Otis, named after the blues singer Otis Redding, is a chocolate mink Ragdoll kitten from Rustic Ragdolls in Jefferson, Iowa. He was born on September 6, 2025 and I brought him home in May 2026 to be a companion to me and my four-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Isabella. Unfortunately after nearly nine months in a cattery/veterinary clinic, Otis lacked socialization and was a big scaredy cat. He doesn’t like to be picked up (we’re working on that) and spent the first three days behind the washer. Within a week he was gaining confidence and exploring his forever home of a loft in a 1912 former military stable.

A Playful Bond with Isabella the Yorkie

Otis is incredibly energetic! He knows how to fetch his little pom poms and will be relentless, bringing it back to me over and over until Isabella gets tired of him creating such a disturbance (he loves to slide on the concrete floor) and she will grab the pom pom, take it to her bed and lay on top of it! He has graduated to larger 2” pom poms I picked up at the craft store since all the small ones are now wedged under the refrigerator!

Isabella and Otis are becoming great friends. The main reason I chose a Ragdoll was their affinity to get along with other pets. The first time they came face to face, Otis did the softest hiss I have ever heard then took his big paw and gently tapped Isabella on top of the head. It was so sweet. I am thrilled that they are now playing together. A form of hide and seek is their favorite game where Otis will be hiding behind a corner, then jump out prompting Isabella to chase him. When she gives up, he will come flying up behind her and start all over again.

Healing Companionship and Emotional Support

While growing up and through much of my life, I have had both dogs and cats. In fact, my previous Yorkie was raised by two rescue cats. The interactions between the species can be immensely entertaining, plus the companionship is so good for their mental health and mine. Formally, both Isabella and Otis are my emotional support animals as I have suffered from many traumas in my life which has manifested as PTSD and anxiety disorder. They help me relax and refocus, making each day happier and more productive.

Quirky Eating and Water Habits

Otis is a strange one when it comes to food. He only likes his dry food, while turning up his nose to chicken, licking the oil off tuna, and completely ignoring both crunchy treats and wet food. I do find him eating the occasional bug or bit of dryer lint.

And he loves water! I have had a large ceramic water dish for decades but I have had to retire it thanks to Otis. He used it like his personal paddling pool, scooping the water out while standing in it. I had to get a stainless steel water fountain, but he still sits with his front paws in it and splashing in the running water. Each time I clean it, the filters look like they have hairballs!

Cuddles, Chirps, and Goofy Antics

I am excited to see what our future interactions will be. Nap time is fabulous for all of us. We will snuggle together in my big lounger, sometimes with one on each side of me and mostly with Otis using Isabella’s tummy as a pillow. Even though we have only been together for three months, Otis has endeared himself to us through his cuddles, soft chirping and purrs, and his clumsy, goofy antics such as stretching out his tummy on the cool concrete floor. We are so in love!

Thank you for reading! Submissions like these – the “Cat of the Week” and “Kitten of the Month”- are provided by their owners and reflect their individual experiences and practices. The information these submissions share does not necessarily reflect Floppycats’ recommendation or endorsement regarding cat nutrition or care. Always consult a qualified feline nutritionist or veterinarian for personalized advice on your cat’s dietary and health needs. If you want to learn more about species-appropriate nutrition, please visit our cat food page.