Progress Report on Blind Kitten Ray Ray

Blind kitten, Ray Ray soon after he was rescued at 10 weeks of age

Our latest rescue kitten has a name--Ray Ray, yes after Ray Charles.

He was taken to the best feline ophthalmologist in Miami, Dr. Karpanski. Sadly Ray Ray was born with a defect, no eyes, that he will never be able to see. But that does not stop this kitten from acting like a kitten! He can run, play, climb, and jump down.  It is amazing to watch him move around and play like any other kitten.  Blind kittens rely on their other senses.

We want to thank every person who played a role in saving Ray Ray and donated for his vet care. This year has been one of the worse stray kitten season, with hundreds born and found and not enough shelters and volunteers to bottle feed and care for them.  This blind kitty was spotted in Little Haiti (Miami) and posted on Facebook for pleas to rescue him. Riverfront Cats was tagged after a couple of days and we stepped in.

Christine holds Ray Ray, blind black kitten

Ray Ray had minor health issues for which he has been treated. He did test negative for feline Aids and Leukemia and is ready for adoption!

Closeup of Ray Ray, blind black kitten

However he bonded with another rescue black kitten of the same age.  Him and Rocky are like fraternal twins.  They play together, sleep together, and eat together in unison.  Therefore we will only adopt them out together. If you are interested in meeting these special black kittens, please email us at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com. 

You can follow their progress on Facebook and Instagram!

Deliciously Sweet Kittens Need Homes!

Like a candy shop, where you don't know what to choose because everything looks delicious, here we have five sweet-as-candy, too-cute, eight-week-old baby kittens and mother cat  looking for loving homes with great people. All are healthy, tested, vetted and ready to go. They’re guaranteed to make you smile and maybe develop a sweet tooth!

Let's get to know more of each of them:

GIRLS

 

Tootsie is a little adventurer who adores people and is full of courage and purr-sonality. The only black kitty of the litter. How special is she?!

Kit Kat is a sweetheart who adores playing with shoelaces and being held.

Twix  is a doll who loves to chase feathers until nap-in-your-lap time.

Jelly Bean is the smallest little angel and she’s full of baby sweetness and joy.

BOY

Snickers is a darling mama’s boy who loves to play and get special pats.

MOM

   Melissa is a beautiful, petite brown tabby with white markings, huge gold eyes & a big heart.

We know you can't adopt just one, they are too cute! Make sure you pass the word so all the “Candy Kittens” can find moms and dads as sweet as they are

If you are interested in any of them, please contact foster moms Karen/Joan/Alyssa at 305-205-4646, 786-301-0795 and karen90new@gmail.com. Also please share on Facebook, Twitter and email them to friends and contacts!!!

‎Daffney is the latest Miami Riverfront rescue Calico kitten!

She's a calico as seen by her soft tri colors of white, caramel and gray.

At 10 weeks young, Daffney is a dynamo and loves to play chase, hide-and-go-seek but she's also a lover and will meow to pick her up, pet her, feed her, pay attention to her... best of all she rubs her chin and whiskers against your chin and face. This is called "marking". That means she's claiming you as hers!  ‎She also gives lick kisses! Daffney runs,jumps, and snuggles with you in bed. She may lay across your chest like a fur collar or nestle in between your shoulder and chest. Oh yes. She'll look at you and raise her chin to signal she wants you to scratch her.   Communication and Love. The recipe for purrfect relationship.

Daffney would love to have another kitten playmate. She's good with cat friendly dogs too!

She is healthy, had both rounds of vaccinations and rested negative for FIV and FeLV.‎ We will provide certificate to get her spayed. All vet records will be provided.  

To meet Daffney please contact us at 305 771-3163 or email us at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com.

Our Latest Riverfront Rescue Kitten! Please Help Name Her!

This six week old female calico kitten was recently dumped in our neighborhood. Christine just rescued her and we are trying to brainstorm a name just as beautiful as she is. We would love to read your suggestions in the comment section below. We will let everyone now which one we picked. Isn't she a darling?

