Humid Kitties

CAT ABUSE IN MID-CITY: A Call For Assistance

2009-11-16T15:50:00.002-06:00

New Orleans (November 16, 2009) – The Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) has started an investigation into disturbing acts of cruelty against cats. The LA/SPCA Animal Control Officers collected the body of an orange and white cat. During the necropsy it was determined the cat died from blunt force trauma. This was the 10th cat to be found in this area. The other 9 cats were disposed of before the LA/SPCA could examine them. The LA/SPCA is expecting more bodies to turn up.

“Animal cruelty is a pre-cursor to violence against humans,” states Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the LA/SPCA. “This case is not only disturbing because of the trauma that this cat endured, but also because there is a member of our community who thinks it is ok to torture living creatures. It is only a matter of time before this escalates.”

The LA/SPCA is asking for anyone within the area bounded by Orleans, Tulane, Murat and Jeff Davis for help. Residents should see LA/SPCA Animal Control Officers in the neighborhood asking questions in the investigation of these crimes. Cooperation is appreciated, and if you have information please call 504-368-5191 ext 100 or log onto www.la-spca.org and fill out an animal cruelty report.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuses that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

K+4: The Day The Levees Failed

2009-08-29T00:26:00.001-05:00

JPAS and LA/SPCA Reduce Cat Overpopulation

2009-08-19T11:29:00.003-05:00

After almost a year we are bringing this site back to life. The HumidKitties are now resident in Cincinnati, Ohio where we no longer need dread seasonal evacuations. Of course, much like our Dad over at HumidCity we still like to stay involved with things back home in New Orleans. With that in mind we have decided to mark our return to the net by trying to help our poor cousins back home. See below.

-Jane, who is the one actually in charge....

Atlanta Humane Society and two local shelters partner to see more cats adopted.

The Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) has entered into an agreement with the Atlanta Humane Society and the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter to transport 40 cats to increase their chances of adoption.

The Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter is at capacity in their cat population. In order to alleviate some of the pressure the LA/SPCA will transport 20 of Jefferson’s adoptable cats to their shelter at 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd. There the cats will be spayed/neutered and micro chipped before being placed in adoption. The Atlanta Humane Society has graciously offered to accept 20 cats that have been spayed/neutered and micro chipped from the LA/SPCA in order to allow the cats the absolute best chance at being adopted.

“With this arrangement our cats are more likely to get adopted simply because more people will get a chance to see them, and it will give us the space to help the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter,” Says Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the LA/SPCA, “We are grateful to the Atlanta Humane Society for accepting these cats as we know they too are seeing surges in their cat population.”

Adult cats are usually the last to get adopted behind puppies, kittens, and adult dogs. In the summer cats are more likely to breed; therefore, shelters usually see an increase in the cats up for adoption. The cats to be transported will leave the LA/SPCA campus on Wednesday August 19.

The LA/SPCA is open for adoptions Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm – 4pm. The Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter is open for adoptions Monday – Friday 9am-4:30pm and Saturday 10am-2:30pm.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-29T10:19:00.001-06:00

DSC01069
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

From her perch on high Eris, the princess of the house, wishes all of her fans and subjects a winter holiday filled with canned food and catnip!

As Above So Below

2008-11-16T20:41:00.001-06:00

As Above So Below
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

This is what happens when you eat cereal near the Cat5. The other two are a slinking around out of camera range.

We Can Has

2008-11-04T23:54:00.000-06:00

Miss My Daddy

2008-09-24T19:36:00.001-05:00

Video call snapshot 7
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

Daddy is in NYC working on a major podcasting gig for ten days and I miss him so mom called him on Skype and let me say hello.

-Eris

We're back from Evac

2008-09-13T17:03:00.001-05:00

DSC00295
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

And it was not fun.

Sleepy Jane

2008-08-19T13:50:00.001-05:00

Sleepy Jane
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

This is how Jane copes with the incessant rain...

