Disaster Can Strike Anytime #FoodShelterLove

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Food, Shelter, & Love Program, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

It seems every time I turn on the news, Mother Nature's wrath is more constant and furious.
Floods, landslides, earthquakes, brush fires, snow blizzards, super storms, etc.. Even a power outage from technological failure can wreak havoc in a city and its residents.  Remember New York City power outage of 2003?

Helio under the cover. He is scared of howling winds during Tropical Storm Isaac.

Disaster can strike any time and with no warning. This is why it's important to have a Disaster Preparedness / Emergency Plan for your entire family INCLUDING your pets.

After Hurricane Katrina skirmished through Miami, a few weeks later we were hit hard by Hurricane Wilma.  My building did not have power for an entire week which seems like an eternity in the modern world. Neighbors complained and felt trapped, scared with no electricity, no cell phone (cell phones do NOT work during major storms), no hot water, no gasoline to drive anywhere and dwindling food supply for humans and pets.  I elected to stay in my condo building and hunker down. As a native Floridan, I'm a hurricane expert and I WAS FULLY PREPARED for me and my pets.

Here is my abbreviated list:

1. Have enough supplies to last a week. Dry cat food, wee wee pads for dogs, litter, litter bags, lots of water bottles and paper plates and bowls and utensils. It's not a bad idea to line the cat carriers with pee pads in case your cat gets scared and has an accident. Keep a "ready and go" bag for sudden departures.

Pet Emergency Supplies for Evacuation

2. IDs for your pets. Collars, photos of your pets, microchips or tattoos. Print flyers with photos of your pets and place in pockets of the carrier, and your purse. Cell phone batteries fade quickly so technology is not readily available during and after a disaster.  Think basics.

3. If you are traveling: bring their pet beds, something with a familiar scent from home to lessen anxiety.

Jean Pierre posing with glass pumpkin for Thanksgiving on  his pet bed. I bring his bed on road trips.

4. If you stay at home, invest in a telephone landline and old touch tone phone.  Cell phones were down for days, and an old fashion phone and landline kept us connected to the outside world. A huge relief.

5. Invest in a platform bed or bed with wheels.  This is a must for any pet parent in my opinion because it can be very difficult getting kitty out from under the bed. The fire alarm goes off now and then in my condo building and when I smell smoke, I know it's not a false alarm. The cats all race under the bed for refuge. Getting cats out from under the bed is not as challenging because my mattress/box spring is on wheeled frame that I can move the bed, and easily get the cat.  Be sure you have the pet carriers nearby and close all other doors.

One of the best tips I can offer is to let your cats lounge on their cat carrier in the home. I took it a step further and ordered a stroller with a detachable carrier which I placed next to the window. It became the cats' gazing/lounging quarters to watch the birds and take naps. For trips, I just closed the door and attached it to the stroller. Voila!

Jean Pierre gazing out sliding doors at the birds on his detachable carrier

The double decker pet stroller in 2001. My dog loves the stroller.

When Hurricane Wilma struck in 2005, I only had three pets at the time.  I think of all those pets at shelters during and after a disaster. Personnel can not evacuate or go anywhere with hundreds of dogs and cats. Often shelters are overwhelmed with displaced pets.  Thankfully  Hill’s® Disaster Relief Network answers the challenge. 

As an extension of its Food, Shelter & Love® program, Hill's established the first national network to help deliver pet food to shelters and vet clinics affected by natural disasters. In its first year of operations the network delivered free pet food to 50 shelters and vet clinics across the U.S. in response to 11 major disasters from Washington state to Waco, Texas. Hurray for Hill's pet food!!

SPCA of Texas recipient of Hill's generous donation after a natural disaster. 

Shelter pets receive premium food.
They deserve the best like any pet.

So before Mother Nature unleashes her fury in your city or another disaster strikes your home, prepare now.  Comes May 9, FEMA National Pet Disaster Preparedness Day, you'll be ahead of the madness and exhale a sigh of relief.

