Years ago, I would have been looking for other items, like clothes or appliances. These days, I just shop for the RagaMuffins. And I’m picky. No 15% off for me. It’s got to be at least 25% off for me to look. Canned food is my primary target.  I am pretty loyal to Science Diet and Royal Canin kibble. But, for canned food, I pretty much get what they will eat.

Wednesday night was Chewy night. I am embarrassed to write how much I spent. I am now thinking about where I can possibly stack all the cases. Thursday, Amazon had great deals. So I bought more, lots more. And then Friday…..I continued stalking sites. I mean, how could I turn down buying two jars of Churu treats and get one free?

Oh well, I figure cat food casserole may be in my future.

author Sara Thornton DVM                                                 iCandy RagaMuffins

One topic that comes up when I get inquiries about kittens is the fact I spay and neuter all my RagaMuffin kittens before they go to their homes. Many modern breeders are doing the same. Occasionally, I have a potential kitten adopter concerned about surgery on such a young kitten. It’s a fair question.

The Winn Foundation, a forerunner in cat health, published a paper some time ago addressing of pediatric spay/neuter procedures.  (https://www.winnfelinefoundation.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/fix-by-five-focus-version-4-9-16.pdf). The Foundation is favor of doing the procedure prior to five months of age. Many veterinarians put a weight limit on the surgery such as 2 or 3 lbs . I like to have the kittens be at least 12 weeks old to ensure the liver and kidneys are working well.

Since becoming a RagaMuffin breeder, it has been an education just how well these kittens do post op. As a veterinarian, I take my kittens to my hospital the day of surgery and then take them home at the end of the day. They are treated with appropriate pain medicine, and honestly, are bouncing around the house in the evening, none the worse for wear.

Why do I WANT to alter the RagaMuffin kittens prior to placing them in their new homes? In my veterinary practice, I have seen far too many people get a kitten and just never schedule surgery for it until after the female escapes and comes home pregnant or the male is spraying urine in the house. Another reason is the unscrupulous buyer that really just wants to produce kittens and purchases a cat to breed without proper mentoring, no desire to do genetic testing, and no quality breeding plan.

My kittens do well going to their homes usually a few day after surgery. My hospital staff loves the days the kittens come in! Employment perk….

Author Patti Grow, cat lover

Fudgie has everything and anything he could possibly want in a feline’s life. He has four new humans,
three dogs that all but roll out the red carpet for him when he walks by, and one heck of a waiter staff
that serves him breakfast, dinner and occasional treats – in bed. What more could a RagaMuffin absolutely need or
want in life?

As the weeks wore on, my two sons kept saying that Fudgie “needs a buddy”. How dare they utter
such nonsense? I was all that Fudgie would ever need. Wasn’t I? I have already told you that after he
decided that I was “just an okay human”, we formed a very strong bond. He followed me everywhere,
he rubbed up against my legs, he purred loudly and looked up at me lovingly with his enormous green RagaMuffin
eyes, and he even slept right alongside me in bed. What more could he possibly desire?

My oldest son especially insisted that Fudgie needs a buddy – a feline buddy. After my large ego settled,
I began to think that he may be the slightest bit correct in is explanations. I, however, still wasn’t about
sharing Fudgie’s attention with anyone else. So, I came up with 101 reasons (excuses) of why Fudgie
doesn’t need a cat friend. It all sounded great – to me at least!

As the weeks ensued, I was beginning to realize that the my son’s rationale about getting another feline
could be what Fudgie needs – in addition to me, of course! Well, one day my son brought home a tiny
little girl kitten that can best be described as a ball of glistening white fur with very light chocolate
markings. Welcome into our home, Chanel!

Of course upon Chanel’s arrival, we kept her in a tiny room and followed all of the recommended
guidelines for introducing a new pet into a household with other pets. My mind began to race with
random unrelated questions: What if they don’t get along? What if he doesn’t like her? What if he is
angry with me for getting another addition to the feline family in this house? What if he doesn’t care for
her kitten food (since I had anticipated him stealing a kibble or two)?

