Why Won't Loews Hotel Tell the Truth?

A concerned person wrote to the Loews Hotels and received this response. It offers no new information and Loews still has not answered critical questions to this day.

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Thank you for your recent letters explaining your position on the TNR program. While TNR may be successful in other locations, it was not successful in eliminating our prime issue of feral cats interacting with guests and entering guest areas. The attempt to conduct this pilot program was not successful and thus, was suspended. FACT: Experts that visited the site will tell you the program worked for a number of reasons including the expansive grounds of the hotel where cats were never seen. Also former employees and past and current feeders of the Loews cats, are not aware of any regular interaction of the outdoor Loews cats with guests that occurred  unless guests went looking for the cats. These are employees who spent time in caring for the cats. And if the cats were getting close to guest areas, the feeding areas could have been moved further away. This is an easy remedy.  There have been several incidents in the hotel's history of domesticated pet dogs attacking other dogs or guests. Why didn't Loews end the pet program? *

We attempted to work directly with the local feral cat organization, and most recently with Alley Cat Allies, to re-locate the cats from our property. Unfortunately, they felt they could not support this change and would not assist in the process. Orange County Animal Services advised that their standard protocol is to turn ear-tipped cats that are brought into their shelter to the local feral cat group, for placement elsewhere. We chose this option. FACT: These organizations can not support relocation--a process that is clearly traumatizing to the cats with little success rates. In addition the methods of Critter Control have been inhumane.  It's all documented on www.facebook.com/SaveLoewsCats.  The outdoor cats were like barnyard pet cats in many ways. They knew their names, they had a story, they were familiar with caretakers. Loews Hotels accepts domesticated dogs without checking medical records including vaccinations. So why discriminate against harmless, vaccinated cats?

Much of what I read in your letter is not based upon the realities of our situation. We are re-locating feral cats to the Orange County Animal Services Center and are working closely with the team there. Everything is being handled by licensed professionals. Orange County Animal Services has come on-site for a detailed review of everything we are doing and advised us that they had no concerns with our process. FACT: The animal shelter is aware that Loews has decided to trap their cats, but that is extent of the relationship. Loews is not doing the trapping. Loews is not delivering the cats to OCAS. Loews hired Critter Control  to trap the cats and they are supposedly dropping off trapped cats at OCAS. Who is monitoring Critter Control?  No one. Loews  is not paying for the relocation efforts.  Loews is not paying for the vet bills for injured cats. There are several cats unaccounted for.  Where are they Loews? Where are they Critter Control?


As I am sure you are aware, there are many who support positions contrary to TNR. Our hotels are pet-friendly, but there are important distinctions between owned pets and outdoor, free-roaming feral animals. The Florida Department of Health's position statement on this issue is clear and supports the concern we have for the health and safety of guests and team members. FACT: There is a distinction. The fact is domesticated "owned" dogs brought on property pose greater risk than do outdoor, managed, rabies-vaccinated cats.* Outdoor cats are naturally scared of strangers and run away as one approaches them. Loews knows this. There are documented incidents of dog attacks but  Loews does not share this with the public.  Loews does not check for medical and vaccination records of hotel pet guests. Loews does not call the veterinarian of hotel pet guest to verify if the records are updated and legitimate. The Loews outdoor cats were sterilized and rabies vaccinated.  There is greater risk of hotel guest slipping in bathtub or anywhere on the hotel grounds. Loews has hotel guests with a  pet sign a waver. Why not have everyone sign a waver recognizing that indoor and outdoor pets exist on property including ducks?

Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
Who is "I" mentioned in the letter?

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We are not giving up!  We encourage supporters of the Loews cats to please take a moment to pick up the telephone and ask to speak to Paul Whetsell, the new CEO. You will probably never speak to him but do speak with his executive assistant.  Be prepared to share your concerns with bullet points and questions. Please be polite. If you get voice mail, just leave your name and number. If you don't hear back, keep trying.
   