Have you and your pets been affected by a natural or other disaster? Were you prepared? Share your experience, by clicking on "Comment" below. We'd love to hear from you!

Desastres Naturales Pueden Ocurrir en Cualquier Momento #FoodShelterLoveenEspañol

Este artículo es patrocinada por Hill’s. Estamos siendo compensados por ayudar a difundir la palabra sobre El Programa Alimento, Refugio y Amor de  Hill's®, pero Gatos Riverfront sólo comparte información que considere relevante para nuestros lectores. Pet Nutrition Hill, Inc. no se hace responsable del contenido de este artículo.


Parece que cada vez que enciendo las noticias, la ira de la Madre Naturaleza es más constante y furiosa. Inundaciones, deslizamientos de tierra, terremotos, incendios forestales, tormentas de nieve, súper tormentas, etc .. Incluso un corte de energía debido a un fallo tecnológico puede causar estragos en una ciudad y sus habitantes. ¿Recuerdan el corte de energía que la ciudad de Nueva York sufrió en el 2003?

Helio debajo de las sábanas. El está asustado por los ruidosos vientos durante la Tormenta Tropical Isaac.

Un desastre natural puede ocurrir en cualquier momento y sin previo aviso. Es por esto que es importante contar con un Plan de Preparación para Desastres Naturales / Emergencias para toda su familia, incluyendo a sus mascotas.

Después del paso del huracán Katrina por Miami, unas semanas más tarde fuimos azotados por el huracán Wilma. Mi edificio no tuvo energía por una semana, que parece una eternidad en el mundo moderno. Los vecinos se quejaron y se sentían atrapados, asustados, sin electricidad, sin teléfono celular (teléfonos celulares no funcionan durante las grandes tormentas), no hay agua caliente, no hay gasolina para moverse a otro lugar y la disminución de suministro de alimentos para seres humanos y  animales domésticos. Elegí quedarme en mi edificio de condominios. Como nativa de la Florida, soy una experta en huracanes y yo estaba totalmente preparada para mí y mis mascotas.

Aquí está mi lista abreviada:

1. Tener suficientes suministros para durar toda la semana. Comida para gatos seca, almohadillas especiales para que los perros hagan sus necesidades, arena para gatos, bolsas de basura, un montón de botellas de agua, platos de papel, tazones y utensilios. No es mala idea preparar su jaula de mascotas con almohadillas para orinar en caso de que su gato se asuste y tenga un accidente. Mantenga una bolsa con todo lo necesario para las salidas repentinas.

Suministros de Emergencia para Mascotas en Caso de Evacuación

2. Identificaciones para sus mascotas. Collares, fotos de sus mascotas, microchips o tatuajes. Imprima volantes con fotos de sus mascotas y colóquelos en los bolsillos de su portador de mascota, y su bolso. Las baterías de teléfono celular se desvanecen rápidamente por lo que la tecnología no está fácilmente disponible durante y después de un desastre. Piense en lo básico.

3. Si va a viajar: lleve consigo las camas de sus mascotas, algo con un olor familiar a su casa para disminuir la ansiedad.

Jean Pierre posando en su cama con una calabaza de vidrio en el día de Acción De Gracias. Cuando viajo, siempre llevo su cama conmigo.

4. Si te quedas en casa, invierte en una línea de teléfonos fija y un teléfono de marcación por tonos. Los teléfonos celulares estuvieron desconectados por varios días, y un teléfono de esos antiguos de marcación por tonos y la línea de teléfonos fija nos mantuvo conectados con el mundo exterior. Un gran alivio.