Well, the big day came when Fudgie and Chanel would meet. I knew in my mind it wasn’t going to go
well at all. After a few low growls and hisses (mostly from Chanel), they became best buddies! And you
already know the rest of the happy ending of this story. RagaMuffin Fudgie absolutely adores his younger sister!
They run together, play together, and even catnap together! He washes her because you know, Chanel
doesn’t really do a great job of washing herself – according to Fudgie.

All in all, he is thankful for a feline friend. Chanel is happy for her big brother. I am happy that they are
both happy! Seeing Fudgie content and happy makes ME happy – for now! Fudgie confirmed deep
down what I already knew (but didn’t admit to knowing) – my heart and arms are always big enough to
welcome more felines into my human world! These lovely darlings make them especially easy to love.
Pondering question of the day – when will there be three? 🙂

auther Sara Thornton DVM                         iCandy RagaMuffins

As a long time Labrador breeder, I found that if you simply hand registration papers to new puppy owners, tell them to fill them out and send them in, it never gets done. So, I learned to register the puppies for the new family. I did the same for the microchip I placed.

When starting my RagaMuffin breeding program, I found that CFA makes it easy for a breeder to register kittens when they are placed.  When registering a litter online, I can simply pay for registration for the number of kittens in the litter. Then, when kittens are placed, I go back on line and fill in the information on the new owner. Easy peasy. CFA will process the information in a couple of weeks; I then can go online and have the new registration certificate emailed to me. I forward the certificate to the new family…..and check in on how the kitten is doing!

Why is it important to register all our RagaMuffin kittens?  We are in love with a minority breed. In sheer numbers, we are very low compared to many breeds. When the Cat Fanciers’ Association is making decisions that affect the cat fancy, we need to be heard. The more cats we have registered, the louder our voices are. It’s that simple.

The cost  to a breeder of registering every RagaMuffin  is minimal. The labor involved is minor. I have found that my buyers appreciate it. So, why not?

Author Lisa Rowe                                                     Heavenly Muffins

In May 2020 I could not find my RagaMuffin girl, Baby kitty.  My granddaughter named her when we brought her home as a baby, the name stuck.  Baby kitty turned 5 in April.  I finally found her meowing under my couch.  I actually had to lift up the couch to get her.  She could no longer use her back legs.  She seemed in shock and in pain.  She was cold from laying on the cold floor under the couch all night.  In the room was some items laying on the floor from a low cabinet.  Nothing super heavy.  All I could think of is that she opened the cabinet and the items fell on her and it scared her and somehow she hurt her legs.  The vet did X-rays and found that the last vertebrae before her tail was shifted and looked like it was pinching her spinal column.  He gave her a pain shot and told me that the prognosis was poor but if I wanted to take her home to see how she does over the next week or two he was not against it.  He said steroids would not help nor would surgery.  He had said the x-ray looked like cats that had been hit but he knew she had not been outside so he was unsure how she ended up hurting her spine.  He assumed some type of accident like falling from a high spot or something heavy falling on her.

The vet warned me that she may not have control over her bladder and may need to be expressed.  If that was the case I would need to do that and help her use the litterbox.  That evening Baby Kitty would pull herself to the litterbox and actually use the box.  She would drag her back legs but got around surprisingly well.  We modified the box.  We cut out one side so she did not have to pull herself over the top.  Over the next week we noticed that she actually could move her tail.  I was hoping that was a good sign.  2 weeks after that her back legs would twitch and she actually could move her legs up to groom herself she just could not put her feet down correctly or put any weight on her legs.   Within a month after that she was moving her feet around correctly while she was sitting up eating.   As soon as she would walk they would dangle.  Two weeks after she could actually put her feet under her while eating one foot she could finally walk on but not put a lot of weight on it.  Two weeks after that she was using both feet correctly.

