RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers | RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

Have Some Fun

September 25, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

RagaMuffin kitten

author Cathy Foldesi RagaMuffin lover

Remember when you were a kid and you enjoyed opening presents and ended up playing with the boxes as much as the contents of the gifts themselves. Fun time right?

Kittens are the same way. If you haven’t had the fun of watching your cat with a bag or box, please take the time to give your kitten these items. Pure joy for all.

You will laugh as your cat will probably play endlessly with a paper bag or box. RagaMuffin iCandy Windsor has had a paper bag on our floor all week. He runs and attacks it over and over. He pushes it all over the room. He hangs out inside it too. Once, it was a surprise to me when I went to move it and he was resting in it. We watch and listen for the rustling of the paper and we start laughing. I gave him a box with paper in it and he did not really enjoy it but he adores the paper grocery bag. He has not destroyed it with his nails but so what if he did. I would just get him another bag to enjoy.

We haven’t had a young kitten in our home for many years and I must admit I had forgotten how cute they are. Our older cats have been wonderful and we have enjoyed them a lot but they pretty much stopped playing with toys by the time they were three years old. It is funny to see our other older cat’s expression when Windsor is playing hard. Seth our 11 year old cat is a Norwegian Forest Cat. He looks at the RagaMuffin kitten playing and seems to say “you crazy kid, I did not sign up for all of this”. Windsor also enjoys the toys on a string that have a bird -like sound device on them. He runs up and attacks them often throughout the day. If I am in another room I get a chuckle out of hearing him playing with these toys. We have two of them hanging on door knobs. Windsor plays hard and rest even harder. After playing awhile he naps and even snores a little bit. And, of course he is a wonderful cuddler and loves to snuggle. He loves to have his forehead and chin scratched. A few extra kitty treats, now and then, are always a welcomed pleasure for both cats. I am going to get out another box for Windsor to try, and put some paper in it to see if he like this box better.

Now, folks please go get a paper bag or box out for your kitten and have FUN!

Added note… Please do not use plastic bags as this could be dangerous for your cat.

Yes, Windsor liked the smaller box with paper in it.

So yes, the fun continues!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Thinking About Breeding RagaMuffins?

September 17, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

RagaMuffin kittens

editor Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

A number of years back, I was emailed a handout to help explain to people about the challenges involved with breeding RagaMuffins or any other cats. This was meant to eliminate surprises new breeders may encounter. The goal is to help one decide whether or not breeding is an adventure to pursue. I have modified the original document, but am unable to give credit to the original writer as I don’t know who it is!

Sometimes, without realizing what is involved, new breeders become discouraged and quit breeding after a short time. This is disappointing for everyone involved: the new breeder, the breeder(s) who provided the initial breeding cats, and the mentor(s) who may have spent many, many hours helping the new breeder get started. There are some things that each potential breeder should know up front.

The Profit Myth:

One of the great myths about breeding cats is that breeders make a lot of money.

Very few, if any, cat breeders make a profit. A prospective breeder might wonder how this can be true. Well, first, there is a substantial investment to get started and second, the ongoing expenses of running a good cattery are more than anyone expects. The original breeding cats, supplies, equipment, food and vet bills can easily run more than the income from selling kittens. So, this venture should be considered more of a cat loving hobby than a viable source of income.

Stud Challenges:

Keeping intact (not spayed or castrated) cats is very different than having cats as pets. Of course the more intact cats one has, the more of a challenge that this becomes.

Intact cats often spray urine to mark their territory. When males are not neutered, the smell of their urine is pungent to say the least. If they are kept in a breeder’s home, the home will likely have an unpleasant smell. Many people cannot live with intact males in the same ‘air space’ so breeders may need to consider a separate place where the stud(s) are housed.

Some stud owners have separate buildings that are properly ventilated and heated to house their males. If a breeder has more than one stud, he/she may need to keep them separate or fights may occur! Even though the studs may be housed in separate quarters, a cattery owner must find time each day to spend time with them so that they get the proper attention and affection to remain lovable RagaMuffin kitties.

