If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you might have noticed two new furry additions called Coco and Saffy in the Benjamin household.
I’ve had pets most of my life and it’s one thing I’ve really missed while at uni, especially as Scott currently works weekends and evenings and I no longer have housemates. I’ve always been more of a dog person that cat person but after researching indoor cat breeds, I fell in love with ragdolls so when two came up for adoption the day after my landlord confirmed I could have pets, I felt like it was fate.
Ragdolls are very chilled out cats, so chilled out they’re kept indoors as they wouldn’t defend themselves against mean cats, humans or catnapping. Most people liken their personalities to dog like, as they love being near humans and will follow people from room to room. Being a dog person but loving how cute cats are, this was perfect for me. The only reason I’m not a huge fan of all cats is their tendency to freak out and snap at people, so a chilled out cat seemed perfect. It took us a while to convince their previous owners we would be able to cope with the breed (long hair, sensitive stomachs, not allowed outside at all) but we managed to show how dedicated and excited we were and we moved them in.
Coco
Saffy
Coco and Saffy are two years old and sisters who have been together all their life. When we first got them, Saffy hid under the bed for the whole day while Coco explored, making sure to check up on Saffy now and then. Now they’re both settled, Coco is still more dominant and extremely curious (this weekend she went into our kitchen cupboard and ended up being stuck under the oven!) but is also more chilled out. Saffy is shy, but loves to play and will meow when she’s not getting enough attention. Coco seems to have taken a liking to Scott and will spend the day on his desk, although when I’m home she’ll follow me around the house! Saffy is my little baby and will run downstairs when she hears me come home and spend the evening sitting by me being stroked.
Both cats are so adorable and I love them more every day. I never come home to an empty house anymore which is so nice and if I’m bored, I can just start a game up with them or brush them or even just watch them play with each other and it’s instant entertainment. We started off not letting them sleep in our room but they’re so cute at bedtime (hiding under the bed so we can’t get them out) we let them once, and they slept on our feet all night like adorable hot water bottles so we’ve given in and let them stay.
I’d 100% recommend the breed as a pet, you get the funny parts of having cats while having the companionship of a dog, plus they’re ridiculously stunning. They have their summer coats at the moment but will be getting even fluffier in winter which I can’t wait for! I’ve seen some pictures and they look like the Abominable Snowman but cuddly. There is a lot of hair to deal with, both regular grooming and shedding, and of course hairballs but their funny little personalities far outweigh these. I genuinely think they have as much, if not more, character than a lot of dogs I know and they’re so cute and fluffy, I think it’s the perfect breed to convert dog lovers (and they’re much lower maintenance too which is perfect for any grads and young adults!).
