Captain – Ragdoll of the Week
Captain, A Blue Point Ragdoll Cat
I was always a dog person, until this year.
It started when my cousin bought home a Devon Rex and named her Luna, at first I wasn’t quite fond of her. But days went by, weeks flew by and the more time I spent with Luna, the more I fell in love with her. We were nap buddies and she would purr at me every time I entered the room. It made me think “I want a cat” and I never ever thought that I would say that to be honest.
I researched and somehow stumbled across a Ragdoll cat, I watched videos and I instantly knew it was what I wanted so I searched on Gumtree (Australian classified). I felt like I was searching forever because who would want to give their Ragdoll away? An ad then popped up on July 30th for a 9 month blue point Ragdoll, I messaged straight away and asked if I could see him the next day, his name was “Ramzey”. I was curious as to why they wanted to sell him, apparently it was because they moved houses and weren’t allowed pets. By the way, he told me to meet him in front of BWS which is a drive through alcohol store, kind of sketchy right?
Anyways, when he opened his car door, I saw the baby Ragdoll sitting on the passenger seat and I almost cried, he was so beautiful. This meeting was just to view him but his previous owner said “Are you going to take him now? If you don’t then he will probably get sold later”. I wasn’t prepared, I was hoping to take him the next day so that I could have the money ready and buy him his food and other necessities. I said yes, of course I will take him. I quickly rushed to get cash and asked where his litter box and things (scratch post, toys, anything?) were and was told that he didn’t have one and that $100 would be taken off the original price if I just took him by himself. I paid, he left and what upset me the most is that he didn’t even say goodbye to the poor cat. He was so heartless and just wanted Ramzey gone after he received my money, he didn’t care at all because most of the time he was talking to my cousin about his dog not being able to live with him because of the cat.
This cat needed saving and honestly, I’m glad that it was me. I’ve got a dog and two bunnies that I believe I take good care of them and this cat wasn’t going to end up in another bad home, not on my terms. I texted him asking what Ramzey eats because I don’t want to feed him unfamiliar foods for the first few days, he said “It’s just biscuits from the local grocery store, I’ll get back to you on the brand”. He never got back to me, the amount of times I messaged.. He never bothered to reply.
I had to go to the shops to buy different packets of sample foods to see which one he liked, he didn’t’ eat on the first day because he was confused about where he was and who he was with and that was totally understandable. He was so picky and I was struggling but he finally gave in and liked the wet food with salmon and tuna which made me super happy. I researched what the best food for a Ragoll was and decided to visit the pet store where I purchased Royal Canin for kittens and now he is eating Royal Canin Ragdoll because he turned 1 on October 11th and he deserves the very best.
The previous owner has ruined this cat’s life, he did not give it enough or any attention and that’s why Captain (I renamed because the past is in the past) was acting out all the time, he wasn’t desexed and would pee on multiple beds. I promised myself that I wasn’t’ going to give up on him, I had him desexed and although he may still be aggressive, bites me and swipes me sometimes, my love for him grows stronger every day. He may not have the best temperament like he should but that’s not his fault, he grew up around a negative environment and I hope that one day he will learn to trust me fully. I love mornings when he purrs and kneads his little paws onto my back, he doesn’t let me cuddle him but I still try because he is so cute.
I’m still teaching him that having a bath and his nails trimmed is a good thing and he is getting used to it and doesn’t make a huge fuss anymore. He is now good with litter training and loves playing with his favourite scrunch ball toy and his nickname is Fluffy Beans. I remember the first day/night with him, he would purr and drop on the floor to show his belly for rubs, it was the sweetest thing. It doesn’t bother me anymore that he makes my sleep uncomfortable, it matters that he is safe and is being treated like a prince. He doesn’t really get along well with other pets but I know it will just take time. He is family now and taking care of him is my top priority. To see his adventures, follow him on Instagram @captainevansragdoll
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Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
I have my Gracie now for almost 15 years. She is the grouchiest cat ever. We joke that in the dictionary by the definition of grouchy puss is a photo of Gracie. She is a Russian Blue “type”, not a mushy raggy. We rescued her from a dog shelter where she was in a cage for over a year. Never once walked during that time. To this day her little back legs are still crooked and now she suffers (at 17 or 18 or even older) with severe arthritis in her back legs. But I digress. My point is, she was originally found in a hoarding situation and was never socialized. Certainly not socialized at the dog shelter. But we have always laughed at the fact that she is not “lovable”. We love her anyway and take whatever purrs and snuggles we can get out of her. We never once regretted adopting her. Although our other cats may have felt differently!