Once intact males mature, some will cry loudly to let the world know that they are ready, willing and able to perform their breeding role. Some males are louder than others so it makes sense to be sure that neighbors will not be bothered by the noise.

Queen Challenges:

Many think that only intact males spray. However, many intact females also mark their territory, especially when they are in heat, by spraying or urinating on carpets, bedding, furniture, etc. While many products claim to eliminate urine odor, it is very difficult to do so. Most breeders elect to remove wall to wall carpets in favor of easier to clean floors with washable area rugs. Waterproof mattress pads are a must and some also use them under slipovers on living room sofas and chairs.

Females also cry loudly when they are in season. Like the males, they will call loudly, night and day. During spring and summer, females tend to call approximately every two to three weeks for approximately seven days at a time.

Marketing and Sales:

Placing kittens and retired adults is a tremendous responsibility. You will need to market your cattery with a web site and Facebook page. Keeping those Internet resources up to date takes time and energy as well as a bit of skill.

It takes time to interact with potential kitten purchasers. Responsible breeders want to ensure that our babies are placed in appropriate, loving homes. Screening potential buyers via email and telephone is a time consuming activity.

Vet Bills & Health Problems:

Of course there are normal veterinary expenses. These include health clearance tests and vaccinations for your breeding cats, for example tests for FeLV, FIV and routine kitten vaccinations. Many RagaMuffin breeders are also spaying and neutering kittens prior to placing them in homes. This adds to the expense, but protects the kitten in the long run.

There are also the unforeseen expenses that may crop up. Upper respiratory, urinary tract problems, diarrhea, and dental all should be addressed by a professional.

Complications can, and DO, arise either during pregnancy or during delivery and this is when the vet bills can really start to add up. Each litter will have to be treated should problems occur while they are in your care.

Perhaps the most difficult thing is when a breeder loses one or more kittens because they were premature, had congenital issues, or had an illness. Sadly, this will eventually happen under the best of circumstances. In addition, thankfully not often, a breeder may lose a beloved queen to complications in the birthing process. This is the other side of the joy of bringing beautiful RagaMuffin kittens into the world.

Foot Loose and Fancy Free?

Maintaining breeding cats will greatly curtail a breeder’s ability to be away from home. A responsible breeder can’t just get up and go. If a queen is due to deliver kittens, the breeder must be available in case of difficulties; this is despite having plans attend a wedding, a birthday party, Christmas festivities, or any other event. Things can go wrong very quickly.

Showing your Kittens:

One goal for breeders is to produce cats that match the standard for the RagaMuffin or to come as close as possible. Participation in cat shows gives a breeder the opportunity to see other RagaMuffins and also to meet with other RagaMuffin breeders and discuss issues relevant to the breed. Attending cat shows is another expense of being a breeder. There are entry fees and travel expenses, including sometimes eating out, staying in a hotel, and traveling to a distant location.

In addition, attending a cat show can take significant amount of time: filling out paperwork, assembling everything required to go to the show, arranging transportation and for a cat sitter if you will be away from home, bathing and grooming for the cat, traveling to the show location, being at the show itself (usually on a weekend), and traveling back home again. The shows are usually a lot of fun, but they will be another item in the budget.

At this point, I believe prior to starting a breeding program, a person should get a quality RagaMuffin premier ( spayed or castrated cat) and show it for a year. That year will be spent learning how to evaluate cats, groom kitties and make friends with quality breeders who can mentor.

Cat & Kitten Care:

Breeding cats (and any ‘teenagers’ or neutered adults), need to be fed and watered regularly along with routine litter box maintenance. Regular grooming is an important part of their care as well. The living quarters must be cleaned, and food and water bowls washed. Kittens must be weighed at least once daily for several weeks to monitor their growth. If newborns have difficulty nursing, or their mother has no milk, they must be raised by hand. This means feeding every two to four hours 24 hours a day.

Socializing kittens with play and cuddling is an important and fun part of being a breeder. It needs to be done daily and requires knowledge of kitten behavior to accomplish successfully.

