Cat Lady Attempts to Persuade her Husband to Attend Pet Conference #BlogPawsorBust

Scenario: Cat Lady & Pet Blogger Christine Michaels is on a mission named #BlogPawsorBust. She and her husband Jean Pierre, are sitting on the balcony on a picture perfect evening, watching the sunset. Stroking the back of his neck, Christine attempts to persuade him to go to the BlogPaws conference this June in Phoenix, Arizona.

Oh by the way, her husband is A CAT!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Christine: Jean Pierre honey wouldn't you like to go to Phoenix for a romantic getaway?

Jean Pierre (with a suspicious and quizzical look): Pourquoi Phoenix?

Christine: Well for starters we will stay at the luxurious Sheraton Wild Pass Hotel Resort & Spa and Phoenix has beautiful cactus trees, horseback riding, serene rivers, cumulus clouds, stunning sunsets...

Arizona sunset

Jean Pierre: But we have palm trees in Miami, sparkling water bays, rivers and oceans-the beach! And gorgeous sunsets here too. Why do we need to go to Phoenix? What are you not telling me ma cherie? What's in Phoenix? Who's in Phoenix?

Miami Sunset

Christine: Well mon cherie, you know I attend the BlogPaws conference every year and this year fortunately it's in hot Phoenix.  (Battling her eyelashes) It's bathing suit weather. 

Jean Pierre: I knew it! You just want to see your lovers, those other orange flames. That Waffles from Glogirly, or Russell or...

Waffles-Orange Cat with Orange Tie--so dapper!

Christine (smiling sweetly and blowing kisses): But honey, I'm asking you to join me this time. All the more reason to show off my handsome husband, my one true love. It's Blog Paws or bust baby?

Makes me melt.

Jean Pierre: So Blog Paws or Bust? I choose your bust! Hahaha!

Christine: Very funny my love, very funny.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pet bloggers or aspiring pet bloggers, you don't want to miss the best pet blogging and social media conference in the world!

Whether you are considering starting a blog and are unsure which approach to take; or have started a blog and need guidance and tips on social media to improve traffic; or are a long-time blogger and stumped with how to take your blog to the next level, the answers await you at Blog Paws! And yes you can bring your pet! Your furry child or in my case--my furry husband.

CAT WRITER'S ASSOCIATION

While my specialty is education about stray, feral, community and black cats, the above script was a nice break, a fun post from regular serious, educational postings. The above script is my feeble attempt at using humor to promote the conference. Comic relief may not be my strength. Well thankfully other experienced humor bloggers will be in attendance I can ask for advice. Also this year, the Cat Writer's Association (CWA) is joining BlogPaws.  Writers from all cat genres and publishing mediums will be attending. Even better, CWA encourages mentoring writers! So you can bet I will be seeking input from long-time CWA members. Maybe I have potential for writing screen plays? One never knows where blogging will lead you next!

ALWAYS A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY

The best part of the conference is that you never know what surprising lesson or golden nugget you'll discover at a seminar, or story idea that will illuminate or new friendships that will blossom from networking.  Even love affairs. Trust me! You will fall in love...

Christine blowing kisses to Russell the orange cat
at 2015 BlogPaws conference in Nashville

... with cats, dogs, pigs, ferrets, rats...

Speaking of other pets and new discoveries, ten years ago I knew nothing about stray and feral cats. Then in 2009 I started rescuing kittens and trapping cats, then I turned to blogging to raise awareness. Then I created a 501c3 nonprofit organization Pawsitively Humane and Riverfront Cats. Networking, making new connections and attending seminars through BlogPaws have expanded my horizons and ability to elevate little known animal issues. And early tomorrow morning I will be assisting in the rescue of an injured duck that I came across today. My first duck rescue! Again you never know where BlogPaws may lead you.

Maximize Time, Money, Education & Pleasure

If you're on a budget like me, I combine the trip with a mini vacation and arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. I believe it's important to learn and appreciate the various US cities and their unique culture while I have the chance. It also offers a prime opportunity to take original photos for future blog posts.

 I love to travel and used to travel more often.  But circumstances have changed since I left corporate America, and started a small business and a nonprofit for homeless pets, so I simply combine vacation with conferences.  I call it smart planning and budgeting. It works!

Feeling Anxious or Scared to Walk into a Conference?

