<p>I totally agree with Redondo about the orange male cats. I have had 4 (over the span of my lifetime) and they are the most affectionate with sparkling personalities. I’ve managed to find these thru the newspaper or friends of friends.</p>
<p>The 3 (non-orange) cats we adopted through the local shelter all turned out to be very unsocial. They would come out for food and then hide under the furniture. No fun at all - I think they were somewhat feral.</p>
<p>We swear by the 2-cat theory: 2 cats are better than 1! Our last set of kitties were sisters, and they were so wonderful. We watched them play together & knew they’d be fun for each other (and us). The 2nd lived 19 years, and it was very difficult when she died (in my H’s arms, as he cried). A couple years later, H’s coworker found a litter of kitties who had been abandoned very shortly after birth. We chose 2 sisters again, and they have been just great! They are loveable, playful, etc. - and they never fail to comfort us when we need it.</p>
<p>Oh, I love it! Keep the stories coming! </p>
<p>I’ve actually had cats at two other times in my life. The first time, I was in middle school, and a lady from our church gave me a male kitten (a white Persian mix), whom I named, Peter Max, after my favorite pop artist. Neither of my parents had ever grown up with an indoor pet, and felt very wary of allowing a cat (and his litter box) in the house, but I was going through my first long term bout of clinical depression at the time, and the psychologist told them he felt it might help me “come out of myself”. I loved that cat with desperation, and clung to him like a lifeline. Plus, he was so very sweet, and followed me everywhere. </p>
<p>I have a somewhat weird story to tell concerning him: About six months after he arrived, I was invited to visit my first cousins for a weekend. They lived 30 miles away, and I didn’t want to go, but everyone (my parents, my aunt and uncle, and even my therapist) thought it would do me some good. I did have a pretty good time that Friday night and all day Saturday, the first real fun I’d had in months. But on Sunday morning, I awoke early with an incredible sense of dread and nameless anxiety that only got worst as the day progressed. I started talking bout Peter Max and just couldn’t seem to shut up (I must have driven my cousins crazy:rolleyes:) But suddenly, at around two p.m., the anxiety lifted and the rest of the afternoon was good.</p>
<p>My parents came to retrieve me at five, and the moment my mother walked into the house, I took one look at her and said, “He’s dead, isn’t he?” She immediately dissolved into wracking sobs, and eventually, the story came out. Apparently, she’d just let the cat out to play at about 2 o’clock that afternoon, when she heard the sound of dogs barking and growling. She ran outside just in time to see the retreating backs of three marauding strays, and my cat in the yard, bleeding profusely. He died quickly, even as she watched in horror. They had literally ripped him open. My mother knew what that cat meant to my emotionally stability. She was afraid I would fall apart. But I didn’t fall apart—well, not immediately, anyway. I’d been fighting back low level anxiety all weekend, but rationalized that that really wasn’t so unusual, given the general anxiety and panic attacks that seemed to come with the depression. But on Sunday morning, I knew something was about to happen. I could feel it to my core. Seeing my mother somehow instantly revealed what I’d been bracing for all weekend. Nobody to this day can convince me that I didn’t have a premonition about the death of my cat… </p>
<p>My 2nd experience with cat ownership came right before I was married. My H and I used to share a large ranch house with several other people before we began dating, and a neighbor gave us a couple of kittens from their mutt’s litter. One was male, and the other female. The male, an orange tabby, and the female, a calico. They were great cats. Joshua was wild and rambunctious. He use to try and scale my H’s bare leg every morning when he got up to make coffee. Miss Kitty was my cat. She slept with me every night, and woke me up every morning by nudging my face with her nose. She was very demure, quiet and sweet as candy. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, after we got married, we rented a nearby apartment in a complex that wouldn’t allow pets:(. Josh and Miss Kitty were placed in good homes. In the years to come, we moved several times, had two kids, and bouts of serious financial strain. Somehow, we could never justify having pets that might possibly require very expensive medical care. But that’s all changing, and I’m really excited by the possibility of having another cat in the house.</p>