Corporate Office (Loews Hotels)

667 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065-8087
(212) 521 2000
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For MEDIA INQUIRIES "Save Loews Cats"
Contact Alicia Grecco
786-205-6165

*At Riverfront Cats we support pet-friendly hotels. However we can no longer support Loews Hotels. As stated repeatedly throughout these posts, there have been incidents of pet dogs attacking other dogs and guests at Loews hotels. We agree the hotel should not abandon their pet -friendly program  because these "accidents" or tragedies (as in January 2012) are rare. However, the elimination of the Loews outdoor cats goes against their brand and increasing science that TNRM works.  Unfortunately the Health Department of Florida is outdated. They have taken an old statement  and added today's date. The Health Department has not provided any science that TNRM of feral cats poses a health risk to the community.

SAVES LOEWS HOTEL CATS

Riverfront Cats was tracking the progress of the successful TNRM program at Loews Orlando Hotels. Upon concluding  her case study, Christine sadly learned in December 2011, of Loews' decision  to eliminate all the cats on the property.  Many blog posts, articles and events have occurred. To help you track this case chronologically we list the relevant links from the beginning.  The most recent postings are at the bottom.

For Media Inquiries
Please contact
Alicia Grecco
alicia.grecco@yahoo.com

Loews Loathes Pets?
This is the first posting sounding the alarm about Loews hotels' sudden reversal to eliminate harmless, healthy, outdoor cats. The posting provides a complete background of the inception of TNRM and photos of the cats and their beautiful Italian-theme cat feeding mansions.  http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/01/loews-loathes-pets.html

Loews Abandons Successful TNRM program
In sounding the alarm, Christine reached out to fellow cat bloggers and the media across the nation. When cat and animal lovers learned that a mother and her kittens were already trapped (from the Hard Rock Hotel) and later euthanized at the shelter, bloggers unleashed their fury. The USA Today also picked up the story. Loews, in feeling the pressure, stopped trapping but then announced they would relocate the cats. This we know is traumatic for the cats. Recognizing that the general public was unaware of the plight of outdoor community cats, we provided various links where cat educators could leave comments that denounced Loews' new decision.  Educating the average person (even though they may own cats) is key to saving these harmless cats. http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/01/loews-hates-pet-cats-more-links-to.html

Mainstreaming of Feral Cats
In a joint effort to kickoff an education campaign due to the Loews Hotels cats cause, author, Deb Barnes, of Zee and Zoey Chronicles, interviewed Christine Michaels about the misconceptions of feral cats and why TNRM works. Video 1 explains the Loews Orlando Hotel situation. Video 2 follows Christine as she feeds the Riverfront cats, some once feral, are now friendly. But all the cats are apparently happy and healthy and welcome Christine's visit. http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/01/mainstreaming-of-feral-cat.html

Urgent Update: Loews Orlando Hotels Resume Trapping
Riverfront Cats received a tip that Loews had hired a wildlife exterminator (Critter Control) to trap the cats and drop them off at local animal shelter. We were ready and one informant was on property to verify that Critter Control was at the Loews Orlando Hotels setting traps. Loews buried the announcement in a separate section of their Facebook page.  http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/03/urgent-update-loews-orlando-hotels.html

The Official Press Release by Save Loews Cats organizers summarizing events and the inhumane trapping by Critter Control. The photos speak volumes.
http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/04/loews-orlando-hotels-begin-inhumane.html

The Protest against Loews Orlando Universal Hotels --an account of a compassionate (not crazy) cat lady's adventure. http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/04/protest-against-loews-universal-orlando.html

On Earth Day, Christine is reminded of the sad plight of the Loews Hotel cats. She recalls the artwork throughout the Loews Portofino that features upscale residents with an outdoor cat.
http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/04/earth-day-harsh-reminder-irony-in-loews.html

Why Won't Loews Hotel Tell the Truth?  
Loews Hotels responded to some letters with another template response with more falsehoods and blanket statements. http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/05/more-lies-from-loews-hotels.html

The Death of Common Sense and Cats
A concerned supporter points out the holes in Loews Hotel's logic to rid of cats. It will only lead to more senseless killing. http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/05/death-of-common-sense-and-cats.html


Follow more detailed weekly activity, follow us on www.facebook.com/SaveLoewsCats
Thanks to the tremendous coordination by Care Feline TNR and kind-hearted residents, most cats have been relocated. We pray for their safe release.

Note: By purchasing your pet's subscriptions through the link in upper right corner, Riverfront Cats receives a donation of 10% of  your purchase.

