Cats in Need

I went down to my local PetSmart today to photograph some loving kitties who are in need of forever homes. Cats in Need is the organization in charge and they’re on site every weekend trying to help find the kitties they’re fostering homes.

When I arrived, one of the kitties, a 10 year old Maine Coone-tabby mix, had just been claimed and was preparing to head home with her new owner. Two others had also been claimed that afternoon, leaving me just 4 kitties to photograph.

The images will be featured on PetFinder.com – cats with professional images have a better change of being adopted than those photographed casually.

My job was to make these kitties look like the sweet, loving darlings they are… in the confines of the small adoption area.

First up was Lilly, who was lounging at eye level on the four story cat climber. This little beauty is a medium hair Calico.

Then I met Sinatra, named after the famous “ol blue eyes” himself.  Sinatra is a Siamese/Russian Blue Mix, and he was napping at the very top of the climber, just feet from the top. In fact, my first view of him was just some paws…

I also photographed Snickers, who wasn’t sure what to make of the camera. He liked me well enough until I brought the lens up, taking cuddles and some chin scratchings with pleasure.  But it was probably his first portrait session, and he was out in one of the featured cages, in the noisier area, so I think it was only to be expected.  He’s a tux cat like my Sebastian, and had a good dose of kitten frisk.

Finally, I photographed Sherry, who was hiding at the very bottom of that scratching post… she was such a shy little thing that I nearly missed her entirely! She did not want to leave her hiding place, but when one of her trusted caregivers brought her out and held her, I could see what  pretty kitty she is!

Zoe… Growing Up

Our baby kitty Zoe is nine months old now, and while she’s growing up, she’s still our little baby. She and Giana are good friends, and often play together; Zoe wants to be a part of whatever Giana’s up to, especially if there’s stuff moving around she can pounce on!

Recently, Zoe was up on the counter and in a very cuddly mood. You know she’s cuddly as she comes right up to you purring softly and starts head-butting you demanding attention.  Giana had me get out the step stool so that she could get up by the counter top and give Zoe loves too. It made Giana’s day!

And, being a photographer and all, while she was doing that, I grabbed the camera…

And then afterwards, I turned the sink on just a little bit for one of Zoe’s favorite games: catch the water!

Also, since I haven’t featured the rest of the family lately… here’s Elizabeth, Sebastian, and Wednesday too.

Ca-Chohw! Cars Birthday Party

Ryan is obsessed with Lightining McQueen and the Disney/Pixar movie “Cars” so when it was time for his birthday party… Mommy knew just what he wanted!

From the racing red streamers to the present table guarded by Mac the Truck, everything was “Go, go, go!” as the guests arrived with their presents for the three year old birthday boy.  (Guess what? Almost all the gifts went VROOM!)

They played games, bounced in the bouncers, raced their bikes and scooters, and then took out the pinata for candy before it was time for cake and ice cream.