<p>Can I talk about all of my neighbors cats?..Okay, well may I suggest an indoor cat?</p>
<p>Even before I became interested in obtaining a Ragdoll, I had decided that any cat I adopted in the future would be strictly an indoor cat. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, there are many dangers a cat can encounter while roaming a neighborhood—cars, dogs and wild animals, cruelty, etc. And I’d hate to have to put up one of those posters asking, “Have you seen this cat?” Secondly, cat’s kill song birds by the many thousands each year. It would break my heart to have my cat drop a trophy goldfinch or bluebird at my feet. I’d rather keep him indoor, safe and sound. I did read that Ragdolls curiously seem to lack a sense of self-preservation, making it important to keep them indoors and out of danger of predators.</p>
<p>I have owned cats my entire life. My favorites were two female orange tabbys. (The females are rare).</p>
<p>I believe the best way to raise a social cat is to adopt it as a kitten and carry and hold it as much as possible.</p>
<p>While I have heard about cats killing song birds, to my knowledge NONE of my cats (all indoor/outdoor) have ever killed a bird. In fact, at one of our homes we had the most annoying cacaphony of morning song birds that I almost WISHED our two cats would put them out of their (and our) misery! (Or at least frightened them away!)</p>
<p>My last cat was a B&W cat I got as a kitten from the shelter. I never really liked the cat and she didn’t like me although I sure spent plenty of money on her for various vet bills including some expensive ones due to a recurring skin infection. She actually chewed her tail to the bone once and we had to have that part removed. She was then a ‘half-tailed cat’. Although I thought she was a mean cat, she got along with my kids okay.</p>
<p>I’ve had a few other cats that were okay though. They were also from the shelter. The nicest cat was my neighbor’s cat but a coyote got it (and came back the next morning looking for more). Coyotes get a lot of cats around here.</p>
<p>I’ve only known one orange cat. It was a stray that decided to live at the auto parts warehouse I worked at while in college. This was a great cat. He was really playful - loved to hide behind a wall and ‘scare’ you when walking down the hall by the exhaust pipes. He was also endlessly fascinated by the water in the drinking fountain and would play with it with his paws. He really liked cars (fitting given where he took up residence) and could frequently be seen heading down the street on the roof of a car being driven by an unwitting driver. They always brought him back though.</p>
<p>I agree with the poster who suggested getting an adult cat, preferably from a shelter or a Petco type place that places cats from shelters. If you spend some time with it you can get a sense of its personality. It’s also probably already been neutered and you might get a sense of its health which could save some money. Kittens are more fun though.</p>
<p>I’ve had several dogs and would take a dog over a cat any day but that’s just me. A dog will be your loyal friend and quickly becomes more of a member of the family than any cat I’ve ever known. I currently have a boxer (also from a rescue place) and he’s so well-behaved and full of personality that I can’t believe anyone would have ever given him up. </p>
<p>Regardless of whether you end up with a dog or cat, bear in mind that they can potentially cost thousands in vet bills. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on my cats and dogs from taking them to skin specialists, having MRIs done, having various wounds taken care of, X-Rays done, etc. If you get a cat and keep it indoors, it’ll likely have fewer problems but may ALWAYS want to escape to the outside. Mine were outdoors cats - generally earning a modicum of keep by getting gophers (figure about $100 per gopher given the vet bills). </p>
<p>Good luck in whatever you decide on!</p>
<p>Years ago I had a few big orange striped toms, lover boys all. When I was ready for cats, twins sufficiently old, we found a rescued part Siamese family. Having 3 kids, 1 cat seemed plenty. But my S fell in love with his kitten, a lynx point, and another caught my eye. I took the second, a seal point, home for a ‘transitional’ adoption, and of course he became mine. But illness took him at an early age. There is no better way to raise kittens than in summer with a multitude of kids around. The two kittens were constantly played with all summer, dressed, petted, loved. Simba, my son’s cat became our hero, and still is after 12 years. He joins us for dinner each night, sits on his own chair. Any party, he’s in the middle of the room, or yard, working the crowd. He’s taking the loss of the kids rather hard, and is sad to see him this winter, dragging around. Affection is not his thing, rather companionable participation in whatever the family is doing. </p>
