Fritz, The Brave Angel

When we think about adopting cats with disabilities and special needs we get puzzled faces.People start to think about additional care, vet costs, obstacles followed by more obstacles. But you couldn't be more wrong. They bring greater joy than expected. Children and pets with special needs often have other special gifts and remind us not to take simple routines, little things for granted.

This is the case of Fritz, a beautiful and loving 6 month old cat who lost 10% of his vision due to an eye infection caused by some monsters who poisoned him with antifreeze at the trailer park he used to live. He was rescued along with her sister Fran by Cassandra Catraya.

Fritz had to go through a long process of medicated drops to recover from this horrible poisoning, but this brave angel was more than cooperative through the whole thing. And maybe you think that after all he has been through he would be scared of people and other cats. Well, that's not the case.  In the Adoption center where he is, he can be seen playing with other cats and being affectionate with everyone who holds him.

This story with a difficult beginning deserves a happy ending. Fritz deserves the opportunity to be part of a loving home where he can be the normal cat that he is and receive all the care and affection he deserves. He has a lot to give and live.

Anyone interested in adopting Fritz and providing a permanent home can email Cassandra Catraya at cassiwc@live.com.

Thank you for sharing this post. Thank you for caring.

Lion King and the Circle of Love

Today was literally picture and climate perfect. Blue skies, sunshine, wafty clouds, 80 degrees and dry.  But today, the world ended....

 Lion King, Summer 2011
Notice his proximity and how his right paw curls in--that's the sign of happy cat

... for one of our Riverfront Cats.  Lion King crossed the rainbow bridge. This day came too soon.

Lion King was an outdoor community cat near the Miami River in downtown Miami cared for by a small team of volunteers.  He was visibly losing weight drastically. Volunteers observed that he flinched in pain at the first bite of food, even moist food. He was starving.  After much effort, volunteers finally caught him and rushed him to the vet. Lion King was treated for gum infection and had two teeth extracted and was released outside days later. But the FIV won the war. FIV (stands for Feline AIDS) was advanced and this prevented him from fighting the infection. Living outdoors would expedite his dying days. He was withering away. Lion King would die of starvation--a slow painful death. That's when we knew the time had come.

At the vet's office, I cradled Lion King in a swath of white towels. He  looked like an angel, his lackluster gold fur and big round green eyes locked with mine. He didn't flinch, no hissing, no writhing. He looked at me with ease. He trusted me. The tears rushed down my face. The pain and grief crushing my spirit.

Dr. Wilber reassured me, "he knew to trust you.".  Little did she know the irony.  The dagger piercing my heart.  Lion King was the very first cat I ever trapped in learning about TNR and TNRM in 2009.  He was also the first Riverfront Cat I had to put to sleep. He was feral in every sense.  I recalled the first week I saw him, roaming around the construction trailers on the neighboring empty lot and how he stayed at a distance with a scowl, and would not eat his bowl of food until I was a measurable distance away.  In my mind, I called him Mr. Meanie but never dared to mouth those words for fear of it coming true.

Over the years, he inched closer to volunteers, waiting for the dispensing of food. In another year, a shocking advancement. Lion King, a feral cat,  gave nose kisses to my dog Ma Cherie (a maltese).   I couldn't believe my eyes. You see Ma Cherie was accustomed to cats--scared and docile cats. She knew to wait for them to approach her.   Clearly Lion King appreciated a four-legged animal that didn't pounce, attack or scratch. Then in 2012, one day while talking to another volunteer outdoors, Lion King appeared and started rubbing against our legs! These were the baby steps that every parent gushes over and wishes they had a photo or video camera to record the moment.  Would he repeat the gesture? Yes. Then eventually he allowed us to pet him on the top of his head and back. Here are photos last October for National Feral Cat Day!

Christine feeding Lion King (in costume for National Feral Cat Day)

Community cats become outdoor pets.  

Each with their unique habits and personality.

You can't help but love each and every one.

No matter if they hiss, no matter if they do not let us touch or pet them--volunteers know cat body language.  When a community cat starts kneading or rubbing their chin against a tree trunk or solid object, we call this the "happy dance". They are happy to see you. Even the feral cats.