This whole time I had her in a room where she could not get up high and nothing would happen with her.  I wanted her to rest and not be around other RagaMuffin cats or the dog.  I contacted the vet and told him that she was finally using both feet but her legs were very weak.  It told me to do resistance exercises with her.  So I would have her laying on my lap and I would have her push her back feet against my hands.  I would push up and she would push down.  Then I would move her legs while she was laying down like she was walking to get her used to that motion again.  She was finally walking on her feet 100% but doing it very slowly and her back end was very low to the ground. She was also jumping onto my lap while I sat in a low chair so she was building back up her muscles in her back legs.  Slowly she has gotten better.  I let her out of the room staying right with her and do not let her climb steps or jump up higher than the couch.  She eventually goes back in the room to sleep and eat and use the litterbox.

The vet told me since she was so healthy and still young at 5 years old her nerves started to regenerate.  We are taking it slow with this sweet RagaMuffin but she continues to improve each month.  I think one reason she did so well was the fact that the injury did not affect her bowels.  Still being able to move her tail and her hips also was a good sign that she may get better.  The vet is amazed she has done so well and is glad I did not give up on her.   I am too.  She is an amazing sweet kitty.

author Sara Thornton DVM                                           iCandy RagaMuffins

Occasionally I am asked about the origin of one of my RagaMuffin’s names. It’s simple…..they are all named after something sweet. I think it is appropriate, as nothing is sweeter than a RagaMuffin.

It all started with my very first RagaMuffin, Bon Bon. He was a sable boy that quickly became the apple of my eye. My second RagaMuffin was Nougat, another  confection. When I decided to breed RagaMuffins, I needed a name that would convey the luscious nature of the breed as well as the stunning looks. Eye Candy came to mind. It seemed to be perfect.  A suggestion from a friend made the final version iCandy.

Lots of syrupy identifications of cats have been utilized since then. Some are immediately identifiable like Ganache, Beignet, Fudge Ripple and Blueberry Crisp. Others are brand names like Rolo, Pixi Stix, Bitahoney. Sugar Daddy, and Jelly Belly. Some candy names are less well known like regional candies Wilbur Bud, Smidgen, and Gertrude Hawk.

I began a tradition of having each RagaMuffin’s portrait done by the professional photographers at the shows with props to match the name of the cat. The photographers have gotten used to me walking up with a cat in one hand and candies in another. In Fanny Farmer’s case, I bought a vintage Fanny Farmer candy box off of ebay and fake chocolates to place around. In Willy Wonka’s case, I found Willy Wonka printed wrapper to put on a piece of cardboard.

Why do I do it? It’s fun. Names are perfect for the RagaMuffins and, after all, who doesn’t love something sweet?

author Robert Hamera                                    Slice of Life

“I am telling you that I will not step into that. I don’t care what you say. I know what happens every time I am put in that thing.”

They think they are being smart telling me we’re going out to look at the pretty Fall foliage. Maybe they will look at the changing leaves but all I ever see is the back of the car seat or maybe the back of their heads. Not at all an exciting view.

Let me go back and explain how this started and what I am talking about. One day last week after going out to the mailbox for the mail, my houseman came in, looked at me and said, “Oh look. You received an invitation. How nice.” Then he showed me the card that came. I saw my name there, a truly distinguished name at that, but I didn’t care. I am not going to accept.

Now, just so you know, I never accept invitations . I don’t want to go anywhere. I have no need to leave the house. My staff takes care of all of my wants. Why else do you think I let them live here with me?

Back to the present. My servant is saying, “They can’t wait to see you. You know they always make such a big fuss over you every time you go. Dr. Sara loves when you come to visit.”

Well, I am lovable. That’s the truth. And who wouldn’t be happy to see me? I do deserve adulation. No, that doesn’t change my mind.

Dr Sara loves seeing me. Really? Then why does she scratch my head and fawn over me and then proceed to probe, prod, and stick me. I ask you, is that the sign of someone who is happy to see you? The indignity of it all.

