Ragdoll (Cat) Mom

Happy Halloween :)

2009-10-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Surprise!! Did I scare you?? It really is me!! I had to take a bit of a break over the summer. We had record heat in my neck of the woods and summer is always hard for me but for some reason this year was just especially brutal. I also was having a lot of CNS (brain) problems which made communication very difficult. On a good day--I have trouble stringing more than a couple of words together, but when my brain is not working correctly--FORGET about it!!

SIGH!

I really want to thank those of you who took the time to check in with me :) and also those who just keep me in your prayers.

Halloween is just around the corner...don't you love this time of year?? I just love the pumpkins, the different colored leaves...just the beauty all around--take time to appreciate it!

Have a Happy Halloween.

Until next time....

Gentle hugs,

Link to Site Buttons Giveaway

2009-04-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

For the life of me, I can NOT figure out how to make one of those fancy schmancy "buttons" that every respectable blogger has these days. I have tried and tried...but nope...just can't do it. Well, if you are like me...help has arrived (if one of is is the lucky winner of an AWESOME giveaway at Learning Together Hand in Hand. Anissa is giving away (3) Link to Site Buttons and entering the contest is SUPER easy. Just head on over to her site and make a comment. That's your first entry. If you decide to follow her (that entry #2) and so on.... Good Luck *)

Quotable Sunday #8 Cats and Kittens, of course :)

2009-04-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

Yahoo...it's Sunday so that means another round of Quotable Sunday is here. Head on over to A Daily Dose of Toni to check in with Mr. Linky (and to read the rules if you are a newbie) All of the fun is to make the rounds and check out everyone else's quotations. You will be inspired, encouraged and entertained--I promise. (Don't forget to leave comments when you find something that made you laugh or touched your heart--or just to say hi!! Everyone LOVES comments :)

My theme, as usual, since this is my Ragdoll (Cat) Mom Blog...is Cats and Kittens quotes. Seriously, some of these quotes in the past have made me smile the whole day or at least given me a giggle..so I hope these are just as good. Happy Quotable Sunday :)

Cats aren’t clean, they’re just covered with cat spit.

- John S. Nichols

Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will pee on your computer.

- Bruce Graham

A cat can purr its way out of anything.

- Donna McCrohan

I really am a cat transformed into a woman.

– Brigitte Bardot

To a cat, “NO!” means “Not while I’m looking.

— Unknown

When they are among us, cats are angels.

– George Sand

No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.

~Leo Dworken

Aloha Friday #7 Pet Peeves

2009-04-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

The question this week is an easy one. What is your pet peeve. Come on....what is it that REALLY gets under your skin? Drives you bonkers?? Spill it here...just between us. LOL :)

My pet peeve is people who just lack manners (now I am not Miss Etiquette by any means, but I do try to be polite and not act like a fool, you know??) I don't know when it become the "in" thing to NOT RSVP but suddenly NO ONE does it anymore. Have you noticed that?? Also, does ANYONE hold the door open for another human being anymore--much less give up their seat on a crowded subway, bus, or train (guess I must be watching too many old movies on TCM, again, huh?? So, that's my Pet Peeve...tell me yours. If you give me some comment love, I will return the favor. Have a GREAT weekend :)

Not So (Wordless) Wednesday Simon's Cat Tv Dinner

2009-04-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

I can't help it. I love You Tube Videos. Here's another one. (Thanks, Jackie, for sharing the great "Simon's Cats Videos!!) If you have a cat, you will definitely be able to relate to this one--enjoy :)

Nana's Box Giveaway-Win Beautiful Angel Jewelry

2009-04-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Nana's Box is sponsoring another great giveaway...this time it is for a beautiful set of angel jewelry. The set includes earrings and a necklace--see picture below. Best of all, it is really easy to enter :) Aren't these just gorgeous?? I love angels and would love to win these. Good luck to all who enter this giveaway ;)

(For those who are wondering...what IS Nana's Box? It is a nonprofit service committed to providing a photo box to cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Nana's Box offers this service to the individual patient with the help and support of families, and those volunteers interested in the emotional support of cancer patients. If you (or a friend or family member) are going through cancer...please contact, Nana's Box. They are TRULY a special and wonderful organization.)

