RagaMuffin Kitten Blog
My New Year’s Resolution
I am generally pretty good about scheduling things: dentist, hairdresser, oil change, etc. Pet care has been second nature as well. Heartworm prevention, flea and tick control, wellness exams are all done on time and routinely. Doggie nail trims, kitten nail trims and equine hoof trims (and dentistry) are all performed on a fixed
Black Friday Deals
I knew it would happen. I was just waiting for it. Wednesday before Thanksgiving I started checking the online sites for great deals on cat food, treats and litter. I planned on stocking up. After all, I have a lot of mouths to feed. Years ago, I would have been looking for other items,
Kitten Spay/Neuter
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
Names
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
Teaser Addiction
When I go to cat shows (pre-COVID), I can’t help but peruse the cat teasers at the vendors. There are so many different types. Feathers, noise makers, fur pieces, ribbons, beads, tiny fake bugs and more. Every cat responds differently to teasers. Many have a favorite. RagaMuffins being cats, may love one style this
Showing a RagaMuffin
I sometimes get inquiries from people who have never shown a cat, but are interested in exploring the idea. I encourage the activity, whether with a non-pedigreed cat (yes, there is a division for that) or a pedigreed kitty. It’s a fun way to spend a day or a weekend. Showing is about the cats,
Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad
Remember the old song lyrics? Well, I have come to the realization they can apply to cats. You see, I recently had an epiphany. iCandy Smidgen is beautiful: wonderful eyes, fabulous coat and great whisker pads. And she is sweet: a great RagaMuffin mommy who loves a petting. But, she may not be the brightest
The Joys of Waiting
At the time of this writing, Grand Champion Gentlepurrs Solo Purrsuit of iCandy is four days overdue to have her kittens. I know this is OK. I’m trying to convince myself that what I know is correct. I can’t help but have seeds of doubt and worry. RagaMuffin Solo seems fine. She is very comfortable.
Health Clearances for RagaMuffin Cats
As a long time breeder of Labrador Retrievers, I have been utilizing health clearances for breeding animals for many years. It is an important part of breeding. To be a conscientious breeder, one must be aware of possible health issues in any breed and work to avoid issues. The DNA tests available today are
Parting With a Retired Friend
My heart ached last weekend. GC BWR RW iCandy Fudge Ripple, aka Fudgie, went to his retirement home. He has been with me from birth. He is my first home grown Grand Champion, Regional Winner and National Breed Winner RagaMuffin. I thought he would be with me forever. I had planned on it. But as
New Litter Boxes
During this time of self isolation, I am doing on line shopping like a lot of other people. Unlike many people, I am buying litter boxes. For some reason, there are good deals with free shipping available. I am focusing on litter boxes with high sides. I am tired of sweeping up what seems
Closing the Chapter
I knew the day would come that my Labrador breeding would come to an end. I didn’t expect it to be now. I thought I would have a few more years. My dogs made the decision for me. In some ways, that made it easier. I’m too long in the tooth to start
My Schedule Has Cleared
With the corona virus scare, the Cat Fanciers Association has cancelled all shows through the end of May. Wow. I took a look at my calendar and deleted all the shows I had planned. No dog judging assignments or cat shows for the next 2.5 months! I thought about what I will do
Living, Breathing, Loving Works of Art
As a breeder, I have a great responsibility, no matter what life I am producing. I have bred Quarter Horses, Labrador Retrievers and RagaMuffin cats. I believe my skills have improved over the years. It’s a learning curve for sure. The most important attribute a breeder can have is a clear goal.
Fanny Farmer Grands!
ICandy Fanny Farmer turned eight months old on February 4. This means she graduated to championship class in CFA cat shows. She was so much fun as a kitten to show, bringing the party with her every time. I was really looking forward to the next step of her career. The first time