Mario – Ragdoll of the Week
Mario came to us via an ad on Craigslist. Our beautiful 17 year old domestic short-hair, Floyd, had just died and the house felt lonely with no kitty around. I saw the ad, talked it over with my husband and made the call. The family giving Mario away said he didn’t fit in with their other five Ragdolls and Persians. He was just too rambunctious for them. That was it, Mario was ours! He fit right into our home and even spent his first evening exploring all around us rather than hide like most cats do. He’d let us pick him up and never complained about a thing. Now I have learned that he doesn’t actually enjoy being picked up unless he asks, and he always lets us know if we’re doing right by purring his approval.
He isn’t much of a lap-cat, but he is always nearby. He sits near us when we watch TV, follows me from room while I work, and is very talkative. He doesn’t ask to go out and that is fine with us. We live in the woods and it really isn’t safe for him to be out there on his own. When he does go out to the vet or in the yard with us, he wears a harness and is on a leash. His favorite thing to do is play with me every morning. He loves for me to wave one of his cat wands around and has even pulled them down and brought them to me at playtime. If I ever forget to get the toys out for play, he picks at me gently with his paw/claws–just enough to get my attention!
Our adorable little boy likes to hang out with our two dogs, Lucy and Jack. He enjoys sleeping on their beds so much that I had to go out and buy him his own dog bed! (He has a cat bed that came with him from his previous home, but he has never used it once since he’s been here.) He also pays attention to whatever the dogs do, sitting in the window watching when they are outside, and lining up with them at treat time. It’s comical to see.
Mario got his name from his previous owners. You see, he has a mustache just like a Super Mario Brother, so the moniker fits. He also has double paws in front. His paws are almost as big as my Australian Shepherd’s! He isn’t very energetic, so when he plays he often lies on his back and just swats at his toys with those big mitts of his. So funny!
Mario has won our hearts and I know he feels the same about us. At his last veterinarian visit he had to be tested for a UTI, so the doctor took him into the lab for a moment. He cried for me the minute she walked out of the examining room with him, and when she brought him back he quickly snuggled right into my arms. We have only had Mario in our lives for six months now, but it’s like he was meant to be ours. His soft fur, big blue eyes, and wonderful personality make everyone who meets him fall in love. And I couldn’t be happier that he belongs to us.
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,
Hi everyone, and thanks for all the kind words! Of course, Mario is pleased with all those compliments about his good looks. 😉
Awesome story! Thanks so very much for sharing Mario’s story with us. Quite simpy, Mario ROCKS!!!! First, he is GORGEOUS! I lurve his coloring and markings. Second, his personality is wonderful! (I love that he thinks he may just be a dog…lol)
Sounds like Mario was waiting for you to find him so he could find The Perfect Home. Congrats on that! I think you and Mario were fated to be together. 🙂
Lurve the pictures! What a character he is! I simply adore that picture of him on his back with his paws up and his big blue eyes looking right at you (as if to say “What’s up?”)
Mario is one Lucky Ragdoll!!!!
Big hugs!
Patti & Pink Sugar 🙂 <3
What a handsome boy! It’s funny, My Ragdoll brothers also came from Craigslist. (Free, with papers.) I don’t understand why anyone would put their pets there – so many dangers are possible. Although I am incredibly grateful I found them – they bring so much joy to my life!
thanks for sharing mario with us. he is just a gorgeous boy and his mustache is soooo handsome! he sounds like a wonderful cat and that he was meant to be with you.
Oh my gosh- he’s such a beauty. I can’t believe someone gave him up via a Craigslist ad! Lucky you and lucky Mario! Love that cross legged pose- seems like such a Ragdoll trait. Thanks so much for sharing his story and the wonderful pictures!
Love the mustache,what great markings.Areal cutie and sounds like a sweet little soul ,that got so lucky to come home and be your kitty,and its great he has the dogs for buddies.Another wonderful Ragdoll Love story.Many happy ,healthy,fun years to your family and Super Mario,he certainly sounds Super .From Lisa and her Dolls.
He is soo beautiful. I love his markings. I loved your story about how he fit right into your home.. sends hugs to you an Mario
What a beautiful story!!!! Am so thankful (and know Mario is) that you scooped him up off of Craigslist! What in the world ever would make someone put a pet there is beyond me, but thank God you were there to get him. Just love, love, love those amazing big double paws!!! Oh so sweet! He is a gorgeous sweetie and know that you all are truly blessed for giving him a forever home. Much happiness to all of you.♥♥♥