Having a sick kitten or cat is always a worry. It is the duty of a breeder to spend the time and money needed to care for ill animals. As wonderful as they are, just one litter of kittens can be exhausting. . While we call this a hobby, it is actually a full-time job from which there are really no true breaks or vacations and little, if any, monetary compensation.

Forever a Breeder

Once placed in a home, a breeder’s responsibility does not end. Providing advice for the pet owner when needed is imperative. In addition, a responsible breeder is willing to take back any kitten at any time during its life. People’s lives change due to illness, divorce, etc and it is the duty for a breeder to ensure that any cat that he/she bred will always have a home.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Besties

September 6, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

author Terri Cassiday Xpressions RagaMuffins

This is about our grand daughter and our cat Al.

These two have had that special connection from the beginning. For years when our grand daughter has come over Al hears her voice and comes running. She flings her backpack open and Al rummages around in it. These two love each other’s company.

Recently, Al was limping and off to the vet we went. After the vet ruled out broken bones, Al was diagnosed having soft tissue damage. He needed to be confined. No running, jumping etc. (HUH! This is a CAT). We decided the best place was to remove a few things from the office and keep him in there.

When our grand daughter heard of his injury and that we were keeping him in the office, she insisted on coming over. “He will be lonely and scared”she said. Over she came with her back pack filled with things for her and Al. This energetic little girl sat with him all day reminding him to stay still. She talked to him, petted him, and tried to show him how to play games on the iPad. Al remained still all day looking adoringly at his best friend.

This simple act of friendship will remain in my heart forever. I feel blessed to be able to have witnessed this.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Windsor Brave and Loving

August 29, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

RagaMuffin Kitten

Author- Catherine Foldesi RagaMuffin lover

We have only had Windsor (iCandy RagaMuffin’s Solo and Kahlua) for less than three weeks but in this short time he has captured our hearts more and more each day, and seems to have a power over all of us. My husband, Les, and I have 4 dogs and another cat. Plus Claire, our niece, lives with us while in college. I believe the five hour drive home from Sara’s house helped him get used to me. I kept him in a carrier but for most of the trip I had one hand in it petting him. I admired how soft his coat felt while remembering the information I read about RagaMuffins saying their coats are like rabbit fur. While driving he never seemed worried during the ride to our home. Upon entering he briefly met our other cat Seth (a 11yr old Norwegian Forest Cat) at the door. Seth looked at Windsor and just ignored him. As we came in Windsor could hear all the dogs barking as we walked through the house. Again, the RagaMuffin kitten did not seem at all alarmed at the noise our dogs made.

As Sara had suggested we kept Windsor in a quiet room for a few days to settle in. We chose our sunroom so he could easily see in several windows and watch what we were doing. At first, I thought he might want to hide but he was curious about everything and proceeded to explore the sunroom. I camped out with him for the first four nights. On the second day I opened two of the windows just a little so all the pets could look and easily smell each other. Our dogs were very interested in meeting Windsor. They put their paws on the window ledge to see him. Sometimes they were all safely nose to nose through the window. This was so cute. After a couple of days I brought each pet in one at a time to meet Windsor. He lay in a chair while greeting each one. He instinctively seems to know not to move too fast around the dogs. He is one smart RagaMuffin.

After a few days he seemed eager to get out of the sunroom. At first, he ran up and down the hall. I figured he had a bit of nervous energy to release. He followed me everywhere and played with many of the toys I have around the house for him. He checked out the other litter pan we keep in the bathroom. I showed him where his food would be. Everything went fine. He explored more of our house the first few days than I expected. Nothing bothered the RagaMuffin kitten. He quickly learned to come when called. Most of the time, our dogs do not have the run of the entire house. During the day they stay in our kitchen, family room, and utility room. As Windsor explored, he went in the kitchen on his own. When he chose to get on the floor around the dogs he would just lay down near them. He seems to know not to run when near them. Our other cat skitters around the dogs so they will chase him a little. They have yet to chase Windsor because he moves slowly when near them. He is very wise and gets under furniture to help protect him from all of their noses touching him. He does show the dogs his paw and they greatly respect his claws. It is funny watching a 40lb dog back away from a 4lb kitten laying on the floor hissing once. The dogs are very curious and they seem intrigued by Windsor. He cannot yet jump up on all of our counters but he finds ways of getting where he wants to. Our one rule for our cats is to not get on our kitchen table or stove counter. He is learning this already. We are all amazed at how brave he is. Nothing bothers him. If he seems a little nervous I speak gently to him and he recovers quickly. He seems to trust me and I hope I never do anything to ruin his trust in me.