Friday Fill In

2009-04-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!
1. Anonymous...or author unknown is an author of so many WONDERFUL quotations!! (LOL!)
2. Prayer is a wonderful gift we can give to others.
3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, For a hug can do wonders for the soul.
4. My roses blooming is what I look forward to most about Spring.
5. Who needs therapy when there's chocolate.
6. Peeps, Marshmellow Bunny, Godiva Chocalate, Reese's Peanut Butter Rabbit, and Cadbury Caramel Eggs MUST go into the Easter Basket!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Blogging/Reading, tomorrow my plans include coloring Easter Eggs (with lots of GLITTER!!) and Sunday, I want to celebrate the risen Lord at Mass and go to brunch with my hubby!
Happy Easter to those that celebrate it!

Quotable Sunday # 7

2009-04-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter :) It's Sunday and another round of Quotable Sunday is here. Head over to A Daily Dose of Toni's to sign in with Mr. Linky (and read the rules if you're a newbie) and also to read all of the other great quotes. I promise you will be encouraged, inspired and entertained :) As this is my Ragdoll (Cat) Mom site...more cat/kitten quotes...hope you enjoy them as much as I do...show some comment love and I will return the favor :)

After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference.-Charlotte Gray

Cats always seem so very wise, when staring with their half-closed eyes. Can they be thinking, "I'll be nice, and maybe she will feed me twice? -Bette Midler

Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this by all the time they spend on personal grooming. Dogs aren't like this; a dog's idea of personal grooming is to roll in a dead fish.-James Goreman

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.-Alfred North Whitehead

A meow massages the heart.-Stuart McMillan

If stretching were wealth, the cat would be rich.-African Proverb

My husband said it was him or the cat... I miss him sometimes-Rita Rudner

A cat will be your friend but never your slave.-Theophile Gautier

When you are looking a cat acts like a princess, but the minute they think you are not looking, a cat acts like a fool.-K.C. Buffington

If you enjoyed these quotes, check out my main website. I have been collecting quotes for over 10 years (I have a monthly quotation page :)

Best Cat Mom Award {Blush}

2009-04-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Anya, for the sweet award, Best Cat Mom :) Please go check out her site. She is from the Netherlands and has a truly awesome site...go show her some love.

Aloha Friday #6 Easter Bunny and Fido and Fluffy, Oh my :)

2009-04-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

With Easter just around the corner, I was wondering how many other folks out there are as crazy about their pets as I am. At Christmas, Muffin has her own stocking. We give her gifts on her birthday (no cake, though!!) On Easter, she will get some goodies. (She doesn't have a basket--but that's a thought-LOL!!) So, come on you pet moms and dads--'fess up and tell us what YOU do for your pets. If you aren't a pet owner, have you ever bought a gift for a friend or a family member?? (If you give me some comment love--I will return your visit :)

Thanks for those who took the time to answer last week's question. The question was who was your favorite animal movie character. The answers ranged from Buhlo (Jungle Book), Lassie, Silver and Lady (from Lady and The Tramp.)

Not So (Wordless) Wednesday #6 Boogie Bunny

2009-04-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...Another YouTube video...(it's a quickie) see if you can NOT keep from either smiling or dancing in your chair--I DARE you...give me some comment love and I will return your visit :)

Quotable Sunday #6

2009-04-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Another Sunday--Another Round of Quotes for Quotable Sundays--YAY! Head on over to A Daily Dose of Toni's to sign in and make the rounds of everyone else who has checked in for the day--and remember we ALL love to hear comments :) Since this is my Ragdoll site---the quotes are about--guess what?? Kittens and cats...so let's get quoting...

The cat seldom interferes with other people's rights.

His intelligence keeps him from doing many of the fool things that complicate life.

-Carl Van Vechten

A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.

- Ben Franklin

To please himself only the cat purrs.

- Irish Proverb

There are people who reshape the world by force or argument, but the cat just lies there, dozing; and the world quietly reshapes itself to suit his comfort and convenience.