Through this daily interaction, walking the neighborhood, feeding cats, talking to them, petting them when permitted, checking for new ones, the average person is amazed at their range of emotions and ability to communicate.

In the past two months, Lion King transformed to a sweet cat, kneading, purring and for the first time, meowing. He was like an orphaned child, hungry for affection and food.

Sitting in the waiting room of the vet clinic, Lion King in his carrier started purring. Ok so it could be a nervous purr. But then he started kneading. He was comforted by my stroking his gold fur.  This once feral cat was literally melting in my hands! I cried quietly.  "Why now?" I asked God.  "Why now after four years that he trusts me unconditionally?"  But as a feral cat caretaker I knew the answer--. The dangers of living in a city.  On average they live to six years old. Lion King was anywhere from 4-5 years old. And in those years, he lived a good life--he was fed daily, never missing a meal in four years, 365 days. Ours was a a journey built on trust--just like any relationship.  It took time and patience and routine. Cats love routine.

Lion King sought shelter from severe rains in our condo garage and appeared for feedings outside at a designated area volunteers created and named "Station 1". He was indeed a King, staking the west side of the Riverfront, protecting the other cats from invaders and patiently waiting for us humans nightly to provide sustenance.

Lion King kneading in carrier at vet's office

 Dr. Wilber asked me if I wanted to stay for the final  "injection".  "Oh no," I stated emphatically. I said my goodbyes while he lie awake on the clinic bed, his head on the pillow, his shriveled body tucked underneath towels like blankets. I stroked his head "Lion King, I have to say goodbye. You taught me so much about cats and about myself. You changed my life for the better. Now you're going to a better place. No more suffering Lion King. You're going to pet heaven. And I promise Lion King, I will see you there in the future. I don't want to go to people heaven.  I asked God to send me to pet heaven.  No more suffering my sweet boy. No more suffering. Run, play and eat all you want. I love you."

As I looked up at the vet, she too was crying.  She thanked and comforted me with kind words "Lion King had a good life thanks to you. Without you he would die a slow painful death. He knew to trust you." Absorbing her words, the tears paused. Yes, Lion King had a wonderful life as a cat, free to roam the outdoors--climb trees, hunt for insects, play with his friends, and breathe fresh air.  I made a difference.

Then I remembered this poem:

... I will never end world hunger, or win the Nobel prize.

I am not a brain surgeon or have the ear of a politician.

I will never bring about world peace or save the rainforest.

I'm not a celebrity and definitely not glamorous.

There are a lot of things that I'll never do or become.

But today I placed a homeless cat in a loving home.

I am an Animal Rescuer.


We are a quiet but determined army and making a difference every day.

There is nothing more rewarding than saving a life.

There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan.

No higher recognition than watching them thrive.

There is no greater joy than seeing a kitten play who only days ago, was too weak to eat.

My work is never done. My home is never quiet.

My wallet is always empty, but my heart is always full.


I am an Animal Rescuer.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Lion King was the first male homeless cat that I came across upon moving to these newly built condos. I had already encountered Aurora, Pandora, Midora and Cosette, all females. So I anointed him "Lion King" his gold fur fit for royalty. Despite the fact that he was feral, and a gruff exterior to match, I knew he would make a good king. Little did I know he would teach me, not just the Circle of Life but also "The Circle of Love". Cats form a bond with their environment and people. They don't just receive food, they give back like any pet.  In feeding these cats daily, spending a few minutes with them, they enriched my life.

Until we meet again Lion King, we will continue the circle of love.
Love, Christine
on behalf of  Sabrina, Mollie, Richard, Larry & Juan.

Christine feeds Leroy and Lion King. They were best friends.

Note:
Lion King was the leader of Station 1. He watched over and protected the other cats including Nikki, Sonny, Tiffany and Leroy. Lion King adored Leroy and they often could be seen playing together. Lion King became visibly sad when we had to take Leroy away due to severe injury. The first time we ever heard Lion King meow. Leroy had leg amputation and is recovering nicely. He will become an indoor pet cat. At this time we are still collecting donations to pay the vet bill. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Feel free to donate by clicking the DONATE button.Thank you for continuing the circle of love.

Shop for Mother's Day, Help Homeless Cats

Mother's Day is soon approaching--May 12. Don't procrastinate and wait until the last minute.  Shop at Amazon now and a small proceed goes to Riverfront Cats*.