We have lived in this home for 22 years. Windsor showed us something we did not know about our kitchen. He was lying under a counter edge and Claire asked if he could get in it somehow and I said “no”. I was wrong. It is hard to explain but in an instant he was somehow under our oven. We discovered a gap between the cabinet edge and floor; we did not know it had a gap up under there. It was no problem. He came right out but was still curious about the opening so Les glued a board under the edge so he could not get there again. In another week or so we figured he would be too big to fit in the space. It was funny and a little scary to watch him squeeze under there. We were worried our new RagaMuffin kitten could somehow disappear under there and go who knows where.

Of course water is always fascinating to a kitten. Windsor has been very interested in the tub when I take a bath. I made sure he was safely staying on the edge. One night he followed Claire to the bathroom while she took a bath. She was being careful too, but as the water drained he could not contain his curiosity anymore and jumped in before she could stop him. Most of the water had drained away and Claire quickly rescued him so his legs were just a little wet. He was not traumatized as the next time I took a bath he sat on the tub edge again.

Besides being brave and fearless I am constantly amazed at how affectionate, attentive, and loving the RagaMuffin kitty is. We have never really had a lap cat but Windsor will curl up and nap in our laps. He sleeps most of the night with us on our bed and during the day he likes to be picked up and carried around. If he is not napping he is constantly watching what we are doing. One day when I was going out he looked at me as to say “where are you going and how could you possibly leave me”?

Another thing that I enjoy about Windsor is he is so proud and confident that his tail is almost always sticking straight up like a flag pole. As I understand, this means cats are happy. His tail is usually so stiff that I chuckle and tell him “I am going to hang a small American flag on his tail”.

Every day we have new stories to share about something we have observed Windsor doing, while exploring or playing around the house. He is a gem and keeps us smiling. If most RagaMuffins are like him I wish I had discovered this breed years ago. Sara obviously breeds and raises wonderful kittens and I know we will enjoy every day with Windsor as he continues to learn new things and grows up. Thank you, Sara for our wonderful cat iCandy Duke-of-Windsor. We love Windsor and you too.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

CFA Cattery of Excellence

August 22, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

author Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

I was recently scanning a RagaMuffin cat page on Facebook. A poster posed a question concerning how to evaluate a breeder.

I think that is a valid question. After all, so much is done on line these days. RagaMuffin kittens may be placed on the other side of the country or even on another continent. Most breeders, including myself, do not welcome cattery visits. In my case, my cattery is my home. Inviting strangers that may or may not be seriously looking for a kitten can be a biohazard for household cats and even more dangerous, a safety concern for me.

I have previously blogged about scam breeder web sites. I also blogged about recommended health clearances that should be performed on breeding cats. But, the Facebook post made me think more about how a RagaMuffin kitten buyer may discern quality and responsibility in a breeder.

Several years ago, I found out about the Cat Fanciers’ Association Cattery of Excellence certificate. For a cattery to achieve this, an annual inspection by a licensed veterinarian is required. While I am a veterinarian, CFA does NOT allow me to inspect my own RagaMuffin cattery. Every year, CFA mails me a form that needs to be filled out and signed by a veterinarian after a home visit.

To achieve status of a Cattery of Excellence, several areas must pass inspection with a good score. The first one is the overall facility. The physical layout of the cattery must be described on the form. Since the cattery is my home, the living areas of the breeding cats, litters, and non breeding cats must be clarified. In my case, the breeding females occupy approximately 66% of the house. The litters are generally confined in a bedroom when young. The rescues, retirees and breeding males have 34 % of the house plus a large fenced in cat proof outdoor yard. I call the door between the two areas the “birth control” door.

