End the Litterbox Shuffle with #PreciousCat

 Did you know that 10% of indoor cats soil outside the Litter Box?

Zeke used to urinate outside litter box at his former home
but he uses it just fine at the shelter!
Why? Read on!

Considering the millions of cats in this country, that is mucho accidentes--that's Spanish for "many accidents".  To meow a number, nine million cats have litter box aversion.

At Riverfront Cats, as a nonprofit dedicated to education and rescue, we hear a litany of reasons as to why cat guardians relinquish their cats due to behavioral issues. Inappropriate urination is the number one reason.

But there is hope so less cats are surrendered at the local pound or abandoned outside due to litter box fear and end the litter brand shuffle.

"Are these toys suppose to make litter box more fun?"

We recently had the opportunity to participate in the interview process with cat expert, Dr. Bruce Elsey the creator of  Precious Cat's Cat Attract Litter to ask him our burning questions about cats and litter boxes. In 1978, Dr. Elsey opened his first cat-only practice in the Denver metro area. His was the latest practice out of 13 in the entire country specific to cats.  The science behind dog health was leap years ahead that of the feline species. So without dogs in the waiting room, cats were more at ease and Dr. Elsey could focus his skills and contribute to advancing the science of cat health. Brillliant!

Cats Marking Territory with Urine vs. Inappropriate Urine Elimination

First we learned there is a difference between marking territory and inappropriate elimination.

According to Dr. Elsey, if the cat urinates in a line and does not turn around and sniff, then the cat is marking territory. Marking is a form of communication for cats to get their point across.  These alpha cats will still use litter boxes.

However if the cat forms a puddle, and turns to sniff, this is considered inappropriate urination, and likely a cause of litter aversion.

We once spotted blood  in smaller-than-normal clumps when cleaning the litter box. A sign of blockage? But with six indoor cats, how to pinpoint which cat had a problem? We did not observe any behavior change nor did we plan to wait. Checking the bottoms of each cat, sure enough we found traces of blood on Geisha. We rushed her to the vet to rule out a medical problem.

Looking at her, you would never know Geisha was ill.
Cleaning the litter box more than once a day, indicated something was wrong.

According to Dr. Elsey,

The number one reason to have blood in urine is interstitial cystitis. It’s more of a brain problem than a health issue and is brought on by stress. Those cats, 90% under 10 years old, will not have a urinary tract infection (bacterial). If you have a cat that has blood in its urine there is only a 10% chance that it has a bacterial infection. Interstitial cystitis is more stress related and the owner would have to work with the cat on behavior and work to change/enrich cat’s environment to change that.

Part of that environment is to ensure optimal space, exercise, the number of cats and type of litter.

CATS NEED EXERCISE
In historic times, cats lived outdoors. As time evolves the outdoors pose greater dangers and it is encouraged to keep cats indoors. In doing so cat guardians have a responsibility to ensure cats have playtime to expend energy in the same way they used to roam as predators.

CATS NEED SPACE and HIGH PLACES
So you have an argument with your spouse and send him to sleep in the dog house to reduce tension in the household. Well cats also need a place to escape the drama and unexpected noises and intrusions.
Perches, ledges, and high places is a favorite retreat for cats.

Gretel , a total Diva, on window sill overlooking downtown Miami

CATS NEED FRIENDS BUT EIGHT IS ENOUGH
Playmates help with exercise and energy. But too many cats in a household also risk increases in household tension.  Not everyone plays nice in the sandbox and multiple cats may lead to marking territory.

So this leads to the question: what are ways to ensure cats use the INSIDE of the litter box?

1. Location, Location, Location
Real estate is prime in Miami and the same goes for cats and their litter boxes. Keep boxes away from high traffic areas, in quiet area, with room to move around so it's not too close to the neighbors. 

2. Bigger is Better
Most cat guardians have litter boxes that are too small for their cats. The rule of thumb is one and half times the length of your cat so the kitty has room to turn around and cover and reduce chance of stepping in their elimination.