Roxie and Sheena, an Unexpected and Joyful Adoption

Roxie and Sheena enjoying their favorite hobby, looking out the window

  By Carlina Colon

Until three months ago you could say I was the typical person who said “I’m not a cat person”. But that changed in the moment when my husband and I decided to foster Roxie and Sheena,  two year old beautiful black cats.  Their previous owner was an elderly man who died from natural causes. He had many cats and all of them were taken away after he died, except Roxie and Sheena. Nobody wanted them because they were black. "Really?" I thought.

A close neighbor of the former owner started to take care of them while they were moving all the belongings from the previous owner. She couldn’t adopt them because the landlord did not permit pets. Then the moment came when the apartment furniture and belongings were removed and these beauties were going to be dropped off at the county shelter.  That’s when Kerry (a friend of the neighbor who was taking care of them) contacted Christine (founder of Riverfront Cats) for help.

Christine asked me about the possibility of fostering Roxie and Sheena for three months.  I was doubtful at the beginning since I never had cats in my life, only dogs. However, after listening to their story and seeing pictures of the black beauties, I talked to my husband and we decided to take them in. We agreed only for three months.

When they were brought to our home, Roxie and Sheena were very afraid and nervous. There weren't the only ones. I always said I didn’t like cats because they don’t play with you like dogs and they are not as affectionate as dogs. OH I COULDN’T BE MORE WRONG. Roxie and Sheena were living proof of how sweet and affectionate a cat can be when you take the initiative to demonstrate affection, love. They were sad because their owner died, the melancholy was evident in their body language so my husband and I gave them their space for a couple a weeks to recover. After that, we started petting them little by little and then playing with them.

Roxie started to get very attached to my husband. She followed him around the apartment, rubbed against him all the time, more than me, and by now she sleeps on his side of the bed every night. On the other side, Sheena is attached to me, she wants me to pet her all the time, more than my husband, and sleeps on my side of the bed sometimes. We each have a personal fan.

My husband and Roxie

After seeing how their behavior changed and how much they love us, we decided we are not fostering anymore, we are adopting them; they are our little girls. There are no words to describe how happy we are to see them greet us at the door every day when we get home from work. My perception of cats has forever changed, especially black cats. They are particularly smart and beautiful.

Roxie on the chair while my husband is using his laptop

Also, I can say our relationship as a couple has improved since bringing home these would-be orphaned black cats.  Our bond is stronger.  My husband and I enjoy quality time with our furry children. This experience has enlightened, prepared and validated our parenting skills for when we have human children one day. They both require attention, affection, routine and discipline for healthy growth and development and a happy home. In my personal opinion, adopting any pet in need, is the most rewarding experience you could ever had.

Interested in adopting and providing a new home to a deserving pet? Maddie's^® Pet Adoption Days, is hosting a big free adoption event. This is the biggest free pet adoption event in the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals is leading the charge in New York City!. Mayor’s Alliance hopes to place hundreds of dogs and cats in qualified forever homes in the New York City Area on June 1 & 2. Free adoptions for qualified adopters will be offered throughout that weekend at participating shelters and other adoption locations, and at two large, outdoor adoption events in Manhattan. To see other cities participating in Maddie's^® Pet Adoption Days click here.

Fritz, The Brave Angel

 Fritz is a beautiful and loving eight- 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 an arduous protocol of medicated drops to recover from this horrible poisoning, but this brave angel was more than cooperative through the whole process. 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 was living, 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 eight lives to live. Despite his glossy blue eyes, he really can see well!

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.

Henry & Hobart the famous duo...

 Henry & Hobart

Kittens for Adoption

Introducing Henry & Hobart!

While they're not the next Batman & Robin fighting crime in Gotham Miami, or Penn & Teller- dismembering and putting together a lovely human, blonde volunteer in a magic show... Henry & Hobart are famous--or will be famous as the famous snugglers!  Not smugglers silly. It's snugglers with an "N".