Lighting, ventilation, cat safety, heating and cooling are evaluated. Caged facilities must have a minimum requirement of room for each cat. While I do have two large walk in cages for times when confinement is needed such as after surgery, I rarely confine a kitty in one. Most of the time, a RagaMuffin will simply take advantage of the open door and jump on a shelf for a nap.

Feeding and water is another area evaluated. Cats must be fed fresh food on a regular schedule and have a continuous supply of clean water. Bowls should be kept clean and not have old or moldy food supplied. At iCandy, RagaMuffin cats have quality dry food available at all times and are fed canned food twice daily. Canned food plates are washed after use.

Cleanliness and sanitation is taken seriously on the form. Accessible, clean litter pans should be available at all times. Litter should be managed in order to remain refreshed and clean. In my case, I use clumpable litter and scoop twice daily.

Health care is also assessed, including vaccinations, overall appearance, including weight and grooming of cats, parasite control and prompt medical care for sick cats. As a veterinarian, this is easy for me. I do keep records on each cat in a notebook for reference. I even have a schedule for nail clips and comb outs.

Last but not least, socialization of the cats is important. It can be difficult with a house full of cats to ensure everyone gets attention. It’s part of the job of being a breeder.

Having my cattery evaluated every year is one way I can ensure kitten buyers KNOW that the kittens are raised in a clean, healthy environment. I am proud to say, iCandy RagaMuffins has been a Cattery of Excellence since 2016.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Easing the Transition Into a New Home

August 11, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

RagaMuffin kitten

author Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

It’s an exciting time when a new RagaMuffin kitten joins the household. A bit of planning will help things go smoothly and reduce the stress for the new kitten as well as any existing pets.

The first thing to consider is a place where the new kitten will go for a couple of weeks to get used to new people, smells, sounds and household activities. A spare bedroom works well, set up with a litter box, food and water. Kitten proofing electric wires and blind cords along with vacating any plants is essential in keeping the new family member safe.

When I get a new RagaMuffin kitten or cat, I put it in my guest room for 14 days. I generally sleep in there as well so the kitty can bond with me. I spend time playing with it every day to as moving to a new house is so stressful for any animal. The play helps relax cats.

The response a kitten or adult has to new family and home may vary. In every case, the animal has left its familiar environment behind. Remember, kitties don’t even know the rest of the world exists. Kitties have no clue there are so many people in the world; they sound different, look different and smell different. It’s a wonder that all cats do not have a meltdown when being rehomed.

So what can a new RagaMuffin owner expect when bringing home their adorable fluff? It varies greatly between individuals. While some kittens and adults may walk into a new home and family and immediately take over as king, others may be worried about leaving home, their old family (humans and cats) and starting over.

Accepting the less confident kitten/adult and helping it be more comfortable is easy. A new RagaMuffin owner will likely end up with a sweet, affectionate kitty that is adored. It is not unusual for the new feline to find a hiding spot immediately in its new environment. Often, that is under the bed. No big deal. Give the cat time to adjust and think about its surroundings. Most likely, by evening it will be sneaking out to explore a bit. If you are sleeping in the room, you may wake up to a kitty on the bed investigating you.

Don’t force yourself on the new RagaMuffin, whether adult or kitten. Let it relax and come to you. You may wish to sit on the floor with a teaser toy and give the cat something to watch as you bounce it around. Who knows, he/she may decide it is just too tempting and attack the toy. Also, just sitting on the floor, reading or playing on a tablet can give the curious kitty some time to evaluate you without the pressure a forceful interaction adds.

It may take minutes, hours or days for a cat to become comfortable. Having patience and allowing the RagaMuffin to take its time will pay off in a trusting, loving relationship.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bumpy Birth

August 4, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

author Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

RagaMuffin Brulee was due to have her kittens on Monday. This was her third litter. The last litter produced six kittens with no issues. She went through the day hanging out around me. A couple of times she climbed into a birthing box on her own. Around 7 pm she had her first kitten and was content cleaning it up and nursing. And then I waited.

