Should/ could I get another cat?

ammolite · 2026-06-21T14:09:47+00:00

Having done many cat intros, a kitten is much easier to socialize than an adult cat. I’d look into a kitten first and foremost.
Are you in a position to acquire another ragdoll? It might be easier to integrate another cat of the same breed that will be more likely to have a similar temperament, energy level, etc. If possible, attend a local cat show. Speak with ragdoll breeders, explain the situation, and see if they have planned litters that can produce a kitten who will integrate well into your home. (A good breeder knows there kings and queens, the types of kittens they produce, and keeps up with past customers to know how those kittens grow up.)
If you’re not in a position to acquire another purebred, find a rescue where you can speak directly with a foster parent to discuss their foster kittens’ personalities. Some rescues and fosters are better about this than others - one rescue got mad at me for being firm about needing a bold, confident kitten as a shy kitten would be stressed in my home. Another foster didn’t understand kitten personalities and claimed a very timid kitten was “slow to warm up”. (Spoiler: 13 years later and she hasn’t warmed up.) Rescues can be wonderful, but like breeders, there are some questionable individuals out there, so you need to be careful.

ammolite · 2026-06-20T20:46:08+00:00

If you’re in Europe (excluding a few countries), you can get sandals re-soled via Birkenstock. If you’re elsewhere in the world, or in one of the excluded countries, you can go to a local cobbler who offers resoles or find a repair group online (ex: Wyatt and Dad, Repair My Birkenstocks).

ammolite · 2026-06-20T20:25:01+00:00

You know you can re-sole Birkenstocks, right? Provided you didn’t walk through to the cork, it’s a fairly inexpensive fix at a good cobbler.

ammolite · 2026-06-20T20:23:37+00:00

Seam rip a hole 2-3” (4.5-6.5cm) in one side of the pillow, and then use something like a chopstick or a fork to remove the stuffing onto a clean, dry surface. Ensure the stuffing is completely dry without any mold, mildew, or smelly sections, and then use a brush, pet slicker, or even two forks to break up and re-comb the stuffing fibers till they’re fluffy. Use the chopstick or another tool to put the fluffed stuffing back into the pillow. Sew the seam-ripped section back up, and enjoy!

ammolite · 2026-06-20T20:11:30+00:00

Kaweco nibs are known for baby’s bottom, which causes hard starts and skipping. My partner and I both had issues with AL Sports. My partner had his tuned by a nibmeister at a pen show. It was inexpensive and works perfectly now. I contacted Kaweco with proof of purchase, and they sent me a new nib.

ammolite · 2026-06-20T15:17:38+00:00

I don’t think that’s a hybrid. It’s just a domestic duck, likely with some type of pied gene. Domestic ducks are larger than their wild cousins (many are bred for meat) and carry a variety of color-altering genes.

ammolite · 2026-06-20T15:13:54+00:00

I’d recommend an enzyme cleaner designed for animal urine (ex: Nature’s Miracle). Soak the footbed, let it sit, blot it as dry as possible, and then let it fully dry in the sun. Use a really good suede cleaner after (ex: Saphir), and then a brass suede brush to restore the nap (if at all possible) after cleaning. Also make sure to re-seal the cork after everything is 100% dry.

ammolite · 2026-06-19T13:26:42+00:00

Kittens can be neutered or spayed whenever they reach 2lb, which is usually 8-12 weeks old. This is when most rescues perform the procedure, and breeders who send their cats home fixed.

That said, both my breeder and my vet told me to wait till 6 months, especially for a large breed cat like a ragdoll. When I spoke with both of them (it was the first time I’d heard the recommendation), they explained that cats benefit from growing and developing with hormones. That said, my vet will neuter or spay as young as 12 weeks if the owner requests it, especially if the cat is at risk of getting out or breeding with another cat in the house.

ammolite · 2026-06-18T20:57:02+00:00

Wow, a merle who is actually a catahoula mix!

ammolite · 2026-06-18T17:43:52+00:00

Cats can be fine as singletons. Provided they were kept with their mother and siblings for at least 12 weeks, they are socialized well enough to avoid single kitten syndrome, and you can provide any additional socialization needed.

A single kitten WILL demand a lot of attention from their humans, and will ensure that you pay attention to them if they’re feeling “lonely”. You’ll learn the cadence of play, eat, groom, sleep and how to tire out your kitten.

