Submitted August 22, 2017
I became interested in Ragdoll cats many years ago. I always wanted a large dog-like cat and found out about Ragdolls when searching the internet. I learned that they get very lonesome when left alone, so I waited to search for one until I started my home-based business. After searching the internet for months, I found Tank from a shelter. He was 25-pounds and 8 years old.. He became a Therapy Cat, loved going on road trips, and made so many people happy when visiting hospitals, schools, senior homes. Camping trips were a real “trip”. Word traveled fast, and everyone would come by my campsite just to see this huge kitty. We covered 23 states and Canada, about 50,000 miles total in my old VW camper bus. Unfortunately, Tank went to heaven in March 2016, when he was 15, and I was heart-broken. It took a long time to get over losing him. When you have been fortunate enough to be the caregiver to such a wonderful cat, it’s hard to think about anything else. If you search “Tank” on Floppycats, you can read his remarkable story as told by Tank himself.
When Elvis, my yellow Labrador, joined Tank in heaven in May 2017, I couldn’t bear being pet-less, so I decided to take the plunge and adopt a kitten. I never owned a kitten before, so I had no idea what to expect. I found Finnegan from a wonderful local breeder, Snugglerags, in Los Angeles. I was looking for a blue bi-color like Tank, though I knew he wouldn’t really be like Tank. I named him Finnegan, because he was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 2017. Besides being handsome, he is so funny and so smart. I was like a first-time Mommy. I have no children, so my pets are my kids. I must have texted Heather, the breeder, daily for weeks just to make sure he was OK and I was doing everything I should. Heather was wonderful and promptly answered all my questions. Although she sent me home with a list of explicit instructions and a starter kit with some food and toys, I wanted to be sure he was healthy. I still text her every few days, sending her a new photo of Finnegan showing her all the cute things he does.
His first trip to the Vet for his “kitty well-check” was a little scary for me. I wasn’t sure how Finnegan would act. All the Vet Techs passed him around and held and cuddled him. I want to be sure he is well-socialized, so since he has had all his shots, I ask everyone I come in contact with to pick him up and hold him, thinking he may become a Therapy Cat some day like Tank. Even though Finnegan will only be an inside cat, I had him micro-chipped just in case something unforeseen happens. The Vet told me he would probably cry and that I could wait until our next visit when he was a little older, but I didn’t want to take the chance, since we were going on our first road trip in a few days. I left the room while he chipped him so I couldn’t hear him cry. No problem. A little meow, and it was over.
He loves his toys and even sleeps with them. He’s a constant source of entertainment.
He’s athletic. I bought this cat tree on Amazon because one of the reviews was from a Ragdoll owner who said it was the most sturdy one he found, and it’s 36” tall.
Heather said only get one with sisal, not carpet, or Finnegan could begin using my carpet or couch as a scratching post.
He enjoys going on road trips and plays with his toys along the way. The Bergen scratcher is his favorite. This was his first road trip, 6 hours long, and he was the best. I started taking him on short trips, going everywhere with me. I wanted him to get used to riding in the car and not just going to the Vet. He’s so comfortable with his toys, potty box, water and food, and he entertains himself.
He takes naps, sleeping on the armrest between the two seats. He likes to eat my sheepskin seat covers, so I put a t-shirt on the passenger seat.
His favorite place to lounge is on the patio. He spends hours out there sleeping with the plants, listening to the birds, swatting flies, and smelling the flowers.
He does the “Ragdoll flop”.
He loves his carrier and goes in and out of it several times a day. I know it’s not the safest carrier, but when you travel in an old VW bus, every bit of space counts, and this carrier folds up like a sunshade.
What more could I ask for? I have another amazing Ragdoll kitty; not like Tank, but truly amazing. Finnegan is my purrfect kitty, and I love him sooo much. He’ll have a new brother, soon. Mom is pregnant and will give birth to a litter of Labradors mid-September. Finnegan and the new puppy will grow up together, and my family will be complete once again.
