Cat Man--Keith Phillips

We often hear people say "I'm not a cat person" and then we learn they NEVER had a cat of their own. Their decisions are often based on the cat of a friend, relative, neighbor. Sure some cats are distant (the scaredy cat) or aloof. And some even protective. For some reason the world is amiss that cats come in all shapes, sizes and personalities!  Many cats exhibit  "friendly dog gestures"  and will greet you (expecting a treat), roll on their backs exposing their belly inviting you to scratch their tub of love...Some you have to earn their respect before they welcome you into their inner sanctum. Heard the expression, "Dogs think they're human, Cats think they're God" there's a lot of truth in jest.

Then there is the macho thing. It's bad enough when men say "you'll never see me with a toy dog" yet if a future girlfriend has one, the boyfriends are more invested in the dog than the girl. (Remember the story of Homer, the blind black cat where the guys were still interested in playing with Homer after breaking up with the mother)? But when a guy looks at you like an alien for having 3 or more cats, suddenly having a toy chihuahua is not so foreign to them. And they say women don't know what they want! It really boils down to ignorance, or more diplomatically stated "lack of knowledge". But we think for men it's mostly about insecurity. But that's just our nonexpert opinion.

Well we came across this great story of a converted man, Keith Phillips who never had a cat and now has three cats, works with therapy cat, and helps spreads the message of the need to spay/neuter and educates about stray cats.

Read Keith's story on cat blog "I Have Cat". Our fellow blogger, Tamar, is a single girl living in NYC with two cats and writes an entertaining blog, "I Have Cat" about being single, dating and having two cats (piece of cake in our opinion--try having more than 3! That's complicated). Keith was a guest writer for this enlightening post about men and cats. Click on the link below to read about Catman Keith!

 And men? We bet there's a kitty lover within you.

http://ihavecat.com/2011/07/18/cat-man-monday-mans-best-friend/#more-7993

I have a dream...Join Me!

by Christine Michaels

I have a dream that one day we will reverse the rate of homeless pets and animals nationwide. In Miami Dade County we are facing an epidemic rate of 400,000 dogs and cats without home, without shelter, trying to survive. If dogs and cats are man's best friend, then why do we discard them like disposable items? A record number of 37,000 unwanted pets were dropped off at the county shelter.  The facility is overwhelmed.

One day I came to a realization, an irony,  and it hit me harder than raining cats and dogs.  THERE IS A SOLUTION! Yes, the solution, the cure exists!!! The problem? There is little to zero awareness.

I think of all the other causes that have high visibility and awareness. Breast cancer is a prime example. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the pink ribbon is nationally and easily recognized. The myriad events from 5K walks, 5K runs, galas...Regular news reports encouraging women to get annual mammograms and conduct self breast examination to prevent the onslaught of cancer.  Yet a billion dollars has poured into cancer research and we still don't have a cure.

Have you ever heard of a crisis lingering where the cure exists? It is the case of homeless animals. Sounds like a tragedy. It is. For me personally, it's pure frustration and is void of all common sense, even humanity.   In South Florida there are a number of veterinarian clinics that offer low cost spaying/neutering to slow down the homeless cat and dog population.  There are even free programs for those that are unemployed or on welfare and want to make a difference.  There is ZERO AWARENESS! Why?  The subject of homeless dogs, especially cats, is plagued with misconceptions. There is so much educating required. But it's possible. A well planned PR/education campaign with both offline and online tactics would have a tremendous impact. 

The best part--
we don't need to spend billions of dollars!!!

With residents, government, media, and ad agencies working together, the impact could be immediate. Imagine that! But our country needs a national spokesperson to rally key players and spark the hearts and minds of American residents. If we are a nation of "animal lovers", then it's time we showed it.

I'm dreaming of the possibilities. The first person that immediately comes to mind is Betty White, an animal advocate. She's more popular than ever and respected by all ages. Does anyone have connections to her, her agent, her PR agent, TV Land? 