Iranian Special Needs Cat Gets New Life in US

While the Loews Orlando Hotels are spending  unlimited amounts of money in security cameras, overtime pay for security guards, and hotel room for Critter Control Trappers, to trap and eliminate healthy, harmless, outdoor cats,  others are gathering funds to save the life of one severely injured cat with a will to live.

This cat had tilted pelvis affecting his hind leg motion and was covered in gasoline and mud in streets of Tehran, Iran. Then well-intentioned vets botched up his leg amputation but at least two pellets were removed from his head.  He was flown to San Francisco and is making remarkable progress. 

Just take a look at this video. It will melt your heart. Special needs cats are super affectionate and intelligent in our opinion.

Earth Day a Harsh Reminder, Irony in Loews Hotel Artwork

Artwork throughout Loews Portofino depicting beautiful landscape and outdoor cats
(see the cat at bottom of painting)

On this Earth Day, sadly I was not in the mind frame to celebrate. I had wanted to attend an Earth event at the Miami Zoo. But just one photo of a happy zoo animal in commune with the earth speared daggers through my heart.  My mind immediately pondered over the continuing saga of the Loews Hotel cats. 

Since becoming a caretaker and educator about outdoor, TNRMd community cats, I quickly observed and learned that these cats form a bond with the earth, their environment and their caretakers. When thinking about it carefully, these cats have it all-- food, shelter, attention and affection from caretakers and freedom. The freedom to roam, run, climb trees, take naps under a shady tree or on rock slab overlooking the bay or in a field of grass lazily watching crickets and other insects scaling blades of grass.

Cats were domesticated over 4000 years ago in Ancient Egypt and became part of the family, part of everyday life, some indoors, some outdoors.

Ironically this fact is punctuated in the artwork throughout the Loews Portofino hotel. Paintwork of the outdoor landscape -- beautifully manicured lawns, lush vegetation, grassy hills with a crown of trees, ornate urns, a regal gentleman posing, and in each image is a cat! I was so impressed by this branding when I first visited the hotel in May 2011. The slogan "Loews Loves Pets",  the artwork of upper class residents outdoors with cats, indoor cats and dogs as hotel guests and the recent peaceful coexistence of outdoor cats all supporting the brand in unison.  As a marketing professional, this was brilliant.

Artwork at entrance of Portofino in the anteroom to main lobby

Tragically the outdoor cats have been ripped away from the only home they knew.  Today, they are traumatized. Some don't eat fearful of the unknown, or whether to trust humans again. Bernie, on his way to a new home, was vomiting violently. He was transported back to the foster mother. The road to relocation is a long, painful journey and some cats may not survive. We know this from experience. But we press on.

 That fear is like a cancer. Compassionate employees, some who were caretakers and many others who rallied and supported the effort, live under constant threat and intimidation.  A longtime employee, Galena, was reportedly fired from Loews Royal Pacific for feeding the cats. She worked there for 12 years.  Naturally the media want to speak with caretakers, with employees to shed more light on the truth. But after Galena’s firing, employees are more fearful than ever after warnings from Loews not to speak to anyone about the cats or feed them while trapping continues or risk losing their jobs.   I know what it is like to work under this intimidation, and when an employer’s actions go against my values. It’s no longer a job. It’s hell. 

Volunteers who are actively bailing out the Loews Hotel cats from animal services, tiredly seeking and placing the cats in foster homes, and the preoccupation for vet care for a number of injured cats, have reached their breaking point. All this on top of their full-time jobs, on top of their other volunteer work in rescuing non Loews TNRd cats, on top of their own families and responsibilities—it’s overwhelming.

How can one or two men in power inflict so much pain and suffering upon innocent animals and people?  We know the answer. History is plagued with examples.

Universal's Cat in the Hat will no longer lift the corners of my mouth with fond childhood memories. It is now a negative anchor of the injured Cat in the Trap, these cats which I consider to be like barnyard pet cats.