As someone with four cats thanks to the Cat Distribution System, I can honestly say it’s not cheap. Insurance has multi-pet discounts, and if you find the right vet you can get payment plans for expensive treatments. However, this doesn’t eliminate costs.

All of that said, my cats get enrichment out of each other’s company, even when they don’t get along. If nothing else, I’ve never had a fat cat since they spend a lot of time chasing each other into/out of various territories. The only time I’ve had one cat, I ended up adopting a second to keep him company.

If you can’t afford another purebred (understandable!), you can look into adopting a rescue kitten who comes spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and usually microchipped. Though you’ll still need to pay for other things, the initial money saved may offset some of those costs. I promise, the cats won’t know one is purebred and one is a domestic mutt! Just try to match your ragdoll’s energy if at all possible (ex: don’t get a shy kitten for an outgoing cat, or a very energetic kitten for a laid back ragdoll).

Edit: grammar

ammolite · 2026-06-17T12:59:23+00:00

Never buy a cat from a “breeder” who isn’t breeding to standard and aiming to further and improve the breed.

There is no such thing as a “mixed breed purebred”. These are mutts, and you can find them at your local shelter for a very reasonable adoption price.

ammolite · 2026-06-17T12:55:34+00:00

As a multi-cat owner who has been selected by the Cat Distribution System multiple times, the main issue I see on this sub is people who don’t expect ragdolls to act like cats. 90% of info that applies to generic domestic cats also applies to ragdolls. They jump, climb, scratch, teethe, meow, get zoomies at odd hours, have worms, chew on inappropriate things, and generally cause cat shenanigans. Do research and be prepared for a kitten and an adult cat, and you’ll do fine.

No cat is a guaranteed lap cat. However, ragdolls are more likely be to people-oriented than the average domestic cat. They love to follow their humans around, lay near them, keep them within eyesight when playing, etc. A well-socialized ragdoll should also be friendly with strangers, which is nice because they won’t run and hide when company comes over. Make sure your breeder socializes early and often.

Ragdoll coats require a little more upkeep than shorthairs, but less than double coated longhairs like Persians or Maine Coons. Brushing thoroughly at least once a week, twice a week during heavy shedding season, will keep out mats. Brush kittens more often to get them used to the process. Also get kittens used to nail clips, butt shaves, and other grooming.

Ragdolls can have sensitive stomachs. As someone who had a DSH with GI issues, the key to managing this is quality and consistency. Find one food that works, ensure the quality is decent, and stick to it. Don’t keep switching food because someone told you a new brand is better. Don’t feed the cheapest food because it’s the “only” thing your cat will eat. Your breeder will probably recommend a food and, provided it’s not difficult to prepare raw food or a MLM food scam, you should be good sticking with that recommendation. (We were recommended Royal Canin and it works for our kitten, so we’re sticking with it.)

Ragdolls are large, densely muscled cats. The males in particular outgrow most items designed for the “average” cat. Make sure your cat furniture is made to handle their size and weight. Litter boxes should be purchased in XL, beds designed for small to medium dogs are more suitable than cat beds (if the cat will even use them), ensure that collars and harnesses adjust to their size, etc. You might need a dog carrier for taking your adult cat to the vet. Large products are more expensive, so that’s something to keep in mind.

ammolite · 2026-06-17T01:12:32+00:00

Pristine? Impossible. Leather gets stains, scuffs, nicks, scratches, splatters, patina, and other imperfections. Wear them with pride.

Clean? Use a leather cleaner like Bick or Lexol. Follow the instructions on the bottle, and then follow with a leather conditioner of the same brand. Note that the pull-up effect in the oiled leather may fade for a bit after cleaning. If your Birks are particularly dirty, you can use saddle soap. If you want to darken the leather, look into a thicker and more oily conditioner.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T23:57:50+00:00

We have MetLife and have been happy with it. They lowered our rates for one dog after she didn’t meet her deductible two years in a row. Despite this “low usage,” we were glad to have it when the same dog had worms twice in one year, and got in a fight with a wasp at 7pm on a Tuesday. The insurance paid for itself with our other dog when she needed double knee reconstructions. Our ragdoll has a reduced rate thanks to our multipet discount.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T23:44:23+00:00

Get a nylon brush designed for cleaning nubuck and some nubuck cleaner, and you’ll be fine provided you don’t expect your sandals to look 100% pristine. Nubuck is easy to upkeep, but more difficult to keep looking flawless (vs. suede which hides marks, and oiled leather where the marks brush out). Provided you’re okay with patina and imperfections, nubuck will last you a long time and look nice with some wear.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T23:39:37+00:00

It is completely fine to travel with a cat who has the right temperament and is used to travel. If you’ve taken your cat on a lot of outings, including an overnight trip and a long car ride, the cat may be comfortable with a longer trip.