In a hurry? Indecisive? Not sure what your mother or mother-in-law will like? Purchase a gift card!

For a personal stylish gift, click below for ideas!

Below are some ideas from jewelry to electronics and books and more!

PLEASE CLICK ON OUR AMAZON BANNER AD to the right to begin your shopping experience so that Riverfront Cats receives the credit. Or click on these photos and it will connect you directly to the Amazon page.




A heart pendant is a classic gift any mother will appreciate.  Sterling Silver "A Mother Holds Her Child's Hand For A Short While And Their Hearts Forever" Open Heart Pendant Necklace with Diamonds (0.1 cttw, I-J Color, I2-I3 Clarity), 18"
Price: $77 + Free Shipping.



Sterling Silver "A Mother Holds Her Childs Hand For A Short While and Their Hearts Forever" Open Heart Pendant Necklace, 18"
Price: $29 + Free Shipping 



Have fun in the kitchen with your little girl. Teach her cooking and baking and never to lick the bowl with these Diva and Diva- in-Training matching aprons for mother & daughter. Price $25.99


 Does your carpet show signs of pets and children? Give it a fresh makeover with your own  Hoover SteamVac Carpet Cleaner with Clean Surge, F5914-900; Price: $139. ($40 off regular price)




Aging gracefully means proper posture and support for less tension.  Get a better night's sleep with this gel memory foam contour pillow. Your neck and spine and shoulders will thank you for it. Price: $35.99

 
Cookies are baked, the rugs are clean, you're bedazzled in stylish jewelry. Now it's time to relax with a good book! You can never go wrong with an uplifting book that teaches about life, trials and triumphs! Of course any book about pets (with a happy ending) is a must read. Consistent rave reviews.  Price: $14.28




If you love thrillers, then you can never go wrong with Queen of Suspense, Mary Higgins Clark. Price $15.80



Time to get out of the house and do lunch with the girls, or church with your family and look stylish with this fabulous Kate Spade purse. Perfect for Spring.  Price $397.00


*Riverfront Cats is an associate of Amazon and receives commissions for your purchases through links on this blog. Amazon does not endorse any of its associates. 

Leroy, after leg surgery

"That camera looks more scary than my shaved hip with stitches"

We have an update on Leroy! As  we shared on April 29, the good news is that the front leg was healing and could be saved. The bad news, the fever returned and the hind leg was deteriorating. Apart from this setback, Leroy's overall health was very good.  So we agreed to amputate the back leg and start making plans to find him a permanent home indoors where he could live a long, safe and happy life as a tripod.

At the vet: "This can't be good."

"It's not as bad as it looks. I can still move around. Now I hop!"

Thankfully, the surgery went well, no complications. Leroy is now recovering in the home of a volunteer. He sleeps with Sabrina every night on her bed. A sweet black furry angel.  In the day time he nestles in a pet bed and hops a few steps away to the litter box.   Losing a leg and adapting to the indoors will take some time. In the meantime Leroy is getting much needed rest, daily pain medications, and lots of TLC. Thank you Sabrina!

Naturally as a nonprofit that depends on donations, we have to share that the vet bill was $1,938.39. Please click here to review the entire bill. This is in addition to the $600 originally spent to try and save his legs. Was this the right decision? YES! To know this cat, everyone loves him. He wanted to live, and we know he has much love to give. If both legs could not be saved, then the outcome may have been different.

Now we are moving forward. If you can help with any amount,whether it's $1000, $100, $60, $40 or even $10, it is greatly appreciated! Just click on the link at top right. You can easily donate with credit, debit or bank funds. We also accepts checks. Riverfront Cats is part of Pawsitively Humane,Inc. a 501c3 organization.  

Make check payable to:
Pawsitively Humane, Inc. 
90 SW 3rd Street #3905
Miami, FL
33130

This is the second amputation of a cat in six months.  The vet bills avalanche before we have a chance to recover from the last emergency.  Our volunteers receive zero compensation. The funding goes primarily to the care of the cats. We are grateful for any amount!


Soon we will begin the work of finding him a loving home. Preferably with an individual or family that spends more time at home than outside the home until Leroy is comfortable in his new environment and the routine. Leroy has demonstrated that he gets along with other cats and well behaved dogs. Leroy often rubbed against Christine's dog, Ma Cherie, and gave nose kisses.