3. Convertible is the Way to Go
Can you imagine using portable potties several times a day? Enclosed, no air circulation, the stench... you get the picture. If you don't like it, cats don't either! Consider removing the cover

4. Clean Litter Box EVERYDAY
What if you flushed the toilet once a week? Need we continue with the image of the portable toilets  from above? PLEASE clean the litter box daily, or hire a pet sitter and housekeeper.

5. One Litter Box per Cat plus ONE
The rule of thumb is still the same. For every cat, get one litter box plus one extra box.  You can get creative with boxes and hide them in ottomans, end tables and cut out holes in the back. This may even motivate you to clean the litter box more often.

6. Feed Cats Moist Food!
There is a constant discussion about moist vs. dry and we have worked with many cats, both outdoor, indoor, rescue, adopted, abandoned... and talked to many vets. MOIST FOOD is beneficial.  According to Dr. Elsey kidney compromise is the number one reason for demise in older cats. We've seen it  too many times.

Cats are in a chronic stage of dehydration their entire life when on dry food and that’s not conducive to normal kidney function. Consider a cat’s diet in the wild would be a mouse with a moisture content of 80%; canned food is 72-82% moisture, and dry food has a 10% moisture. Cats simply don’t drink enough water to make up for the moisture deficit and this can have an adverse impact on kidney function. And that leads back to urinary issues.

7.Cat Attract Litter
If you follow the above steps religiously, then it's time to turn to your litter.  Cats like a litter that is as close to sand as possible, from a texture standpoint. Using sand indoors isn’t an option because even though cats like it, it doesn’t absorb. So Dr. Elsey created a formula in fine particle size, with an herbal essence that is pleasing to cats and that also absorbs.

The seven steps above will help reduce anxiety in your cat, lessen frustration for you and END the musical litter boxes and bring harmony and purrs and all around. Please share this link and help educate other cat owners and reduce the number of surrendered cats. It's all about education.

After this interview, we will be receiving the Precious Cat's Cat Attract litter to test it and provide our honest review in coming weeks. So stay tuned.  And now for a commercial break...

This post is sponsored by Precious Cat on behalf of the BlogPaws Blogger Network . We are being compensated for helping spread the word about Precious Cat's Cat Attract formula, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Precious Cat is not responsible for the content of this article.

Ponga Fin a los Constantes Cambios de Caja de Arena con #PreciousCat

¿Sabía usted que el 10 % de los gatos de interior orinan fuera de la caja de arena?

  Zeke solía orinarse fuera de la caja de arena en su previo hogar

 pero ahora la usa sin problema en el refugio!

Por qué? Lee mas abajo 

Teniendo en cuenta los millones de gatos en este país, esos son muchos accidentes. Para maullar un número, nueve millones de gatos le tienen fobia a la caja de arena.

Aquí en Riverfront Cats, como una organización no lucrativa dedicada a la educación y rescate, escuchamos una letanía de razones de por qué los propietarios de gatos los abandonan debido a problemas de comportamiento. Orine inadecuado es la razón número uno.

Pero hay esperanza para que menos gatos sean entregados al refugio local o abandonados en la calle debido al miedo a la caja de arena y termine el constante cambio  de marcas de arena.

"Se supone que estos juguetes hagan la caja de arena más divertida?"

Recientemente tuvimos la oportunidad de participar en el proceso de la entrevista con el experto en gatos, el Dr. Bruce Elsey el creador de la marca de arena “Precious Cat's Cat Attract Litter “donde pudimos hacerle diferentes preguntas sobre gatos y cajas de arena. En 1978, el Dr. Elsey abrió su primer consultorio solo para gatos en el área metropolitana de Denver. La suya fue la última práctica de 13 en todo el país solo para gatos. La ciencia detrás de la salud del perro era años bisiestos por delante el de la especie felina. Así que sin perros en la sala de espera, los gatos fueron más a gusto y Dr. Elsey pudo enfocar sus habilidades y contribuir al avance de la ciencia de la salud del gato. Brillante!

Gatos marcando el territorio con orina vs Eliminación Inadecuada de orina 

Primero nos enteramos de que hay una diferencia entre marcar el territorio y la eliminación inadecuada.

Según el Dr. Elsey, si el gato se orina en una línea y no da la vuelta a oler, entonces el gato está marcando territorio. Marcado es una forma de comunicación para los gatos hacer sentir su presencia. Estos gatos alfa seguirán usando las cajas de arena.