This is one of the lowest  points in our efforts to overturn ignorance and discrimination. But I refuse to end on a sad note. There is always hope for the future because we keep fighting through education. Only through education will we enlighten minds and uplift hearts. Soon I’ll be sharing a happy story about Charlie, a cat dumped in my neighborhood. After months, I gained his trust that eventually I could pet him and pick him up in my arms. Halt! For my heart leaps with false hope. Not all affectionate, outdoor cats adapt to the boundaries of indoor environment. But his story is only the beginning of a new journey. Stay tuned.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for the Loews Hotel cats.

www.facebook.com/SaveLoewsCats

The Protest Against Loews Universal Orlando Hotels

I RODE 4 HOURS, SLEPT 5 HOURS, CLIMBED HILLS, CRAWLED IN BUSHES & PROTESTED

Yes I am a modern cat woman!

by Christine Michaels

This past Saturday, April 14, 2012, Alley Cat Allies led a protest against Loews Universal Orlando Hotels for their irresponsible, ill-informed decision and inhumane trapping of the Loews Hotels outdoor cats.

Close to 70 people drove to the site and protested, armed with signs and photos of the injured cats-- Houdini with blood on his forehead and down the nose, Shadow with a deep gash on the top of her head...[for a history of the cats, click here]



Shadow with deep gash on her head


LOEWS INFILTRATOR
Interesting, there was a man with a hard-to-miss-looks-like-missile-weapon camera milling about who was believed to be working for Loews.  He was discovered by the organizers upon arriving  at the parking lot. He was sitting in a white SUV, the same white SUVs that all the Loews security drive. (We know this because we had a chance to walk the grounds of both properties the night before and the day of the protest).  He got out of the car as protesters arrived.  He took photos and never carried or displayed a sign. I questioned him nonchalantly and he said he was dropping off his wife at work at one of the offices there at the office park  and saw the protest and thought he would "check it out".  I asked him "Do you always carry that big expensive professional camera?" He answered yes. The problem with his story is that a protester saw him with another man in the SUV. And the offices were all closed that day. But we had nothing to hide and I politely educated him on the plight of  homeless cats, how Loews had a model program, that each cat had a name and story and were truly traumatized and badly injured through this process.

Suspected Loews Infiltrator and Christine

CAT WOMEN disguised as TOURISTS
Alas my cat cohorts and I arrived the night before and pretended to be tourists walking the grounds at 1am--yes 1am--hey South Floridians stay up late! (We live in Miami and drove to Orlando after work). I didn't see any of the cats nor any traps but I learned of the feeding spots from former caretakers and dumped piles of dry cat food. The cats had been starving for over two weeks and Orange County Animal Services did NOT take down my complaint of animal cruelty. (I tried three times--hugely disappointed in OCAS). After five hours of sleep (adrenaline was pumping when working undercover), I dressed in black and went by myself for an early morning stroll (7:30am) and proudly with the stealth and grace of predecessor panthers, I climbed, I crawled, and I dumped more cat food inside the bushes of where the cats reportedly resided, at least the ones that still remained to be captured at the Portofino. No surprise that Bonnie & Clyde have not been caught and are elusive. Like their namesakes, it may take awhile to capture these clever cats.



Deb, Christine, Dorian

 Then after a morning shower, we dressed up as tourists and headed to the Loews Royal Pacific.   We ambled around the grounds snapping photos like tourists. While my partners- in -cat- crime -prevention kept up the acting role, I disappeared into the bushes and found a beautiful white and black cat. Sure enough he scurried away but I left him an appetizing pile of dry and salmon canned food. Time for brunch! We repeated the process throughout the property. Mission accomplished! Now off to the protest.

Two TV stations, Channel 2 and Channel 9 sent cameramen and reporters. Unfortunately these were not seasoned reporters and missed the essence of the story and many important facts. The Public Relations Director for Loew Orlando Hotels, Jennifer Hodges, in her response, told reporters  that the number of cats were increasing. Jennifer Hodges knows this is not true. Like all the other employees, she was impressed with the TNR program and used to visit the designated room for post surgery care for the spayed/neutered cats and hold the kittens. She even invited her husband to visit the cat room.  Hodges' response to media was different from earlier TV reports. Apparently reporters had not done due diligence otherwise they would have easily connected the dots.  Here is the link to the WESH Channel 2 TV report. Please leave a comment on their site to share your disappointment in their gross lack of homework and reporting. 