Wait! What are you doing? Put me down. I told you I am not going in that thing.

Stop. Don’t you dare close gate. Help. I am a prisoner. I demand you put this thing down immediately and let me out. Oh no. There is the car. I am doomed. Poor me.

Well, if they think I am going to sit here quietly and take this they had better think again. I know it’s a 40 minute ride. My voice is strong. Time to make my displeasure known.

author Terri Cassiday                            Xpressions RagaMuffins

It was a big day for the kittens. It was time to load them up and take them to the veterinarian. All six fluffy RagaMuffin kittens. I checked them in with the receptionist with all six kittens pressing their faces against the carrier trying to get a better look. The staff was admiring them and I started to puff up with mommy pride. Several of them followed me into the room to get a better look and a chance to hold them. Cameras came out snapping pictures of my beauties. The compliments poured out and I kept puffing up.

When the veterinarian came in, she literally squealed with joy! She started her examinations and we chit chatted about the easy going, soft, fluffy RagaMuffin breed. A vet tech I had never met before walked in and immediately scooped up a kitten to cuddle…another admirer! I thought I would burst with pride!

Then….POP! The vet tech said that the kittens looked like a Lykoi. A Lykoi….really? Lykoi’s are a breed that are cute in their own way, but in no way

Lykoi

look like a RagaMuffin. My face must have said it all because the vet tech started to explain how they were similar. I quickly tried to recover and came to the conclusion that she had never seen one. I asked her ( politely) if she had ever seen a Lykoi. She lit up and told me yes. They had one in the clinic the other day. Again I stood there with my mouth to the ground. The veterinarian looked at me…the vet tech…at me…and quickly changed the subject. I love my vet.

All went well with the kittens. They were healthy and behaved well. What more could I ask for? On the journey home, I recounted the appointment and I started to chuckle. Next thing on my agenda was to share the story with my breeder friends. We shared a good laugh.

It’s been a few months since this appointment. I wanted to share this with all of you. These days everyone could use a good laugh.

author Patti Grow, cat lover

It was deep into the weeks of winter in 2020, and I knew in my heart that my days with my beloved 18 year old Simon Cat were drawing to a close. He was suffering from kidney failure, and I felt that he would let me know when his fight was over. That dreaded night arrived in early March, and he looked up at me one last time with his denim blue eyes and quietly passed away in my arms at the Emergency Vet Center.

For days on end, I cried and I felt like once again my heart was ripped out of my chest. For any of you that have ever lost a companion (family pet), you know that awful gut-wrenching feeling. I continually told my family, “No more cats! I can never do this again! I will never love any cat the same way that I loved Simon!”

Well… fast forward to… the very next month!  Being retired has its advantages. I have a lot of time to do mindless things—which is perfectly fine with me! One of those tasks is searching the internet, and on this particular day, I came across a RagaMuffin breeder near Pottsville, PA. I grew up in a small coal mining town named Mahanoy City, so of course I knew where Pottsville was on the map (not to mention some of the best eating establishments I ever came across!) A quick email inquiry to Sara Thornton, and she provided me with a wealth of information about her cattery and the RagaMuffin breed. As I began sifting through the sweetest cat photos ever on her website, my heart yearned for another cat. At the time, there were no kittens available. All of those fur balls were spoken for and would soon be going to their “furever” homes. Phew! I was saved—after all, NO MORE CATS for me! (I am not sure who I was trying to convince!)

Sara and I conversed some more and she popped the question, “Would you be interested in Fudgie?” Now, Fudgie had resided with Sara since he was a kitten, and the two of them became best buddies. She explained to me on the phone one evening all there was to know about Fudgie! My heart raced with excitement and then when we ended our conversation—and a mega feeling of uncertainty waved over me and paralyzed me with a mountain of questions. “What if I can’t fill Sara’s shoes in being Fudgie’s caretaker?” “What if Fudgie doesn’t like me?” “Will he be happy here?”