I witness so many "soldiers" in the trenches--trapping cats, getting them spayed/neutered, caring for them post surgery, feeding colonies...but it's a vicious cycle that never ends.  TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) does work to a point. We can not just tackle the surface problem. We HAVE to get to the ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. And that is education.

If you would like to become part of my Think Tank for OPERATION BAST to end homeless animal population, please contact me, Christine Michaels at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com. 

You can live anywhere in the United States. We will leverage technology for conferencing via SKYPE, and phone to communicate and launch our plan! Everyone has something to offer. Whether it's ideas, whether you're good at schmoozing on the phone, a strong copy writer, a strong PR writer, connections with local officials, state government, even the White House. Even better, connections to highly visible celebrities. So many organizations are tackling this on their own. Let's create SYNERGY nationwide and reverse homeless pet population!

I have a dream and I plan to fulfill it, somehow, someway!

Do you dare to do more than dream?

Note: Bast is the name of the ancient Egyptian goddess, a female black cat. She was adored, revered and respected. Black cats are considered good luck in other countries except the US.

Homer's Odyssey--a story about bravery and life lessons

Looking for a light-hearted book with a solid story and life lessons to learn? Well I have just the book recommendation!  Pick up Homer's Odyssey.

Now while this book is about a cat, PLEASE KNOW, this book is really for people who do NOT have cats or say "I'm not a cat person".

On the surface while Homer's Odyssey is a non-stop adventure describing antics of one cool cat, and dispels all the myths about cats but on a deeper level, it speaks to prejudices based on looks and color and disability. Not only are black cats the least adopted and the most euthanized in shelters, this cat was blind and considered a "special needs" cat. 

Immediately the word "disability" and "special needs" conjures up images of additional care, vet costs, obstacles followed by more obstacles.  A slew of more negative stereotypes continue to stream.

Thanks to the author and other high profile celebrities, I have learned they bring greater joy than expected. Children and pets with special needs often have other special gifts and remind us not to take simple routines, little things for granted. A walk in a park, listening to the radio, playing a simple game, a family sitting around the dinner table and sharing their day...How often do we appreciate these acts?

Even more inspiring are the people that accept these "special needs" children and pets. Moreso, they embrace them when most would reject and abort them.  They are all heroes in my opinion.  It's about  facing a difficult situation head on, EMBRACING IT and become stronger and more fulfilled! 

Gwen Cooper, the author, was a single female struggling in her career and also finances.  Already strapped with two cats, she feared a third cat, much less a blind cat, would label her the "crazy cat lady" and dig her deeper into a dark financial hole. But that black cat brought light, laughter and love!

Of course Homer owes his life to a young, altruistic veterinarian, Dr. Patty Khuly, who surgically removed his eyes due to severe infection and turned to her client Gwen Cooper in hopes she would adopt him.  Homer's story is one of a Wonder Cat who is blind but has no fear. Even the guys that Gwen dated and broke up with, returned just to visit Homer, the cat!   He even chased away an intruder in the middle of the night. Homer also teaches Gwen that love is not something you see with your eyes. 

  Unlike most books about pets, I promise you there is no sad ending. Gwen Cooper is a gifted writer and keeps the action flowing and you will laugh all the way through!

Order your COPY NOW! Click the link below to order your copy and a small proceed benefits Riverfront Cats!

A Lesson for Congress

Congress could learn a lot about bipartisanship from this kitten and pitbull. They can playfight and get along and playfight then sleep together and compromise...In the end they get along. Watch the video! You will love it!

Le Chat Noir featured in Brickell Magazine

Johnny Walker looks up at Christine Michaels during photoshoot

Black cats are once again basking in the spotlight!  Brickell Magazine, a high end magazine focusing on leaders, important trends and success stories for the downtown Miami area, featured a one page article on Le Chat Noir. 

Under the "Entrepreneur" section, the title was "Kitty Care".  The article spoke about the conception and the event called Le Chat Noir, the Cat Network's inaugural Black Cat Gala, to raise awareness about the uniqueness of black cats, reduce their euthanization rate at shelters while increasing their adoption rate.

