Eli – Ragdoll of the Week

Eli as kittenI grew up with German Shepherds and have always been a “dog” person. I didn’t understand cats, and I certainly did not think I would ever get one. Then, I moved to London for almost two years to work on my Master’s degree. When I moved back to the U.S., I knew I wanted a pet. I hated not having one in the UK, but I didn’t feel like a small apartment was appropriate for a large German Shepherd… Also, where I was moving (the town itself), is not overly dog friendly for renters, and all of my favorite breeds are “dangerous,” which is just ridiculous. Anyway, I started researching cats. I researched several different breeds for almost 2 years before getting my Eli, a sweet Ragdoll kitten.

I almost didn’t get him. I wanted a seal Ragdoll, and Eli is blue. I saw one of Eli’s brothers and one of his sisters, and fell in love with both of them. I even had names for them, and then there was Eli… The breeder talked me into Eli and out of choosing one of the others. Eli was… different. He was smaller than his siblings, a bit quieter and more reserved. The breeder assured me, though, that if I wanted a cat that acted like a dog and would cuddle, for sure this smaller kitten was the one for me. I was skeptical, but went with the breeder’s advice… And I have never once regretted it. Eli isn’t reserved or quiet, he definitely had me fooled the first time I met him. He is the chattiest cat, and will happily tell you all about his day! But he’s perfect. He comes when he’s called, he plays fetch, and he even sits on command! The best part, though, is that he is always there when he thinks I need him. I got the flu for the first time in my life, and he refused to leave my side. I had a miscarriage, and Eli didn’t leave my side for weeks. He would eat his food, and use his litter box, but then he was right back next to me, making sure I was okay. He just turned one year old on March 26, so he’s really still such a baby and is so energetic, but if he knows I’m upset or not feeling well, he just wants to lay with me and try to make me feel better.  I expect that behavior out of playing with ballmy parents’ German Shepherds, but I never thought I would find that in a cat.

I’m so lucky to have this little guy in my life, and I couldn’t be more appreciative that his breeder talked me into the kitten that fit my lifestyle the best. I can’t imagine life without Eli, and although I still do not see myself as a “cat” person, I am definitely a Ragdoll person.  He is the most loving cat, and I wake up every morning to headbutts and purrs. He loves to be held and cuddle, and his next favorite thing to do is to play fetch. He has a favorite toy that scrunches, and he can carry it in his mouth. He loves chasing it and bringing it back to me to throw it again. When he’s decided he’s done playing, he usually puts the ball in one of my slippers, and then he falls asleep in my lap. He’s absolutely perfect, and I am one lucky person to have him in my life. It’s amazing how much one cat can change your life.

throw the ball facesleepy cat

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holding my hand

baby blues

sweet baby blues

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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,

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14 Comments

  1. Thank you all for the lovely comments! Eli is truly the perfect cat (at least for me…), and I am so glad we found each other. I am so incredibly lucky to have him. It doesn’t happen often that a pet (or person, for that matter…) comes into our lives and truly gets us, and vice versa. It really is an incredible thing, and I am beyond grateful that Eli’s breeder realized how good of a fit we were for one another. I love this little kitten more than anything!

  2. Dementia Boy says:

    What an intuitive, protective soul. We are blessed to have them in our lives. Thank you for sharing Eli with us.

  3. Sounds like you and Eli are a PERFECT MATCH! Thank you so sharing such a lovely story with us. I’m so happy that you picked Eli and that it worked out just wonderfully! He sure is a beautiful kitty! I love that black nose and white chin! So cute! I also lurve that he is so chatty! That’s awesome!

    Congrats on having found the true love of your life – Eli!

    Big hugs!

    Patti & Pink Sugar 🙂 <3

  4. Dear little Eli! Such a beautiful fellow with the sweetest face, baby paws and heavenly blue eyes 🙂 I’m so glad you’re together! Thank you for sharing your angel with all of us 🙂

  5. I enjoyed your story very much. I have a 22 week old blue mitted and I hope he turns out like your Eli.

  6. Am very sorry for your loss, but so happy to hear that Eli was there for you. He is so beautiful that’s for sure, inside and out. Yes, you are lucky to have gotten him and think you will find that as he matures even more, he will meet you on an emotional level that you can’t even imagine. Having had about 20 cats in the last 30 years, have had only 2 and now maybe 3, that were my “heart,” meaning that they connect to us in such a way that is unexplainable. It is amazing he knew how sick you were with the flu, especially since he is technically just a “kid” until he reaches about 3 years old when Ragdolls mature. Can’t wait to hear what he has in store for you in the future and know he will do more that you will just be shocked about because he is so sensitive to your needs and feelings. You are so blessed to have him and thanks so much for sharing the wonderful story. ♥♥♥♥

  7. Janet Knowlton says:

    Awe he is such a doll. Ragdolls are just the best! They turn non cat people into cat loving people! I have already seen that with a couple of my friends that do not really like cats! Good luck with Eli.

  8. Deanna Downs says:

    What a neat story! Eli is beautiful! Love his vibrant blue eyes!

  9. Lynn eaton says:

    Great story. Eli is definitely looking out for you. He’s an amazing cat. Lucky you.

  10. Very handsome guy! I really enjoyed reading your story 🙂

  11. Shelia love says:

    Your Eli is such a beautiful gift 🙂 I have a Blue and he doesn’t usually sit in my lap but he sits beside me and he squeeks real soft as a meow.Thanks so much for sharing your story with us !!! And Eli,of course 🙂

  12. Eli, You are blessed to have the little sweetheart. So happy you found each other. I have a blue point and a seal. Just could not have one. Never ever would I regret having my babies They are my kids. YourBlue looks just like mine Beautiful! Only difference is mine is a female. Thank you so much for sharing

  13. Eli, what a gift! I too have a male blue point. They are fabulous. You
    will have the best pal for a long time. Thanks for sharing him! ♥

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