Nuzzle, nuzzle, wet nose, droopy eyes...they have their act together and will melt your heart!

These two brothers were rescued at 3 months of age in October 2012.

Henry at 3 months

Hobart at 3 months

Both kittens love to be held, purr like little motors, and give kisses. Super sweet.  Right on time for Valentine's! Light blue blankie included!

To meet Henry & Hobart, contact foster mother Christina at cdm1580@bellsouth.net or. 305-338-4534 (Miami, FL).
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Sophie's leg is amputated

Many of you have asked for an update on Sophie, the one pound kitten rescued off the streets with hip dysplasia. We can't thank you enough for your concern and support for this tiny, innocent creature.

Well, I have bad news but also good news to share. For Sophie's first surgery, we knew it was a gamble on whether it would correct the leg and, more importantly, if she could keep the leg and grow normally. But we had to try.

Unfortunately, she lost nerve sensation in her paw that was she bending her toes at the lower phalanges (knuckles) which is dangerous as her weight would eventually crush those tiny bones.  The vet further explained other complications as her body continued to grow.  There were two options. A surgery to install a fixator that would cost $15,000 (yes that's 3 zeros) or amputation.We are a tiny nonprofit and of course that narrowed it down to one option--to amputate her hind leg.

As a pet lover and working in the trenches of rescue and adoption, I've come across many happy-ending stories of dogs and cats with special needs.  I know they can live long, happy lives, some better than those without special needs.  I was at peace with the decision knowing the right pet owner makes all the difference.  So just four weeks after her first surgery and weighing only two pounds, little Sophie's hind right leg was amputated. 

How is she doing? Well like many cats, Sophie is strong and a fighter.  While she can not walk normally (her back end slumps as she scoots in her hind leg to move forward and her weight distributes to the one leg) I was amazed how fast she runs, or hops I should say. Playing and racing with her brothers, Sophie can hop fast!  (Hmm may have to change her name to Speedy Rabbit.)

Sophie, Luciano, Figaro

As you can imagine, her vet bill was high--a whopping $1,300. Thankfully that bill was paid. But that's only the beginning. There was also her blood test, vaccinations and cost to get her spayed and neutered. Vet bills add up fast.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? 

Actually it's easier than you may think!

Of course, you can make a donation of any amount with credit, debit or PayPal by going to the right hand column under MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW and click on "Donate" button.

Other easy ways--this holiday season or for your regular shopping, just by making online purchases you can help Sophie or any of our rescued pets. 100% of donations go directly to the care of stray and rescued pets. We have zero paid staff.

If you never ordered pet food from Chewy.com, please give it a try. For your first order, Riverfront Cats will receive $20.  Just click on the banner ad on right hand side.

If your order pet food or any other item on Amazon , we also get a small proceed. Just click on the Amazon banner on to the right, and regardless of what you buy, whether it's pet supplies or home decor or electronics, Riverfront Cats will receive a small proceed just by starting the process and clicking on our banner ad. This is the important part. Always remember to visit our website and click our  Amazon banner ad to begin your shopping.

Pawsitively Humane (our umbrella organization) is now a participant of Adopt a Shelter. For shopping at online sites like  Petsmart, iTunes, eBay, Petco, Lowes, Walmart, Walgreens, Barnes & Noble, Heels.com, etc. via the Adopt a Shelter website, a portion benefits our shelter. First go to www.adoptashelter.com then follow these easy steps:

Step one:

• Choose a shelter. Be sure to select PAWSITIVELY HUMANE in Miami, FL. When our shelter appears, click on our shelter name.This will take you to a new page and list me (Christine Michaels) and Riverfront Cats as well. (Pawsitively Humane, Inc and Riverfront Cats are the same organization).

Step two:

• Click the button "SHOP  NOW" and begin your shopping.  It's that easy to shop and help homeless, abandoned and injured pets become healthy, happy pets!