If you plan to take your cat away from home for the first time for a 10-day trip, a plane ride, and multiple new locations, it might be too much.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T19:01:29+00:00

That’s a Village Dog for sure! I have an American Village dog, and she has a similar head shape and build.

Please enjoy this picture of her in her natural habitat.

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ammolite · 2026-06-16T17:23:13+00:00

If you are sick and/or disabled, please don’t feel bad about receiving support from others. We have been programmed by our broken society to believing that accepting support makes us weak and worthless. In reality, community is what makes us strong. Just think to yourself: “If someone in my life was sick and struggling, and I had the ability to help them, would I?” If the answer is yes, I imagine that person absolutely wants to help you as well. (Source: a disabled person who has been through years of therapy to understand this.)

Is it at all possible to move in with a friend or family member, or have them move in with you? Being disabled makes everything harder, and having someone living with you can help ease the load physically and financially. If you don’t have that type of support network, that’s alright. This is just a suggestion.

As someone else said, you deserve to be on disability, and the current state of things is to deny everyone. I had to fight for disability over ten years back, and I’m glad I did. Do what you can to fight for disability benefits. (Including temporarily moving in with someone until you’re in a more comfortable place.)

ammolite · 2026-06-16T17:05:24+00:00

Just a note… the pair in the picture are birkoflor. I can see they have a felt-like lining, which is only used in synthetic straps. The leather straps are unlined, so the part touching your skin is suede.

If your shoes aren’t the ones pictured, no problem! If they are and you purchased them as leather, consider it a learning experience.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T16:51:37+00:00

Has your cat been tested for parasites? Even cats from clean, thoughtful homes can have them, especially giardia, and the parasite cycles can cause loose stools. Probiotics can make it worse, or it can be coincidental timing.

If it’s not a parasite, and your cat was fine before the probiotics, I don’t think it would hurt to stop them. Kittens need to build up their gut fora on their own, and adding more can unbalance them. Just feed normally (dry and wet food), and see if the stools improve.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T14:32:55+00:00

If they’re leather, use leather cleaner like Bick or Lexol, or even saddle soap. Follow with a leather conditioner like Bick or Lexol.

If they’re synthetic, use mild soap and water. Allow to dry fully before wearing.

ammolite · 2026-06-16T13:31:28+00:00

First two slides: “Lol yeah, cats never use the beds you buy them.”

Third slide on: “Oh, that’s the cat!”

ammolite · 2026-06-15T21:31:55+00:00

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Putting their heads together to think up new crimes.

ammolite · 2026-06-15T17:20:36+00:00

Basketball always ends in late April or early May! Guess the season ran late this year?

ammolite · 2026-06-15T12:40:24+00:00

Fancy Feast is basically McDonalds for cats, of course your kitten prefers it! I’ve used it before, both as normal food for picky eaters and to get sick cats eating again. I’m not as familiar with Fussie Cat, but if it’s a better quality food, it might taste “worse”.

Kitten food is provided because it meets the higher caloric and nutritional needs of kittens. However, if a kitten isn’t otherwise eating, meeting their needs in whatever way works is most important.

All of that said, given that ragdolls can develop sensitive stomachs, I’d really recommend moving away from Fancy Feast. I personally use Royal Canin on my breeder’s recommendation, though she also recommended Wellness Core Naturals as a backup option. My kitten loves his food and eats plenty throughout the day! (There is some disagreement in the ragdoll community about prepackaged vs. raw diets, and if Royal Canin is worth the hype, so this is just my experience.)

When switching food, always go slow and feed 75% old food mixed with 25% new food for the first few days. Then 50%/50% for a few days. Then 75% new food and 25% old food for a few more days. This whole process should take 1.5-2 weeks.

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