5. Invierte en una cama de plataforma o una cama con ruedas. Esta es una necesidad para cualquier dueño de mascotas en mi opinión, ya que puede ser muy difícil alcanzar a un gatito debajo de la cama. La alarma de incendio se enciende de vez en cuando en mi edificio condominio y cuando huelo el humo, yo sé que no es una falsa alarma. Los gatos corren a esconderse debajo la cama en busca de refugio. Alcanzar a sus gatos debajo de la cama no es tan difícil porque mi colchón está en una plataforma rodante la cual me permite mover la cama, y ​​alcanzar fácilmente el gato. Asegúrese de tener las jaulas cercanas y cerrar todas las demás puertas.

Uno de los mejores consejos que puedo ofrecer es dejar sus camas de estar dentro de los portadores cuando se encuentre en el hogar. Fuí más allá y pedí un cochecito con un portador desmontable que coloqué al lado de la ventana. Se convirtió en el lugar favorito para los gatos  ver las aves y tomar siestas. Para los viajes, yo sólo tengo que cerrar la puerta y montarlo en el cochecito de paseo. Voila!

Jean Pierre descansando mientras observa las aves desde su portador desmontable

El coche de mascotas de dos pisos en el 2001. Mi perrita adora el coche.

Cuando el huracán Wilma azotó en 2005, sólo tenía tres mascotas en el momento. Pienso en todos esos animales en los refugios durante y después de un desastre. El personal no puede evacuar o ir a cualquier parte con cientos de perros y gatos. A menudo, los refugios están abrumados con las mascotas desplazadas. Afortunadamente La Red Hill's® para Desastres Naturales responde al desafío.

Como una extensión de su Programa Food Shelter Love®, Hill's estableció la primera red nacional para ayudar a entregar comida para mascotas a los refugios y clínicas veterinarias afectadas por desastres naturales. En su primer año de operaciones, la red entregó gratuitamente alimentos para mascotas a 50 refugios y clínicas veterinarias en los EE.UU., en respuesta a 11 grandes desastres del estado de Washington a Waco, Texas. ¡Hurra por los alimentos para mascotas Hill!!

SPCA de Texas recipiente de la donación generosa de Hill's después de un desastre natural

Los refugios de mascotas reciben comida de primera calidad
Ellos merecen lo mejor como cualquier mascota.

Así que antes de que la madre naturaleza desate su furia en su ciudad o otro desastre azote su casa, prepárese ahora. Viene 9 de mayo, FEMA Día Nacional de Preparación de mascotas en caso de Desastres Naturales, usted estará preparado con suficiente tiempo antes de que comience el caos y exhalará un suspiro de alivio.

¿Han sido usted y sus mascotas afectados por un desastre natural u otro tipo de desastre? ¿Estaba usted preparado? Comparta su experiencia, haciendo clic en "Comentario" abajo. Nos encantaría conocer su opinión!

Results are In for Supermodel Cat on #HillsPet Weight Loss!

Johnny Walker BEFORE the #HillsPet weight loss for cats

Johnny Walker is loving life! Yes this black spokescat has shed some portly weight on the #HillsPet Weight Loss program. While not a svelte model, we are ecstatic that this supermodel cat is more energetic, playful, and gregarious. Time to renew his contract! Oh gosh, we anticipate (excuse the pun)  "heavy" negotiations.

Johnny Walker began this journey three months ago on the Hill's® Prescription Diet® Feline Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution and has lost an entire pound. That's equivalent to 10 pounds for a human--tremendous results!  Ideally we were aiming for two pounds per the vet's recommendation, but we discovered in the middle of the night that JW was gaining access to other dry cat food in the pantry thanks to his partner-in-crime, tabby sibling Curious Jorge, who knows how to open doors and all five siblings were nosediving into the other bags of cat food.

Johnny Walker on #HillsPet Weight Loss

Johnny Walker loves the food!  We make feeding time part of his exercise. How you ask?  Johnny Walker is fed in a "special cardonned area" (supermodel cats must be treated like VIPs at all times even though it's only the bathroom counters) elevated and away from the common cats. Calling his name signals meal time that he automatically awakens from a slumber nap and races off to one designated feeding area.  I purposefully turn away in the direction of the second bathroom (I mean feeding place), and he jumps down, and races like the dickens to the other counter top. I look at him straight in the eye and say "Good warmup! Now let's see if you can run a third round?".  We are up to six laps! That in itself is proof of his increased stamina.