<p>I had the idea that I wanted to raise Siamese at one point, and spent good money on a purebred blue point kitten. Entering the world of studs proved more challenging than I had time for, so she was neutered a few years back. Her personality proved not a good one for motherhood, as she thinks the world is out to get her, so socialization of kittens didn’t go well. Any visitors, she’s upstairs in a flash, and full of vocal complaint in my direction when they finally leave. She really needed more intense socialization at a crucial time in kitten development-4 to 8 weeks (I think, correct me if wrong) to lose her fear of people. But she is my sweetie alone, and showers me with affection when she finds me sitting. </p>
<p>I’d stongly advocate for 2 cats. They’re so companionable, though I’d fear for the consequences if I brought a new kitten or cat into the mix now. During the short time we had just one, he was miserable, and quite anxious when alone. As cats are attached to place more than people, leaving home is easy. Leave food and water, a neighbor to stop in on occasion, and they’re fine. Leaving a dog to travel seems a major project and expense, though I like dogs too.</p>
<p>Adorable. She might be a Snowshoe.</p>
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<p>That’s another reason why I want a kitten. A kitten would also give me (by statistical average) more years with my beloved pet. Get a cat from the pound, and you may not have access to its history. How old is it, really? How was it treated? What past emotional trauma might it have to overcome?</p>
<p>We have two cats at the moment that we claim, and feed a variety of feral cats. (S told me one time, “If you ever want to know how many cats are in the neighborhood, start feeding one.” He’s right!)</p>
<p>One cat, we got as an adult some years ago; then-small S wanted a cat, but as we had gerbils at the time, I was wary about getting a cat. (I’ve had many in my life, but we were catless when we got the gerbils. Gerbils are great pets, BTW.) Someone at work sent out an email saying her daughter had to give up a three-legged adult male (neutered) Himalayan. Since this cat was at least 25% less likely to be able to get into the gerbil cages, S and I went to see the cat.</p>
<p>Cat was in a carrier already; the people really wanted him GONE. (Other cats in the house were picking on him.) So we brought him home, sight unseen. He’s gorgeous. Had to have his left front leg and half his tail amputated because of some accident he had while he was out one day; I don’t know that anyone knows what happened. I do know that’s the reason his previous owner referred to him as her $5,000 cat. Whatever had happened to him resulted in a long, expensive, painful recovery.</p>
<p>He’s an immensely polite cat. Only bad habits were draping himself atop the gerbil cages and stalking and springing at people as if they’re prey. The gerbils have long since gone to that great Habitrail in the sky; the stalking continues as a friendly game. He’s politely affectionate, dignified, and likes being the center of attention. He’s convinced of his great beauty, as well he should be.</p>
<p>His name is not Tripod. :-D</p>
<p>We have another cat, a two-year-old black and white male, one of a litter born to a very pretty feral tabby cat. This kitten had something obviously wrong with his hips, but he has since learned to compensate for whatever the problem is. He decided he liked me and stuck around after his litter mates and mom moved away from the spot under the shed next door where they’d been living. </p>
<p>We still refer to this cat as “Kitten” (usually pronounced “Kit-TEN!” in a very loud voice) but also call him (and this makes me retch, really!) “Puddems.” Sometimes, “Little Puddems.” Unfortunately, “Puddems” fits him; he is amazingly ingratiating and personable (if a feline can be said to be personable). He knows JUST what to do to get a human to say, “Look how cute the cat looks!” It’s disgusting, how darn cute the little beast is. It’s as though he has a stash of books called things like “Cat Yoga: 1001 Poses Your Human Will Like,” and “How to Get Humans to Give You Treats.” Another in his collection seems to be “How to Annoy, Harass, Torment, and Beat Up Other Cats Your Human Feeds,” alas. Makes me want to get the Himalayan a prosthesis for his missing leg, with claws.</p>
<p>We live in the state of detente. When we’re lucky.</p>
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<p>LOL, Owlice! I almost sprayed my keyboard with the water I’d just sipped.
