RAGDOLL CATS ARE RUMOURED TO BE SWEET, PLACID, EASYGOING AND SLEEP FOR LONG PERIODS BUT FELINE BROTHERS SAM AND CYRIUS ARE AN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE, ACCORDING TO THEIR OWNERS SUE AND ALAN RUSSELL.
“They like to race around the house and are a bit naughty really. We have never had cats that have knocked over so many things – they use their paws and do it on purpose,” said Sue.
However, the GemLife Maroochy Quays homeowners would not part with their furry, cute and cuddly, long-haired bundles of joy for all the world.
Sue said the duo, who are from the Blue Point Ragdoll breed, have distinctly different personalities.
“Sammy is a bit of a loner. He likes to hide in things and tucks himself away in corners, and he won’t come when you call. It has to be when he is ready, and then he just saunters out. Cyrius, as the name suggests, is the serious one but he is also very affectionate and likes to be close to us all the time. He also talks a lot, especially at about 7am when he is ready for breakfast.”
Sue said having cats was a calming experience, especially when Alan was working in Brisbane, because she always knew there would be someone at home to greet her.
“They seem to know when you need them,” said Sue, who recently suffered a bad fall while alone at home and was unable to get up from the floor.
“I could sit up but needed help to get up so had to wait until Alan came home. Sammy and Cyrius sat with me the whole time until help arrived. They seem to sense when you are feeling down or upset and want to be there for you.”
Together since 1998 and married in 2013, the couple love their beautiful Ragdoll pets who enjoy flopping in their arms for a kiss and cuddle at every opportunity.
“Alan always said he hates cats but when we first saw them as kittens, we both picked our favourites then didn’t have the heart to separate them, so we took them both, and Alan was very happy about it,” said Sue.
Despite their moments of sometimes `naughty’ cat-like antics, the now full-grown felines have won not only Alan and Sue’s hearts but also those of many fellow GemLife Maroochy Quays residents who often walk by their home and see their big blue-eyed faces peering through the front window.
“We are really glad we moved here, it’s the best decision we have ever made. We only had to move from Buderim, a very short distance away, and all of us, including our boys, Sam and Cyrius, have never been happier. It’s what you might call, simply purrrfect!”
International Cat Day is held each year on 8 August to celebrate our feline friends. To mark the day, cat lovers around the world are urged to adopt a new kitten, volunteer or donate money to a cat shelter, or spoil their own much-loved pet cats at home.