As a stage performer and public speaker since I was a child, presenting to large crowds came easily. Believe it or not, I was more shy walking into a frat party in college. No one wants to feel out of place.  So when I learned about first-time attendees feeling anxious or scared, the great news is BlogPaws takes the fear out of this new adventure. We can connect on BlogPaws community forum prior to the conference and make arrangements to meet at the conference.  I'll be sure you feel at ease within minutes. You're always welcome to join me at my table in the dining room or any sessions. In making introductions, you'll soon discover that meeting new people at BlogPaws is like reuniting with a close relative. You have a common bond--the love for pets and blogging!

Bernard and I met at BlogPaws and instantly clicked.
It's easy to make friends at BlogPaws!

So join us for the BlogPaws 2016 Conference at the gorgeous Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort from June 23 - 25, 2016.

Photos belong to Riverfront Cats or were published with permission from owner.

Dasher Got Adopted!

Day 5: Dasher loves his new cat daddy Jason

Great news! Dasher, our Christmas kitten,  was adopted two weeks ago and adjusted rather quickly. In just two days he was meeting and getting along with resident tuxedo cat, Sam.  Dasher also loves his new daddy. It's an all boys club in this household and no fighting. Just respect and all around love.  Another happy ending.

Day 1: Under the bed, naturally

Day 3: Dasher joins the MAN club--sitting next to his new daddy and the remote control!

Day 4: Dasher becomes friends with resident cat, Sam

Day 6: Dasher and Sam napping together

 

Day 7: Dasher and Sam, best buddies forever

We love these happy endings. It fuels our spirit, keeps us motivated to continue helping these helpless creatures who are grateful for shelter, food, warmth and love.

Meet Lila, Finn and Stitch

 

Meet Stitch, Finn and Lila. These beautiful kitties (1-1 1/2 years old) have been with Catopia Cat Rescue since July 2014. And we are looking for their forever Valentine's date (Florida).

Lila is the princess, loves attention and to sit by the window to see the world go by. 

Stitch is Lila's brother (loves her very much), super laid back and can get along with any situation.

Finn is always looking for something to do, a real entertainer with a very silky coat. He will do great in an active household with other animals.

All have been fully vetted, including de-worm, and de-flea, fully vaccinated , spayed-neutered, and microshipped.

If you are interested in any of these sweeties, please contact Cindy at 954 752-1123 or Debbie at 954 608-581

When One of Our Own Needs Help

Petie

One of the blessings of being a nationally recognized cat blogger, are the fellow cat bloggers I have formed friendships with over time.  We meet online and then in person at related pet conferences and become closer friends, stay in touch, and visit one another and the friendship continues to flourish. Our love for cats of course bonds us. One such friend is Tamar Arslanian, whom some of you may follow her blog, I Have Cat.

Tamar is not only a cat blogger and friend, but a generous person. She has helped many good people in need of a little help when their cats were gravely ill or if a dumped or neglected cat needed a home.  She does not hesitate to help and fully immerses her time, talent and heart without hesitation.

Well this time, I learned my friend needs help. She never asked for it. But I noticed Tamar was unusually quiet across communications and when I inquired, I discovered that her beloved cat Petie has a mass pressing onto his chest cavity and lungs.  After countless exams, scans, etc.  the decision to remove it is extremely delicate and dangerous.  Nonetheless her vet bills have avalanched to $3,800. We've all been there.

Petie recently from vet visit

Having left her corporate job, but still living in New York City, following her passion for cats and doing freelance projects does not equate to excess income.

If you recall, Tamar helped me last year with the Christmas auction to raise funding for Roger, the Miami Le Chat Noir.  This was around the Christmas season and so you can imagine she worked long hours.  All to benefit a special needs black cat. She gained nothing personally, only the satisfaction to help us raise money and pay the vet bill with ease of mind so we can focus our energies on caring/nurturing for a very sick cat back to health.

My fellow cat guardians and lovers, if you can spare a few dollars to help a devoted cat blogger to all things cat, here is the link.  It includes copies of the vet bill.

This would be a wonderful Valentine gesture of love to a fellow cat lover and guardian.

Thank you to our generous readers. It will be returned tenfold one day. Karma!

Petie enjoying sun puddle

Is Your Catmobile Well Stocked?

