Leonardi – Floppycat of the Week

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This is my mitted lynx Ragdoll, Leonardo Edward Whittleman-Perez. He was found in a tree at two months old in Illinois. Talk about winning the cat lottery! His first meal was popcorn chicken from the Sonic Drive-thru. When he was two, he and I relocated to the palm trees of Florida. Here, he found lizards! I would say the word and he would search the walls for a skink which he became very successful at catching. Fret not, he did not eat them! He was too regal for that! He did take to the sunshine state quite well. As soon as the blinds opened, he would belly up with his paws tucked to his chest and sunbathe.

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This fluffy boy was with me for nearly 15 years! He was my constant companion through sad times and the happiest of times. That boy was my angel when I felt hopeless. In 2013, I entered us into the Sheba Feed Your Passion contest and guess what? We won $5000! Shortly thereafter, I met my fiancé and they truly embraced one another. We were a family of 3!

This special fur face made an impact on everyone he met- whether in person or on the internet. He was a true beauty inside and out. He was my first experience with a Ragdoll and everyone was impressed with his size, his markings and his social skills.

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As my dad put it, he was very symmetrical. He had a melodic meow, aquatic eyes with impeccable white eye liner and the most precious mitteny paws. He had a plastic fetish. He loved to lick it- the crinklier better. His favorite food was thinly shredded white cheese and since it was in a plastic bag, that really got him running to the fridge! We both really enjoyed the evening time. We missed each other tremendously after work and that is also when the mail would come. We are shopaholics so that meant boxes and bags. What cat doesn’t gravitate towards that?

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I have my degree in fashion marketing which had an influence on Leo! He was one fashionable feline. He got frequent lion cuts which seemed quite fitting with his name. They cost more than my hair cuts at $120 every two months! One of his signatures was his fluffy white mane, so only the best mobile groomer for this handsome boy. He would show off his cut with an elegant cat walk, sashaying down the hallway. His middle name, Edward, came from my paternal grandpa and uncle who left us too soon.

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Leonardi (as his cat dad affectionately called him) passed on June 10, 2018. The world feels empty without him. He was our son and the light of our lives. We plan to rescue another Ragdoll in his honor who we will name Donatello Edward aka Telly. I’ve always joked that I live with two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. My fiancé, Rafael, and of course my beloved Leonardo. He will live furrever in our hearts and home.


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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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7 Comments

  1. Sandra Johnson says:

    Loved your tale of Leonardi – he was certainly a lovely Ragdoll. So sorry he has left your life, and wishing you much joy when you adopt another Ragdoll. I adopted my Ragdoll when he was 6 years old, and now he’s 8 – and plays just like a kitten. Don’t know what I would do without him!

    1. Amanda Whittleman says:

      Thank you, Sandra! That is also my mom’s name, another avid feline lover! I’m glad you’re experiencing how special this breed is. Please hug your rag for me!

  2. ABarletta says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Leonardo (i) sounds like he was a fabulous fur baby and I know how much you must miss him. (Lost my 18 year old Gracie two months ago.) May I make a suggestion that you consider getting two kiddies/kitties this time? You sound like a wonderful mommy and there are so many wonderful kitties out there looking for homes. Sounds like you and your fiancee have more than enough love to give to two fur babies….and I bet Leonardo would agree. Please post when you do get your new lil baby(ies)!

    1. Amanda Whittleman says:

      Thank you immensely. I’m so sorry for the passing of your Gracie as well. We are so forunate that we had all of those years with them. I would be THRILLED to have 2. The challenge is convincing my fiancé!

  3. What a wonderful Love Story about your beautiful boy, Leo!! Thank you sooooo very much for sharing your awesome story with us and please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences on his passing last month… *BIG HUGS* <3

    What a STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS boy he was!! LURVE the pics!! God bless you for rescuing this special boy all those years ago! So happy your next Ragdoll will be another rescue, as well!! 🙂 <3

    Leo sounds like one of those one-in-million kittehs that was truly your kitteh soul-mate! 🙂 <3

    Wishing you nothing but happiness for the future and looking forward to hearing about your next Ragdoll!! 🙂 <3

    Big hugs & lots of love!

    Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3

    1. Amanda Whittleman says:

      Your words mean so much, Patti! Thank you. I hope that everyone can experience this incredible love affair that I had with my ragdoll. Please give Miss Pink a smooch from me!

      1. Amanda honey, YOU are soooo very welcome! Miss PSB returns your lovely schmoochie with a gentle but determined head bonk! 🙂 <3

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