Sin embargo, si el gato forma un charco, y da la vuelta a oler, esto se considera un orine inadecuado, y es probable que sea una causa de fobia a la caja de arena.

Una vez cuando limpiábamos la caja de arena detectamos sangre en grumos más pequeños de lo normal. Un signo de obstrucción? Pero con seis gatos de interior, como determinar qué gato tenía el problema? No se observó ningún cambio de conducta ni tampoco teníamos  la intención de esperar. Chequeando el trasero de cada uno de los gatos, efectivamente, encontramos rastros de sangre en Geisha  la cual llevamos inmediatamente al veterinario para descartar un problema médico.

Viendola en esta foto, nunca pensarías que Geisha estuvo enferma
Al limpiar la caja de arena varias veces al día, pudimos detectar que algo no estaba bien. 

Según el Dr. Elsey,

La razón número uno para presentar sangre en la orina es la cistitis intersticial. Se trata más de un problema cerebral que un problema de salud y es causada por el estrés. Esos gatos, 90 % menores de 10 años, no van a tener una infección del tracto urinario (bacteriana). Si usted tiene un gato que tiene sangre en su orina sólo hay una probabilidad del 10 % que tiene una infección bacteriana. La cistitis intersticial es más estrés y el propietario tendría que trabajar con el gato en la conducta y trabajar para cambiar / enriquecer el entorno del gato para cambiar eso.

Parte de ese ambiente es asegurar un espacio óptimo, el ejercicio, el número de gatos y tipo de arena.
Los gatos necesitan EJERCICIO.

LOS GATOS NECESITAN EJERCICIO
En tiempos históricos, los gatos vivían en el exterior. Con la evolución del tiempo el exterior representa mayores peligros y se recomienda mantener a los gatos en el interior. Al hacerlo los propietarios de gatos tienen la responsabilidad de asegurarse de que los gatos tienen tiempo de juego que les permita gastar energía en la misma forma en que solían hacerlo cuando eran depredadores.

LOS GATOS NECESITAN ESPACIO y LUGARES ALTOS
Cuando tienes una discusión con tu cónyuge  lo envías a dormir al sofá para reducir la tensión en el hogar. Pues los gatos también necesitan un lugar para escapar del drama, ruidos inesperados y ataques.
Repisas  y los lugares altos es el refugio favorito de los gatos.

Gretel, una total diva, en la ventana mirando la ciudad de Miami

LOS GATOS NECESITAN AMIGOS PERO OCHO ES SUFICIENTE
Compañeros de juego ayudan con el ejercicio y la energía. Pero demasiados gatos en una casa también arriesgan el aumento en la tensión de los hogares. No todo el mundo juega limpio en la caja de arena y varios gatos pueden llevar a marcar el territorio.

Así que esto lleva a la pregunta: ¿Cómo aseguramos que los gatos utilicen el INTERIOR de la caja de arena?

1. Ubicación, ubicación, ubicación
Los bienes raíces son de primera en Miami y lo mismo pasa con los gatos y sus cajas de arena. Mantenga las cajas fuera de las áreas de alto tráfico, en zona tranquila, con espacio para moverse y de manera que no quede muy cerca de sus vecinos.

2. Más grande, mejor
La mayoría de los propietarios de gatos tienen cajas de arena que son demasiado pequeñas para sus gatos. La regla de oro es  que la caja de arena sea una vez y media la longitud de su gato para que el gatito tenga espacio para dar la vuelta y cubrir y reducir la posibilidad de pisar sus heces en su eliminación.

3. Convertible es el camino a seguir
¿Puede usted imaginar el uso de orinales portátiles varias veces al día? Cerrado, sin circulación de aire, el olor... entiende la situación. Si no te gusta, a los gatos tampoco! Considere la posibilidad de quitar la tapa.

4. Limpie la caja de arena TODOS LOS DIAS
¿Qué pasa si descargas el inodoro una vez por semana? ¿Seguimos con la imagen de los baños portátiles explicada previamente? Por favor, limpie la caja de arena todos los días, o contratar a un cuidador de mascotas y ama de casa.