NOTE: there was a misstatement in the article that I need to correct here.  It was NOT the state of Maryland that mandated not to send black kittens. It was the shelter in Bowie that made the call.  Please know the article was the draft the reporter wrote and I had corrected it but the reporter is no longer with the magazine. I had sent several emails to the reporter and editor with corrections but this was earlier in the year. 

Johnny Walker

There are plenty of black cats for adoption within the Cat Network.  For example, Johnny Walker and Audrey Tiffany Hepburn are a great pair.  Click here to learn about their unique personalities and view more photos of  them! To the future parents of JW and Tiffany, you'll receive a beautiful gift basket with essential food and toys (a $75 value for free) PLUS a bottle of Coppola wine donated by Christopher R. Coppola and Biker Cat!

Le Chat Noir was a beautiful, exciting and memorable event! More importantly it raised awareness, funding and started to overturn long-held myths about black cats and cat women. Black cats are lucky and there are plenty of sexy Cat Ladies in Miami!

Soon we'll begin planning our next event so be on the lookout for that email!
Here's to saving more than 9 lives!
Christine

About Urinary Issues in Cats

                                                                             

We all have our "issues"  and in the case of cats, urinary tract infection or bladder inflamation are common. Recognizing the signs is important to minimize pain, get immediate treatment and return to comfortable routine. Below is an excellent explanation of signs, potential problems and solutions to help your cat.

by Cindy Hewitt

Inappropriate elimination is the leading cause when cats are relinquished to shelters, and urinary issues are one of the most common health problems for which cat guardians seek veterinary assistance.  

Cats naturally seek somewhere to eliminate that will allow them to bury their waste.  When cats don’t use the litterbox, there is usually a reason:

• For some reason the litterbox is unattractive.
• There is a medical issue.
• There is a behavioral issue.

Unattractive litterbox:  Cats can be very particular, and a variety of issues affect their willingness to use a litterbox. 

• Location:  should be in a quiet, peaceful location away from noise and traffic.
• Type of box:  some cats are hesitant to use a hooded litterbox; other cats prefer the privacy.
• Type of litter: 
• Most cats prefer a small grain litter such as scoopable litter. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter is formulated to encourage cats to use the litterbox, and may be helpful in retraining your cat.
• Scented litters can be very offensive to cats.  Try an unscented plain clay or scoopable litter. 
• Dust from litter may bother the animal; use a low dust brand.
• Try different types of litter (scoopable, clay, etc.) in different boxes (open vs. hooded) at the same time, preferably in the same location, to control for all variables. If your cat has a preference for one type of litter, use that litter in different boxes and locations to further understand your cat’s needs.
• Litter box liners:  some cats dislike liners; when they dig their claws get caught, and they don’t like the feel of the plastic.
• Number of boxes vs. number of cats:  most animal behaviorists recommend at least one box per cat plus a spare; if there are litterbox problems, they recommend two boxes per cat because some cats won’t urinate and defecate in the same location
• Frequency of cleaning:  cats don’t want to step into a landmine (theirs or another animal’s).  If the box is dirty, they will seek another location.  Clean boxes at least once daily, more often if possible.  Hint:  make cleaning litterboxes as convenient as possible.  If using flushable litter, place in bathroom near toilet.  Consider having an old-fashioned diaper pail for easy disposal of waste, and containment of odor.  There are automatic boxes that will keep at least one box clean even if you aren't home. 

Medical issues: “Knowledge regarding feline urinary tract issues is evolving in terms of diagnostics, causes and treatments, and this can be both confusing and controversial. The current thinking is that the majority of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) cases has no clear cause and is lumped into idiopathic cystitis or interstitial cystitis (borrowed from human medicine).  Since the exact cause is unknown, the perfect therapy eludes us.  To make matters worse, this syndrome of idiopathic cystitis can produce urinalysis results that sometimes yield either bacteria or crystals, obscuring the true process initially.  This frustrates owners and vets alike.  Often, idiopathic cystitis is finally diagnosed once a trend or repeated pattern is detected” explains Dr. Jim Dugan of Pinecrest Veterinary Hospital.