Our fight has just begun! There is little to zero awareness that outdoor cats that are TNRM'd (Trap-Neutered-Returned to outdoors- and Managed) pose no threat to people. If anything more companies, communities, and neighborhoods are embracing TNRM as a successful means to address rising stray cat population.  It worked at Loews for years.  Therefore our efforts are focused on education as well as keeping up pressure on Loews.

We love this sign that was created by Vox Feline.

Stay connected and updated daily by LIKING our Facebook page www.facebook.com/SavesLoewsCats
More action steps to come and we need everyone's support!

A BRIEF HISTORY
These cats were healthy, spayed/neutered, and received rabies vaccination and lived peacefully for years on the grounds of the Loews Portofino Bay and Loews Royal Pacific hotels at Universal in Orlando, Florida. They were fed, cared for and managed by employees at their cost. Many employees were proud to make a difference in controlling the cat population and enhance their chain's slogan "Loews Loves Pets". It was a win-win-win for the cats, the community, and Loews. Cats were rarely seen by guests due to the expansive grounds and lush landscaping.  There was never a single incident of injury or disease due to the cats. Of course we know that outdoor cats are skiddish of strangers and only come close to caretakers. Loews management didn't care. Or should we say one person didn't care--David Bartek, Regional Director of Operations.



Loews Hotels Loathe Cats by Steve Dale

Here's an excellent article in Chicago Now in the section of Steve Dale's Pet World  addressing the Loews hotel cat situation.

http://www.chicagonow.com/steve-dales-pet-world/2012/04/loews-loathes-cats/

Loews Orlando Hotels Begin Inhumane Trapping of Harmless Cats

ORLANDO, FL (April 4, 2012) – Loews Hotels, whose pet-friendly slogan claims "Loews Loves Pets" hired a wildlife animal exterminator this past week to trap their outdoor cats and take them to the county animal shelter-- a death sentence. The move ignited concerns from animal lovers across the country, including hotel guests, who have come together to fight back and save the cats from death.

Outrage has increased after photos of the cats being trapped were released. One cat was trapped Friday and four others were captured and delivered to the local county shelter on Monday. Non-profit group CARE Feline TNR has stepped up to bail them to avoid euthanasia. CARE volunteers have been deeply saddened by the state of these once-healthy cats after being trapped, sharing photos of the cats with bloody noses, covered in urine on the Save Loews Cats Facebook page – signs that trapping is not being done humanely.

Gash on the head of Shadow

Loews has ordered that employees and vendors are no longer allowed to feed the cats on the property as of Wednesday of last week. Employees who were once permitted to care for them are now being threatened with losing their jobs and disciplinary action if they continue. Without food, the cats are starving and suffering. One employee reports that one cat appeared to be "skin and bones" due to withholding of food and water.

"These cats have lived there for years. This is their home. They have food and caretakers, like any indoor pet. More importantly they each have names and a story" says George Ricci, the bellman who started the effort and was the main caretaker.

Employees monitored and fed the cats on their own time and money. The controversy stems from the fact that the Loews Orlando hotels once employed TNRM (Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage)—a proven model to address outdoor cats that are not adaptable to the indoors. The cats are all trapped to get spayed/neutered, dewormed, rabies vaccinated, then returned to their outdoor home environment and managed by caretakers. The TNRM was successful at the Loews Portofino Bay and Loews Royal Pacific in Orlando for years. The cat population remained at below 20. Furthermore, these cats were like barnyard, outdoor pet cats given Loews' extensive grounds like a farm. These Loews cats all had beautiful Italian-theme feeding stations, to complement the Portofino theme, but still way off the guest path.

Gracie at feeding station

Loews cites a general statement from the Florida Department of Health that "feral cats pose a continuous concern to communities due to the persistent threat of injury and disease" to back their trapping and removal. Yet, since 1975, there have been no reported cases of a cat transmitting rabies to a human in this country. The risk that feral cats, who tend to be shy by nature and fearful of people, could transmit rabies to humans while at large is thus minimal, according to experts Dr. Julie Levy and Cynda Crawford authors of Humane Strategies for Controlling Feral Cat Populations, in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, 225:1354-1360.

"These cats are not feral or free-roaming. They have a home, shelter and caretakers who monitor them daily. The fact that they are dewormed and receive rabies vaccinations, mitigates concerns for zoonotic disease" says Charlene Grall, president of The Cat Network.