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<p>You are just too funny! Years ago, we were friends with a couple who had a male Himalayan who, while sleeping was able to assume and sustain some of the most anatomically improbable poses. We often were invited to tiptoe to the spot where he’d draped himself in order to catch a few zzzz’s. Though, one of his favorite and easily achieved poses was to smoosh his nose snugly into a corner, while splaying his arms and legs out like a bear-skin rug. He snored, too–hysterical! He was one of the most amusing creatures we’ve ever met.</p>
<p>“rather companionable participation in whatever the family is doing.”</p>
<p>My parents’ cat has to sit in a chair at the dining room table during every meal. He knows he’s not allowed to go on the table or touch anything up there (although he always tries to sneak one little paw on the tablecloth at least once per meal, in hopes that we won’t notice). But even though we never share the food, his family is in chairs around the table, so he wants to be in a chair around the table. If we have guests and every chair is taken, he’ll jump on someone’s lap and participate from there.</p>
<p>Of course, if one of us is eating or reading the newspaper alone in the dining room, not paying any attention to him, he comes up and pats us on the knee until we look at him. It’s like, hey – hey – scuse me – I’m still cute.</p>
<p>He’s dumb as a brick but extremely handsome. I love him to death.</p>
<p>poetsheart,</p>
<p>I’ve never been without at least one cat in my 50+ years! I blame it on my mom, as she’s mid 70’s and has also never been without a cat. 
We currently have two, in addition to our four dogs, and they all get along pretty well. We’ve had all kinds of cats, from all kinds of circumstances. Most have been adopted from the humane society, some kitten age, some adult cats. A few have adopted us by just showing up in our yard, and moving in. I’m happy to hear that you’re planning on an indoor cat. Cats should really be kept inside, both for their own safety and that of songbirds, in addition to preventing the issue of your cat making a mess of your neighbor’s gardens.</p>
<p>We’ve never had a ragdoll but a friend has had two and they’re great cats. We’ve had Maine Coons, which are beautiful, a Himalayan, and lots of mixes. I think the two we’ve had who have had the most personality have been Siamese. Even after having all these cats, I don’t think I could predict which type would make the best fit for a particular family. It’s unpredictable, in my experience. </p>
<p>Dogs are a LOT more work than cats, as you probably know, regardless of what type of dog you get. Cats are always easier. You can leave cats all day, or even overnight, with no problem. You can’t do that with a dog. Pet ownership is a wonderful thing. I think all children should be raised with the opportunity to have a pet. Having said that, I think that too many people rush into getting a pet without thinking through all aspects of what it means to be able to commit to it for 15 - 20 years. (Not directing this at you, poetsheart).</p>
<p>Best of luck in your decision!</p>
<p>Reading this thread brings up memories of all the cats our family has had the great fortune to call “ours”…some siamese, most strays that followed my brothers into the house (ok, I let Tramp in, myself). All kinds of personalities, but all added something positive to our lives. </p>
<p>I was always allergic to cats…asthma, eyes swell shut, etc…and drs told parents to get rid of them when I was about 5. They did not. That cat was my best friend til I moved away to go to college. Grew up, got cats of my own, and eventually allergies got WAY worse! I ended up having to give them away because I couldn’t be outside of my bedroom in my own house! That was without a doubt the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make. </p>
<p>We now have a chinchilla. I don’t sneeze, but it is just not the same! </p>
<p>I don’t know where Ragdolls rank on the allergen scale. Siamese and black cats are apparently way up there. Something to consider if you have allergic tendencies, perhaps?</p>
<p>I’ve always had cats, always “mutts”, and always from the Humane Society. I agree with whoever suggested getting an adult cat from the pound - one of our current cats was just such an adult. </p>