Sophie napping with her brother Figaro (she's wearing gauze around neck.
You'll notice the stitches from where she lost her right leg)

We thank you for your continued support.  Little Sophie is a constant reminder not to get upset over little things and never to take life for granted and to be grateful for what we have--our health, our jobs, our friends and family.

The hardest part awaits us. Finding a permanent home. If you are interested in meeting little Sophie and giving her a home for the holidays, please email us at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com.

UPDATE: Sophie was adopted in January 2013! 

Figaro & Luciano for Adoption

Figaro and Luciano

UPDATE: These kittens were adopted in December 2012

Well it's time for cute and adorable Riverfront kitten adoptions. We have two handsome, healthy TUXEDO male kittens--talk about double trouble--for adoption.

Figaro and Luciano were found up the Miami River along with two other female siblings. One was already adopted in less than 24 hours!

Climbing onto the dishwasher--no, no!

Luciano (pronounced Lu-chee-ano with Italian accent) and Figaro are 10 weeks old, active, playful kittens. They love to be boys and climb, and wrestle and play good guy vs. bad guy --one chasing the other. Luciano (named after mafia boss Lucky Luciano) is quite clever and will quietly race up a recyclable shopping bag hanging from drawer handle, climb it with his nails and land on countertop in search of loot--food! His brother Figaro is equally clever but when he wants to rest, Figaro is a love bug and enjoys to snuggle near you, on your lap, chest, face...

We had fun naming them based on personality but you're welcome to rename them of course! Some suggestions : Carlo and Gambino (Carlo Gambino is another mob boss), Rocco, Capone...

Both Luciano and Figaro had blood tests (all negative), physical exam, and  received 4 vaccinations.They will need to be neutered in two months. (We will take care of that for you at no additional cost).

They are healthy and ready to bring the action to your home!

Adoption fee is $55 per kitten or take both for the same fee. They love to play together, entertain each other, and keep each other company while you're out of the home. Two is always better than one.

To meet Luciano and Figaro contact Riverfrontcats@yahoo.com.

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Kittens, Smirnov and Stoli

Update:  BOTH KITTENS WERE ADOPTED!

These two kittens were found across the street in the empty fenced-in lot on 3rd Street. And now they need a loving home!

They are brothers and six months old. Smirnov is the Russian Blue and his brother Stoli, is the brown tabby.

Smirnov is all Russian-- intelligent, handsome with his short clean cut look, the blue-gray fur like a luxurious coat straight out of Dr. Zhivago, stoic and penetrating green eyes leave you mesmerized. For fun, Smirnov hunts for invisible creatures and then bounces around in a wild bunny hop. All he's missing is the vodka.


Smirnov



His brother on the other hand may have been nursed with vodka. His paws clumsily grab at dangling objects unable to pin them down.  A timid kitten, he peaks around the door watching his brother take a big step into unknown, wide space--the living room. An object moves and Stoli quickly scurries under the bed. His small round baby face is so endearing, he welcomes the cradling, the cooing, and the endless scratching of his head or belly rubs.  Stoli wants to be a kitten forever. 

These kittens need a loving home. They are both deflead, dewormed, received blood test, vaccinated and neutered.  You can adopt either kitten for only $75.00 or make their day and adopt both brothers for only $85.00. Any vet would charge $250 just to neuter them! If you adopt both kittens, you'll receive A GIFT BASKET that includes not one but two luxurious cat pet beds, premium cat food both moist and dry food, and the ASPCA cat handbook! Retail value for gift basket is $65.00.

According to cat experts, it's better to adopt two cats than one. They are happy and healthier when they have a playmate and are less likely to destroy your home. They are complete opposite but understand and love eachother.

If interested, please call Christine at 786-205-6165..

P.S. the mother is a new cat on the block but she does not reside where the Riverfront cats live by main entrance. The mother needs to be spayed before she gets pregnant again! To donate to this effort, please call or email Christine! Remember this is not the job of Animal Services or Humane Society. It's our responsibility--the community's responsibility. Click here to learn more.