Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hey guys,

A couple of months back I lost my kitty soul mate to Chronic Renal Failure. He was six, and constantly since I have found myself questioning all my decisions that I made with him since he was a baby. It's left me feeling terribly guilty, and also terribly paranoid.

I've had my little raggie boy now (Nixie) for 2 weeks, and he doesn't really touch his wet food, prefers his dry food. Drinks alot more water because of this. My kitty that died (Luther) also did this since he was a kitten. I always thought if I'd have just fed him wet food, he wouldn't be gone now

Sometimes Nixies on my lap and he'll be half asleep but he'll cry long rawn out cries, whilst he's purring. I put him infront of his litter tray or food bowls but he's not interested. He'll just come onto my lap again, purr and do the same cry again. Luther used to do this too, and now I'm getting myself all worked up and upset that somethings wrong with him even though he's perfectly content! I'm being so paranoid.

What I really want to know is, is this normal to feel like this? To be a little too careful? Do kittens sometimes just sit on you and cry for no apparent reason whilst at the same time looking contented?

Sorry, if this seems so dumb. I went through a terrible time with Luther and still suffer from day to day, and find myself being over careful with little Nixie..

I think you're just having normal thoughts, as we all tend to question ourselves after having been through an ordeal such as you were with your soul cat. First of all, many vets even suggest a dry food only for cats, so if that is what your cat wants to eat and does well with it and is drinking, then I think that you're fine. As far as the vocals, I think your cat is just expressing contentment to you and probably wonders why you try to put him in the litterbox or get him to eat something when he's telling you how content he is in your lap.

If you're really concerned, then get your vet to do a blood test and check his levels to make sure that nothing is going on. Maybe it will bring you peace of mind, and will be worth it.

Worrying about what you did and how you raised your past cat is just going to make you sick! You can't change the past. I'm sure Luther had a wonderful life and was very lucky to have you as him mom.

Now about the new kitten.. No two cats/kittens are the same. I wouldn't be worried about the food, if he prefers dry food, then oh well! Probably saves you some money

My kitten also meows at me when he's cuddling and purring. And sometimes it does sound like he's sad. But I figure if he's laying in my lap and purring, and he gives me this happy look... he's fine.

Enjoy your kitten!! The worrying won't do him any good!

You are not paranoid. You went through a heart wrenching experience with Luther, and you don't want to repeat it.
My kittens will only eat dry food, and they will cry at times for no apparent reason. When they do, I too am concerned about what it means. You are being a normal mom with justification for being more cautious than usual. Ask all the questions you need to because that is the only way you will be reassured. There are many long time breeders and cat owners on this forum who will have answers for you, that will make you feel more secure.
Congratulations on owning Nixxie. May you have 20 wonderful years with him, and all goes smoothly.