Who Is a Big Girl?

2008-08-18T13:04:00.001-05:00

Lex and Eris
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

Eris has now topped the twenty pound mark. Film at 11.

The Cat 5 Support Local Feline 504

2008-07-22T10:18:00.002-05:00

NEW ORLEANS, LA – It was discovered today in the Carrollton Riverbend area of uptown New Orleans that a new union is forming in what is traditionally a non-union, right-to-work state.

A small piece of torn paper, sprinkled with kitty litter, revealed a portion of a flyer distributed by Delton DeGris. Delton, a large gray feline of laid-back repute, is just one of many shelter cats looking for a new home through Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). The flyer revealed potential trouble breaking out at an adoption event this Saturday, usually a peaceful occurrence where humans and homeless pets become family. Delton’s cryptic scratchy marks read, “This union represents hundreds of cats clawing out of a never-ending canine shadow to get some doggone attention and adoption equality. This stops now!”

DeGris, armed with a determined cattitude to bring rights to his fellow felines, plans to make his grassroots proposal to create an official union for felines on Saturday, July 26, at Canine Culture, 8110 Hampson Street, New Orleans from 11am to 3pm. The group, calling themselves Local Feline Union 504 (other area codes may be included as they expand their coalition), is expecting strong support by the humans at the adoption event. Dogs, as well as puppies, cats and kittens will be up for adoption. “Our Union’s cute kitten members can be counted on to distract attention from those canine pups,” stated Delton, not at all worried about the competition. “After all they don’t bark at a doorbell in the middle of your favorite TV show,” he commented, as he wiped his catnip-laden whiskers.

Special Adoption Fees

As a conciliatory measure to Local Feline 504 members, ARNO has agreed to reduce the usual adoption fee of $150 to $25 for adult cats and $50 for kittens (with two-for-one kittens to keep the union strong at a new home). Dogs will share in the arbitrated fees with adult dogs at $75, and puppies at $100. The dogs refuse the two-for-one arbitration and will strictly reject such feline fancy.

ARNO states that adoption fees include spay/neuter, age appropriate rabies and other inoculations, plus cats combo tested for FIV and FeL, and adult dogs test heartworm negative.

Local Feline 504 strongly supports pre-screening remain in place for appropriate adoptions, so the requirements of an approved application remain in place before a pet is released to a new home. ARNO organizers state that application pre-approval is highly recommended, and an application is available by contacting adoptfromarno@yahoo.com. ARNO advises the public that this is a limited opportunity, so be ready to take advantage of this adoption special. Special adoption rates will be in effect through July 31, 2008.

Saturday, July 26 • Canine Culture, 8110 Hampson, New Orleans • 504.373.5141

Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) is a volunteer grassroots 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rescue and aid of abandoned and homeless animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as well as responding to immediate medical needs, including neglect, abuse and deprivation of loving care. ARNO promotes the foster, adoption and reunion of pets with caretakers, as well as spay/neuter of all companion animals.

ARNO No-kill Shelter at 271 Plauche St., New Orleans, LA 70123 in Elmwood section of Jefferson

www.AnimalRescueNewOrleans.org • Public 3pm – 7pm seven days/week • 504.571.1900 voice mail

Eris By request

2008-05-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

Eris belly
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

A recent comment shows that we have been giving Jane too much spotlight to the detriment of our other felines. With that in mind allow me to present Eris: the Pillsbury Dough Cat!

Kitty Pics

2008-03-12T15:30:00.001-05:00

OOH LOOK!!

A Flickr Group for the Cats of New Orleans!! Cool!

Kitty roast

2008-01-21T15:14:00.001-06:00

Kitty roast
Originally uploaded by The_Doodler

With the bout of extreme cold we have had it has been rather dismal inside more often than not. Jane has found her solution: sittig on the heating vent.