I don't need this car for car rescue, but sure could use it when I have to meet with unsavory cat haters.

I bet at one point in your life you came across a stray cat or kitten that you felt you wish you had cat food on hand to feed. Or received an email or call about an injured cat or found a stray in your neighborhood that didn't belong and perhaps was someone's lost pet? You want to help but lack all the rescue supplies.

Well, depending where you live, stray and feral cats are a constant fixture or sighting in some cities and/or neighborhoods. Especially in other countries. What should you carry? Excellent question!

I created this last minute, unstaged video to show you some supplies that I primarily carry at all times in my trunk. In the video, I have just returned from a lunch meeting. It's winter in Miami hence the long-sleeves and leather riding boots.  So even dressed in nice clothes, if I come across a cat that appears distressed or injured, I will stop to check on it. If it's an emergency, I am prepared to jump in and help any way I can. 

Other cat rescue supplies I carry but not shown in video

- small flashlight in my purse
- wet towelletes
- paper towels or napkins
- plastic trash bags
- paper bag to place flat inside trap (better than newspaper--some cats are allergic to ink print)
- old towels

WISHLIST
Of course I'm thinking now of presentation. While I have an eye-catching cat suit, the sexy suit is my formal attire for interviews.   Besides I do not have a telephone booth to completely disrobe and change into this form fitting suit. I need something easy;  maybe a black cape with bright pink letters and cat ears? And then I could use a Catmobile!  Oh yes,  a sleek, black catmobile. I envision a Mercedes SUV with cat ears and tail. Yes an SUV. Time to upgrade from my Hyundai Sonata.  It's Miami--all part of the branding that attractive people do care and want to help.

Now this model is not a bad start. Too long and batmanish for me.
Instead of the claws up front, I would prefer eyelashes.

Aah the original catmobile from 1970s batman series.

Now this cat girl has the right idea! Sleek, curvy, modern design, eyecatching.

So am I serious? Of course I am! It's all about attention. Not for me--but  for the cats! The goal is to draw interest from any pedestrians, residents and the media and to educate them ABOUT COMMUNITY CATS.


 What other items do you carry or suggest I carry? I'd love to your answers or ideas!

For Adoption: Fearless Dasher

 

This latest rescue male kitten is 10 weeks old. We just had our naming contest for him. Here were the choices.
Noah--after Noah's ark because he was found mostly submerged in floodwaters when we had nonstop rain for a week
Tweedy- as in Tweed coat due to his fur color and markings
Dasher-because he dashed every where as rescuers tried to capture him for three hours! In the woods, bushes, leaping tall cars in a single dash...until finally he went into the pet carrier and the rescuer was able to shut the door. Ah ha!

He's definitely a male--mischievous and fearless, scampering, climbing legs like tree trunks...

So the tallies are in and his name is Dasher!
Dasher is litterbox trained and fully vetted: neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped and now ready for his forever loving home.

To meet this young (naughty) lad and welcome him into your family in time for the New Year, please contact Christina at  cdm1580@bellsouth.net.

Mama Cat Goes Missing

by Christine Michaels

Mama Cat in 2011

It's with a heavy heart to share that one of our beloved Riverfront Cats has gone missing now for a month. It can only mean something bad happened, normally. In the past we discovered the cats were injured (run over by vehicle or electrocuted at neighboring Florida Power & Light transformer room-- we stopped feeding near there and moved feeding station) and passed away. Many of you will remember the case of Leroy, the black cat who went missing three or four days, and fought his way back as close to the feeding station. We luckily found him in the dark, nestled in the grass with two badly injured hind legs. One leg was saved. The other was amputated. But! The good news and silver lining is that he adapted to indoors and is now living the good life!

Christine feeding Mama and Romeo (March 2011)

Sabrina (lead volunteer for coordinating the cat feedings) and I have searched high and low. I can't remember the last time I spent so much time crawling on my hands and knees in bushes. As terrified as I am of bugs and insects, I do it for the cats! (Of course I lather or perfume myself in bug and mosquito repellant! It really does work).

Mama is the name of the missing cat. She was named Mama by the first feeders (construction workers before I moved onto the property) because she had a kitten that died. She also has the sweetest face of all the Riverfront Cats. So tender and gentle. And Mama is one of two or three cats we can pet and pick up without much fuss.  I never seen or heard her hiss. Just look at that loving and angelic face. 