Cats are amazing, but Black cats are even more special!

Thank you for reading.
Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you for caring.

Saving Leroy's Legs

   
For May 7 update, click here. 
 
UPDATE April 29, 2013: Please scroll to the bottom to read the latest news on Leroy

Many of you may recall Chaz Leroy, (the gals called him Chaz and the guys at Florida Power & Light [FP&L] yard called him Leroy) but the latter name won us over.  Leroy is one of the black Riverfront cats that is friendly, docile, affectionate and spotlighted in our various posts about caring for community cats. From educational videos to National Feral Cat Day, Leroy is a favorite of the caretakers at Riverfront Cats.

Sadly Leroy went missing for three days--a red flag that something bad happened. Was he injured and fighting for his life? Recuperating in places we never see? Or was he.... dead? You see Leroy never missed a feeding. He showed up like clockwork at 7am to greet the FPL guys at the gate for breakfast, in the yard at 3pm for afternoon snack, and in the evening over by our condos for dinner. Cats are smart. Their internal clocks are more reliable than a Swiss clock.

With each passing day volunteers walked the neighborhood, calling his name, treats and tuna in hand. No sign of Leroy.  Our hearts sank a notch every time. The last day he was seen was a Wednesday. Then he appeared on Sunday. Laying in the high grass, away from the cat house, Leroy was lounging on a lazy Sunday.  But this was no post picnic weekend wind down. In the dim light, we discovered his hind left leg was grossly swollen and missing fur, but no trace of blood. Did he lick it away?   A volunteer came rushing with a pet carrier and towel and we scooped him up, no struggle, no hissing. Leroy was play-dough in our arms as we contorted his body and gently placed him in the carrier.

Leroy on vet exam table

The vet explained there were no bite wounds or fracture. It appeared to be a chemical burn. His fever was running high and there was a 50/50 chance of saving the leg. Our options: try an aggressive treatment to save the leg, or go straight for amputation.  Thankfully he wasn't feral and we gambled he would remain tame indoors (as can happen when  you place an outdoor cat and try to convert him to an indoor cat). If administering medications was not a struggle, Leroy would remain indoors regardless of the final outcome. So why didn't we bring him in earlier? Good question. For many reasons.Click here to learn why.

Leroy's left hind leg

We opted for aggressive treatment.  The vet cleaned the leg and then noticed a similar burn on his front left paw. Volunteers felt faint. Double amputation? The word "amputation" is like a loaded gun for the untrained. Like doctors and soldiers, witnessing and treating horrific injuries is common occurrence, it's part of the job for animal rescuers.  Prior experience prepares us. But a possible "double amputation" left us speechless.

Leroy would remain hospitalized for three days and two nights, hooked up to an IV, and given fluids, antibiotics and pain medications. On the third day we picked him up, both left legs mummified in bandages they looked like clubs next to his healthy svelte legs.  

Leroy resting at home in carrier with bandages on both left legs.

RC Volunteers continue administering antibiotics, antacid, a laxative and pain medications and return every two days to change the bandages.

At this point we are praying to save Leroy's legs.  

We can't do it alone and need your help. 

 

Leroy happy and healthy, January 2012

The vet bill is approximately $600*.   It adds up fast. If you can help with a financial donation, we welcome any amount. Simply click here or the Give Now button on top right.We are only asking for help if you can give.

Not every one is able to donate and we completely understand. However, if you have to do online shopping for your household or buy pet food, supplies and medications, please consider shopping at your favorite retailers (Walmart, Petsmart, Amazon, eBay, Old Navy.... ) by first visiting this page, clicking our links, and begin shopping so that Riverfront Cats receives a small proceed! It's a win-win-win for all! 

REMINDER: Mother's Day is coming up! Buy your gift online and help homeless pets at the same time.  

UPDATE April 29, 2013: 

Bad news / good news.  The fever returned and the left hind leg has not improved. The specialist determined the leg must be amputated. The good news is that the swelling reduced in the front left leg and the leg is salvageable.  The estimate for the amputation is $1,800 at Miami Veterinary Specialist.