"I’m beyond shocked Loews would do this" says one employee who asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their job. "Loews allows other indoor ’domesticated’ pets inside the hotel in close proximity to children and other guests. No one knows the temperament of a dog or any pet. As staff, we know of the persistent problems of fleas and dog urine in the guest rooms."

"Just this past January, a large dog of one guest attacked and killed the small dog of another guest at the Loews Royal Pacific. We’ve had more incidents with indoor guest pets and none with the outdoor cats. Getting rid of the cats doesn’t make any sense".

While Loews may ask hotel guests bringing pets to provide proof of vaccination, this practice is not necessarily enforced or verified. Also, only guests with pets are asked to sign a waiver.

This issue first originated in January 2012, when Christine Michaels, of Riverfront Cats, upon concluding a case study of the successful Loews TNRM program, learned of the current intention to get rid of the cats. She shared their decision with fellow animal lovers and bloggers, and they unleashed their fury on social media.

After seeing the public outcry, Loews initially backed down to investigate other alternatives for the cats. Experts and leaders of major animal welfare organizations reached out to Loews to help. To this day, Loews Hotels never returned emails or phone calls of leading cat experts such as Alley Cat Allies.

"This is so sad given that other businesses and communities are starting to embrace TNRM with positive results across the country" Michaels says. "Disney has been doing this for many years. Now a San Antonio country club in Texas has also brought in a bunch cats to join their security force. I manage 20 outdoor cats around three upscale condos in downtown Miami. It works".

Michaels says the biggest obstacle is constant misconceptions of feral or free-roaming cats and little to zero awareness of the epidemic rate of homeless cats and dogs.

"The word ’feral’ invokes images of aggressive, disease-ridden rodents" Michaels says. "On the contrary, managed cats do not have rabies or worms, and are likely to be shy or scared of strangers and hide. Also, not all outdoor cats can adapt to indoor life. Friendly outdoor cats can become extremely nervous indoors with limited boundaries and walls. Education is key. "

According to outdoor cat caretakers, cats form bonds with their environment and they protect their territory and chase away predators, and even keep other cats away. By eliminating these closely managed cats from Loews properties, they invite a new colony of unsterilized cats, as proven by what is called the "vacuum effect".

"We see this all the time. What will Loews do? Keep sending cats to their death costing taxpayers? TNRM worked" Michaels says. "It controlled the population humanely at no cost to Loews".

Concerned animal lovers are not sitting quietly. They have leveraged social media and voiced their anger on the "Save Loews Cats" Facebook page, growing it to over 1,250 followers in just four days. The page is regularly updated with news, photos and recommended next steps for supporters to arm themselves with more facts about outdoor cats.

Houdini

Closeup of Houdini with blood on forehead and nose

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alicia Grecco
786-205-6165
alicia.grecco@yahoo.com

Urgent Update: Loews Orlando Hotels Set Traps for Cats

URGENT UPDATE: (This is an update to an alert that Riverfront Cats uncovered and broadcasted in January)

Loews Hotel has hired Critter Control and TODAY set traps on all three properties (Loews Portofino, Loews Royal Pacific, and Hard Rock hotels) to trap the cats and take them to OCAS (Orange County Animal Services where they will be killed.

FACT: Traps were set today on all three properties by Critter Control.

FACT: Critter Control of Orlando specializes in removal wildlife animals, not feral cats! (we do not know yet if Critter Control is properly licensed to trap cats). http://orlando.crittercontrol.com/

FACT: Loews NEVER consulted with animal experts. Loews never returned the phone calls, emails, letters of animal authorities such as Alley Cat Allies.

FACT: Loews stated reasons associated with wildlife animals which are very different from free-roaming cats.

FACT: "Feral cat" does not mean it's aggressive. On the contrary, they are skiddish of strangers. These cats are more outdoor pets. They have a home, shelter, know the caretakers and have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. Feral in this sense means they do not adapt to indoors and boundaries of walls.

FACT: Loews and City of Orlando have never had a reported case of disease or injury related to a well- managed cat colony that were all sterilized and rabies vaccinated.

