Hello. I'm Jenny Dean, the creator of Floppycats. I get many requests wondering about me, what it is I do and why I have this website about Ragdoll cats.
In an attempt to do a better job in answering those questions (and saving me time), I made this about me page.
I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, but now I live on the KS side of KCMO. I have two MAs - one in Spanish and one in Liberal Studies - both of them required a lot of research and a lot of writing.
My mom found these today. This is me with my Aunt's boyfriend's new Ragdoll kitten, Shamus. I'm 3 and he's 3 months old.
I met my first Ragdoll cat in 1982 when I was 3 years old. But it wasn't until I met Halston (my Aunt's Ragdoll) when I was 6 years old that I became a Ragdoll cat fanatic. I adored him and begged my mom to go to Aunt Nicky's house just to see Halston.
After years of begging my mom for a Ragdoll, I got my first Ragdoll cat, Skittles (age appropriately named), when I was 8 years old.
He was gift from my maternal grandparents. He died at 2 years old of FIP.
Christmas 1989, my parents gifted my brothers and me, two Ragdoll kittens - Rags and Cosby. Cosby died at 10 months old of FIP.
But Rags lived to be 19 years old and was the reason I started this website in 2008. After completing both of my Masters degrees in August of 2004, I returned to Kansas City because I was totally crazy about Rags, and had missed him dearly when I was away.
I started the job hunting process while substitute teaching. I finally found a job the following February and began to work as a Customer Service Representative for a local roofing manufacturing company.
I left that company 2 and a half years later as the Inside Sales and Customer Service Manager. I started a blog writing business from home and continued working on Floppycats.com.
Rags died in March 2009 when I was 29.5 years old, and he was 19.5 years old.
It was a huge loss for me at the time, but he will always be my inspiration to keep going with Floppycats - it has morphed over the years into what I am proud it is today - a place where cat owners communicate and help to make their lives more joyous and harmonious with their feline counterparts.
In August of 2009, I found Charlie's photo on Soulmate Ragdolls' website and adopted my Charlie and Trigg in October and November of 2009, respectively. They are my current Ragdoll cats. We do have a lot of Ragdoll cats in our family:
- My mom had 2 Ragdoll cats - Murphy and Caymus
- My sister has 2 Ragdoll cats - Ash and Addie
- My cousin Jill has 2 Ragdoll cats - Huck and Harlow
- My cousin Mary has 2 Ragdoll cats - Birch and Fred
- My mom's identical twin, my Aunt Jean has 2 Ragdoll cats - Maddie and Hobbs
- My Aunt Nicky, my mom's other sister, has 1 Ragdoll cat - William
You will see all of them featured here on our site as well as on our Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Over the last decade+ of work on Floppycats, I have interviewed many veterinarians, reviewed hundreds of products, written a few books, and met some pretty awesome cat owners.
Welcome to Floppycats.com - I am excited you're here and hope you'll share your (Ragdoll) cat love on the site!
All are welcome here - whether you have a Ragdoll or not, you are welcome to be here and hang out with us =).
Enrica
Hi Jenny, i love your website and very happy i came across this. I have a Rag that is almost two year that purchased from a small breeder in Kent UK called Adoring Ragdolls. My Hades is a lilac color point and i am looking to get a girl. unfortunately the Breeder where i took Hades doesn't have kittens available for now. Would you be able to suggest any honest breeder near London area? There are so many scams that is unbelievable. Many thanks
Jenny
Unfortunately, no. I don't recommend breeders. But if you email me, I can send you some resources of how to look for reputable ones. If you do find a breeder you're interested in, I can let you know if they seem legitimate and reputable.
Alanna
Hello Jenny,
I have or had two rag doll neutered males. They were brothers. They are twelve. I lost one today. He died overnight at the vet. Kidneys. I’m so heartbroken for his brother and for myself. I don’t know if I should consider another cat for his brother or not.
Jenny
Oh, man!! I am so very sorry for your loss! How active is your current kitty? Give yourself and him time to grieve, maybe? Maybe consider getting two kittens, so they can play with one another and leave him alone, if he's not interested? Or maybe looking for a rescue?
Courtney
I am looking for a male young ragdoll. Any up for adoption?
Jenny
Floppycats is an informational website - and our tagline is "Uniting Ragdoll Lovers Worldwide."
We are not a Ragdoll breeder, but we do try to help.
I learned long ago not to recommend breeders! I believe that people should make sure to do their homework on reputable breeding practices and decide for themselves. But some readers do recommend some breeders.
Here are the pages on the site that you might find helpful:
http://www.floppycats.com/ragdoll-breeders.html
http://www.floppycats.com/recommended-ragdoll-breeders.html
http://www.floppycats.com/bad-ragdoll-breeders.html
How to Know if a Cat Breeder is Reputable: An Interview with Bette Willette
https://www.floppycats.com/how-to-know-if-a-cat-breeder-is-reputable-an-interview-with-bette-willette.html
A small checklist when looking for a breeder:
Are they TICA or CFA registered?