More importantly, Leroy is in good spirits and adjusting well to indoor life.  He has not hissed or shied away from other resident cats.  We will provide lots of TLC for his recuperation and we know we can find him a permanent loving home.  Tripods (3 legged) animals are easier to find homes for than healthy adult cats. 

 

Bless you for caring. Together we can make a difference!


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
* Leroy's vet bill is addressed to Sabrina Vega. Sabrina is the Vice President of Pawsitively Humane Inc. aka Riverfront Cats.  No board members receive any compensation. 

When to bring in friendly cat and when to leave cat outside

Tiffany when she lived outdoors

The subject of community cats (also known as colony cats or neighborhood cats) is still largely unknown. While the cat may be the number one pet in the U.S., the average resident has low awareness of the plight of  homeless cats, the causes, the challenges and even the solutions.

One of the questions we often receive is "Well if you brought in one friendly outdoor cat, why not bring them all indoors and find them permanent homes?".  Good question. The best way to answer is to illustrate with a real life example. First, there are 20 neighborhood cats here at the Riverfront. "Bringing them in" is no walk in the park. It requires time, patience and routine to socialize them and get them accustomed to living indoors.


Another scenario is about a  family of four black cats--Nikki (mother) and her offspring, Sonny, Leroy and Tiffany. These were Riverfront Cats that live and roam on both the Florida Power & Light (FPL) yard and the neighboring Riverfront condos.  All four cats were managed (cared for and fed) by two kind men at FPL and RC volunteers. The black cats were all friendly, and welcomed petting and regular feedings.

Sadly, on a cold winter night a couple of years ago, the mother Nikki, was found dead in the transformer room at the FPL yard.  She was electrocuted.  This is an installation where small mammals can crawl in including opossums and racoons. They find warmth on the electric coils.  A month later, Sonny, was found dead inside the substation.  As a knee jerk reaction, I brought in Tiffany.  She was the smallest and quite affectionate.  But upon bringing her in, Tiffany had difficulty adjusting.  She no longer exhibited that carefree spirit and one could detect her longing to be outdoors whenever she heard the sounds when I opened the balcony door. A strange environment, other alien cats, and walls all around...this is daunting for a cat that has lived outdoors. Simply put, cats do not like change.
 

Tiffany eating outdoors--she is pictured in our graphic image on home page.

 Transition takes time and developing new routines is important. While Tiffany learned our household routine and was assured she would have shelter free from ants, mosquitoes, extreme heat, humidity and occasional cold front, and provided clean litter and regular meals, there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. I had stripped her of her freedom to run, climb and explore and detached her from the only family she knew--her brother Sonny and friend Lion King and the other feeders/caregivers. "Did I do the right thing?" I asked a longtime cat rescuer and caretaker.  "Sometimes it's best to leave them outdoors. It's their home. The cats know the area and they always have food and know where to seek shelter from storms.". With that, I decided to leave Leroy outdoors with an expensive all wood cat house. At the same time, I was determined to uplift Tiffany.  She clearly had energy and needed more space beyond the confines of a two bedroom condo. I went on a mission to find her a permanent large home. And I did.  She is happily living in a two- story home in Baltimore, MD with a loving couple, stairs to climb, a large window with a view to the outdoors and a playmate that has wholeheartedly accepted her and they play constantly. It is the perfect ending to that chapter.

Tiffany indoors

The answer to the original question is not clear cut. It is a case-by-case basis. The guardian has to assess each case based on many factors--location, potential hazards, level of danger, and resources for feeding and vet care.  Resources must be carefully weighed. In our case I invested time in nurturing Tiffany, sticking to routine and showering her with affection. Moreso, I invested time and money to find her a new home and transport her by airline to Baltimore. "Socializing" an outdoor cat and finding them permanent homes is very challenging.  So I felt confident leaving Leroy outdoors was best until...

At the time of this posting, Leroy was discovered with a horrific hind leg injury. The vet surmises a type of chemical burn. Yet there are no chemicals in the visible areas where he roams.

The bill to date is $700. If amputation is needed, that's another $1800.  In this case, the vet care is astronomical. City streets are no place for a cat. The dangers exist.  Perhaps taking in friendly cats, one by one, socializing them, finding them homes will now become our new protocol.