- Allen and Ivy Dodd

The cat has too much spirit to have no heart.- Ernest Menaul

People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life.- Faith Resnick

There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast. - Unknown

Its easy to understand why the cat has eclipsed the dog as modern America's favorite pet. People like pets to possess the same qualities they do. Cats are irresponsible and recognize no authority, yet are completely dependent on others for their material needs. Cats cannot be made to do anything useful. Cats are mean for the fun of it. - P. J. O'Rourke

A human may go for a stroll with a cat; he has to walk a dog. The cat leads the way, running ahead, tail high, making sure you understand the arrangement. If you should happen to get ahead, the cat will never allow you to think it is following you. It will stop and clean some hard-to-reach spot, or investigate a suspicious movement in the grass; you will find yourself waiting a fidgeting like the lackey you are. But this is not annoying to cat lovers, who understand and appreciate a good joke, even when it is on them.- Robert Stearns

Time spent with cats is never wasted - Collette

If you REALLY love quotations, check out my main website. I have been doing a monthly quotation page for over a decade now (sorry I don't have it organized or have a search engine--it is just archived by the month/year...some day I hope to get it archived correctly...Anyway, there is the current month quotes and then there is a link to the archives.

Aloha Friday #5

2009-04-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

Update: Everyone who participated in last week's question agreed that animals and their owners are able to communicate on some level. Thanks again for leaving your comments and hope to see your comments THIS week :)

Not So (Wordless) Wednesday

2009-04-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Ok...now this had me LOL. Let me know which one made you giggle or chortle--or maybe you just didn't like it one bit--let me know that too (but gently--please!) My fave is when the little kitty chases off the big old animal three times its size (I don't want to spoil the surprise on WHAT the animal is...) Have fun...

Quotable Sunday #5 Cats

2009-03-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yup...it's Sunday and another round of Quotable Sunday is here. Head on over to A Daily Dose of Toni to sign in and get more info (if it's your first time) If you love quotations as much as I do, check out my main site (I don't have it organized--sorry :( but I have been collecting quotes for about 10 years!) Anyway--since this is my Ragdoll (Cat) Mom site--you know that this is going to be about CATS...

I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It's not. Mine had me trained in two days.~Bill Dana

A cat determined not to be found can fold itself up like a pocket handkerchief if it wants to. ~Louis J. Camuti

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him. ~Dereke Bruce

Anyone who claims that a cat cannot give a dirty look either has never kept a cat or is singularly unobservant. ~Maurice Burton

A kitten is in the animal world what a rosebud is in the garden.~Robert Southey

When the cat's away, the mice dance on the table.~Swedish Proverb

No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens~ Abraham Lincoln

Aloha Friday #04

2009-03-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Aloha everyone!
It's Friday, which means that over at An Island Life it is time for Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays we take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, she asks a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. Then everyone else asks a simple question of their own blog for others to answer.

The question for this week is: Do you think it is possible for animals to "communicate" with humans? I talk to Muffin all of the time and I think she understands quite a bit of what I tell her. (Dogs supposedly have an even greater capacity of the English language--it's MY opinion that cats have just a great of an ability--they just don't want any of us to know it!!!) Anyway, what's your opinion? Do you talk to your animals? Do they seem to understand what you are saying?? If you don't have pets, do you have a family member or friend who has pets? Do you think it is possible for animals and humans to communicate? Or is it just a bunch of hooey?? Don't be shy--I want to hear your opinion so leave your comments.

Update: Thanks for everyone who stopped by last week. Seems like we have a lot of happy pets!!! All kinds of pets too!! Also, there are a couple of people who would like to have pets but can't so we can feel for them!! Life is definitely better with fur!!

Wordful Wednesday-Sweet Muffin at Three

2009-03-25T00:48:00.000-07:00

Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it. If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" the 7 Clown Circus button on the top to link back, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Sweet Muffin-3yrs old
Ok...With a FACE like this...admit it...could YOU say no? Stare into those pale blue eyes which are highlighted from the "naughty" stripes around her cute as bug ear's pale pink nose. Surrounding her face is a beautiful "ruff" of silky curly hair. Yup...she is one cute, little Ragdoll...and she KNOWS it!!! (She will often just sit up and give you those baby blues as if--WHAT?? WHY NOT?? HOW COME??) Yup...she is one smart little girl. More pics to come...

Win a Blog Makeover at Restored 316 Designs

2009-03-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Do you have a Blogger Blog?? Would you love to have a Custom Design Blog? Then head over to Restored 316 Designs and enter their Custom Blog Design Giveaway. It's super EASY to enter. Good luck!!