Your Captain is very handsome, and he’s so lucky to have a wonderful Forever Home with you! Eventually, he’ll be a big Snuggle Bug. Both my Raggies were rescues – definitely real Ragdolls in every way. Gizmo was actually an alley cat and past the ideal domestication age. Moosie was owned by two goofy women who knew nothing about cats and seemed terrified of him. I found my boys in different states, circumstances and decades, but they looked just alike… beautiful mitted seal points. They had opposite personalities. Gizmo was a scaredy-cat; Moosie was aggressive. They never trusted anybody but me (one-woman cats), but each loved me dearly for the many years we enjoyed together. Time and patience will overcome all obstacles, you’ll see. Thanks for sharing Captain’s story and pictures!
What a wonderful story of Captain. I love the picture with your Holland Lops. My Lillie loved my lop and they would play together. She grieved when the bunny died. Getting a cat that is damaged emotionally, is quite a challenge. It took about 2 years for my rescue to respond to me.
That poor baby! Thank goodness it was you who rescued him! My Loki is a retired breeder and even though he came from a very nice cattery, I don’t think he was properly socialized. While he bonded with me almost instantly, he never wanted to be held. Now, 3.5 years after adopting him, he has gotten so snuggly and affectionate. I’m betting your Captain will turn into a snuggler eventually!
Hello Wendy, your Loki sounds like such a sweet heart ! I’ve got to be patient with Captain, his attitude is getting better, slowly.. But it’s happening ! One day he’ll love the cuddles, I just know it hehe. Thanks for your comment 🙂
If your can put a bowtie on your Captain, you have made enormous progress. What a beautiful story!!!! Happy 2017
What a beautiful baby that you definitely “rescued.” We bought a blue bicolor Ragdoll, our beloved Captain Widget, in 2015 and after I met the girl selling him I knew that he was rescued. He will be two in April 2017 and is getting sweeter every day. He only bites me at night when he knows that I am getting ready for bed and playtime is over. We have made a “catio” on our balcony for him and he loves going out. It has made him a little calmer. He still tries to get my attention by knocking the sugar bowl off the table when I am eating my breakfast. Your Captain will be a wonderful addition to your life. Our Captain Widget is to ours. Loved your story. Chris Chocallo Sarasota Florida
Hi Chris ! Happy earliest birthday to Captain Widget 🙂 My Captain is allowed out sometimes and enjoys rolling in the sun, I can see how happy it makes him. Maybe next year when I move, the backyard will be big enough to fit a catio ! Thank you so much for taking your time to read his story and for your comment 🙂
God bless you for saving this beautiful boy! (Am appalled and horrified at the behavior of his previous owner but some people are just despicable in how they treat these beautiful creatures.)
I lurve that you gave him a new name to start his better, new life! Captain fits him purrfectly! He is SUPER GORGEOUS and so luck to have YOU in his life! Lurve the pics!
Wishing you, your bunnies, doggy & Captain many, many years of love, happiness, good health and purry adventures together!!!
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Hi Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 Happy New Year, I hope 2017 brings you many blessings and lots of happiness !! 😀 Thank you for your sweet comment, lots of love from Captain <3
bless you for saving that sweet baby! he is adorable and he deserves a loving and happy life.. like all animals do. too many people think of animals as just “things” and are frankly so shallow and stupid and should never have an animal in their life at all. they are feeling, soulful, intelligent beings and want to be treated with love and respect. they aren’t toys, they aren’t status symbols, they are lives! i love bunnies too. they are such sweet spirits with a pinch and a half of spice. i miss having a bunny. thanks for your story and the beautiful photos of your “Captain”.
I say once you buy a pet you have to commit to it and that’s what I’m doing. Even if there are tough times, I can’t give up on any of my babies because they’re apart of my life now 🙂 Thank you for your beautiful comment !!
I agree with Lynn above, how wonderful that you rescued sweet Captain (Fluffy Beans) from that uncaring man. I wanted to use another word, but I would be bleeped I am sure. He is gorgeous and sweet. Watched him on your Instagram channel. He is priceless! And Luna the Puss is quite a gorgeous lady in her own right. I also agree with Lynn that given time, I bet the little fellow will become much more affectionate. You rescued him just in time. You are a wonderful human being.
Captain and Luna are described with the term ‘frenemy’ right now. But they’re planning to live with eachother for a few more years and will continue to build their friendship (hopefully), thank you for your kind words 🙂
So glad you took him home on the spot and that you didn’t give up on him! What a lovely boy.
Aw, thank you thank you ! 🙂
Thank goodness you saved Captain! Poor baby- what a hard start to life, but I’m sure as he realizes he’s safe and loved forever he’ll become more and more affectionate. He’s so cute and I just followed him on Instagram. Looking forward to following his future adventures! Thanks for sharing his story and rescuing him!
Lynn
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Lynn ! Have followed you back on Instagram, hope you enjoy seeing Captain grow 🙂