Chopstix O'Neill III: Our Ragdoll Kitten of the Month

Submitted Sep 18, 2017

Our kitten, Chopstix, was born on April 17, 2017 and he is our first pedigreed Ragdoll kitten. What a ride he has taken us on!

We had been heartbroken with the loss of our little stray, who came to us at maybe 10 years of age. We were never sure, since our then-vet told us he was 10 years old for three years in a row. His personality was such that our present vet thought he might have been a mix of Ragdoll and Maine Coon. After his passing, we did research on personalities of kitties and that is how we ended up with Chopstix, who is my first kitten ever. He is a Seal Mink Mitted and as you can see, not a show quality Ragdoll, but that was our last consideration when searching for a kitty. We just wanted a Ragdoll to love and loved he is!

The very first day he arrived, he came right out of his carrier and followed my husband around the room to the words “Heel!” A little ball of fur who adapted instantly to us. He ate well, slept well and never once cried out in those first days. In a very short time, he had the run of the house, challenging us to games of hide and seek or just hanging out with us, although he does not jump on laps or curl up with us in the evenings, he does pay us very welcome visits at night. He absolutely LOVES playing on our bed. Making the bed is cause for great leaps, pounces and attacks. We’ve added an extra top sheet on top of our bedspread just for Chopstix, and our house will never look as pristine as before! He rules us and we are the better for it.

As far as food is concerned, Chopstix is both a gourmet and a gourmand because he is not fussy at all; we recently transitioned him to an all-canned diet, which he loves. The transition took approximately half a day, LOL! After reading what Jenny had to say about kibbles, then reading what Dr. Lisa Pierson advocates, we felt absolute confidence that that is the healthier path for our kittens. Yes, Chopstix has a little sister now!

In his own words, Chopstix has this to say about his sister.

”Yeah, she’s ok for a girl. She’s a little bossy and she is always taking my toys away from me, but I don’t mind. I let her play with everything. Mom says I’m the best little boy in the world!”

Unfortunately, it was not all clear sailing for little Chopstix. Shortly after Meili arrived, Chopstix came down with a case of ringworm, which thankfully did not affect Meili; he recovered well and is a healthy, playful kitten today. The two bonded almost immediately, and they groom and clean one another constantly.

He is an amazing kitten in that when our female baby arrived, Chopstix immediately took her under his wings and has been very loving towards Meili. When I first showed her the toy with the ball rolling around the track, she was a little apprehensive about it, but big brother Chopstix showed her how to play with it, then sat back and watched her. Sometimes I wonder whether we’ve lost our male kitten, because he is so solicitous of her and watches her for us when we are busy. He soon dispels our fears because when Meili is sleeping, Chopstix becomes the fun-loving, sweet kitten he has always been.

Some of their favorite things in the world:

• Sherpa on Wheels Pet Carrier, Black– They both love this carrier and take turns riding in it. I keep it next to my desk and one or the other will be sleeping in it while keeping me company.
• Their Cat Condo, which has been discontinued, but looked like this one, cost less than $80!
• Turbo Scratcher
• 3-way Tunnel plus extra cube by Whisker City

Foods that Chopstix loves:

Merrick Single Ingredient Chicken, TIKI Cat- Chicken, Merrick Purrfect Bistro in Chicken and Turkey, Royal Canin Kitten Instinctive Loaf in Sauce. We are discontinuing the Royal Canin ever since they changed their formula recently to put their main ingredient last on their list! Unfortunately, that is the only brand little girl likes, but at least with Chopstix, we no longer serve it to him.

We are so enamored with Chopstix and his sister, Meili; I cannot see us ever being without a Ragdoll in our lives! As much as we love them as kittens, we will also love them as adults and look forward to all their shenanigans as they grow and get into trouble together!

Mom Mary O’Neill

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