Quotable Sunday #4

2009-03-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Yay...it's Sunday. Another round of Quotable Sunday. Check into A Daily Dose of Toni to see what it is all about and to also sign in. Half of the fun is to make the rounds, read and comment on other quotes. I LOVE quotes. (If you are a quote fanatic, like I am, check out my quote site--I have been doing this for years--sorry I don't have it organized or indexed...someday...

Anyway...more cats quotes (since this is my Ragdoll (Cat) Mom Site...

If cats could talk, they wouldn't.

~Nan Porter

If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow; but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.

~Mark Twain

The reason cats climb is so that they can look down on almost every other animal - it's also the reason they hate birds.

~K.C. Buffington

Are we really sure the purring is coming from the kitty and not from our very own hearts?

~Emme Woodhull-Bäche, translated

Kittens are angels with whiskers.

~Author Unknown

Everything I know I learned from my cat: When you're hungry, eat. When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vet's, pee on your owner.

~Gary Smith

Friday Fill In

2009-03-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. Why do we have to__growup___?

2. Reading every day and blogging____ are now habits.

3. I have __CNS (central nervous system) lupus___.

4. I had never heard the phrase "__school of hard knocks ___and it _makes me confused____.

5. __I style my hair ___ the way I always do.

6. How was I to know __I would become a Twilight Addict :)___.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __the release of Twilight on DVD (I didn't see the movie!)___, tomorrow my plans include __Uh, watching Twilight) ___ and Sunday, I want to _spend time with hubby____!

Aloha Friday #03

2009-03-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday #3 Kittens :)

2009-03-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

This video is from YouTube. I can't decide--either really cute--or really annoying? I am leaning towards pretty cute....

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

If you want to send a really CUTE cat or dog ecard, check out Sloppy Kiss cards.

Beautiful Hope Scrabble Pendant Giveaway at Nana's Box

2009-03-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Nana's Box is giving away a beautiful HOPE Scrabble Pendant. It's SUPER easy to enter. Check it out and maybe YOU will be the winner :) Good luck.

Quotable Sunday #3

2009-03-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Yay...it's Sunday and that's means another round of Quotations. Don't forget to check out Toni's page and sign the Mr. Linky so everyone can come and check out YOUR quotations and of course EVERYONE loves to receive comments!!

Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
-Anonymous

As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows, cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind.
-Cleaveland Amory

Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.
-Colette

If you, like me, were made of fur and sun warmed you, like me, you'd purr.
-Karla Kuskin

Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a great many different ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia.
-Joseph Wood Krutch

I love cats because I love my home and little by little they become its visible soul.
-Jean Cocteau

If you like these quotes, check out this month's quotations at my main site (I also have archives of quotations--but not organized--sorry!!) so if you are like me and are a quotation lover, you will LOVE the quotation section of my site.

M & M Studio Fabric Giveaway

2009-03-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

Check Out M & M Studio's Fabric Giveaway. She is giving away 4 FULL yards of fabric. WOO HOO!! So, go check it out and you might be a LUCKY winner.

M & M Studio Giveaway

Aloha Friday #2

2009-03-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

Aloha everyone!
It's Friday, which means that over at An Island Life it is time for Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays we take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, she asks a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. Then everyone else asks a simple question of their own blog for others to answer.

My question this week has to do with spirit animals. As an animal lover, I have always been fascinated by very NATURE of spirit animals. What animal would you choose for your spirit guide? Or which animal IS your spirit guide??

Suite 101 has a good article on it, if you would like more info. According to Native American beliefs, there are 9 different animal guides.

Bear-comforting and protective, common sign for moms
Butterfly-stands for the ability to accept the beauty of growth and change
Coyote-trickster, humour, self-sabatoge
Eagle-very spiritual, wisdom & power
Hawk-messenger-perspective
Horse-power; permission to be oneself
Snake-healer; transformation
Spider-creative
Wolf-true teachers

For me-butterflies have always had a really significant place in my life. I truly love to see a butterfly in nature. It is just SO beautiful.

Update:

Thanks for everyone who stopped by last week :) Seems like EVERYONE has either a friend or family member take care of their furbaby (furbabies) when they go on vacation. YAY!! I think that our pets don't like being boarded too much--just saying--IMHO!!

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday #2 Cover Girl

2009-03-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she make a GREAT cover girl?? If you would like to make YOUR kitty a cover girl, go over to Cat Channel and try it out.

