinic
surrounded by strangers.
His owner passed away.

Every month, we also support low-income residents and senior citizens who selflessly feed community cats. Many of these individuals have no family and are all alone, but they find joy in spending time with and caring for these cats. We help by covering the cost of cat food, ensuring these kind souls have enough money to feed themselves too.

 

These are recent events apart from our daily care of the Riverfront community cats. We lead by example. Education is vital and that we do for free, guiding other residents on how to care for  rescued cats and kittens. It takes a village. But rescue work takes exorbitant time and monies. Veterinary costs have skyrocketed. It really takes a village.

Your donation can help us continue these vital services, providing food, medical care, and shelter for Miami's homeless cats. Please consider making a donation, no amount is too small. Or even a small monthly donation. Remember, our workers are all volunteers. All monies goes to cat care. 

Please DONATE TODAY

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Thank you for caring!

Riverfront Cats is part of Pawsitively Humane, Inc. a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Are Churu Treats Healthy?

 

Churu (often spelled as "Churu") is a popular cat treat brand, particularly known for its Inaba Churu line. Let's look at the pros and cons of Churu as a treat for cats:

Pros:

1. High palatability: Cats generally love the taste, which can be useful for giving medications or as a special reward.
2. Moisture content: Churu is a high-moisture treat, which can help contribute to a cat's daily water intake, especially beneficial for cats that don't drink much water.
3. Variety: It comes in various flavors, allowing for rotation to prevent boredom.
4. Convenient packaging: The tube design makes it easy to dispense and control portions.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cons:

1. Calorie content: Like many treats, Churu is relatively high in calories and should be given in moderation to prevent weight gain.
2. Ingredients: While not inherently unhealthy, some varieties contain additives and preservatives that aren't necessary for a cat's diet.
3. Potential for overfeeding: The enjoyable taste might lead some owners to overfeed, which could unbalance the cat's overall diet.
4. Cost: Compared to some other treats, Churu can be relatively expensive for regular use.

Overall, Churu can be considered a decent treat when given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It's not a substitute for regular cat food, but it can be a good occasional treat or used for specific purposes like administering medication.

As with any treat, it's important to:

1. Follow the recommended serving sizes
2. Account for the calories in your cat's overall daily intake
3. Use it as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of the diet
4. Consult with your veterinarian, especially if your cat has any health issues or dietary restrictions

If you're looking for the healthiest options, homemade treats using simple, cat-safe ingredients or single-ingredient commercial treats (like freeze-dried meat) might be preferable. However, Churu can certainly have a place in a balanced approach to treats for most cats.

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!!