Cats frequently attempt to get our attention and let us know they are having problems by eliminating outside the litterbox.  When this occurs, cats should be examined by a veterinarian to insure there is no medical basis for the issue. A urinalysis should be performed to determine Ph and specific gravity, and to look for crystals, bacteria and blood in your cat's urine.  If there are no significant findings in the urinalysis, but this is a repeat or chronic issue, a radiograph should be performed. If there are still no findings, an Ultrasound is helpful in more thoroughly visualizing the bladder and bladder wall to evaluate for possible calculi.  If US isn't available, a radiograph with contrast (usually air is used to inflate the bladder) may be useful.

If a cat is going in and out of the litterbox, or appears to be straining but not producing urine, it is CRITICAL to monitor carefully and if the cat cannot urinate, it is a medical EMERGENCY.  A blocked urethra can be fatal and must be treated immediately.  If you are unsure, segregate the cat with a clean litterbox and observe carefully to determine if it is actually urinating.

Some studies have shown that in cats under 10 years of age, the vast majority of urinary tract infections (UTI) have no bacterial component, so treatment with antibiotics may not be necessary.  If there is blood in the urine, most veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.  In addition, studies have shown that most UTIs in young cats clear in 3-5 days, with or without antibiotics, fluid therapy, both or nothing.  Providing COMFORT to the cat by using medication to relieve pain and/or reduce inflammation should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Diet appears to play a role in many cases.  If the cat is producing crystals, modifying the Ph of the urine (with diet or drugs) can help prevent formation and even dissolve some existing crystals.  Fluid intake also makes a difference, as larger fluid intake can help flush out any small crystals that may form.  Providing a fresh flowing fountain, or giving your cat very low-sodium chicken broth (such as Pacific low sodium, free range, organic broth with about 70mg sodium/8 oz) can help increase fluid intake.

Many cats improve if fed a prescription diet such as Hill's Rx CD Multicare, Royal Canin Urinary SO and Purina UR.  If the cat improves on a prescription diet, then dietary modification is probably appropriate.  If the cat improves and is stable on a prescription diet for an extended period of time, but cost is a factor, ask your vet if you can try an over-the-counter (OTC) urinary formula food such as Purina Pro Plan Urinary Formula.  If your vet approves, slowly add in the OTC urinary formula food (no more than 10% at a time) over several weeks, and if the cat does well both from a digestive and urinary perspective, see if you can maintain him on the OTC urinary formula.

Additionally, if the cat has experienced painful elimination (such as with a bladder infection), it may associate this pain with the litterbox and be hesitant to use the box again.  If your cat had an infection which has been successfully treated and is still hesitant to use the box, try a different type of box in a different location in an attempt to break the association.

Cat Professionals, Ltd. has produced a great booklet on FLUTD, which thoroughly outlines the diverse things that can impact your cat.  It is available in print or download formats at http://www.catprofessional.com/purchase_us.html.

Behavioral problems:  When cats are stressed or unhappy, they may “mark” with urine.  This can be vertical spraying or horizontal urinating.  Behavioral urination is frequently associated with the introduction of additional animal or person (even a new baby) in the household, or some other type of change to the cat’s environment.  Multicat households have a much greater risk that one or more of the cats will urine mark. 

Try to determine the source of stress, and eliminate or minimize causes of stress if possible.  Do not punish a cat for urine marking; this will only encourage the cat to mark when you are not around.  NEVER hit a cat or try to rub its nose in excrement; this type of response only further stresses the animal and makes it afraid of the guardian.

Try to give the animal extra attention and even “private” space if possible; it is not cruel to segregate a cat in an office or bedroom if that is what the cat prefers.  Sometimes environmental enrichment can help reduce stress.  Cats like vertical hideaways, and you can dramatically increase their options by adding cat perches, walkways and tall furniture.  In addition, some cats really enjoy having access to safe, outdoor enclosures.  There are several commercial products available that allow your pet to be outside without the normal risks faced by free-roaming felines.

