Quincy – Ragdoll Kitten of the Month

We lost our cat, aged 12, last July, as a result of on-going pancreatitis and finally heart issues. We knew we’d get another kitty when the time was right and so, started looking for a breed that would be close in character to the kitty that had left us – laid back, calm, affectionate…. we agreed that a Ragdoll would be the cat for us.

Getting a Ragdoll Kitten:

Quincy came from a breeder here in Cowansville, Quebec Canada called Coco Ragdolls and I would highly recommend them.  Their kittens are brought up in their home, are socialized with dogs, children and other cats and don’t leave their home until they’re old enough.  We brought Quincy home last weekend at 15 weeks of age (he was born on April 28, 2021).

We had selected a few names before meeting him, but once we laid eyes on him, we knew what his name would be. 

True to his breed, he is very affectionate, doesn’t like closed doors, wants to be wherever we are and is a genuine purring machine, especially at night when he likes to snuggle up against us.  It seems he can’t get close enough!

He gets into everything, drawers, dishwasher, fridge, closets…so we have to constantly keep an eye out for him…and his antics.   

He’s still a little clumsy or maybe that’s just what makes him so loveable, but though he’s only been with us for less than a week, he’s managed to knock down a few breakables while trying to land a jump. 

Our home is becoming more and more kitten proof as we (and he) discover his favourite launching pads.

I have to say, he makes us laugh out loud at least a few times a day.  What a welcome addition, especially as we start to emerge from this pandemic.   

For his own safety, when we have to be out, we leave him in a room that’s safe (no blinds, no glass, nothing that he can hurt himself with). 

His bed, litter, food and water and a few choice toys are with him and he now settles down quickly – it’s as if he knows that this is his “safe place” for a short while.

Today was his first nail cutting which went extremely well. 

He’s a wee guy, so we decided to use human nail clippers for now, so we could be more precise as we didn’t want to cut into his vein.  In addition, the breeder gave us a trick which I’d like to share which made the experience quite easy. 

They told us to grasp his scruff quite firmly, much like his mom would do.  As they had predicted, he went quite limp and the whole matter was over in a few minutes. 

They had even mentioned using a close pin or two (and if you google this, there are a few sites that mention that too).  We didn’t want to go that route, a simple, firm grasp did the job.

His favorite stand-alone toy is the Tower of Tracks Ball and Track, which was recommended by one of your members. 

Other favorites are his cat tunnel, available on Amazon and of course anything which we swing and which he can chase!!!!

We just purchased a leash and harness by RC Pets which I recommend – it fits well and leaves plenty of room around his paws and neck…but not too much room where he could escape.

Another thing which we did was to add cardboard scratchers in every room, in addition to the tall natural sisal scratching post – he’s used them all, rather than our furniture or area rugs.

Right now, he’s quite tiny, but so full of personality.  We can’t wait to embark on many new adventures with our Quincy and his Goldendoodle brother, Winston.
Submitted Aug 12, 2021