Meet The Creator Of Floppycats.com

Jenny DeanI'm Jenny Dean and I'm the creator of Floppycats.com.  In August 2007, I quit my job where I was working as the Customer Service and Inside Sales Manager for a local roofing manufacturing company.

I went through a number of things trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my career and finally ended up developing a few websites.  Floppycats.com was always my favorite, as my Seal Mitted Ragdoll, Rags, was my best friend and the "person" I wanted to be around the most.  He had a wisdom and knowledge that I had only hoped to achieve.

That's Rags in the photo in this post - I'm the human.

Rags died on March 30, 2009.  I promised him I'd continue with Floppycats.com and that I'd make it better than it was before.  I spoke with an animal communicator when Rags was dying - trying to get a feeling for where he was and one of the things he wanted me to continue was Floppycats.com

Of course, I'd love nothing more than to work on Floppycats.com full time - but I am not at that point yet.  I hope with continued work and focus on the site that it'll get where I want it to be and that we can grow a community of Ragdoll pet owners that share stories, suggestions, tips and much more!

Since Rags' death, I did adopt two Rag Doll Kittens - a Blue Lynx Mitted Ragdoll named Trigg and a Seal Mitted Ragdoll with an hourglass blaze, Charlie.

Ragdoll Cats Receive Furry Travelers TO GO BOWL

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 by Jenny Dean

Charlie with Furry Travelers To Go BowlGenius.  Love this thing and haven't even reviewed it yet.

Thanks to Furry Travelers for sending us their To Go Bowl for review.

I love this bowl because I love when someone comes up with something that is needed and not only is it needed but it is well thought out.

I love that it probably fits in every car cup holder (fits in my sedan's cup holder and my boyfriend's). 

To Go Bowl Dimensions: 7 x 5.2 x 4 inches

It sells for $19.95 on Amazon.com and is eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Here's a video of the boys receiving their new pet travel bowl from Furry Travelers:

If you are looking for info on Ragdoll cats, look no further. We feature cat toys online all the time - so be sure to subscribe to our site.

Pets: Good for Your Health

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by Jenny Dean

This post is sponsored.

A pet may be one of the best things to have if you want to stay fit and healthy, according to research. That's because stress can be significantly reduced by having a furry (or not so furry) friend in the home - cats, dogs, hamsters and even lizards could create a sense of calm that is unrivalled by modern medicine. In turn, people are looking for dog or cat insurance in the UK to return the favour and protect their pet, too.

According to Rebecca Johnson, an expert leading a study at the University of Missouri, there is now a raft of new evidence that underlines the positive impact pets can have on our lives. She attributed, among others, pet-owning benefits such as lower blood pressure, a greater encouragement for exercise as well as improved psychological health.

However, it was all a matter of balance - the scientist was also keen to highlight that a number of pet diseases can be transmitted to humans without proper care and cleanliness, so pay attention to your animal's state of health and you could save both yourself and your insurance premium!

It's not just the Minnesotan institute that's picking up on the good vibes gained from pets in the home. Dr Lynette Hart, an associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, noted that older people with degenerative health disorders were also benefiting from pets, especially cats.

She explained: "Studies have shown that Alzheimer's [disease] patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home. Their caregivers also feel less burdened when there is a pet, particularly if it is a cat, which generally requires less care than a dog."

So, if you want to improve your quality of life, consider what a pet can do for you - so long as you have the budget and time to care for it, you may lead a much happier life.
 

Kitty a Go Go - Cat Litter Box or Beds for Cats?!

Monday, March 19, 2012 by Jenny Dean

Kitty a Go Go Cat Litter BoxesToday we received an impressive box in the mail from Kitty a Go Go, a new cat litter box concept from Automated Pet Care Products.

It currently comes in a lot of fabulous designs, including:

  • Polka Dot
  • Leopard
  • Black
  • Wood Grain
  • Flower Print
  • Metallic

I asked for the Polka Dot because it is the most matching to my personality and my decor.

But there are many options as seen below:


Kitty a Go Go six stylish designs

I'm excited about this as a bed for cats - I can just stick a towel in there to make it more comfty and I'm pretty darn sure Trigg will love it. I do not think it is suitable for Ragdoll cats for a litter box because it is not tall enough for them to arch their back to go #2 or to squat to go #1. But I do very much like the concept for a cat bed and love that there is a drawer you can pull out to take the kitty out of.