Do they show their cats?
Do they breed within the written standard of Pointed, Blue eyed only?
Do they DNA test?
Do they keep kittens at least 12 weeks of age?
Do they provide a health guarantee?
Do the kittens come to you already spayed/neutered?
Do you feel comfortable with the communication with the breeder? You want to be able to contact your breeder months or years down the road with questions.
To see if a cattery is actually registered with TICA, you can go to this website. Be patient, when adding the cattery name into the search engine, it can take a minute or two to respond. The TICA online list is only a list of TICA catteries that decided to pay an extra fee to be listed. It is actually a very small percentage of Ragdoll breeders that did choose to advertise there.
https://tica.org/owners-breeders/catteries/registered-catteries
For CFA cattery names, you can check here.
https://cfa.org/cattery-name-index
RFCI is a great place to look also, the catteries listed there have been checked thoroughly to ensure they are registered with one or more of the major cat associations. They do sign a code of ethics as well, however with any breeder, do your own research and homework.
http://rfci.org/
Watch out for scams - https://www.floppycats.com/ragdoll-breeder-website-scam-ragdoll-family-or-ragdoll-giants.html
You might also search for a Ragdoll rescue, so we have the following webpage to help you find a Ragdoll Rescue in your area:
http://www.floppycats.com/ragdoll-rescue.html
If you find someone you like, you can always send me a link to their website and if I see any red flags, I will let you know - that's the best I can do.
Good luck! Hope that helps and hope you'll share your new little one with us on Facebook when you get s/he.
Jenny
Candace
Jenny
I’m glad I came across your info today particularly your video about ragdoll scammers. I believe someone was trying to scam me and I believe he/ they have done it before. I would like to send you the conversation. This is so upsetting to me that they are using beautiful kittens to scam people out of money.
Thank you.
Candace
Jenny
You're welcome to do so - not sure there is anything more I can do than this page and the video on YouTube. If someone has a connection at Google, maybe we can turn them in for fraud.
Carol Thompson
I was just looking for a video I had seen this week to show to my husband and ask “who is this”? I can’t find it but did come across all of these questions regarding breeders. Seems like a lot of people of being scammed, which is sad for the kitties and the humans, most with broken hearts following the loss of a fur baby. Not sure if it is allowed, so please remove if not…but I can highly recommend Righteous Ragdolls n Wilmington NC. I tried to paste a picture of my 5 year old Ragdoll, but couldn’t. But, I would recommend them over and over. He is my Lovebug and a true Ragdoll personality. He was not $750, but he was worth every penny!! I began searching for him when I my 16 year old Ragdoll, who I had adopted at 8 years, was diagnosed with cancer under his tongue. I knew I would not put him through pain and suffering, but I did want a companion for my 2 year old Himalayan (2 is always better than 1!!) when he crossed the rainbow bridge. They did not disappoint!
Terri
I am in search of a male sealpoint mitted ragdoll. Unfortunately, all I'm running into are scammers. What is the best way to find a reputable breeder. I'm amazed at the number of scams out there. Love floppy cats!
Jenny
Hi Terri, sorry to hear about the scams! They are rampant. If you shoot me an email, I can send you my standard email which should help. Please also include where you live. Thanks, Jenny [email protected]
Kimberly Wilson
Hey Terri, If you are still looking for a breeder, my friend in North Carolina has three pedigree Ragdolls from RocknRed Ragdolls. They have been breeders for many years and in business breeding Ragdolls for 7.
Jasmine
Hi there, I always have had lots of animals and still do, but am just about to finally pick up my first ragdoll! I have been reading and reading, but feel a bit overwhelmed by so much information regarding colors. I hate to be a bother, but your site is so awesome and has such great info and photos that I thought you would be the one to ask! Could you possibly take a quick look at a few photos and let me know what you think he is ? Mitted seal Bicolour? Maybe I am way off. Please let me know if you could do this for me and I will send pics. Thank you so much for your time, looking forward to hearing from you.
Cheers
Jenny
Sure, I can do my best - [email protected]
Grace
Hi Jenny. I just found you and subscribed. We just got a Ragdoll last month from the local shelter. We named him Nimmo and he’s amazing. I’m not sure which Ragdoll color he ? How do I upload photos?