5. Una caja de arena por gato más una EXTRA
La regla de oro sigue siendo la misma. Por cada gato, asegúrese de tener una caja de arena más una  extra. Usted puede ser creativo con las cajas y los esconden en otomans, mesas bajas y corte los agujeros en la parte posterior. Esto incluso puede motivar  limpiar la caja de arena más a menudo.

6. Alimente los gatos con comida húmeda!
Hay una discusión constante sobre húmedo vs seco y hemos trabajado con muchos gatos, de exterior, de interior, rescatados, adoptados, abandonados... y hablado con muchos veterinarios. El Alimento húmedo es beneficioso. Según el Dr. Elsey problemas renales  son la razón número uno de muerte en los gatos mayores. Lo hemos visto demasiadas veces.

Los gatos se encuentran en una fase crónica de deshidratación durante toda su vida, cuando solo se les alimenta con comida seca lo cual no es conducente a la función renal normal. Considere la posibilidad de la dieta de un gato en la naturaleza sería un ratón con un contenido húmedo del 80%, la comida enlatada es 72-82%  húmeda, y el alimento seco tiene una humedad del 10 %. Los gatos simplemente no beben suficiente agua para compensar el déficit de humedad y esto puede tener un impacto adverso sobre la función renal. Y eso lleva de nuevo a los problemas urinarios.

7. Arena atrae gato
Si usted sigue los pasos anteriores religiosamente, entonces es hora de prestar atención a la arena. Los gatos, les gusta una arena lo más parecida posible a arena de verdad, desde el punto de vista de textura. El uso de arena de verdad en el interior no es una opción, porque a pesar de que los gatos les gusta, no absorbe lo suficiente. Por lo que el Dr. Elsey ha creado una fórmula de tamaño de partícula fina, con una esencia a base de hierbas que es agradable a los gatos y que también absorbe.
Los siete pasos anteriores le ayudará a reducir la ansiedad de su gato, a disminuir la frustración para usted y a poner fin a las cajas de arena musicales y traer armonía y ronroneos en todo alrededor. Por favor comparta este enlace y ayude a educar a otros dueños de gatos y reducir el número de gatos rendidos. Todo es cuestión de educación.

Después de esta entrevista, estaremos recibiendo la marca de arena Precious Cat's Cat Litter para probarla y proporcionar nuestra honesta opinión en las próximas semanas. Así que estén atentos. Y ahora una pausa para la publicidad...

Esta publicación esta patrocinada por Gato Precioso en nombre de BlogPaws Blogger Network . Estamos siendo compensados por ayudar a promover  Precious Cat's Cat Litter, pero Riverfront Cats solo comparte información la cual creemos que es relevante para nuestros lectores. Gato Precioso no es responsable por el contenido de este artículo.

Building Temporary Cat Shelters

The church bells are tolling, the horns are blaring,  reminiscent of Paul Revere's ride alerting of the British invasion, we hear a cacophony of news alerts,  "A COLD FRONT IS COMING". Many parts of our nation are paralyzed from snow blizzard. The tentacles of the January 2014 storm are reaching as far south as Miami.

In Miami the mercurial levels rarely fall below 70 degrees. On the rare occasions when Miami temperatures drop to 60 degrees, it is fodder for news reports across TV, radio and the Internet.

Regardless of where you live, outdoor cats are acclimated to the temperatures in their environment. Miami is no different.  Hence on the five days of the year temperatures drop to below 40, some community or outdoor pet cats do not survive. Perhaps their bodies are weak from unknown illness or they did not have shelter with enough protection from cold or wind.

This week temperatures were at a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit and plummeted a whopping 40 degrees within hours.

Be sure to tap your car hood before starting the engine

Thankfully we were prepared. Lately we have experienced anomaly rain levels for this time of year. Normally the sun is bright, the weather dry. New Years week has showered more rain rivaling our summer days. So the early rains prompted Christine to build cat shelters. They in turn are now serving as shelters from the bitter cold.

OUR SOLUTION- Clear Plastic Storage Bins for #CatShelters

From experience and much trial and error, what we have found most effective to build shelters that the cats will actually use are clear plastic storage bins.  Many websites promote Styrofoam boxes. If you are confident they work for your outdoor friendly and feral cats, then do continue to use them. 