Here's a video of lap seven. He's hesitating and not running in beeline to countertop but once he hears the cup of food, JW jumps for joy!


As evidenced in the video below, Johnny Walker's three-tiered Swarovksi diamond and velvet collar is noticeably loose!  Oh boy--time to reorder another custom-sized collar!  (Supermodels are high maintenance--including cats).  But pet health is most important above all and cat weight loss reduces risks for a host of health problems associated with cat obesity.




For this reason, we encourage all pet owners to check regularly their pet's weight. An overweight pet does not mean your purring feline is healthy. It means the complete opposite. Check with your vet what is the appropriate weight according to its breed, age and size. And start a healthy diet for your pet as well! We recommend trying  Hill's® Prescription Diet® Feline Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution for a good start on your pet healthy eating.

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Food, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this post.

Johnny Walker's Photo Journey on #HillsPet Cat Weight Loss

Who would have thought that a cat weight loss program would pose challenges as shared in our previous post.  To single out one cat in a multiple cat household for a specific program is NO walk in the cat park!  But how has it affected his other habits like eating, drinking, sleeping, playing? So we take you on Johnny Walker's photo cat weight loss photo journey to follow his progress and how it affects his activity level.  Enjoy!


Johnny Walker LOVES the new #HillsPet Metabolic Advanced Solution for Cats. He is protective of his food and is always on the lookout for cat food thieves (his siblings).

NOTE: We feed Johnny Walker on bathroom counter as a designated "special feeding area" for this special cat weight loss project. He did not have to be trained on this part of the program and picked up on it fast. Johnny Walker loves to eat more than any other cat.

Johnny Walker protects his food.

Keeping close eye out for food thieves

Never letting his guard down while eating

Let's check his drinking habits...

Johnny Walker approaches water bowl (yes a dog theme--we're bipetual family)

Johnny Walker hears something...

 

Johnny Walker drinks plenty of water--a healthy sign

And now let's check on his sleeping habit.

Awakened from a deep slumber...

Johnny Walker yawns--no hissing, no foul mood--all is good.

"What is the housekeeper bringing out?"

"That looks like fun..."

Our housekeeper moves into the living room where Johnny Walker is napping. To reach the chandeliers she brings out the ladder.  Johnny Walker is fascinated and drawn to it.

Johnny Walker climbs on Geisha's chair (right) and then onto the ladder.

Johnny Walker has a new favorite toy and activity--climbing!  Guess we'll have to purchase a cat tower...

Johnny Walker is the only cat in household to attempt this!

Housekeeper asks Johnny Walker if he wants to clean or supervise.

Johnny Walker is fearless on the ladder.

And the adventure ends as Johnny Walker goes to take a restful nap.

We observed greater agility and prowess in Johnny Walker's activity. Unsure if he has lost weight, we will soon find out. Regardless, he remains a happy, healthy cat and even more adventurous cat.

Always the supermodel

Stay tuned for the conclusion of Johnny Walker's cat weight loss program!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Food, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this post.

Johnny Walker's Scandalous Reveal!

Johnny Walker eating moist  Hills Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution for cats

OK admit it. How many of you have every cheated on a diet? How bad was it? Did you cheat by nibbling on forbidden snacks or did you jump ship entirely?  Well our black cat, Johnny Walker, has been caught cheating on his cat weight loss plan!

Johnny Walkers sees other cats eyeing his "special" food

ABOUT JOHNNY WALKER
Johnny Walker has a deep dark secret. But first a proper introduction before the scandalous reveal!