Fanny is a sweet outdoor cat.
We would love to bring her in, socialize her and find her permanent home

Never feel guilty about the decision you made. You do the best you can knowing you did everything in your power. We are here to listen to your case and offer insight and suggestions to help make a difference. The goal is for the cats not to suffer. There is always a solution.

The Science of Cats

Here's a fun cat facts video! Short, sweet and funny. It's helpful to know why our cats behave they way they do, how to tell a female from a male, and the reason behind that sweet purr we love so much. Enjoy!

Meeting Gwen Cooper, Author & Giveaway

by Christine Michaels

Update April 9: The winner of the Litter Genie is KIMBERLY EHRHARDT!  Congratulations Kimberly! Please check your email and reply within 48 hours to claim your prize.

Christine Michaels & Gwen Cooper

When the New Year rings in, we look forward to those unexpected highlights in life.  One of those extended fireworks sparkled last Thursday.  It was the date that I met one of my favorite authors, Gwen Cooper.

A native Miamian, Gwen is the author of NY Times bestseller, Homer's Odyssey, the story of a blind black cat she adopted as a kitten. I loved the book so much that I shared a review on both my personal blog and for Riverfront Cats. Gwen is an author and a cat lover, the best combination of qualities in my opinion.

Her book not only entertained  readers but it really helped to educate new and non cat owners about cats in general, that blind cats are not entirely handicapped, and that in having three cats a woman can lead a robust life, thus demystifying the label of "crazy cat lady".

So when I learned that Gwen was returning to Miami to launch her new book Love Saves the Day,  I cleared the calendar and counted the days.

At Books & Books in Coral Gables, Deb Barnes and  I along with fellow Cat Network members, caught up with Gwen before the other fans arrived. She was everything we imagined and more.  While some authors are introverted and develop sweaty palms and jitters before speaking engagements, not Gwen. Or at least she didn't let you see her sweat. She was chatty and perky and we felt like instant friends.

This evening she read from the first chapter of her new book, Love Saves the Day.  For a video introduction to her new novel, please visit my previous post.

Gwen signs book for local fan

We learned that the book was a two year project but rewritten entirely three weeks before the deadline.  The pressures of authoring a book!  So why fictional? For starters, the setting is the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Gwen was drawn by the eccentric trappings of this corner of Manhattan beholden to the art and music of the 70s and 80s.  There are numerous references to Gwen's husband, a music lover.  Sarah (the mother in the book) is a former aspiring DJ.  And the name of the cat  "Prudence" came from? You guessed it! Dear Prudence, a Beatles song Gwen's husband played incessantly during the writing of the book.

"It was fortuitous that the refrain sang 'Dear Prudence won't you come out to play', " shares Gwen.
We love learning these nuggets of information that shape the story for a book.

As she read from the book, I was spellbound.  The first third of the book is written from the point of the view of Prudence the cat.  Gwen portrayed the tone, the attitude of Prudence with red laser dot precision. Gwen knows Cat! Prudence plays an important role in harmonizing a young woman's conflict with her past-- a tumultuous upbringing in her mother's dusty, Bohemian record store.  Later chapters change to the third person and we learn more about the characters and devastating details about housing in the Lower East Side.

After the reading Gwen did advise not to be mislead by the juvenile book cover--the gradient blue background, sparkling stars and young looking brown tabby cat.   Everyone can relate to the moral of the story- the complexity of relationships especially when a parent dies--circumstances beyond anyone's control that leads to a strained relationship, about the things left unsaid, and miscommunications. Pets we know can be the catalyst in bonding people.  The journey and lessons of life are drawn from both humans and animals.

There’s an extra bonus for music lovers of the 1960’s -1990’s especially those that remember the New York music scene in late 1970’s, disco and punk.  Gwen graciously includes an acknowledgement section listing some of the books that served as valuable research material, such as books about music, the Lower East Side, and Alphabet City.

We highly recommend the book and with warmer weather approaching, it's a great summer read on the hammock, under a tree or in your favorite reading room.

LITTER GENIE GIVEAWAY

Gwen's visit was thanks in part to the makers of the Litter Genie. I was fortunate to win one but knew readers could use it more. Therefore we are giving away one white Litter Genie to a lucky reader anywhere in US or Canada. Contest closes at 11:59pm April 7. The winner will be announced here on this post after April 7. Winner has 48 hours to claim prize.