Kitty a Go Go in Polka Dot

Here's a video I captured of its arrival.

Get Your Cats on Catnip with Imperial Cat's Bird 'n Ball Smell the Catnip Toys

Friday, March 9, 2012 by Jenny Dean

We got a fun package in the mail today from Imperial Cat. They sent us their Bird 'n Ball Smell the Catnip Toys. Trigg went nuts about them - grabbing them in his mouth and running away - check out the YouTube video to see what I mean!

Bird 'n Ball Smell the Catnip Toys by Imperial Cat®

Bird 'n Ball Smell the Catnip Toys by Imperial Cat®

Thanks to Imperial Cat for sending!

Fizzion Cat Stain and Odor Remover Arrives for a Product Review

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Jenny Dean
best cat odor removerI originally saw Fizzion featured on Jackson Galaxy's My Cat from Hell on Animal Planet.  I was unsure of the brand name, though.  So when Ingrid King of the Conscious Cat featured it on her site, I was so excited.

I reached out to Fizzion and they agreed to send us samples to product review! Yay!

More than likely we will be trying this out at my mom and dad's house, to work on not only cat urine stains, but also dog and cat vomit stains!

My mom has long been on the hunt for the best pet odor remover and rumor has it that this might just be the one.

Here's a video that shows everything we rec'd:



Don't want to wait for our review?  You can buy the Fizzion Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32-Ounce Bottle w/ 2-Pack Refill online for $8.50

Check out Fizzion on Facebook to see what other cat owners are saying about it.

Of course, if it hits the mark, then it will be added to our Ragdoll cat guide

Personalized Ceramic Pet Bowls Arrive from LG Potter for a Floppycats Product Review

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Jenny Dean
Personalized Ceramic Cat Food and Water BowlsWhen L.G. Barnes reached out to me, asking if we would be interested in checking out his bowls and sharing them on the website, I got really excited because they are personalized ceramic pet bowls.

But, what made the whole thing even more exciting was the fact that L.G. sent me photos of the entire process of making the bowls!  So fun - I will share those photos when we do the actual review in a few weeks.

L.G. sells these bowls on his website, LG Potter.




Do you have any questions about these gorgeous bowls?  See more LG Potter creations on their Facebook page.

Solvit Products - Pet Ramp, Pet Stroller - Arrive for Product Reviews at Floppycats.com

Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Jenny Dean
I recently requested 3 products from Solvit Products to review:
I am really excited about these three products and in fact have already started messing with them.

Here is our arrival video:



Here is a video I took of Napa and Marley, German Shepherds, using the pet ramp.



I will be reviewing each one of these products individually on Floppycats.com, your source for info on Ragdoll cats.

Beginner’s Guide – The Ragdoll Cat At A Glance

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Guest Post by Isabella Woods

Ragdoll CatYou have probably come to this site to find out a bit about the Ragdoll Cat breed, and what to expect if you chose to have one. Since the site is so comprehensive in its coverage, you may like to have a just a summary to read before jumping right in, so here is a quick guide to Ragdoll cats and what to expect from one.

Brains
Firstly, there is a myth that needs to be dispelled before you read any further. The Ragdoll cat is not a dull, unintelligent lap cat who barely moves around. It is not inbred, or lacking in character. These myths began when the breed first appeared, clearly fed by those who had never come across such placid affectionate cats before! It is true that Ragdoll cats are highly relaxed, placid creatures, and love nothing more to be stroked and loved. But they are as intelligent as any other cat. In fact, of all the cats I have owned my Ragdoll cat is the cleverest.

Beauty
As with many perfect packages, brains and beauty come together. Many owners are attracted to the breed because of the gentleness of its nature. But Ragdolls are very beautiful animals that would be sought after even if this were not the case. They are large cats, with fairly long coats. They don’t have an ‘undercoat’ of fur like other cats, which means that often those with allergies to this kind of cat fur are more tolerant of them as pets.

They are not low maintenance animals. You will need to groom and maintain your Ragdoll’s coat, as you would with any other longhaired breed. The Ragdoll has beautiful soft fur, with a silky feel and often have thick handsome ruffs around the neck, which frame their faces beautifully. The fur around their hind legs and tummies is particularly attractive, giving them an adorable furry trousered look. Neutered cats have the longest coats. All Ragdoll cats, however, have one feature that sets them apart in terms of beauty. Their eyes. Ragdoll cats always have the most stunning eyes, which are offset by their fur colours extremely well. Have a look at the photos on this site for an illustration of this.

