Rags

Rags
8/8/89 – 3/30/09

Rags (I have various names for him – including, but not limited to: Naggle, Freegie, Poo, Raggle Raggle) was given to my siblings and me for Christmas in 1989 with his brother, Cosby. He and his half brother, Cosby, were replacements for my very first Ragdoll, Skittles, who died at 2 years of age from FIP. Cosby died at 10 months old of FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). The vet told us then that Naggle had probably been exposed to the disease, and would never be affected by it since he hadn’t technically “caught it”. Thank goodness! After two Ragdoll deaths in a little more than 2 years was all our family could take. Rags would end up being my best friend and companion and the reason that I moved back home after college.

And so it went that he lived, and I entertained him and myself by dressing him in Cabbage Patch clothes, putting him in the pool, putting him in baby carriages, bringing him with me on the jetskis, etc. (Hey, I was 10 when we got him!) I really lugged him around everywhere and that’s probably why he was so mellow in public (we went to Petsmart or Petco on occassion when he was feeling well up until about 1 month before he passed) all the time. Well, he did have that fabulous Ragdoll personality that allowed for him to be more docile than other cats in general.

This is Rags and me. This photo was taken for the back cover of my book, Latina Filmmakers and Writers: The Notion of Chicanisma Through Films and Novellas. Photo credit is © Elaina Generally Photography 2007

In December 2005, Rags was diagnosed with lymphoma (he was on his last legs) and was given 4-12 months to live if given chemotherapy. If no chemo, then 4-8 weeks. Rags, technically is my family’s cat (although I have stolen him from for good, because I cannot sleep without him). My mom and I decided to try chemo–yes, some would say it was ridiculous, but I needed to know I tried.

Due to his fantastic internist, Dr. Michael Wasmer, at Mission Med Vet in Mission Med Vet, Rags was treated with two different protocols. He also had surgery three times – the surgeon was Dr. Jayce Lineberger – what an incredible heart this man has!

Rags Belly Surgery

Zipper Belly

Caymus and Rags sleeping together. Caymus, the fluffer nutter, loves to sleep with Rags. Learn how we introduced Caymus and Murphy to Rags when he was 15-years old: Introducing New Cats into Your Household.

Rags and Caymus Sleeping

As you can see, Rags responded very well to his chemo protocol and obviously outlived his diagnosis (Rags’ life was finally taken from his kidney failure)…in fact he lived another 3.25 years after the cancer diagnosis! I was thrilled and he puzzled all the doctors…who would tell me, “I don’t know what to tell you about that cat anymore–he’s incredible”. Of course, he had three surgeries to remove tumors–so there was a lot of help. During the last surgery, right before New Year’s 2007, they found a tumor in his liver which they could not remove, but it was benign.

Liver Tumor

Here is the picture of that tumor. You can tell where the tumor is because of the white instrument that is pointing to it.

Due to Rags’ Lymphoma and just because he was an old kitty, he had his blood drawn routinely every three months.

Rags’ medical records from when he was going through his chemo protcol are included Rags’ lymphoma page.

In 2004, I searched on the Internet to find two Ragdoll kittens for my parents (all in an effort to eventually steal Rags from my parents). My family adopted two from Bluegrass Rags in Kentucky. They are Caymus and Murphy and live with my parents. I fell madly in love with them both. Surprisingly enough at the age of 15 (and being an only cat nearly his entire life), Rags was very accepting of the kittens –no peeing as a result!

Rags was never much fond of toys or treats. But at the age of 15, Santa(i.e., my mom) purchased Rags a Yeowww! Catnip Banana. And it was a hit. He, at the age of 18.5, still played with it on a daily basis. You can buy a catnip banana by clicking below. Good luck and let me know if your cat is the same way! Oh, and yes, Caymus and Murphy like them too!

Rags' Behind

Mission Med Vet – Where Rags’ Lymphoma was Treated

Rags Christmas 2007

This is Freegie Pooh (what I affectionately call him) near Christmas 2007. He is 18 in this photo!

Rags in Snow

Rags and Mouse

Rags is 8 years old in this photo, which was taken by my mom–great photo, eh?

Rags under Japanese Maple

MORE PHOTOS OF RAGS

Rags Videos

Rags is the oldest Ragdoll cat that I know of. Should you know of an older Ragdoll cat, please contact Floppycats.com

Check out the procedures that Rags has received:

• Dental 4-22-08
• Dental 9-23-08
• Lymphoma
• Blood Draw
• Enema
• B12 Shots/Acupressure
• Administering Fluids
• Bath

I am currently looking for descendants of Rags’ father, Ragnarok’s Thor. If your cat is breeding or you know of a cat that is breeding that is a decedent of him, please contact me.

If you want to learn more about Rags on this website, please feel free to visit the following pages:

RAGS