Spring Fling Popz

2009-03-09T17:56:00.001-07:00

Is it JUST me or it is REALLY hard giving up that extra hour when we SPRING ahead?? I REALLY hate it!! I want my HOUR back!!! UGH!! Anyway, Spring is definitely in the air. We have this absolutely BEAUTIFUL flowering tree in the front yard--it is JUST gorgeous. SIGH! Another way to know Spring is here--the Spring Fling Popz are here!! What exactly are Popz?? Let me have the EXPERTS explain it to you, OK????

What are Blog Popz?A virtual version of the lollipops you gave in school to friends and admirers, each color represents a different theme. Get popz to give to fellow bloggers from authorized candy stores, receive them from admirers, and register your pop for a chance to win fantastic prizes for distributing and receiving the most popz.
How do I give a Blog Pop?Go to the store of the pop you want to give and follow the directions on that site."Yours is one of my favorite blogs."
Fav! Pop Store: Cool Baby Kid

"Your blog is cute."
Cute Pop Store: From Dates to Diapers
"I love your blog."Love Pop Store: The Not-So-Blog Blog
"You're a great blog friend."
Friend Pop Store: Ohana Mama

Thanks for being a blog mentor."Mentor Pop Store: Suzy Q Homemaker

Now what? If you're lucky enough to receive a pop, proudly display it on your site. Reciprocate if you'd like, and don't forget to register your pop for a chance to win prizes.Why should I register my pop?Registering your pop is the only way to win *Spring Fling* prizes. Complete the short form below for each pop you give and receive to increase your chances of winning. The two biggest poppers will receive first choice of prizes along with the most popped in each category. If you receive a pop it must be displayed on your site to be eligible to win.
Complete the Blog Popz Giver Form if you gave a pop.
Complete the Blog Popz Receiver Form if you received a pop.
Check current standings anytime on the Popz Standings & FAQ page.Blog Popz *Spring Fling* Edition Prizes
Bubblecakes.com Personalized Baby Blankets, $25 Gift Certificate
Hohobbers Classic Primary Canvas folding rocking chair, Personalized with child's name
Clouds & Stars Starter Set & Mattress Pad, Featured in Ultimate Baby Gift Guide
Royal Beginnings Ultimate Baby Changing Handbag, Your choice of pattern
Lovely Labels $25 Gift CertificateHow to play:Visit one of the blog popz stores listed above and follow their directions!

Quotable Sunday #2

2009-03-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

Another round of Quotable Sunday. YAY :) I love quotations. I have them all over the house....on scraps and bits of paper. Whenever something touches my heart, I write it down and save it for my website (where I have been doing a monthly quotation page for about 10 years--I have an archive page too--but nothing so organized as by subject or author-LOL!! Just by date!!)

Anyway--Since this is a Ragdoll site--we shall continue with kitty quotes....

Books and cats and fair haired little girls make the best furnishings for a room.
-French Proverb

I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.
-Winston Churchill

Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want.
-Joseph Wood Krutch

The trouble with sharing one's bed with cats is that they'd rather sleep on you than beside you.
-Pam Brown

A computer and a cat are somewhat alike -- they both purr, and like to be stroked, and spend a lot of the day motionless. They also have secrets they don't necessarily share.
-John Updike

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.
- Jeff Valdez

So which (if any) did you like?? Please leave some Comment LOVE. Muffin and I LOVE to read comments and will return all visits :)If you would like to see more quotations, visit my main site. Have a truly WONDERFUL weekend :)

Aloha Friday #1

2009-03-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

Aloha everyone!
It's Friday, which means that over at An Island Life it is time for Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays we take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, she asks a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. Then everyone else asks a simple question of their own blog for others to answer.

So this is MY very first Ragdoll Cat Mom Edition of Aloha Friday. YAY! My question is this: If you have furbabies--what do you do with them when you go on vacation? Do you board them? Do you have a friend petsit them (just once a day or do you have them also housesit as well?) If you don't have any animals, have you ever taken care of a pet for a family or friend who went on vacation? Tell me your experiences! How do you feel about pets and vacation?? Don't be shy--Muffin and I are waiting to hear your comments...

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday #1 Who Wants a Big Waxy Smooch?