Thorough cleaning of any surfaces marked with urine is critical to minimize the chance the cat will be drawn back to the same area by residual scent.  First remove as much urine or other organic material as possible using just water; use a steam cleaner/extractor on carpets and upholstery.  Then thoroughly saturate the area to be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle, Urine Off, etc.  The enzymes break down the urine to remove all odor.  Do not use soap or detergent when cleaning, as these will leave residue that will inactivate enzymatic cleaners.  Reapplying the enzymatic cleaner for several days will help minimize the chance that there will be any lingering odor that your cat can detect, even if you can’t.

If urine marking cannot be eliminated, discuss possible segregation, pheromone therapy and/or medication with your veterinarian. Ultimately, if a thorough medical workup has ruled out any physiological cause, and the spraying behavior cannot be controlled, it may be better to allow the cat to go outdoors than to surrender it to a shelter or have it euthanized.  

Conclusion: Recurrent urinary issues are one of the most common health and behavioral problems among cats.  Resolving these issues requires patience, perseverance, a bit of detective work and flexibility on the part of caretakers and veterinarians.   People regularly make significant concessions to address the medical or behavioral issues of family members.  Hopefully more and more pet guardians will make the same commitment to their furchildren.

Thanks to Dr. Jim Dugan of Pinecrest Veterinary Hospital for contributing to this article.

More Commercials featuring Cats!

Nowadays more cats are appearing on commercials. 

Recently I've seen cats using their paws to slide the screen of a Sprint touch screen phone.

There's the famous IKEA cat commercial where 100 cats were released in a UK IKEA store. This commercial won some type of award I can't remember now. (See first video below).

Even better is the insider's view of the making of that commercial (second video that received 3 MILLION HITS!!!)--meeting the cats (these are not-trained-for-TV animals) and their owners, and then the expected chaos of unleashing 100 cats. Producing a commercial is a tremendous amount of work and imagine these people had to work during the middle of night. But it's also a lot of fun. I gushed with pride to see the union of my two loves--advertising (my career) and cats (my children).

Best of all a Skittle's commercial uses a cat.  This commercial was awarded the prestigious GOLD Cannes Lion just this past week at the Cannes Lion Festival.  This is the Oscars to the creative agency awards. The AOR (agency of record) is BBDO of Toronto, Canada.

Naturally as a cat advocate I'm thrilled. Until the plight of homeless cats has a celebrity spokesperson like all other causes, this is a good start to spotlight the beauty, grace, and intelligence of cats to get more adopted and save them from euthanization.

Communities Try to Control Burgeoning Cat Population

Today an article appeared in the USA Today titled " Communities Try to Control Cat Population". It begins:

A growing number of animal advocates and local communities are stepping up efforts to curb the overpopulation of cats by offering low-cost or free spaying and neutering. Stephen Zawistowski, science adviser for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says a number of factors are contributing to the booming cat population, including a rise in pet ownership that often leads to cats being abandoned, more suburban yards that provide ideal habitat for feral cats and fewer stray dogs that chased or killed cats in the past.

The article reports from various cities as they face the same challenge. The Cat Network of South Florida was also quoted. (To read the complete article, scroll down to end of this posting).

Adding my own two cents, I would add that other definite factors are lack of knowledge of the responsibility of caring for a kitten or cat; the dismal economy; and sheer ignorance of owners who dump their cats into the streets. They may or may not know the exponential birth rate that results from thie irresponsibility of leaving their once indoor or protected cat to the unknown surroundings of the dumping site.

Again, as I continually preach, we need to get to the root of the problem through EDUCATION and COMMUNICATION. Low cost spaying and neutering addresses the surface problem but not the root of it. 

Like a faithful preacher, I never fail to bring up my efforts when meeting or talking to strangers, in line at the grocery store, at a function, any place, any where.  Word of mouth costs nothing.