From experience,  the Riverfront Cats need two essentials:
  1. the ability to see their surroundings and
  2. two exits

This is why we use CLEAR PLASTIC BINS.

With a number of cats in the neighborhood-- a stray that may wander upon our colony, a passing raccoon or opossum, an unleashed dog out for routine bathroom break (we've seen it all)-- the Riverfront Cats need the ability to exit if another creature pokes their head into their shelter. No cat likes to be cornered. The clear plastic allows the cats to see their surroundings if they sense a human or animal is approaching.

HOW TO CONSTRUCT Temporary Cat Shelters
The materials we used were an exacto blade, electrical tape, pair of rubber gloves, strong muscles and long sleeve shirt and jeans.  The shirt and jeans are for you to wear.  The plastic is thick and difficult to cut so we use an exacto blade. CAUTION-- cutting through the plastic can be dangerous. The blade can skate off the plastic and puncture your finger or other body part. This is why we recommend wearing gloves, and layer of clothing to minimize deep cuts.

A person with strong arm can cut through the plastic quicker and more easily than Olive Oyl.  Find your Popeye.

Then we cut out a square on both sides of the narrow ends. 

And the electrical tape? Well the plastic is brittle and cracks will create jagged cuts. We recommend cutting those off and softening the edges with electrical tape. Cats may have to run in and out and scrape against the edges. We want to shield and protect cats, not increase their risk of injury.

Also we flip the bins upside down as the top portion is slightly wider for cats to lay and stretch. Also the lip is wider.

Johnny Walker inspects cat shelters
Electrical tape is used to soften the sharp edges

Next, since we are a nonprofit providing a community service, we chose to write a notice with permanent marker to minimize someone from removing the shelters. " Please Do Not Remove. [then in Spanish] No Quitar. Placed by Riverfront Cats..."

You'll notice we also flip the bins and lay them upside down since the original top portion is a little wider.

Shelter bin hidden in bushes
Can you see it?

Peering into bushes

Closeup view inside bushes

Since many of the shelters are placed near bushes and branches, the Styrofoam boxes would not be suitable as it creates high pitched noises when branches rub against the box.

COST EFFECTIVE

You can purchase these type of storage bins at stores like Target.  The average price is $8.  Please know these bins do become more brittle over time and have to be replaced every three to six months.  But we have found it to be the most cost effective solution overall than building a custom or wood shelter that often are removed and go missing in our neighborhood.

Plastic shelter without any lining

Mama Cat (shelter behind her with brick tile on top)

Mama Cat featured above is a regular user of the cat shelter for rainy and cold weather.  She doesn't wander far and her perimeter is less than one block. 

Straw can be used during cold weather but straw is hard to obtain in downtown Miami.  Hay should never be used as it gets damp and wet and mushy. 

In making the rounds during bad weather, we see the shelters in use by the cats.  Such a relief!

We would LOVE to have shelters built by architects fashioned after a win-win-win solution in New York City for Feral cats called Architect for Animals. One year!

Until then, the above shelters are affordable, functional and provide shelter and refuge for the Riverfront Cats.

Premiere of Kitten version of the #SuperBowl

Do you love cats AND Football? Or maybe just cats and want to skip the #SuperBowl and watch reruns of cat videos? Well we have a surprise for you! Announcing the FIRST...

Are you as excited as we are?

The Kitten Bowl, which Hallmark Channel appropriately calls "the greatest feline showdown in cable television history," features adorable fluffy kittens jumping through hoops, chasing lasers and playing with toys and strings. They have positions like Yarn Ripper, Mouse Trapper and Long Napper. Did someone say mice? The precious kittens have names like Dan Furrino, Terry Bradclaw, Tabby Romo and Brett Furve.

It gets better! Cat contenders will be recruited from animal shelters. The prize will be a loving home for these orphans.

photo by M. Toro

 The best news: every kitten is a winner! The Kitten Bowl was filmed in October and all kittens are in furrever homes. But others await at your local shelter to show off their athleticism and antics to steal your heart. Valentine's Day is around the corner!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME KITTEN BALL?