 Mama cat was at station 2. She never roamed far like Gabriel. The male cats tend to roam more and further away from home base.  She and Sabrina always stayed in the area.

One silver lining was the cooperation of local county workers.  Station 2 is near the Miami Avenue bridge where construction was undergoing for a year.  The day it reoopened she went missing. Could Mama be stuck inside one of the rooms under the bridge with padlock? So I called the Miami Dade County Bridge office.  It was 4pm. Close to quitting time.  I explained the situation to the receptionist. She was patient and listened intently. In five minutes I received a call back from Manny, the supervisor.  He remembered me from another incident three years ago. He would meet me in 20 minutes. Amazing!  Just maybe...

Manny came out. But he noticed the padlock was not a county lock. It was put by the contractor.  He called another county employee to bring padlock cutter.  In a few minutes he arrived.  Then he called the contractor who was in the area. I had three men out there moving mountains to help me get access to areas where Mama may be lying, perhaps injured...

Contractor for bridge repairs and Manny

Sadly, no sign of Mama.  The silver lining was knowing I could count on Manny and his team to react quickly. He remembered me from three years ago when I tried to lure a friendly black cat that was dumped under the bridge. I wanted to bring him in. He was someone's pet and did not deserve to live outdoors. The "wicked witch" of the bridge tower gave me hard time. That's when I called the office. The Director and Manny came out next day and apologized for tower person's behavior and ensured I had no problems in the future walking the area checking on cats. They've seen many homeless cats throughout Miami and could see the Riverfront Cats were well taken care of. That we have a well organized effort and no new cats. They were appreciative. Wow --what a difference from Metro Rail employees who did not care and removed a $600 custom made gorgeous cat house on property that my condo did have land rights to access! But Manny and his staff were kind and grateful. There are some good people in this world!

Christine with Manny, supervisor for Miami Dade County Bridge

 Mama cat, like the other Riverfront Cats, are approximately the same age, around six years old. She appeared relatively healthy, definitely on chubby side. She loved to eat and was a "home body" staying close to feeding station and caretakers, hence she didn't exercise a lot.

It really is heartbreaking. We get so attached to these community cats, like our own pets. This certainly puts a damper on our Christmas season put we still pray for a miracle.

Mama cat we will never forget you.  May you be happy and safe wherever you are.

Winner of Stray & Feral Cat Fundraiser Prizepack

WE DID IT!! No, wait. YOU DID IT!!!  You helped us and the cats reach our initial goal of raising $700 and even surpassed it. This is terrific news as we have started to trap the cats and discovered some are in bad shape.   Not to worry. The vet can clean them up while they are under anesthesia from spay/neuter surgery and give them shot of antibiotics if necessary.

Muki is not happy. He his not wanted around by other sterilized cats.
Don't worry Muki--we'll take care of you!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.  These are outdoor stray and feral cats so the photos will not always be cute or glamorous shots.  This is reality. But we are making a difference!

And now to announce the winner of the prize pack full of cat goodies...

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAURA ZACCARDI

Laura wins this prize pack containing Martha Steward food jar, feeding bowls, a water filter, Furminator, bubbles and two books by award-winning author Deb Barnes.  Enjoy Laura!

Thank you everyone for caring. It really takes a team effort. A little goes a long way.

Dine Like a Cat and #Prospurr

Humans can learn a lot from cats. It's true! There's a reason for the saying "cats have nine lives". That is because cats know how to savor every moment from napping, grooming or dining and live long lives. Whether they are leaping tall refrigerators, escaping the grips of big brother bully (aka the dog) or slaying the evil red dot, cats never weary and regain a new life.

The champion cat for living well  is none other than America's favorite cat--Morris! After a hiatus, Morris has returned to the celebrity spotlight. But he is ready for the rigors of stardom and readily shares his secrets in a video.  Watch Morris here  9Lives® presents Live Well & Prospurr, America's Choosiest Cat Gives Back™.

Our cats, both indoor and outdoor, are inspired by Morris.

Morris, Champion of Living Well

Jean Pierre is our eldest cat, an orange marmalade. As a rescue kitten, Jean Pierre now lives The Good Life as seen below basking in the sun beaming through the living room sliding door, overlooking the city of Miami from the 40th floor of high rise condo.