Colours
Ragdoll cats come in a range of colours including Blue, Chocolate, Cream, Lilac, Seal and Red, in Solid Points, Tortie Points, Tabby Points and Tortie Tabby Points. Quite a choice! These colours can be mixed together in a Colourpointed, Mitted, and Bicolour pattern. Lilac and Chocolate Ragdoll cats are less common than other colours.

Health Complaints
The Ragdoll breed is no different from any other cat in its health care needs, and needs no special consideration health wise. So other than the normal requirement to compare pet insurance and find the best one out there, you can rest assured that your pedigree cat will not be more expensive to look after than any other feline.

Character
As noted, Ragdoll cats have a gentle, relaxed disposition. They are loving, and devoted to their owners, enjoy human company and are excellent with children. They are highly sought after for this characteristic. Quite simply, they are the perfect pet. As kittens they are lively and playful. As adult cats they can grow to be big however, especially the males. Some people have compared Ragdoll cats of dogs, in temperament, and there are similarities not found in other felines. Their sheer affection for the humans that own them is unusually strong. They will come when called and pine for you when you’re away. They are loyal and loving, just like a dog.

Another Myth
You may have heard that Ragdoll cats have a higher pain threshold than other animals. This is total nonsense.

Weight
A fully-grown female weighs from 8 pounds (3.6 kg) to 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Males range from 12 pounds (5.4 kg) to 20 pounds (9.1 kg). It is worth bearing this in mind when choosing which sex of Ragdoll to choose. Small children can find the larger males quite difficult to pick up and manage, so if your Ragdoll is going to be primarily a family pet, you may prefer to opt for a smaller female.

Conclusion
It’s genuinely hard to find any negative things to say about this breed, in summary. It’s beautiful, intelligent, affectionate and easy to care for. What are you waiting for?

Canine Cat Scratcher by The Company of Pets Arrives for a Product Review

Friday, December 9, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Canine Cat Scratcher by The Company of PetsToday is a happy day.  Long ago I requested a K9 cat scratcher from The Company of Pets, and they recently sent us one for a product review.  Woot!  Woot!  Talk about an interesting approach to cat climbing trees!

Why was I interested in this sisal cat scratching post dog?  I love it for so many reasons:
  • It's ironically funny.  As I told Trigg, "It's a doggie you are going to like."
  • It's wrapped in Sisal.  I like sisal as a cat scratching material.  I also like that it is not a cardboard cat scratcher because we have a lot of those and I want the kitties to be used to a bunch of different products.
  • It's hip.  Seriously, how good looking is this thing?  I feel like I don't deserve to have it in my home because it's too nice!
  • It's just cool.  'nuff said.
The Canine Cat Scratcher retails for $395.  It's just gorgeous and sturdy.  I am so excited to watch the cats and how they use it over the next few weeks.  Trigg is a little apprehensive of it - looking at it twice to make sure it's not a real dog.
Canine Cat Scratcher by The Company of Pets
There's actually a giveaway for one going on over at moderncat this month.  You might be able to win one if you hurry and enter.

Here's a video we took during the unwrapping process!


THANK YOU TO THE COMPANY OF PETS FOR SENDING US THIS!


HOT PINK Designer Cat Bowls by Modapet

Friday, December 9, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Designer Pet Bowls by ModapetToday we received more bowls from Modapet - which I had requested after I saw their awesome new color - "Some Like It Hot"!  I do like it HOT!

We have reviewed their Lemon Zest and their Teal Appeal colors, and this is the same bowl, but just in hot pink.  Smokin'.

These gorgeous designer pet bowls are $14.99/ea.

I love these and have rec'd some for my parents' Ragdoll cats, Caymus and Murphy, and they too, love them.  They are designed in a way that a kitty's whiskers don't hit the side of the bowl when they are eating.

Here's a video of the arrival process:



Join ModaPet on Facebook.

Fish Oil for Cats and More from Arcanatura

Saturday, December 3, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Charlie with Arcanatura ProductsA few weeks ago now, I rec'd an e-mail from Arcanatura (pronounced ARCA-NUH-CHURA) asking me if I would like to review their products.  I checked out their website and then after a conversation with them, I agreed to have some sent to me to check out.  Unfortunately, with these sorts of products, I don't think you can really "review" it without doing blood work or something or over a period of years.  So I wanted to feature the products because it sounds like the vets that started this company have done their homework (and the years of research).