After a lengthy conversation and some confidence coaching from a former colleague of mine named Bob (whom I am proud to call a friend and THE most marvelous baker EVER), I decided, “Why not take Fudgie? I could do this! Besides, if Fudgie doesn’t like me, well… it will all be just fine—I would be fantastic for Fudgie—after all, Bob said so!”

The day finally arrived!  I was bringing RagaMuffin Fudgie home with me! I set out on a solo road trip to Pottsville, anxious to finally meet Sara and of course, to finally meet my new furry friend. It was during COVID, so social distancing was in effect. As Sara took the carrier inside and returned with Fudgie and placed him on her porch, she called from her door, “Please bring him back to me if he’s not happy.” Oh no… what did she know that I didn’t know?  All the way home, I asked myself, “How would I ever begin to replace Sara as his caretaker?” Stress and doubts crept over me as I began my journey home – (insert heavy sigh here and two eyes full of tears too).

Now, I won’t kid you. The first week or two with having Fudgie with me, I began to feel that Sara was correct. He wasn’t happy. I wasn’t Sara. Then,  I heard Sara seem to whisper in my ear saying, “Remember, Fudgie is a timid cat. It will take weeks and months for him to perhaps come around and feel comfortable.” “I could do this! Don’t give up!” It will all be worth it—I think!?!

Well, it’s been almost five months and guess what? Fudgie has stolen my heart! He and I are best buddies, and I exist just to serve his immediate needs. (Any of you that have cats know that THEY are the ones that are really in charge, correct?).  I will save that story of how I serve Fudgie for yet another post. He has done an admirable job of training ME in a few short months! 🙂

In every way ever imaginable, Fudgie has been a true blessing, and I could never ever fathom my life without him being part of it. I love him bunches!  He and I are “friends to the end!”

-Patti G.

P.S. Take this advice from me and always remember:  You can NEVER ever have enough RagaMuffins!  🙂

author Terri Cassiday                                        Xpressions RagaMuffins

Many of us of had the pleasure of growing up with Dr. Seuss books. A recent experience brought the book ‘Are You My Mother?’ by P.D. Eastman to mind. This children’s book is about a baby bird (that fell out of its nest) search for its mother whom it’s never seen. It walks around asking everything if it’s his mother. My RagaMuffins reminded me of this baby bird.

There had been a series of events that had left me heartbroken. It was a lot to process and this led me to tears. Crying is not something my cats have seen often, if at all. How my RagaMuffins reacted to me made me think about this book.

When the tears started to flow, it was interesting to see my cats different reactions. They looked at me as if to say are you my mother? Their reactions couldn’t have been more different. My diva approached me and looked as if to say; what is that ugly display of human emotion and walked away. My velcro kitty climbed into my lap and nestled into me. Something she always does, but I preferred to think she was comforting me. My contemplative kitty approached me like I was from another planet. She slinked close enough to me to get a good look, but still stayed far enough away to be able to escape if need be. This certainly was not their mother!

About an hour later, ( yes, I know) the diva came back to look at me. This time I am pretty sure she was wondering if my present state was going to hinder me from being able to feed her. Velcro kitty was still in my lap purring away. Contemplative kitty was now closer, but kept a close eye on me just in case. After all, this was not their mother.

More time went by and I was still visibly upset. The diva was getting concerned. Her expression was softer. She looked at me and then velcro kitty and then back at me. She sauntered away looking back at me as if to say velcro kitty has this. Velcro kitty was staying very close to me. She followed me around the house and then jumped back into my lap when I sat down. Contemplative kitty’s body language had changed and she was now on the back of my chair. She reached out occasionally putting her paw on my shoulder. Maybe this was their mother.

Eventually, these RagaMuffins finally saw their mother return to herself. She was no longer doing strange things and making strange noises. Their mother was not a dog, nor a plane, nor a hen, nor a snort (although she occasionally sounded like one)…..

The End