Jenny
Hi Grace, Welcome! Please send me a photo to my email - you cannot upload photos to the site - only I can do that (so spammers cannot). Thanks,
Jenny
Lisa
Hi there I stumbled across your site as I very sadly lost my beautiful 16 year old Ragdoll yesterday. Feeling heartbroken. Out of curiously I was searching for his lineage on the internet as I think unfortunately his Breeder has since passed away. I’m from Norfolk, UK and his Breeder was Del Andersen. My boy Leo (Purrfurus Jupiter) ‘s sire was Champion (Fife) Villaroyal Blue Mist - I believe you have Ragdolls descended from him? His dam was Kimsdolls Shiwa of Purrfurus. I would love to hear back from you. Kind regards Lisa
Jenny
Yes, my parents' cats' father was Lord Purrfurus Berry =). You can see their lineage here. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lisa
Ah so was Lord Purrfurus Berry the son of Villaroyal Blue Mist then? So your parent’s cat was like a half nephew to my late cat? (I think that’s right?!) I think Villaroyal had many descendants. My boy was a blue colourpoint and so handsome 🙂
Jenny
I don't know without really looking into it - sorry! Wish I had the time resources to look into it, but I don't. You can check out PawPeds - https://www.pawpeds.com/db/?p=rag - be sure to change generations to "10"
Dana B
Hi Jenny-
What do you know about Ellis Ragdolls in Texas ? Registered under unique Ragdolls . They are offering 700 plus 90.00 to ship to nj next
Day. Cash app Venmo Apple Pay …
I requested a Facebook or
Some type of
Proof and they kinda got annoyed and told
Me to come pick her up in person.
What do u think ? Are they legit ?
https://ellisragdolls.com/
Jenny
It's a scam, as far as I can tell. Any breeder selling Ragdolls under $1,000 or really even under $1,500 should be a red flag.
Alice Bernhard-deRham
Hi! I have read that ragdolls are non--allergenic. Is that true? Thanks
Jenny
Not entirely - you can read more about Hypoallergenic cats here.
Beth Childress
What do you know about LisaRagdollkittens in Richmond, VA? She is offering me a great deal and I am feeling very uncomfortable. The cat is beautiful but he is not 10 weeks old
Jenny
What's the website address?
Beth Childress
The website is lisaragdollkittens.com
Jenny
I replied via email - but yes, it is a scam.
Beth Childress
It’s http://www.lisaragdollkittens.com
She’s offering this cat Drake, for $750 which includes shipping and says now that he is 12 weeks. He looks older and the price is low. What’s the deal? According to her, parents have had pro-BNP test run and are fine and he is microchipped and has sent parents’ photo though I have not idea if they are his parents. She says they belong to TICA and have been breeding for about 7 years. I asked why they call kittens “ puppies” and her response was “ we are lovers of puppies as well especially my husband.” That set off red lights
Jenny
I am glad it set off red lights before you bought from that scammer.
Beth Childress
How did you know? What make you certain? I am asking because I am still obviously looking.
Jenny
I knew within 3 seconds from the layout of the site, how poor the English was, the availability of the cats (good breeders have long wait lists). The cats available are adult cat photos they have stolen from others. I could go on, but this page on my site covers all that stuff - https://www.floppycats.com/ragdoll-breeder-website-scam-ragdoll-family-or-ragdoll-giants.html
Richard Bergendahl
Very nice job Jenny well written
It's because of your videos I adopted my kitten Tommy.
He is more fun and affectionate each day. Thanks Jenny
Rich&2 carnivorous kitties.
Ausia
Hi!! Love your story!! I am worried about my rag doll who’s just over a year. She’s having lots of poop accidents and showing a bit of blood in there too. She’s also shedding a lot. Wondering if it’s her diet? I’m a first time cat owner and need advise on if I’m giving the right food etc. Would really really appreciate any guidance. My vet doesn’t seem to be too worried but my gut is telling me I should at least inquire. I don’t have FB so if you can email me pls. Thank you in advance!!
Jenny
Hi Ausia,
It's best to email me about these things - blood in stool can mean a number of things - take note of the color and be sure to take photos for your vet. Does sound like you might need to get a second opinion vet wise.
Yes, diet is the number one for everything, right? Please check out this page - https://www.floppycats.com/best-canned-cat-food.html - and then email me if you have further questions.
Thanks,
Jenny
Karin Johnson
Jenny,
I would love to share my story of how I obtaned my precious "schmookumboots"...My 12 yr. old Rag doll cat. but, it is a very heart wrenching story! I am not very computer savvy and am not sure I can figure out how to send pics as I lost most of them when my last computer died. But, my beautiful schmookies story is amazing!
~Karin
Casey Moffett-Chaney
Hi Jenny,
My partner turned me onto your site. What a wonderful life story. I really get not wanting to work in an abusive environment. Been there, done that, and now we work for ourselves, too. One of my friends described the ability to get to that place of freedom (?) as a combination of discontent, frustration, impatience, determination, insanity and pure guts. Guilty as charged. I would add an element of faith to that bunch, but all in all, she's got it right about me.
I admire your tenacity and appreciate your sites and the work you put into them. Thanks for giving yourself to the wonder-filled world of Blog!