I was expecting three or four kittens, so I waited not so patiently for contractions to resume. Time crawled by. It is not unusual for a cat to take a break while giving birth. The feline uterus is constructed of two horns. I thought maybe the first RagaMuffin kitten was produced by one horn and the others were lining up in the second horn. Brulee was very comfortable, purring and enjoying her newborn. I was worried.

By early morning, I was concerned there could be a serious problem. This was my first potential animal emergency since selling my veterinary practice. I knew Brulee needed a radiograph to confirm the presence of kittens still in her uterus. I contacted a local veterinarian who is a good friend and who is now my animals’ veterinarian for anything I can’t take care of at home. Fortunately, Brulee was able to have her x-ray done locally; she had two unborn kittens remaining.

Next step, I called the veterinary reproduction practice I have a relationship with to make an immediate appointment for an ultrasound to evaluate the kittens’ condition.I drove Brulee and her newborn kitten down to the repro practice an hour away. Poor Brulee, as soon as she gets in a car, she starts drooling profusely. I was pretty sure that in sixty minutes her carrier and her baby would be covered in slime.

My sticky cat and I were taken into the hospital quickly. The veterinarian came in for her exam. She purred the whole time. When placed on her back for the ultrasound, she continued purring while the fetuses were evaluated. Good news, they were both alive with good heart rates. Discussing options, I decided on a Caesarian section as I was concerned both mom and babies could deteriorate with waiting.

So, I left my sweet blue eyed RagaMuffin in very capable hands for surgery. The time went by and I got a call from the surgeon saying all went well and Brulee had two more squirming kittens.

When I went back into the veterinary hospital, I carried with me a dozen doughnuts for the team that cared for my kitty. I was reunited with Brulee and her kittens in an exam room. Brulee’s IV was running, she was awake, but a big groggy. I was allowed to remain with her while the two newest kittens got their sea legs under them and had a nice first meal at the milk bar.

I packed all up in the crate and drove the new family home. I settled them in to their cozy den and then, rewarded myself with a nap after my sleepless night.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Storm Phobia

July 22, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

RagaMuffin Crispy is afraid of storms

Author Sara Thornton DVM iCandy RagaMuffins

Most of the time when one thinks about a pet being scared during a thunderstorm, it is about dogs. But, cats, too, can be afraid of storms. Between the noise of thunder, the flash of lightning and the change of barometric pressure, it is no wonder that some kitties can become frightened. So what can cat owners do to to alleviate the fear? There are a number of things. No one thing will be a miracle cure. The first is allowing the kitty to claim a spot where it is most comfortable such as the basement, under a table, in a litter box.

The next thing is to pair the storm with something the cat loves such as a vigorous teaser play session or a special treat slowly fed in abundance. A RagaMuffin kitten owner recently decided to brush her fearful kitty during storms as that activity is one cat truly enjoys. The whole idea is for the pet to evenually think about the enjoyable activity when a storm begins.

There are also a couple of supplements that may be helpful in the event of a thunderstorm. Both Zylkene and Composure are easily obtainable and may be effective in easing storm anxiety. If one doesn’t help, try the other one as they have different active ingredients. If there are still issues, do not hesitate to ask a veterinarian for a prescription antianxiety medication.

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What a Kitten Buyer Should Ask a Breeder

July 5, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

author Cristen Dillard Magnolia RagaMuffins

After a couple of people contacted me, interested in a kitten, it seems most buyers are oblivious to the questions they should be asking the breeder. As a breeder, I have a list of questions I ask every one that is seriously wanting a kitten. I want to know where my baby may be going. I dont take that lightly but buyers also need to think of the questions they should ask. Not how much the kitten costs, but try to find out what type kittens the breeder is raising. A buyer should try to make sure they are not purchasing from a back yard breeder, or a scam. Things I think we should ask a breeder before we adopt:

1. May I see the pedigree?

2.Have your lines been tested for HCM? PKD, FeLv, etc.