In the process, including this blog,  I pray for someone or some organization to step forward to help with a comprehensive, full-scale, marketing campaign with billboards, Public Service Announcements in TV and radio, print ads, etc., to educate the public to spay/neuter their pets AND STRAY CATS. If you feed a stray cat, please have it spayed/neutered. If not, it leads to animal cruelty. Videos for example would show how half of stray kittens die before eight weeks of age.  The adults fight for survival.  While some stray cats are feral, if you feed it, in a sense, it's your cat. Obviously you care for the kitty so he and she do not starve.  It's impossible to order humans not to feed cats. A former Miami Beach mayor learned that lesson the hard way.  He says "If there's one important lesson in politics, it's never mess with cat people".   It's human nature to offer food to a hungry human, a starving animal.

There are professionals for hire who will do all the work of T-N-R (Trap, Neuter, Return) including feral or wild cats. A person will come out to your neighborhood or place where you feed a colony of strays, trap the cats, take them to the vet for surgery (neuter/spay), care for them post surgery and then drive back and return them to their home environment.  Yes, it can be done for feral cats. It's done all the time.

But when I mention the average cost of $70 per cat, suddenly these individuals don't have the money. Yet earlier I overheard their conversations of the single guy who "goes out every weekend with friends" drinking and dining, the outfit she bought but never wore costing a day or week's paycheck, and the number of non necessities we spend on daily. They are animal lovers to the point of not crimping their budgets for indulgence.  It breaks my heart. They mean well by feeding the cats, but are part of the problem at the same time.

What is an animal lover? A topic for another blog post.

Some of you grew up with Bob Barker from the Price is Right game show as I did. He was the only celebrity who regularly reminded us to "help control homeless pet population, spay and neuter your pets".

We need a new Bob Barker! A handsome or gorgeous, articulate celebrity to be the voice for the voiceless, homeless cats.  Who will fill that critical post, vacant for over a decade??? 

If you know of someone to be that angel or hero to overcome this epidemic in South Florida, I would love to hear from you!

Christine Michaels

p.s to read the rest of the USA Today article, CLICK HERE.

Fabulous wedding gift!

When I read this article, I knew I had to share this. This couple chose a non-traditional wedding gift choice. Click below to learn more and share your comments below.

http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/local/cat_lovers_wedding_gift_to_rescue_charity_1_3476222

Of course now I have to revise my will to leave some monies to my favorite cat charity, The Cat Network. I want my money to go to an EDUCATION CAMPAIGN with print media such as billboards, leaflets in every South Florida mailbox about the critical need to spay and neuter and to consider getting to know cats.

The sign of a sterilized cat

 


Bobbie's ear is clipped

   

One day, when a seismic shift occurs and someone, somehow will rally those with the means and resources to broadcast the plight of homeless cats nationwide, one of the pillars of knowledge that desperately needs attention is the universal sign of a sterilized cat. 

Every week I receive emails from the Cat Network notifying us that someone turned in a sterilized cat (meaning it is spayed/neutered) at the county shelter. It's heartbreaking because chances are high the cat will be euthanized.  Worse, as a volunteer, I know the sweat, back-breaking work it takes to set traps, wait in the heat, humidity and get attacked by mosquitoes, trap the cat, lug the heavy cat in cage, the post surgery care and recuperation, even the feral ones...

It could mean that someone does not like stray cats, assume the cats will reproduce and did not know that it was sterilized. These anonymous people will hire a professional trapper, only for a perfectly happy, healthy outdoor cat to face death. It's pure frustration.  There's so much education needed! Where are the animal-loving media? Where are the PSAs? I've often ranted about this and I will repeat it again:

"There is a solution, a cure! We just need a little funding to raise awareness!"

Dr. Patty Khuley is a Miami veterinarian and writes a pet column in the Miami Herald under the name Dr. Doolittler.

Here is a question by a resident who adopted a cat with the ear tipped sliced or "mangled". Actually that "mangled" ear is a universal sign the cat is spayed/neutered and saves many cat lives from euthanization.

Click below for Dr. Doolittler's explanation. The cats at Riverfront all have tipped ears. Usually it's their left ear (right ear if we face them) that is tipped or has a v cut.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/16/2167520/ear-tipping-a-lifesaver-for-free.html



Samantha has V cut in ear
(performed by Planned Pethood)



 Please share this posting with all your friends and family and save a life!