What are the names of your cats?
Marina and Blaze
Where is your cat family located in?
We live in Montgomery, New York.
What are the breeds of your cats?
They are half-siblings that came from a stray barn mommy cat. Both domestic tabbies. Marina is a long hair whilst Blaze is a short hair.
How old are your cats?
Marina is 1 year and 2 months and Blaze is 10 months.
Where can we find your cats on social media?
On Instagram @Marina_ventures
In a few short words/sentences, tell us about your cats' personalities.
Marina is very independent, intelligent and focused. She asks to go outside every day by sitting in her backpack and staring at us. She can be moody but is extremely loving while outside on the trails. She listens very well, particularly at mealtimes and loves to drink out of a running faucet.
Blaze is more sensitive, cuddly and playful while indoors. He will sit by you or lay on your chest and brings his favourite string everywhere he goes. Blaze really loves food and always wants more. He’s a little more nervous in new situations, but will follow Marina anywhere!
How have your cats transformed your life from the moment you've met them till now?
Marina and Blaze have absolutely transformed our lives for the better. They require care and consideration and responsibility, but it’s worth every cuddle and every adventure that we share. Chris and I have always enjoyed outdoor activities, but I never could’ve imagined that we’d be hiking, biking and kayaking with our cats. It feels amazing and revolutionary to be a part of the adventure cat community. What’s been the most amazing is seeing the positive response from Marina and Blaze, seeing what cats are capable of and seeing them light up during new experiences. They don’t hold us back, they just add more fun!
What do your cats mean to you?
Marina and Blaze mean the world to me. I truly see them as equivalent to having children. I care about their feelings and their happiness. I worked with them to become comfortable with adventures so that they could have enrichment in their life and to strengthen our bond together. They trust and love us and it’s the best feeling.
How did you and your cats first meet? Tell it to us in the form of a short story.
My aunt lives on a farm and a stray cat found a home in their barn. One day she found a litter of kitties! We saw the pictures and picked the only one that had white paws and a white front. The day came for us to meet halfway at my grandmother’s, out walked this teeny tiny beautiful fluff ball that we named Marina. After unsuccessful attempts to catch and spay the stray barn cat, a call came a few months later that a second litter had been born. This time we drove the 3 hours to the farm to meet the whole bunch. It took us at least 4 gruelling hours to pick out Blaze (we wanted to take all 6). He was this incredibly calm kitty that would just sit in our hands.
What do you think your cats think of you?
I have to imagine that Marina and Blaze see us as their providers, their safety net and their portal to the outside. The fact that they follow us on hiking trails proves to me that they love us and trust us.
Your cats are part of your family. What are some things they do that make you think that they consider you part of theirs?
Every morning I wake up to find Blaze sprawled on me or above my head. When I sit on the couch, he makes himself comfortable in my lap. He makes little chirping noises when you walk by, asking to play (or to be fed of course). Marina keeps to herself a little more, until the harness comes out. Then she hops right in her backpack and patiently looks to us to bring her out. Once outside, she starts rubbing up on our legs to say thank you. We’ve taken Marina on some pretty significant hikes and she follows us without fail; stops when we stop and comes with us whatever direction we go. It never ceases to amaze us and show us that she sees us as a pack and a family that sticks together.
What are some accounts your cats like to follow on Instagram?
@gato.thecato
@archie_theadventurekitty
@indianajoneskat
Why do you feel that it is important to show the world that Cats are Family?
I never knew before how involved cats could be in your life. Many people have cats that lay around all day and eat on their own accord, never needing direct attention from their owners. They can live this way, but both the cat and humans are missing out! I’ve learned that the more attention and love I give to my cats, the more happy and loving they become. Most people believe that cats prefer to stay home, but I disagree. We bring our cats along with us as often as possible, and I believe that just like people, their lives are enriched with new experiences and excitement. Our bond strengthens every day and I am so excited to continue sharing my life with them!
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