NYC Architects Build Cat Shelters

It's our favorite time of year!!!!

The 4th Annual Architect for Animals: Giving Shelter

(alongside National Feral Cat Day)

Where New York City architects unveil their genius talent and genuine interest in helping their city in the...

   

 

We are inlove and impressed with the concepts and designs of these incredible outdoor shelters for stray and feral cats. 

Yes we do!!

The shelters are donated to neighborhoods with volunteer caretakers who do TNR and manage the health and well being of the community cats.  Here are photos of a few shelters from last year's event.

With all the white buildings, blue sky and green trees, the above shelter would be ideal in Miami!

This shelter fits right in the Design District or industrial neighborhood of Miami. 

A brownstone for Cats!  Love it. 

A definite favorite made of cat food cans filled with insulation. Pure Genius!

What a brilliant idea of bringing together residents, corporate America and donating their talents to make a difference in their community.  

Kudos NYC!

If you are in or near New York City, please support this wonderful event. To learn more and to RSVP for this Thursday, Jan 30, please click here  http://bit.ly/1fuS93N.

LOST CATS

Gabby, went missing from Keyser Avenue and Mangrum Court on 5/5/14. She is an indoor-only cat and has been for her entire life, but she’s a smart cookie, and found a way to pry open the front door to escape.I’ve been searching desperately for her in my neighborhood in Emerald Hills, but on Saturday, May 10, a wonderful K9 handler used her search dogs to track Gabby’s unique, particular scent right to N. 34^th Terrace in the Tamerlane subdivision off of North Park Road. From there, her scent trail ended. Which means someone has seen her, and took her into their home or put her into their car from there.

Gabby has two medical conditions, one of them very serious. She was supposed to be admitted to the hospital this past week for an ultrasound to find the source of it and progress through treatment. Her blood work was serious three weeks ago, and has worsened in that time. The longer it takes to get her back, the sicker she will get without treatment.

Michelle (her owner) is offering a five hundred dollar ($500) reward to anyone with information leading to her safe return. she is also offering a $1000 bonus to the person who physically puts her back in my arms safe and sound. She has no doubt that whoever has her took her in with the very best of intentions, and she won’t ask any questions—all she want is her family back home.

Please share the above flyer with your family and friends to help Gabby return to her loving home.

Anyone with information about Gabby please contact:

Michelle Hodkin

www.findgabby.org (for more pictures, videos and maps of the search area)

#findgabby (to spread the word)

findgabbyhodkin@gmail.com

Bebe

This beautiful Tortie is "Bebe". She has been missing since May 6 after 11pm from Tangier Street in North Gables, FL. She is spayed and has no ear tip.

Any information regarding Bebe please contact Antonio Vega at antoniorvega@gmail.com

2014 New Year Give Away

UPDATE: Jan 7, 2014: CONGRATULATIONS to Debbie Glovatsky for winning the contest!

A New Year is approaching and we're ready to celebrate with our favorite things--wine, black cats and stories of cats with this giveaway!


Before we get into the details, we would like to take a moment to THANK ALL OF YOU for your continued support--moral, financial, volunteering, sharing our messages on Facebook and social media...Every gesture makes a difference collectively to raise awareness about the unique essence of cats, especially stray, feral and black cats, and to reverse the rate of homeless cats!  We are looking forward to accomplishing more for cats in 2014! Now onto the celebration and giving back to you!!!

Uncork the New Year with a bottle of elegant wine, a calendar full of stunning black cats for good luck, and cozy up this winter with a heart-warming book, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey, a purrfect complement to the wine.

Riverfront Cats and Pawsitively Humane, Inc are both featuring six types of wines.  From a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to a soft and well balanced Malbec, you'll fall in love with the labels as much as the wine. Each one features a rescued or adopted pet including cats, to dogs, to mini pigs and for the bipetual parent-- a dalmatian napping with a kitten. 

Wine collection from Riverfront Cats. Click here to learn more and view the bottles in larger format.

Wine collection from Pawsitively Humane, Inc. Click here for closeup. 