"I'm just average cat living the good life"

His veterinarian is very pleased with his health for an "old man" or senior cat at age 14. Very interesting, notice how calm and relaxed he is at a veterinarian clinic!

"You don't see me stressed at the vet do you? Very relaxed. 9Lives I tell ya."

Our outdoor community cats have many distractions with birds, pedestrians passing by, construction equipment, sprinklers, hecklers...It's a circus out there.  Yet when it comes to meal time, these cats are not deterred. Humans could learn from this fine example. Turn off the cell phones, the television, while eating. Let's turn distracting dining into feline fine dining. Dine like a cat!  If outdoor cats can do it, so can you and your indoor cat.

It's a jungle out there, literally, as Callie and Midnight eat their food while a racoon scampered by into the bushes.  Our lead volunteer keeps an eye on them so they are not disturbed.

We feed all our cats 9Lives^® Daily Essentials Dry Cat food and Super Supper Meaty Pate Wet Cat Food. Yes we especially feed the community cats wet food. At Riverfront Cats we recognize the importance of wet food as part of any cat's eating regimen to aid in healthier digestion and hydration.  They love it! 

You can live well and prospurr by revisiting Morris' video and entering the contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes. And you can help us donate 9Lives^® cat food by tweeting #morrisfeeds.  It's a win-win for all. So savor the flavors, live well and prospurr the Morris way!

Riverfront Cats was compensated for this post. We only share content for products that we use for the care of our cats or information we feel is important to our readers.

Feral & Stray Cat Fundraiser & Prize Giveaway!

Sinbad, licking his lips after yummy dinner.
He may live outdoors but he's well taken care of by dedicated volunteers.

The most important day of the year is here- National FERAL Cat Day!!
(October 16, 2015).

In the past we had fun dressing in costume, and making hilarious music videos all in an effort to raise awareness about the most misunderstood cat--the community, feral cat.

 But this year it's a serious matter.  With kitten season over and the burgeoning of homeless cats, we uncovered other colonies.  In a recent challenge to rescue kittens from several old homes to be demolished to make way for shiny skyscrapers in the heart of downtown Miami, we discovered an established colony of cats.  Some quite old with injuries and illness, other cats were teenagers or younger.

At first we counted 10, then 20, 30..."Houston we have a problem in Miami".  It's time to get in the trenches and fight this battle.  Time to TNR and build new shelters!

But we need funding to spay/neuter 30+ cats and treat any cats for injuries and/or illness--mange, cuts, infections... We also ensure that during construction, the cats are safe and accounted for every evening at feeding time.  Construction sites are dangerous for kittens. We've encountered too many horrific accidents. But it's nearly impossible to relocate feral cats. It's best for them to stay in the neighborhood to minimize danger and injury.  We build shelters and place them nearby (if possible) so mama cats have a safe place to receive food for kittens when volunteers come around.

No cat should suffer, even community, stray and feral cats!

Artemis thrives in the outdoors but she has mange.
It can be treated with your help.
She also needs to get spayed.

 So it's that time again to raise funds and we have not asked for monies since last year--that's a very long time!!! We need to raise at least $700.  For some human cat nip, we are giving away a Cat Prize Pack worth over $200!  For every donation, you will automatically be entered in our drawing to win this prize package for you and your cats!

Prize Pack (Cat not included)

Cat Prize Pack- Valued $220

Martha Stewart cat food jar and matching feeding bowls
Drinkwell water filter
Bubbles
Litter Scooper
Furminator for long hair cat
Book- The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey
Book - Purr Prints of the Heart

One of several house scheduled for demolition

Christine feeds one of the colony cats in downtown Miami

Truck for wrecking crew

First house demolished

Rescued from empty home scheduled for demolition

Scared kittens, rescued from demolition

Christine pets Tabitha, a friendly stray.

No Amount is too SMALL! 

Please use the widget on right column or click on DONATE NOW button.  Contest open to anyone on Planet Earth! Be sure to leave an email address to be entered into the drawing. Contest ends on Wednesday, Oct 28 at 11pm PST. Winner will be selected October 31. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm otherwise another winner will be selected. 

Thank you for caring! Thank you for making a difference for the most misunderstood cats!