Cotton Fenway: A Deaf Ragdoll Cat's Journey to a Forever Home in South Carolina

Cotton arrived at his South Carolina forever home in September of 2018. We drove two hours to pick up the nine-month-old boy in North Carolina and the moment we gazed into his light blue eyes, we knew he was special.

It wasn’t until several days later when we realized how special he was, as we figured out that this rambunctious little white Ragdoll was deaf.

It did not bother us one little bit, we had already fallen in love with him. He was named Cotton because he is completely white with pink ears and nose. His middle name is Fenway, named after Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.

His being deaf does not hinder him in the least. He watches and senses what the other three felines do in the house and follows suit. Of course, being just over a year old, he is more active than the other three northern cats (we moved from Maine three years ago) and keeps them on their toes with ambushes and playful tactics.

Our 10-year-old Ragdoll Lily has learned to tolerate him, as Cotton cannot hear her warning hisses. Our five-year-old male Persian named Bazil plays chase and tag with him throughout the house. Ginger, our nine-year-old Persian has adapted to him and just goes about her business, pretty much doing her own thing.

Cotton’s daytime adventures include playing with Coke bottle caps, balls and whatever else he can find. The little tornado likes to hide his toys and then bring them out later, carrying it like a proud lion.

He is quite the jumper and loves high places, including the top of the refrigerator. I think his favorite pastime is sleeping, which he does a lot of. He follows his human mother all around the house and she is never far from his sight.

In the morning, he has a little game of walking around the bedroom and knocking stuff off the window sills and dresser, in an attempt to get everyone out of bed. Once he has everyone out of bed, he sits by the food bowl and will not touch it until he sees some new dry food being added. Upon eating breakfast, he is ready to run the other three felines ragged.

Living with a deaf Ragdoll has given us a greater understanding of pets. We still talk to him like he can hear us and try not to wake him abruptly. A gentle touch is all that is required or a treat near his nose will open his eyes.

Thankfully he is never far from us and we do not have to go searching for him. Like his brother and sisters, he is an indoor only cat. Cotton does enjoy watching the outdoor cats that are always around the house and watching for Mr. Possum in the nighttime hours.

Cotton is a blessed addition to our household and our true southern gentleman.

Do you have a Ragdoll Kitten or Cat?  Consider submitting your kitty!  Ragdoll of the Week submission guidelines

Read more Ragdoll of the Week submissions.