RIP Smokey

2007-12-18T21:51:00.001-06:00

When we were in exile after Hurricane Katrina we met met some of Dad's friends. One of them was very sweet and even fed us treats. When you're on the run and have to tak care of not one, but two humans, treats aer very important. We liked her.

We would like to offer a moment of silence for one of her four footed friends, recently lost.
R.I.P. Smokey F. Rourke

---
---
---
---
---
---

Bingle and Eris, Together Again

2007-12-02T16:47:00.001-06:00

Bingle and Eris, Together Again
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

It is Xmas time in New Orleans and that means Mr Bingle sightings. It s Xmas time in our house as well which means Eris sightings. I suppose it is only natural that the two should periodically overlap.

Home from surgery

2007-12-01T11:59:00.001-06:00

Home from surgery
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

Jane has returned home from the vet and is mending well and rapidly. She had a sinus infection, which led the vet to an infected jaw and a pair of badly corroded fangs.

After a very expensive day of oral surgery she now no longer has her top canines, but is already showing signs of being a much happier little beast.

Mine

2007-11-16T23:03:00.001-06:00

Mine
Originally uploaded by Maitri

Taken by Maitri, the sixth cat...

Daddy's Girl

2007-11-06T19:10:00.001-06:00

Daddy's Girl
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

Best picture of Jane in a long time.

Warm Spot!

2007-11-02T23:58:00.001-05:00

Warm Spot!
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

With the weather getting cold off and on the heat has been turned on for the first time in the new place. Jane immediately staked her claim to this perfect little spot...

Cat Site is a Sight

2007-10-28T02:12:00.001-05:00

humidkitties.blogspot.com
Originally uploaded by Often Absurd in the Humid City

This lovely flower-like image is a graph of the site's code for the humidkitties blog. Click the image for a larger view.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled felines (who all have their own catbook accounts on facebook, look 'em up)

O PLZ

2007-10-24T22:36:00.001-05:00

From The Site:

Lolsecretz is the meeting of two of the internet's most famous memes– PostSecret (the blog where people anonymously confess their deepest darkest secrets) crossed with Lolcat Macros (the phenomenon where people ascribe poorly spelled human emotions to animals). Enjoy!

I give it Four Funky Felines!

Likka Da Noze

2007-10-19T21:46:00.000-05:00

Sylvester’s Story

2007-05-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a guest post by one of the neighborhood strays, as transcribed by my next door neighbor Lauri

Hi. I had another name before the big storm but to remember it makes me sad so I’m Sylvester now. I have long stripped, grey hair with patches of white on my belly and my feet and a lean, elegant face. I’m a Katrina Kitty. Even though my life isn’t perfect, I’m still better off than a lot of other cats who were separated from their mommies and daddies during the evacuation in 2005.

The evacuation was terrible. I became scared and got lost and all the noisy cars and trucks confused me. I tried and tried to find my people. I wandered around and ate what I could and hid from noisy cars and trucks. For the first time ever I had fleas and mites but I kept looking, knowing mom and dad would still recognize me even with my dirty, thinned-out coat and the weird thing that started growing on my chest. I had a hard time defending myself because I no longer had my front claws.

Finally last July, I got too tired to go on searching. My head spun and I looked like a ghost of my former pampered glory. I became so dazed that when I laid down, I went to the nearest shade available to escape the terrible New Orleans heat—under a car.

And that’s when I became Sylvester. A man found me and brought me food and water, coaxing me out from under the car. I almost didn’t go—I was so tired, but the food smelled good, the water fresh and the man’s kind tone soothed my ears and wounded heart. After I ate my fill, the man set the food across the street from me on a porch and called to me, “Kitty, kitty, kitty.”

After a while I went across and had some more food. A lady came home and the man introduced me to her. After some discussion, they named me Sylvester.

