Cat Correspondent Seeking the Scoop!

10/31/2011

 

Reporting from the Feline Front

You may recall the cool competition of last spring, a chance to be named an official Cat Chow Correspondent for Purina. The winner would get a year-long, paying gig, interacting with other cat-parents, learning what's happening in the world of felines, and in general, hanging out in the most cat-friendly places to find exciting stories to tell.

The nationwide search brought plenty of hopefuls (and everyone who entered received freebie coupons, much appreciated by their cats eager to chow down on the results). And the ultimate winner Andy Senor, Jr. (aided by his elegant Siamese cat Buster) began his reign in May, ready to meet with fans and make new friends. Andy, whose very busy life includes working as an actor, director, photographer and writer, told Cat Scratchings that he entered the contest because "it seemed like a fun, light-hearted idea, creating Internet content featuring me and my cat."

Andy, who kept a food blog while on tour for a year with the musical "Rent,"  was thrilled when he was chosen, and described the partnership with Purina as a perfect fit for "the three of us, including Buster." In fact, Buster was a prominent part of the action for a photography session at Andy's tiny home in the west Greenwich Village are of New York City. "The photo shoot was a first for Buster, " Andy said. "It's a good thing he is people-friendly, with all the crew people who were stuffed into my apartment. But we continue to plan for other encounters." You can follow both Andy and Buster on Facebook and on their Twitter account, @tellmecattales.

Andy enjoyed an appearance at BlogPaws, the conference of animal bloggers, where he "met a lot of interesting cat people and bloggers who shared amazing stories with me. The coolest thing about being the Purina Cat Chow Correspondent is how I've taken an interest in people's relationships with their cats, " he said. "I tell them what I'm doing, and they get so excited, they express love for their pet instantly and unapologetically. I instantly relate to their loving side, and we connect. I had no idea how moving it would be for me to realize the difference pets make in people's lives, and what they tell about their experiences. I couldn't wait to share their experiences on Facebook." 

Andy said he is interested in "the story that wants to be told, particularly about how cats enrich the lives of their people," and added that he is particularly fascinted by the topic of "therapy cats," which has gotten his attention -- so we'll be curious to see what he finds.

As for Buster, he's the cat who's got it made. Andy and a good friend share him, as Buster stays with Andy three weeks and with his friend for one. "I got the better end of the deal," Andy said. Like many Siamese, Buster thrives on giving and getting affection. "Buster is a lover, who loves people, loves sitting and sleeping on your lap, and following you around," said Andy. "He plays with you even if you're busy doing something else, and is also very good at entertaining himself."

Andy said that he is not an expert on cats, "I am only an expert on my love for my own cat. I would like others to see me as a safe space, where their expressions of love for cats is always welcomed."

Comments

[Lisa Conrad]

I had to move toan assis living residence at 52 becauseof Ms. But they allow cats. bringing my cat pumpkin saved my life.

[Nokia Symbian]

that's cool, competition is getting tough. Love for cats would always be highly appreciated.

[Igor Purlantov]

Cats are awesome. Buster looks like a fun kitty. -Igor Purlantov

[Ann Marie]

There is a commercial about the series To Cute . Their is a scene where a kitten is sniffing a turtle. That is very disturbing to me because turtles carry all sorts of diseases that could make the kitten very sick.

[Angel]

I have a question and didn't know where to put it so here goes...I have two cats one is female age 12 the other is male age 1 they both have their own rooms with seperate eating litter box toys and so on. During the day they are out of the rooms exploring sharing and playing but at night I put them up for bed time in their seperate rooms...I married a non cat person so he request they go in their rooms at night so as not to make noise or meow at our door and wake him up... so now sometimes my husband travels for work and I am home alone with kittys and love for them to sleep with me. So I guess my question is should I stay consistant and put them up even when I'm home alone or is it ok to break the cycle when husband isn't home and also I think my younger cat gets lonely...should I put them up at night together in the same room or keep them seperate? Thanks!!! P.s love the show!

[Kris]

My father recently passed so I have adopted his 10 year old outside cat. I can't allow her to go outside as there are dogs all over that roam free. My issue is that she has adjusted well to being in the house with the exception of her litter box. She will pee in it, but pooping is a hit and miss. I keep it clean and in a private place but sometimes, she just prefers to go beside it. Any one have any suggestions? Im tired of cleaning up poop!

[JD]

My cat will only drink water from the bathtub. I let the water drip. How can I get him to drink water from a dish?

[Toronto Movers]

Cats are very cute. Side Issue- does anyone have any solutions/suggestions to solve the homless cat problem? It is sad what these animals go through