Here's how to win:

•  Leave a comment below stating why you would like to win a Litter Genie. If you don't have a Google account, please leave your email on the post so we have a way to reach you. (Required entry)

For additional entries:

•  Like "Riverfront Cats" on Facebook. www.facebook.com/RiverfrontCats
•  Like our big brother site "Pawsitively Humane" on Facebook www.facebook.com/PawsitivelyHumane
• Share this giveaway on Facebook. Leave a separate comment here letting us know you posted FB.
• Share this giveaway on Twitter and leave a separate comment here letting us know you tweeted.

If you would like to order Love Saves the Day, or the Litter Genie for your home, click on the links below to place your order with Amazon. By using these links, Riverfront Cats benefits with a small proceed for our fundraising efforts to pay vet bills.

Good luck! And let Love Save Your Day. 

Lion King--caring for a sick community feral cat

Lion King January 2012, at his regular weight

 It's been four years now since we started managing and caring for the Riverfront Cats. In total there are now 19 cats. Most of them were born before we moved into these new condos, fed by construction workers during the building boom and then bust of 2007, 2008 in downtown Miami. The Riverfront Cats are at least four years old or older.  Throughout these years the cats have appeared relatively healthy.

Some of the cats are feral, semi-feral and friendly.  So what happens when a feral cat gets sick? How do we capture them? Is our vet trained to exam a feral cat? Does it  make sense to spend hundreds of dollars on a sick feral cat? We knew the day would come when we would have to ask these weighted questions and make difficult life and death decisions. That day was last week.

Some of you may remember Lion King. He was one of the three cats that Christine first trapped when learning about TNR in 2009. This semi-feral cat was losing weight during the winter when most of the outdoor cats gain weight. Red Flag #1.  Then Christine noticed drooling.  Red Flag #2. You see semi-feral cats do not normally drool. Christine knew this was most likely stomatitis or a form of dental disease. She had treated a sick cat in South Beach with the same symptoms. She knew to observe Lion King while he was eating. Sure enough, in just letting the moist food touch his mouth, Lion King flinched and the gob of moist food fell out of his mouth and missed the ceramic bowl (yes our neighborhood cats get treated like true pets in sanitary, clean bowls). This happened repeatedly for weeks. It was so painful that Lion King could not eat. He was literally starving to death and his body was shrinking and shriveling. He was a dull blonde sack of skin and bones.  We knew it was time to make plans to capture and treat him.

Christine in her cat costume (in celebration of Feral Cat Day in October 2012 )
feeding Lion King and Chaz Leroy

More questions swirled. Would Lion King stop trusting the volunteer who captured him and took him to unknown environment with a room full of strangers, the vet clinic? If  regular pets dreaded the vet clinic would this fear be exponential for a feral cat? Would Lion King stop trusting all the volunteers? Would he even appear at feeding time? What if he needed daily medicine administered in his food? In the meantime, he was deteriorating. It was time to stop wondering and stop the pain.

The task began of capturing Lion King. Both Sabrina and Christine, on separate occasions, attempted to carefully place him in the carrier (he only allows us to touch him at feeding station, hence why he's "semi-feral") but Lion King scuffled and ran off only to return seconds later for more petting. That alone was unexpected and a joyous moment. He was semi-feral, but he loved and trusted us. After six attempts of grab-push-scuffle, we abandoned the gentle approach. You know the saying "it takes a village". Thankfully our friends at neighboring Florida Power & Light yard would keep an eye on Chaz Leroy and Lion King. (The piles of lumber and concrete blocks are a playground for the cats). They too noticed Lion King's deterioration. True cat men and animal lovers, Chistine received the call last Wednesday that Richard caught Lion King.  Finally! She then rushed him to the vet. Lion King would have to be sedated in order to examine him. Did the vet know how to handle a feral cat to sedate him? We always wondered if all vets were trained in handling feral cats. "Yes we do this all the time with unfriendly cats".  But they sent Christine home to wait. Before heading out the door,  there was the matter of the the estimate $370-$580. Ouch.