Need a last minute gift for a friend that lives in another city or state? Wine is the ideal gift to ship plus you are supporting efforts to reverse the rate of homeless pets. A small proceed benefits our nonprofit. It's a win-win-win for all!

Then to kick off 2014 with good luck you'll need a BLACK CAT CALENDAR! We're so excited about our first calendar featuring stunning black cats that were rescued and/or adopted. Click here to view each calendar page.

Can't wait for the contest results? Order your calendar now! Use code 2014NewYears to get 20% discount if you order by January 3.

To round out this contest, we are thrilled to include one of our favorite books "The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey", by Deb Barnes.

 This eye catching book answers pressing cat questions such as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Can they sulk and get mad or even? Written in a warm, funny and conversational tone that harkens to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of captivating photographs, and will steal your heart as it explores the life of unlikely pair of cats (a Bengal and Maine Coone) and their prodigy, the humans who loved them, and the true meaning of life, love and happiness. To get your copy now, click here.

For this contest, we are giving away your choice of one bottle of wine, one black cat calendar and a copy of The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey.

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary and we answer such pressing cat questions as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Do they understand parenthood and responsibility? Can they sulk and get mad? Written in a warm, funny, and conversational way that harkens back to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday of life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of stunning photographs and will steal your heart as it explores our life, the humans who loved us and the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. - See more at: http://zeezoey.com/blog/zee-zoeys-black-friday-mega-shopping-extravaganza-giveaway-and-fund-raising-event/#more-11053

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary and we answer such pressing cat questions as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Do they understand parenthood and responsibility? Can they sulk and get mad? Written in a warm, funny, and conversational way that harkens back to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday of life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of stunning photographs and will steal your heart as it explores our life, the humans who loved us and the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. - See more at: http://zeezoey.com/blog/zee-zoeys-black-friday-mega-shopping-extravaganza-giveaway-and-fund-raising-event/#more-11053

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of the Extraordinarily Ordinary and we answer such pressing cat questions as, Can cats fall in love? Can they count? Do they understand parenthood and responsibility? Can they sulk and get mad? Written in a warm, funny, and conversational way that harkens back to the days of the late Erma Bombeck and explores the everyday of life like a Seinfeld episode, this beautifully designed book is filled with hundreds of stunning photographs and will steal your heart as it explores our life, the humans who loved us and the true meaning of life, love, and happiness. - See more at: http://zeezoey.com/blog/zee-zoeys-black-friday-mega-shopping-extravaganza-giveaway-and-fund-raising-event/#more-11053

How to Enter to Win.

1. Required: Leave a Comment below letting us know which wine you may choose and why. Be sure we have your email address to contact you. You may write your email like this "riverfrontcats [at]  yahoo.com".

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The winner will be announced on or after January 6th.

Good Luck & Happy, Healthy and Purring New Year!

For Adoption: Lulu

Deck the halls with purring kittens, fa la la la la, LULU-LULU!!!

Meet Miss Lulu. ADOPTED ON APRIL 2014

Found by herself at a Publix supermarket parking lot, Lulu gets along with her foster siblings but is anxious to have her own home.

Lulu says: 

 That’s me, Lulu! Will you help me find my forever home for Christmas? Not only will I deck the halls, I will RACE down them at full speed, chasing my toys! I will also give you lots of Christmas kisses, mistletoe optional!!! And I’m always dressed in my tuxedo best! Please, pretty please adopt me!

Lulu is groomed to act as your official greeter with her vocal meows upon entering the room. Playful, bold, spirited, gives kisses, loves to be petted –  and a power-purrer!

She is four months old and tested negative for FIV, FeLV, has all her shots and is spayed. She's ready to go!

To meet Lulu, please contact Christina at cdm1580@bellsouth.net. Lulu is in South Florida.

Thank you!


 

#CuriousCat Owners Try Cat Food--Do You?

Well if you would rather not answer that question, no worries.  One study showed that

15% of Cat Owners Try Cat Food !!!

15% is a small number but that leads to the question: Are you curious for the cat's benefit or for your own curiosity? Cat owners are fascinated by their feline companions-their endless antics, agility prowess, and countless facial expressions.  But cat guardians are lagging behind cat science and proper cat nutrition.