I love that these are all natural pet products.  I already know that Trigg, my blue lynx mitted Ragdoll, has sensitivities to things, so I like that there are options out there, should I need them.

They sent us their:
The goal of Arcanatura is to treat the root of the problem, not the symptom.  Please see the video below for more information.



Full review to come on the main site!

Do you have any questions for the folks over at Arcanatura?

Organic Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats from Whole Life Pet

Saturday, December 3, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Whole Life Pet Organic Freeze Dried Cat TreatsLeave it to Whole Life Pet to come up with a better product than they already have!  We are big advocates of Whole Life Pet Treats, so when they offered to send us a few bags from their new organic line, how could we refuse!

I love these.  Who couldn't?  OK, maybe Vegans, but cats are carnivores, so you cannot feed them wheat.

The gourmet cat treats can be purchased online and in many speciality pet stores.

Here's a quick video I did of the arrival - you can see how much Charlie and Trigg love Organic Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats from Whole Life Pet.

More to come on these!  Watch for a review in the coming weeks!


Cat Pet Bowls: Sleepypod Yummy Bowls Arrive for a Product Review at Floppycats.com!

Saturday, October 29, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Charlie with Sleepypod Yummy Cat Travel BowlsI love these cat food and cat water bowls that Sleepypod has introduced - so I asked them if they could send me a sample for a product review.  I am late in posting this, but wanted to share their arrival nonetheless.

I love these bowls - we haven't even used them yet, but I think the concept is rad and I also love how they all fit together and the feel of them is quite fun too. 

We got the Very Berry color, but they do come in 4 different colors:
  • Very Berry
  • Mango Tango
  • Key Lime
  • Sea Breeze
Although Charlie and Trigg don't travel much, I know a lot of readers go to cat shows with their cats and might be looking for a solution.  Or even peole that might do rescue and need something to take with them on the go.

These cat travel bowls are uber smart.

Check them out:

Sleepypod Yummy Pet Travel Bowls

This is the arrival video I took:



Do you have any questions for me while I review them?

Looking for more info on Ragdoll cats?  Check out our Ragdoll books.

Flower Essences for Cats - Holistic Remedies - Spirit Essences Arrive for Product Testing!

Saturday, October 29, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Flower Essences for Cats - Holistic RemediesIngrid King of The Conscious Cat was the person who introduced me to Spirit Essences (owned by Jackson Galaxy) - although I had heard of them, I didn't know where to start.  So when I told Ingrid about my mom's Ragdoll cats, Caymus and Murphy, peeing and pooping all over the place, she recommended trying a spirit essence (after a vet check of course - that's always first) - and she recommended Safe Space for Cats.

So Ingrid contacted them on my behalf to see if I could do a product review and they obliged and sent us the following:
  • UR Fine
  • Peacemaker
  • Safe Space for Cats



flower essences for catsWe are excited about trying these.  Caymus and Murphy haven't had any peeing and pooping problems since we talked to the animal communicator, Holly Jacobs, knock on wood - so we might not be able to test Safe Space for Cats entirely - but glad to have it.

I am excited about UR Fine and Peacemaker for Murphy and then Charlie and Trigg hanging out with Caymus and Murphy.  We'll see how it goes!

Do you have any questions about Flower Essences for Cats that I can cover in my review?

If you would like to order Spirit Essences and save a little moo-lah in the process, you can use Ingrid's discount code: CONSCIOUSCAT at checkout for a 5% discount.



Puurrrfect Companion and Family Member

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Jenny Dean
This is a Guest Post by Trevor Salas of findthebest.com

Purchasing a cat for your family is an important decision that requires a lot of thinking and planning.  Cat breeds vary not only by appearances but by temperament as well.

FindTheBest’s cat comparison organizes cats by origin, breed standard, color, distinguishing traits, temperament, coat type and maximum weight, which makes searching for the perfect companion and family member a little easier. If your lifestyle is busy and you’re constantly on the go, you may consider getting a cat that is more independent and requires less grooming.  After narrowing down your options, you can compare up to 10 different cat breeds side-by-side.