FACT: Loews faces much higher risk by allowing domesticated pets inside the property with close contact to children and other guests. Just this past January one dog of a guest, attacked and KILLED the dog of another guest at the Royal Pacific.

FACT: The leader of this effort to help the cats, his employer and the community, was a bellman, George Ricci,  who felt compelled to leave his job in order to protect the cats and mostly to educate the public about this cause. The general public has little to no knowledge about free-roaming cats. There are many misconceptions.

FACT: Employees cared for the cats on their own time and money! This was a free service employees provided to their employer.

FACT: The CEO, Jonathon Tisch, promotes good citizenship, yet is threatening employees with their jobs for following a proven model embraced by animal welfare organizations, businesses, and communities across the United States including Disney! The practice is called TNRM. Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage.

Please call the hotel and ask to speak with manager (407- 503-1234). Let him or her know you have a complaint. Don't give specifics to phone taker. Just demand to speak to manager and ask:  

1. Why didn't management consult with any animal experts? Animal Control specializes in removing dead animals, not the "congregation and habits of wildlife animals" .

2. Why didn't management return any communications from animal and cat authorities like Alley Cat Allies?

3. Does he/she know distinction between an opossum and free-roaming cat?

4. Why are they abandoning something that worked? If Disney has done it for many years, why can't Loews?  There is higher risk of harm and injury from domesticated pets inside hotel. Or higher risk of someone slipping on floor.

Charlie Brown is ready for Adoption

UPDATE:Charlie Brown was adopted!!!

Meet Charlie Brown, the newest Riverfront cat that was sadly dumped in the neighborhood.

Charlie clearly had a caretaker as he soon warmed up to the volunteer feeders. But not all outdoor cats are adoptable for indoors. There was only one way to find out.  Within a few days, Charlie has adjusted to living indoors. Even more it is believed he may be part American Curl cat. These are cats known for two things.

First their ears. While most have slight curl or curve, they are shorter than most cats.  Charlie's ears do not have the curl but are definitely shorter. Even more fascinating, his ears point forward and sideways like antennas when he hears a noise. 

Second, American  Curls have qualities other than the whimsical ears to make them attractive pets. They are people cats that do not show any of the stereotypical aloofness, and are affectionate without harassing people for attention the way some breeds can. Charlie exhibits this quality. You can easily pick him up and place him on your lap or next to you and he curls up like a baby and welcomes you to pet him.

Feel free to change his name. Other ideas for names include "Detroit" because he's a soft purring engine when you pet him nonstop. Or "Jiminy Cricket" because his ears move like antennas of an insect.

Charlie is neutered, tested negative to feline Aids and leukemia and received both rabies and other shots. All medical paperwork available upon adoption.

His current foster family is moving out of the country and would love to keep him as they fell in love with Charlie and his personality and ears... but he would have to be quarantined for months! So if you adopt him in next three weeks, the fee is only $35. After April 23, the fee is $75.

To meet Charlie Brown, please send email to riverfrontcats@yahoo.com

Carrie Ann Inaba Helps Shelter Cats

She's sexy, eloquent, a celebrity (judge on Dancing with the Stars) and has SIX cats plus a dog! We first heard Carrie Ann Inaba declare she's a cat lady as guest host on Live with Kelly. She's proud of it and went on to educate viewers how rescuing homeless cats changed her life. But now we learn she's doing more! Could Carrie Ann become the celebrity spokesperson for homeless cats? WE HOPE SO!

Today we learned she's the producer of an upcoming web show Crib Cat that will air on Petsami’s YouTube channel, starting in March. The series will feature adoptable shelter cats handpicked by Inaba, who hopes to reduce the overall number of cats in shelters.

In a blog post on ecorazzi,

 Inaba has partnered with the Best Friends Animal Society and PETA in the past, and has more animal-friendly ventures on the horizon. In May, she’ll host the Humane Society’s Genesis Awards, which will air on Animal Planet. And when she and Sloan tie the knot later this year, their pets will be part of the ceremony. She says, “They’re so much a part of our family that they have to be involved.”

Click on the link above for the full story.

 We look forward to the upcoming show in March and following Carrie Ann's progress in saving felines and also overturning misconceptions about "cat ladies". Here's to a new breed of SEXY CAT LADIES!