At Riverfront Cats we receive many questions on cat nutrition from cat owners mostly first time adopters, many who have found a stray cat or kitten.  Therefore education is our primary mission to assist cat owners in ensuring a healthy lifestyle and bond for the both cat and human. 

First we recognize your time is valuable so offering you easy tools and fun facts to assist you in making important decisions is our goal.  And we have the solution!

Riverfront Cats is thrilled to share that Royal Canin®, a global leader in Feline Health Nutrition, recently released the results of a national survey of cat owners to dispel myths and better understand the relationship between felines and their owners.

 To make this fun, how about a few trivia questions? Get those buzzers ready!

TRUE or FALSE?
The average cat which weighs 12 pounds, no taller than your mid calf and sleeps 15 hours a day is low energy?

The answer???

 

Johnny Walker "I need my energy sleep"

FALSE!!!


So you may not have to "walk the cat" or take Tiger to a groomer for hair trim and primping. While cats are low maintenance, they are not low energy.

Many cat owners are unaware that their cats spend time each day marking their territory, hunting, and hiding.

Helio enjoys playing Hide-and-go-Seek

TRUE or FALSE?   
72% of cat owners do not consider their pet's health when selecting food for their cat.

The answer?

Gretel is on alert for anyone stealing her food.

TRUE!
It's important to understand that a cat's breed, weight and age are important factors in selecting the right cat food.  A senior cat's needs differs from a kitten or teenage cat.  Do you know if your cat shows traits of a Siamese, Persian, Bengal, Ragdoll, where hereditary traits continue for generations?

Buzzers ready? Reflexes ready? Next question...



TRUE or FALSE? 
Cats have a strong sense of taste.

Figaro tastes sweet potato batter for Thanksgiving casserole

FALSE!!! 


In reality cats have a weak sense of taste. Aroma and texture play a bigger role in how cats choose their food.

Leave the curiosity to the cats.  Knowledge is King and as a cat owner,  your Curious George depends on you for optimal cat nutrition. This is why it's important to conduct your homework, check reputable sources and visit the vet with questions.

Christine with Johnny Walker

Below is a helpful infographic dispelling myths and arming you with facts so you can jump to the front of the class and the lead cat pack. Not only are cats entertaining and discovering the world around them, but researchers, vets and cat owners are uncovering new science about feline behavior, cat food and nutrition and health issues. The infographic reveals other surprising facts. Read on!

To connect with a growing community of cat owners to ask questions and share experiences and cat photos, be sure to visit:
Royal Canin's Facebook page,
Royal Canin's Twitter
Royal Canin's Pinterest


For a $7 coupon on your next purchase of Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition, CLICK HERE.

We have written this post on behalf of BlogPaws Pet Blogger Network for Royal Canin. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about Royal Canin, but Riverfront Cats only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.


Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed,lifestyle and special needs. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide.

Note: all cats in this post are rescue Riverfront Cats that now live indoors.  Each cat, depending on age, breed and medical history follow different nutritional protocol. 

Riverfront Cat Wines for any Occasion

In our  mission to elevate, spotlight and  celebrate cats, Pawsitively Humane Inc. is excited to announce Riverfront Wines to benefit Riverfront Cats!

With six wines to choose from and elegant labels featuring a rescued cat from rags to riches, this makes the perfect gift for the holidays or any special occasion--birthday, anniversary, new home, new job, new cat or kitten.

We aim for the best as all cats and their guardians deserve the finest wine.  With organically grown grapes, hand harvested in Chile, Riverfront Wines selection will appeal to all palates.

Riverfront Wines makes ideal gift for
- yourself
- a relative who cherishes their pet cat
- a friend who just adopted a new cat or kitten (instead of handing out cigars, give wine!)
- a colleague who can't have pets but believes in the cause to help homeless pets

Let's educate about cats...
Let's celebrate cats...
Let's spread the cheer that all cats-- homeless, stray, and black cats--make the best companion and deserve a permanent home.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL WINES & ORDER your bottle or collection today.

A proceed benefits Riverfront Cats. On behalf of the next kitten that is bottle fed, the next black cat that we scoop up in our arms, the next feral cat that is king of his jungle, CHEERS!