After determining which type of cat best suits your lifestyle, consider which type of food your cat needs.  Certain cat breeds are more prone to certain diseases and need extra supplements and nutrition to stay healthy.  Cat foods high in protein are usually the best option. Also take into consideration your cat’s age when buying cat food, as nutritional requirements differ by feline age.

Maintaining your cat’s health is crucial. When choosing the best pet insurance for your pet’s needs, consider the average monthly premium, the better business bureau rating, coverage options and reimbursement percentages.  Pet insurances with better business bureau ratings, even if they are low, show more credibility. 

Let FindTheBest help you find and take care of your purrrrfect new best friend.

Miracle De-Shedder from Miracle Care and Quick Finder Cat Nail Clippers Arrive for Product Reviewing

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Cat Grooming Products: Miracle De-Shedder from Miracle Care and Quick Finder Cat Nail Clippers The Miracle De-Shedder from Miracle Care and the Quick Finder Cat Nail Clippers arrived a few days ago for product testing.

The Miracle De-Shedder is a 2 in 1 shedder - hair and dander go directly from your kitty into the vacuum - so no additional cleanup is required.

The 1.25" diameter tapered nozzle fits most standard vacuum cleaners.  I have a hand held Oreck vacuum and a hand held Hoover vacuum, so I will be trying it on both to make sure they work.

The cat nail clippers, QuickFinder, that they make has lighted cues of red, yellow and green to tell you when it's safe to cut the nails.  I am anxious to see how this works.

Here is a video of our opening process:



What cat grooming products do you like?  Do you have anything in particular you'd like for me to address while doing these product reviews? 

Stay around a while and check out our Ragdoll Cat Guide while you're here.

Interactive Cat Toy - The Frolicat TWITCH Arrives for a Product Review at Floppycats.com

Saturday, September 24, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Trigg and Charlie checking out the Frolicat TWITCH Interactive Cat ToyWe have reviewed other Frolicat cat toys like their BOLT and the SWAY, so when I heard that they had a new Frolicat TWITCH, I wanted to give it a try!  They were nice enough to send one off to us!

The TWITCH is an interactive cat toy that bounces and swings a teaser toy (we got a red soft ball with feathers sticking out of it) - it is electronic - so it requires 3 AAA batteries to operate.  There is a button on the top of the device that you press to make it move - you can also set it to move throughout the day by holding it down for a bit.

Charlie and Trigg were immediately attracted to it, the teaser toy and the entire thing put together!

You can buy the Frolicat TWITCH now on Amazon.com for $16.09.

Below are a few videos I shot during the unveiling process to the cats.



BISSELL Perfect Sweep Turbo Vacuum Arrives for a Product Review at Floppycats.com

Saturday, September 24, 2011 by Jenny Dean
I was contacted by the firm that helps BISSELL and asked if I was interested in product testing their new Perfect Sweep Turbo.

They think it will work great picking up kitty litter quickly and easily. I think it will also help with quick pet hair clean up.

I am excited about how slim and trim it is because I think I can easily just hang it in one of my closets to keep it out of the way.

I have yet to fire it up - but have high hopes for it.  Is there anything in particular that you'd like to see me test with this sweeper?

Below are a few videos I shot during the opening process.



Earthing.com Kit Arrives for Cat Product Testing at Floppycats.com!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by Jenny Dean
Trigg with Goodies from Earthing.com!Today we received a package in the mail from Earthing.com.  Earthing is the idea that grounding helps to protect the health of the body.  According to Earthing.com's website, "that direct connection to the Earth’s ground energy has a powerful and positive influence on the delicate balance between health and illness, and the prospect of living longer and better. "

We were sent one of these to check out after I had inquired with Martin Zucker about doing an interview with him about cat allergies, as requested by MeLinda of Merlin's Hope Ragdoll and Maine Coon Rescue.

Marty is now involved with Earthing.com and co-wrote the book about Earthing. So we got to talking and he offered to send one for me to check out. 

We received a pure carbonized rubber conductive mat that people generally use as a floor mat. 

Before Marty sent it, he mentioned in an e-mail, "It works quite well for indoor pets who have no access to the Earth's ground energy outside. They will often plop right on it and get energized.  From the feedback we have, animals are drawn to the energy.  You may see some results particularly for older infirm animals."

You'll see in the video below that Trigg, my blue lynx mitted Ragdoll cat, was immediately attracted to it and laid on it before I even plugged it in!