2009-03-04T00:09:00.000-08:00

What a silly monkey! Doesn't it look like she has waxed lips?? This is one of the pics that our breeder, Laura took before we were able to bring her home. Every SINGLE week, Laura was so sweet--she would take several pics so we would see how big Muffin was getting--and this was one of the pictures that was a result of a weekly photo session.

Quotable Sunday #1

2009-03-01T00:09:00.000-08:00

I LOVE quotations--and what could be better than QUOTES and cats :)

Here are some of my favorites....

Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later
-Mary Bly

When the mouse laughs at the cat, there is a hole nearby.
- Nigerian Proverb

There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat.
-Tay Hohoff

I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.
-Jules Verne

Even overweight, cats instinctively know the cardinal rule: when fat, arrange yourself in slim poses
-John Weitz

Gluten Intolerance & Cats

2009-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

Poor Muffin. She hates going to the Vet, but last year she was vomiting after eating. This was not "hairball" stuff, either. She was also losing weight and actually looking "skinny"--not a thing a Mommy wants to see in her furbaby. Ragdolls are supposed to be bigboned and sturdy and my baby was just looking like a frail, skinny twig. So, we decided to take her to the vet (good thing the office is just around the corner--literally less than five minutes total to get there but it is a five minute SCREECH filled ride over. Of course, once we get in the office, the little monkey is quiet as a pip!! Doesn't make a sound!! The vet checks her over and tells me that there is NOTHING wrong with her and that she is just "petite" Well, this Mama knows that something is wrong.

I continue to worry and put my concerns in God's (and St. Francis' care). About a week later, I had a "lightbulb" moment in the middle of the night. One of my BFF's daughter has a gluten intolerance. She had almost the EXACT symptoms that Muffin has until she cut out all gluten in her diet. I hopped on the internet and researched cats and gluten (and OUILA)...I had a clue..now to try it out.

I looked at a couple of different types of all natural, all holistic types of food and I knew that it was going to be challenging because Muffin is a VERY finicky eater. We decided to go with the Blue Buffalo food (she has liked other food that has veggies in it and she ONLY likes chicken and turkey! Have you EVER met a cat who does NOT like fish?? She will not TOUCH it. She hates any kind of fish and will not touch any meat either!! Only chicken and turkey!!

Oh, let me tell you, the switch from her "gluten filled" food to the all natural food was really hard. I swear, she was addicted to the gluten or something. She just cried and cried for the other food (she DID eat the Blue Buffalo food right away-especially when I popped it in the microwave for a few secs) but it did take a few days for her to adjust.

She has been on her new diet now since Thanksgiving and she is like a new kitty. She is actually beginning to fill out a bit. She hasn't thrown up--NOT ONCE since I have switched her diet (and she was throwing up several times a day before) and she has more energy (hmmmm...maybe not such a good thing...LOL! Also, her coat is much shinier.

Even with our pets, we need to be advocates. We need to sometimes realize that even the "experts" don't know everything! BTW, when we took Muffin in for an unrelated problem recently and I told the vet what we had done and the results, she was amazed!

What about you and your furbaby? (or furbabies) Do you have a story to share--Muffin and I love comments--so PLEASE don't be shy :)

Gentle hugs,

Shelley

Meet Sweet Muffin

2009-02-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

My name is Shelley. My husband, Tom, and I don't have any kids. Well, don't tell that to our kitty, Muffin. She thinks she is the baby. Of course, that might be because we are constantly telling her that she is the baby, and that she is such a sweet baby, etc. This is her "baby" pic. Isn't she a sweetie??

I named this blog, Ragdoll Mom, because I read Mommy Blogs all day long and I can really identify with these moms even though I don't have kids of my own. The only difference is MY kid has fur!! We love this little cat SO much that when we went on our cruise, we had someone stay here at the home to watch her (and I had a friend tell me how crazy that was!!) However, my instincts, proved correct. The wonderful woman who watched Muffin and our home said that it took Muffin quite a while to warm up to her (and she certainly wouldn't have been able to handle a stranger just coming in once a day to feed her) So, from now on, we will always have to have someone "sit" with our kitty...just like a REAL kid. See what I mean?? Also, Muffin throws temper tantrums. And you haven't seen ANYTHING until you've seen a cat throw a temper tantrum!!

Well, that's it for now. Just wanted to introduce ourselves...hopefully other Mothers of Furbabies will comment or follow me!

Until next time....

Gentle hugs,

Shelley