Things are a lot better now. I live under the porch and every day, twice a day I get nice big helpings of soft food which is my favorite. I’ve even filled back out! The man and lady greet me every day and talk nice to me and scratch my ears and pet me. They talk about me a lot. They talk about things like the vet and baths and fleas. All these talks produce frowns and always end with the phrase, “Business is bad. There’s no money.” They sometimes finger the growth on my chest and see me tearing at my coat trying to get at the fleas and more worried talk floats to my ears.

A new man and woman moved in next door to us and they are nice too. They talk gently to me and always spare a moment to give me a pet. And they are the mommy and daddy to the Humid Kitties! And the Humid Kitties suggested one nighte through the screen door that I should tell my story on their website and ask for help so I can get the medical attention I really need. And even some kind person might come forward who wants a “special needs” cat—I don’t like loud noises or bags (especially those terrible plastic ones) and abrupt movements. I really like peace and quiet and I miss having a lap to call my own.

NOTE: If you are interested in helping Sylvester please leave a comment here.

SOS

2007-04-03T20:41:00.000-05:00

Our Things To Sit On and our Things To Climb On are disappearing. We think THEY are leaving....

Boxes, we'll sit in the boxes so they can't leave us behind...

Rest In Peace

2007-03-10T19:18:00.001-06:00

For me there is only one news item of note right now:

One of my siamese cats, Kallisti, was hot by a car sometime last night and died.

I rescued her and her sister eight years ago when they were seven month old kittens on their way to the pound. Since then she has mad many adventures for a young cat. She escaped with us and the other four felines during Katrina and the Tennesse, INdiana, New York odyssey of our subsequent exile. She made headlines on the BBC and got her picture in the Rivertown Enterprise newspaper as a four legged refugee.

Since returning she has been an indor/outdoor cat. Our only one. High strung and cowardly under normal circumstances, after the Storm she just stopped using the littler box. We tried everything: medications, discipline, rewards, etc. The only thing that worked was allowing her outside.

She loved being outside, and was an incredibly happy and affectionate child. Outside has taken my daughter from me, and I will miss her terribly.

/>

Kallisti Williams

Beloved Daughter, Rest In Peace

1999-2007

Krewe Kitties

2007-02-03T10:06:00.001-06:00

Since dad is the Dark Lord of the KoC this year that makes us royalty too!
Krewe Cats say, "Keep it green!"

Mom and the Grrrrlzz

2007-01-27T17:48:00.000-06:00

Everybody On The Sofa

2007-01-10T22:22:00.000-06:00

Everybody On The Sofa
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

A rare shot of all of them in a single frame.

Catley Pinkerton, 14, Beloved Orange Tabby « The Weathers Report

2007-01-05T20:37:00.000-06:00

Aww..
The Cat 5 Salute their fallen commrade! Katrina kitties are rare and wonderful creatures who, like Bilbo in the big Red Book, have seen an uncommon amount of adventure.

Wishing you many mice in heavan, kiddo!
Catley Pinkerton, 14, Beloved Orange Tabby « The Weathers Report

Announcement

2007-01-03T22:14:00.000-06:00

IMG_6280
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

Kallisti would like to wish you all a happy new year. Now wheres the food?

Xmas Eris

2006-12-24T20:18:00.000-06:00

Xmas Eris
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

I, Eris the Rotund, would like to wish a very Merry Catsmas to all our fans!

Send more tuna!

Neglected!!

2006-10-17T23:25:00.000-05:00

IMG_7026
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

Someone come pay attention to a sweet little Jane! Mom and dad are ignoring us since they are so buried in wedding plans. I don't care if they go legit, they're my parents anyway!

Please come feed us, quickly before I cease to be round!!

Everybody's Happy!

2006-09-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

IMG_6702
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

Everyone play nice! The Saints just WON AGAIN! Think good thoughts (and pass the tuna).....

Missing Cat

2006-09-20T22:19:00.000-05:00

IMG_6380
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

If any of you are a New Orleans please look out for the cat with the collar in this picture. Kallisti became an outside cat after the storm because the trauma of exile snapped somethng in her little head, she stopped using the littler box.