<p>My D and I went to the Humane Society for the express purpose of getting a kitten, but we felt bad for the grown kitties on “Death Row” so we looked at those, too. My D was interested in this one cat, and when the attendant opened the cage the cat literally leapt into my daughter’s arms! The cat then started rubbing her head on my D’s shoulder and purring loudly - needless to say, we left with the cat and not the kitten. (We laugh about how smart this cat is - she KNEW she had to impress us to keep us away from the kittens.) To this day, that cat is incredibly friendly and very affectionate. </p>
<p>On the other hand, our second cat - also a mutt from the pound - was adopted as a kitten. He and my D have an intense bond, such that he follows her around like a dog and will sit in her lap for hours while she does her homework on the computer.</p>
<p>I like dogs, too, but I do love my cats. I see their independent streak as an asset - we can leave them alone for a weekend trip without worrying, and the two of them keep each other happy.</p>
<p>I currently own (or does he own me?) an ebony oriental shorthair named Romeo. His registered name (not given him by me) is Romeow. YUCK!!</p>
<p>Despite the bad name he is the greatest cat. A very vocal breed - not for everyone. Research Ragdolls at the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) site. Having owned a Persian in the past the long hair would turn me off. Too much maintenance. </p>
<p>Lest I seem like a pedigree cat snob; I too have had many “mutts” including one of those lovable fat Orange tomcats. Everyone I have met has the greatest attitude (like O’Malley in the Aristocats!). </p>
<p>I am secretly a crazy cat lady. :)</p>
<p>Strawberryblonde raised one point that I hadn’t even thought to mention, and it should definitely be considered: ragdolls shed like mad.</p>
<p>The coat really isn’t high-maintenance. We give him a quick combing every day or other day (more to decrease shedding than to keep him fluffy), cut out the very occasional, very minor matting, and that’s it. He takes care of the rest. That said, that long, beautiful white hair is all over the house, even with such regular grooming :p</p>
<p>We live somewhere that gets very hot in the summers, so that could be one factor…maybe others don’t have it quite so bad. And we already had a golden retriever, so the hair was second nature…like I said, I didn’t even think to mention it! But juuust a heads up…it would be a turn-off for some. </p>
<p>I’m loving all these cat stories. They’re doing a lot to open my mind…</p>
<p>ETA: Weirdly enough, like I mentioned in an earlier post, for those who are allergic to animal <em>dander</em>, ragdolls are still relatively low-allergen.</p>
<p>I’ve had cats my whole life, and their personalities have varied. With one exception, it seems the dumber the cat the sweeter & more “cuddly” they were. The smart ones were also had a nasty streak to their personality. The one exception was our first cat when I was a child - lived to be 17 years old, and was smart and loving. Even my mom says that was the best cat we ever had. BTW, almost all of my cats have been tuxedo cats or grey tigers, and all were “mutts” - from shelters or from a neighboring family giving away cats. The tuxedos tended to be smarter but not as loving as the grey tigers.</p>
<p>One thing in common - they all become somewhat calmer and more “cuddly” as they get older. </p>
<p>When deciding between a cat and a dog, remember how much LESS work a cat is. A cat can live indoors (if that’s what they do from birth, but good luck trying to get a cat that’s been outdoors to be happy as an indoor cat - I’ve never been able to succeed at that). Cats don’t have to be walked, just scoop out a sandbox every day or two. And you can leave a cat alone for 2-3 days if you have a “vacation” water-er and dry food bowl, both available in pet stores, which will store a large supply of food and water and gradually dispense it via gravity. Dogs, on the other hand, have to be walked twice daily and fed twice daily. If you go away they need to come with you, stay at a friend’s house or go to a kennel.</p>
<p>What a fun thread!!! I have some tactful restraint in bragging about my children, but I have no shame in insisting I have the brightest, prettiest and most talented kitties in the world!!! And no one can quantitatively prove I’m wrong!!!</p>