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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,
So sorry to hear about Tank and Elvis. Finnegan is so beautiful! Love that photo of him in that huge seashell and bet he just loves the smooth finish and how his body just melts into it! Wow, he gets to play outside on the patio too! That is great he can enjoy the outside safely. Glad you got him microchipped just in case you ever need it. Congrats on your other new little kitty and for the coming lab puppies! They are all going to keep you being a very busy mom! Wishing you all a very long and happy life together!♥♥♥
Wow, what a wonderful life for Finnegan and your new puppy. Ragdoll cats make a lasting impression on people – I will never go back to another type of cat – as they say “once you’ve had a ragdoll, you can never go back”. I’ve had rescue cats for 30 plus years and then we got 2 female cats (2 sisters from the same litter). They are best buds and keep each other company and they provide so much love for our family.
I am SOOO VERY SORRY for the loss of your beloved & cherished Tank and Elvis. Please accept my heartfelt and sincere condolences…I know what a huge space they occupied in your heart and soul. <3
I am SOOO VERY HAPPY that you got your first Ragdoll kitten, Finnegan (LURVE THAT NAME!)!! He sounds like such a delightful little charmer and mischief maker (as all kittens should be!) and lovebug!! LURVE the beautiful pics of him, too! HE'S GORGEOUS!!! 🙂 <3
I know Tank and Elvis are watching over you and Finnegan with much love and peace, too.
Wishing you and Finnegan many, many years of good health, happiness, love & purry adventures together!!! 🙂 <3
Thanks so much for your kind words. Finnegan now has a brother. He is a Labrador puppy named Oliver. They love each other and play constantly. I’m so glad I have two babies who can grow up together. Finn is acting more like a therapy cat every day. He has to be a year old before he can take the test, but I’m sure he’ll pass and bring joy to everyone he visits.
How wonderful!!! BIG CONGRATS on your new labrador baby boy!!! I miss having a dog so much (we used to have a black lab boy and yellow lab girl and golden retriever boy MANY years ago when we had a big townhome with a yard). Best dogs ever. Miss them so much!!! I assume that Oliver is a yellow lab. Lurve that name, btw. I’d be calling him Ollie in a heartbeat! Wonderful news about Finn and his potential to be a therapy cat. SUPER PAWESOME!!!! 🙂 <3
So sorry to hear about Tank and Elvis. Finnegan is so beautiful! Love that photo of him in that huge seashell and bet he just loves the smooth finish and how his body just melts into it! Wow, he gets to play outside on the patio too! That is great he can enjoy the outside safely. Glad you got him microchipped just in case you ever need it. Congrats on your other new little kitty and for the coming lab puppies! They are all going to keep you being a very busy mom! Wishing you all a very long and happy life together!♥♥♥
Wow, what a wonderful life for Finnegan and your new puppy. Ragdoll cats make a lasting impression on people – I will never go back to another type of cat – as they say “once you’ve had a ragdoll, you can never go back”. I’ve had rescue cats for 30 plus years and then we got 2 female cats (2 sisters from the same litter). They are best buds and keep each other company and they provide so much love for our family.
I am SOOO VERY SORRY for the loss of your beloved & cherished Tank and Elvis. Please accept my heartfelt and sincere condolences…I know what a huge space they occupied in your heart and soul. <3
I am SOOO VERY HAPPY that you got your first Ragdoll kitten, Finnegan (LURVE THAT NAME!)!! He sounds like such a delightful little charmer and mischief maker (as all kittens should be!) and lovebug!! LURVE the beautiful pics of him, too! HE'S GORGEOUS!!! 🙂 <3
I know Tank and Elvis are watching over you and Finnegan with much love and peace, too.
Wishing you and Finnegan many, many years of good health, happiness, love & purry adventures together!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!!!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Thanks so much for your kind words. Finnegan now has a brother. He is a Labrador puppy named Oliver. They love each other and play constantly. I’m so glad I have two babies who can grow up together. Finn is acting more like a therapy cat every day. He has to be a year old before he can take the test, but I’m sure he’ll pass and bring joy to everyone he visits.
How wonderful!!! BIG CONGRATS on your new labrador baby boy!!! I miss having a dog so much (we used to have a black lab boy and yellow lab girl and golden retriever boy MANY years ago when we had a big townhome with a yard). Best dogs ever. Miss them so much!!! I assume that Oliver is a yellow lab. Lurve that name, btw. I’d be calling him Ollie in a heartbeat! Wonderful news about Finn and his potential to be a therapy cat. SUPER PAWESOME!!!! 🙂 <3