On a November evening I was feeding the Riverfront Cats.  We have a total of three black stray cats--Romeo, Mr. Bear and Midnight.  Then this unknown black cat literally walked up to me, looked up like a dog, a person, talked to me, and started whining.  "I'm so hungry please, help me. I don't belong here. Someone dumped me here. I'm an indoor cat and these vagrants are attacking me. Please, please, please..." (When you work with cats extensively, one learns feline lexicon--I'm not kidding!).

Johnny Walker the first night he was rescued. His lackluster fur, scratches on his face 

The Riverfront cats did not welcome him as seen by visible signs of scratches on his nose and face. He allowed me to pet him and scoop him up and hold him in my arms and he didn't struggle or scratch.  Clearly this was an indoor cat.

Considering he was the first all black cat in the household, that he greeted guests like a butler and was not shy of strangers and would sit still on my lap during videotaped interviews, we knew he was a keeper! Even better, Johnny Walker would be the SPOKESCAT for ALL BLACK CATS!

 A svelte Johnny Walker with lustrous black cat after several months in new home.
Also his first photoshoot. He's a natural !

So what is Johnny Walker's deep dark secret???
He inhaled!!!   Yes Johnny Walker, a celebrity black cat (or so we like to think) has inhaled marijuana.  Well not intentionally. Don't all politicians and celebs take drugs?  Perhaps so. Just when this was getting interesting.

How we imagined Johnny Walker as a kitten with his first cat owner

Johnny Walker poses for Black cat gala photoshoot

As we posted photos on this blog and Facebook in rescuing Johnny Walker, one resident  who stopped by exclaimed--"That is Fred's cat! He dumped the cat outdoors!"  Fred was a single guy living in his father's penthouse condo.  He adopted Johnny Walker as a kitten (JW didn't have a name) and had to move out and decided he didn't want the responsibility of a pet.  Fred apparently spent many days and evenings smoking marijuana that the fumes filled the hallways like chimney smoke.

Johnny Walker was svelte and stunning and photogenic (and neutered).  He was a born supermodel. The other indoor cats did not welcome him into the fold and to this day treat him as the black sheep.  But Johnny Walker knows how to charm any person, family or guest, to give him food. Or he will nibble on your leg to let you know he's hungry.

"I guess we're going to be here awhile..."

As time went by and Johnny Walker comfortably settled into his new home, food was his comfort solution. No surprise there. We wondered if the marijuana kept him slender.  No drugs in this household.  As he gradually gained weight, we knew this was setting a bad example.  It was time to take action. Johnny Walker started the new #HillsPet  Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution for Cats in April. The vet indicated he is a large kitty and surprisingly only has to lose two pounds.  But two pounds on a cat is equivalent to 20 pounds for a human. The battle of the bulge begins.

Geisha tries Hill's Metabolic food, now Jean Pierre eats leftovers.
Jean Pierre could lose some belly fat (cat weight loss)

Johnny Walker did not hesitate to eat the new Hills Metabolic dry and moist food.  He actually prefers it to his old food. The other household cats were jealous and wanted to try it.  They loved it!  However we recently discovered that another resident cat has learned how to open doors and was Johnny Walker's go- to- cat for midnight pantry snacks. How much did he pilfer and for how long? Only the other cats know and they're not divulging. Cats pact.

So has this cat lost weight? In looking at Johnny Walker and his floppy belly initially we said "no", but based on how loose his diamond collar fits where it easily slides off without undoing the buckle, may be a sign that he is losing weight.

"It's bowl-lickin' good"

 Jean Pierre licked bowl clean. He wants more Hill's Metabolic cat food!

Stay tuned for the continuation of Johnny Walker's cat weight loss challenge!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Food, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Black Spokescat Johnny Walker Starts #HillsPet Diet

Love is not overfeeding your cat. Pet obesity is a serious issue.

 [Contest Giveaway at end of this post]

The spokescat for black cats that has graced the covers of Christmas greeting cards, countless Facebook postings, and sits with ease and grace like a professional for video interviews,  is officially on a diet! Yes fans, followers and pet parents, Johnny Walker is on a diet. Not the liquid kind full of whiskey. That's the other "Johnnie". Our Johnny Walker is officially starting the NEW Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution.