3. What is your cattery set up?

4. How many litters do you have a year?

5. What do you feed your cats?

6. Are kitten vaccinations done at the vet?

7. How do you socialize your kittens? (Socialization is way more than do they like people!)

8. May I see pics of where the kittens grow up? The adults? Are they raised in your home with the family?

9. Ask yourself, why is this kitten so much less than the others I contacted.

10. Are your cats ACFA/CFA/GCCF registered?

11. Probably way more things to consider.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Poppy’s First Show

June 16, 2021 by RagaMuffin Cat Fanciers

RagaMuffin kitten

author Diana Knott RagaMuffin lover

When I began this journey I had no idea what I was getting us into. We adopted one of the most
beautiful and adorable kittens we had ever seen. We just wanted a little sister for our two
RagaMuffin brothers, Dandi and Frankie.
A couple of years ago we went to our first cat show hoping to catch a glimpse of a kitten I had
seen on Facebook. What are the chances we would actually see a kitten from another state in
a cat show 2 hours from home? To my surprise the gorgeous RagaMuffin kitten was there! I was so excited.
It felt like being a groupie for a rock star!
My husband and I had never been to a cat show before and had absolutely no idea what we
were about to experience. I was so mesmerized by the atmosphere. There was so much to
see, cats of all breeds, sizes and colors everywhere you looked. I was in heaven! I couldn’t
take it in fast enough. We sat and listened to the judges as they evaluated the different breeds
and commented on the standards for each breed. I thought, what an amazing opportunity to
learn more about the different breeds of cats. Little did I know that this is just the beginning of
my new passion.
Fast forward two years to present time. The chance to adopt a RagaMuffin kitten that had the pedigree to
become a show cat came our way. Should we take the chance? I had no idea what to do or
even where to begin. How hard can it be? You know how it feels when you know so little that
you don’t even know what questions to ask, yeah that’s where I started.
With the help of one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever known I started exploring
the possibility of taking our new kitten to her first show. One thing I haven’t mentioned is this
kitten is the offspring of the reason I chose to attend that first show. After a lot of soul searching
and obtaining advice I decided to enter her in the Gardner, Kansas show. Miss Poppy is now a
RagaMuffin show kitten!
After blowing up the internet ordering all the show equipment and becoming on a first name
basis with all the delivery drivers I finally had her set for the show.
I spent the next month working with Poppy on socialization. We have been to just about every
pet store in the area getting her used to the noise and strange surroundings.
The most important thing left to do was to learn to groom her for the show. The best part of
preparing her for the show was having the opportunity to learn the art of grooming from an
experienced cat show exhibitor. What an awesome time we had, even Poppy seemed to enjoy
the experience.
Well, we have all of the cat show equipment, the show bath knowledge and the perfect kitten.
Cat show here we come!
We made the journey four hours North and checked into the hotel. I kept expecting Poppy to
object at every turn but she just rolled with everything we threw at her.
The morning of the show we entered the show hall, rookies that we are, with all the other
exhibitors. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. We set up our bench and looked around at all
of the other show cats. What were we thinking? This is all so foreign to us. I just kept looking at
Poppy and she was just taking it all in with that sweet cherub face..
The time for her first ring has arrived. I was so nervous but she just sat in the judges cage and
looked around with that sweet face. As each judge evaluated her she relaxed a little more. By
her last judge she was sitting at the front of the cage like the little diva she was born to be. That
sweet faced RagaMuffin kitten managed to melt the hearts of all that met her. The judges honored her with
finals in all 4 rings, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd and 4th Best Kitten. We came away from the show at the end
of the day feeling like she had performed pretty well and had no idea what this little angel had
just accomplished. We were later informed that our Poppy aka Xpressions Check Meowt Too
had just been awarded Highest Scoring Kitten in Show for her first appearance at a show. I
could not be prouder of this little RagaMuffin kitten. Now I can’t wait for the next show.
Thanks to her awesome breeder Xpressions for allowing us to adopt this precious angel and
helping us all along the way.
Diana Knott

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