First, the examination. The good  news. No tumors were visible. The drooling was blood and puss from an infected tooth and gums. A tooth extraction was the answer. Next a blood test. The vet called to announce that Lion King tested positive for FIV, feline Aids, transmissible to other cats. The first decision "Do you want to consider euthanization since he could  infect other cats"?  It was a loaded question that we never anticipated. What was the correct answer? There is no right or wrong answer.  Only the caretaker can assess all the variables and reach one decision. The ultimate goal is that the cat not suffer. Sometimes euthanasia is the only humane solution.

The volunteers conferred. Lion King roamed the west side of the building and was in contact with three other cats.  We knew they didn't fight. Chaz Leroy was also his best buddy. They loved each other. Secondly, if Lion King didn't have cancer or if an injection now could replace daily doses of medicine, and if volunteers could collectively pay the bill until fundraising efforts were launched, the decision was easy--continue with the treatment.  No euthanasia.

Lion King waking up after sedation/tooth extraction

Per the vets instructions, Lion King recuperated indoors overnight (inside the carrier) and was released outdoors (his home) the following day. His dilated sleepy eyes perked up when he heard familiar noises of the outdoors--the sweaky gears of the door from the parking garage, the rustling of dried leaves from winter dryness...  We opened the carrier door and crouching, he slunk way. Would he return at sunset for dinner? Would he ever allow us, the once trusted caretakers, to feed him let alone pet him? We would wait an eternal six hours until sunset.

LESSONS LEARNED

This experience has provided deeper insight about the behavior of feral cats. No two cats are alike and even semi-feral cats have distinct personalities, habits and gestures and will trust caretakers. More importantly, this story demonstrates that caring for a colony is the same as caring for outdoor pets. Feeders of feral cats need to consider the responsibility of taking sick cats to the vet and the associated costs. This is why we encourage feeders to learn the proper way to trap cats and to educate neighbors and residents about the plight of homeless cats to seek support and teamwork so one person does not carry the burden. That's how Riverfront Cats started. Christine jumped into action, learned about TNR and TNRM and immediately created flyers to pass out to neighbors. She also hands out flyers with updates.

So if you are wondering what was the total bill well...Lion King also received dental cleaning and tartar removal to prevent further infection. The vet did recommend to bring him once a year for dental cleaning given that his immune system is weakened and can not fight infections. To treat his dehydration and lack of nutrients, he was given electrolytes and fluids through an IV. All this along with anesthesia, an injection of antibiotics, totaled $575.80. With our nonprofit discount, it was reduced to $480 (click here to view the full bill).

HOW YOU CAN HELP

*** We are NOT asking for money ***

There's an easy way!!!

If you follow a charity, you probably receive a regular stream of letters and emails asking for financial donations presented with poignant stories like Lion King. We know you care and want to help but like most people, there are budgets and limits.  We have a better idea! CLICK HERE.

 Donation are always welcome. Simply click on the DONATE NOW button to the right.

Is Your Cat afraid of the Big Bad Vacuum Cleaner?

Are all cats afraid of The MONSTER??? The Vacuum Cleaner? Turns out many pet households also label this loud, moving appliance as the unfriendly alien.

In general cats are frightened by sudden or loud noises. Even dogs can be spooked by these upright, mobile, metal/plastic objects with roaring noise. Our family of felines exhibit a range of reactions in response to the bright yellow "transformers".

Hansel & Gretel immediately scamper and run under the bed. Helio will watch at a distance but once the machine comes within a few feet, he races off true to his name sake (race car driver Helio Castronoves).
Jean Pierre and Geisha will awaken from a nap and give a perturbed look "Do you have to vacuum now mom? It's nap time".  As the monster comes within inches, the "man of the house" and "supermodel" jump out of their pet beds and seek refuge in the next room. I apologize for interrupting their beauty sleep.

We also know there are exceptions. Meet Johnny Walker who is more curious than scared of the vacuum cleaner.  He is one cool cat! See the video below.  And he's an all black cat--just further proof that black cats are intelligent and special!

Stress is unhealthy for humans and cats. It's important to announce to your cat of the incoming intrusion. At our household, the sound of the wheels of the vacuum cleaner signals that the Monster will rear it's roaring self.

We'd like to know if your cat is scared and how they react.   Tell us! Also what do you call the vacuum cleaners? Do you call it "The Monster" or some other label? Leave a comment below and take our poll to the right.