PET OBESITY IS NOT CUTE--IT'S A GROWING EPIDEMIC
Why is this a big deal?  It's a serious issue.  We hear about it, we read about it but how often do we ignore our pet's health?  Too often.  Please read on.

Johnny Walker on cover of 2011 Christmas card

Johnny Walker has noticeably gained weight in the past couple of years compared to his siblings.  You see he was the latest rescue--dumped in our neighborhood.  Johnny Walker joined the indoor clan of rescued Riverfront Cats a year later. And he's the only all black cat.  Like kids, the others treat him like the black sheep.  So when the other cats play and wrestle, Johnny Walker is ostracized from every social and cat gathering--nap time, meal time, playtime, etc.  Maybe they are jealous of his looks?

"Hills Diet? Is it a South Beach diet for cats? Does it taste yummy?

But like all smart black cats, Johnny Walker leverages his wit, swagger, and handsome looks to charm his owner to indulge him with regular feedings and special treats--fait accompli.  However that compulsion to spoil our pets by overfeeding them is causing more harm than good.

Did you know:

1. In the U.S., 53% of dogs and 55% of cats are overweight?
2. Over the last five years the incidence of overweight dogs has increased by almost 40% in the U.S.
3. Over the same time period the number of overweight cats has increased by astonishing 90%.

The trend of overweight cats is a serious epidemic as this study points out:
 

Big Pets Get Bigger: Latest Survey Shows Dog and Cat Obesity Epidemic Expanding

Now you may think because Johnny Walker is a mini celebrity that the decision to embark on a diet program is due to borderline obsession with vanity here in Miami.  Sure the Magic City is brimming with beautiful people and the pressures of working in the spotlight demand personality figures look their best. But as the caretaker, it's my responsibility to ensure his optimal health and well being.  Pets are not "real" stuffed animals as I always tell potential adopters. It's time to take my own advice. Addressing eating habits and exercise for quality of life is the same for overweight cats as it for overweight dogs and humans. 

Johnny Walker poses on a pedestal. He's not thrilled with smaller food portions. 

Celebrities are used to getting their way and change is often more difficult.

Like many pet guardians, we erroneously think food is love and cutting back portions is not easy.  What to do? Well, the challenges are harder for cats than dogs. We can't play outdoors and throw a frisbee or walk an overweight cat on a leash like a dog. Our vet's solution for cat weight loss is the Hill's® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution.

Watch this video to learn more!


Johnny Walker and I have started his cat weight loss journey and will track his progress on this blog. It's harder to go it alone and we invite you to join us through the contest below!

Hill's® Prescription Diet®  GIVEAWAY

For your pet’s opportunity to try Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution for free we’re giving away a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution trial kit. Please know this will require your veterinarian’s authorization*. It’s a $70 value! You can choose from the canine or feline kit which includes:

• 1 Weight Loss Success Tote Bag
• 1 Weight Loss Success Guide
• 1 6lb bag of Metabolic dry dog food OR 1 4lb bag of Metabolic dry cat food
• 2 (13oz) Metabolic cans OR 2 (5.5oz) Metabolic feline cans
• 1 (16oz) Metabolic treats OR 1 (2.5oz) Metabolic feline treats
• (2) $25 coupons

 HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post (Click on "Comment" and choose Anonymous or your blogging platform) and tell us about the pet that would benefit from Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution. Be sure to include all of the required information below:

• Is your pet a dog or cat?
• Pet’s age
• Pet’s current weight or close guess
• Your name
• Your email address

*Your veterinarian’s authorization is required before starting Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution food. This giveaway is limited to one winner per household and is for U.S. residents only. Be sure to use a valid email when leaving your comment so we can contact if you are chosen as a winner. The giveaways ends on April 30th, 2014. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's® PrescriptionDiet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.