Now, after several moths of living mostly outside (coming in for meals and human attention) she has gone missing for two days. Her twin sister, Eris, misses her very much as do we. She was last seen near Napoleon and Prytania streets uptown. Anyone who has information about our missing child please contact us. We miss her terribly and are worried sick.

In the aftermath of the storm our cats have been a significant chunk of what keeps us sane and together. I hope that we can find her and that she is alright....

EDIT: She has been found! Despite the ongoing fantasies of death, doom, and disease she came wandering up to me moments after finally posting this. She has fallen victim to neither the assinine driving nor environmental hazards of post-K New Orleans. It is simply amazng how much my peace of mind relies upon the safety of the five animals who weathered exile, displacement, and dozens of hours at a time in cat carriers during the two months following the storm. On such slender things doth a semblence of sanity rest. For many weeks they were all we had, and the love of these small creatures was often what gave me strength to go on when things seemed darkest. Relying on friends for escape last August we took the five felines and little else for lives, even the small ones, are irreplaceable. It literally brings tears to my eyes to have her back.

Onlookers

2006-09-17T22:46:00.000-05:00

IMG_6548
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

Whazzat?

2006-08-28T00:44:00.000-05:00

IMG_6322
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

Oh, its just those uppity uptown girls (those rotten siamese twins). Not important. By the way, the food bowls behind me are EMPTY!

And we better not have any unexpected road trips like last year....

From Your Father

2006-08-27T14:49:00.000-05:00

PET RULES: To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door (nose height)

Dear Cats,
The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your plate and food, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not assume I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails and tongues straight out to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - pet attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other animals butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Remember: Cats are better than kids because they:
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money
3. Are easier to train
4. Normally come when called
5. Never ask to drive the car
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7. Don't smoke or drink
8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions
9. Don't want to wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and...
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Post-K Cat Nap

2006-08-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Komfy Kallisti
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

I offer my humble advice to all you stressed out humans. All of the people in the big world outside my house seem to be having a tough time right now. They hiss at each other a lot, have pissing matches over territory, mope around licking their wounds and complain about long line at the foodbowls. That's pretty much what it's like for me and the other cats I am forced to live with. It's really hard. I have an ancient siamese cat remedy for stress. Find a small space that no other human can fit in and curl up in the pictured position. Take a nap! Take as many naps as you wish but wake up often enough to make sure you are not missing anything important.(Food, petting)

Nap hard,
Kallisti
Siamese Cat
Member of Cat-5 in the UPT
Writing for HumidKitties

She is NOT in Charge!!

2006-08-24T15:21:00.000-05:00

Jaws XII: Eris Yawns
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

Mraaaaaaaaaa!!

Jane is not the boss of me! I only back down when she growls at me because......uh.......because she's so small! Yeah, thats it!

I am, after all not only the biggest cat in the house but also the sweetest, prettiest, cutest, and whatever other superlatives you can come up with. I am siamese after all......

-Eris, typed by Father

Meerowr!

2006-08-20T10:49:00.000-05:00

Eris and Jane
Originally uploaded by Humid City.

I'm Jane and you will worship me! Ignore that siamese upstart behind me, Eris is just a punk. I am the real center of attention and don't you forget it!

I have decided to follow in my human daddy's footsteps and have a blog of my own. He says that since he is doing the typing for me I will have to share it with the four fuzzballs I share the house with. More fool him!

I have survived Katrina and ourt evacuation odyssey (which took us from New Orleans to West Memphis, Bloomington, NYC and back over the course of six weeks. While I am obviously a cosmopolitan tortoiseshell, I am extremely happy to be home. There was distinct lack of soft things to lay upon other than laps while we were exiled and that is just unacceptable!

Anyway, this blog is dedicated to my fan club, particularly Dr. A, and my Aunt Adair. Daddy might let the other cats post sometimes, but I am dead set against it!