Mocha – Ragdoll Kitten of the Month

Submitted April 6, 2020

I thought things couldn’t get any worse—then came the Covid-19 virus! It had been tough adjusting to the loss of my husband after almost 50 years of marriage, but then in January, our beloved German Shepherd, Hugo, passed away.

I always thought Hugo had a bit of Ragdoll personality in him as he was a lover, not a fighter, and enjoyed snuggling up next to me like this!

With Hugo gone, the house was coldly quiet and empty without the pitter patter of paws and slobbery kisses so I decided to go online and “just look” at Ragdoll kittens.

I had been very interested in the breed for years and recommended them to clients (children who have suffered trauma) with great success as a help to counseling.

Little girls and affectionate kitties are a powerful combination! So, on a whim, I decided maybe a kitty would fit into my new life better than another dog. Thus I began inquiring and communicating with several TICA breeders with the thought that I’d consider adopting eventually.

I really didn’t expect to find the kitten I wanted, (a mink seal mitted male), for several months, so I was taken off guard when I received an email offering an adorable kitten that would be ready to come home in just two weeks.

Although it wasn’t an ideal time to bring a kitten home (I travel often in early spring doing conferences), my heart was smitten, and a deposit was made. I secured a friend who agreed to stay with my new kitty while I would be in and out traveling and then started shopping for kitten everything.

Kitty proofing my home went into high gear even as I was preparing last minute details for several spring trips. I had planned on having Mocha (named for his color and my favorite beverage) shipped from the breeder to my local airport, but the more I considered it, the more convinced I became that it would be safer and more comfortable for kitty if I flew along with him in the cabin.

Since I had an unused airline voucher available to use, it was just a matter of finding a good round trip ticket and settling into a day of travel. Little did I know that the Coronavirus was taking off too.

The kitten hand-off went without a glitch, Mocha handled the trip perfectly, Southwest made flying with a pet easy, and I was extremely happy with the decision to fly with my new kitten as opposed to shipping.

Little Mocha and I arrived home tired, but ready to settle in. I had read A Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide: Bringing Your Ragdoll Kitten Home in preparation for Mocha’s arrival and followed the suggestions for introducing kitty to his new home.

This proved to be a helpful decision as I found that good information made homecoming a smooth adjustment. I’m quite familiar with German Shepherd care, but I’m new to the kitten and Ragdoll world, so good information has been especially helpful.

I cherished the input I received from a knowledgeable vet and was delighted to discover Floppycats.com and the information that has been made so freely available there.

Another favorite source of information that has been very helpful is a video presentation that my vet loaned me called Kitten Kindergarten: Creating the New Improved Cat Through Early Socialization by Dr. Sophia Yin.” Mocha easily learned the “sit” command his first week home!

Not long after Mocha’s arrival, life took one of its surprise twists and turns. The Coronavirus began making news and little did I know that in just a few weeks all my spring conferences would be cancelled due to the pandemic.

But that was just the beginning of the pandemic changes. Because I’m in a high-risk age category and have lung problems as well, I found myself in an especially vulnerable situation. I quickly went from being an on the go traveler/teacher to being completely alone, isolated from family and friends.

As you might imagine, Mocha became a comforting little bundle of energy that has kept me laughing and been the ideal furry companion. The timing of his arrival has actually ended up being absolutely perfect!

I started taking silly pictures of Mocha to delight my out-of-state grandchildren stuck at home. One of my grand kids remotely set up an Instagram page for Mocha, while their military doctor dad set up my new computer (remotely) during a break from the hospital and introduced me to Zoom video conferencing.

Life in the new world of Coronavirus inspired activities began. I’m now teaching from home (and cleaning a lot of closets) while Mocha has been right in the middle of it all.

A good time to read? He’s there to join me, cuddled on my lap.

Tight spaces or boxes arriving with supplies? He’s exploring the possibilities.

Snuggled up watching news? He’s snuggled up with me.

A zoom class at the computer? He takes kitten antics to a new level to the delight of my students who love his online appearances. Getting ready in the morning for our day? He’s busy with his favorite game—picking up his little spring toy in his mouth and playing with it in the tub.

Mocha is definitely a laid-back Ragdoll kitty, happy to enjoy life, with no concern at all about the Coronavirus. It’s a pleasure to share the couch, the bed, my desk, bathtub and, well, everything I own with him!

I happen to believe that pets are a gift from God, uniquely designed to be loving companions to we humans. Many people don’t realize that it is actually a biblical instruction to regard highly the care and life of our “beasts.” (Proverbs 12:10)

I’m so thankful that my little Ragdoll kitten arrived when he did. What a sweet blessing he has been at a time when life has been so uncertain and topsy-turvy. (I think he deserves to be kitten of the month!)

Debi (and Mocha)

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