A note from the Rumblemum

Thanks to everyone that was concerned about Rumbles. Rumbledad will take him to the vet today so they can do something about his acne - it's gotten quite bad.

I should say - Rumbles very obviously loves Diego. I actually think a big part of this is Rumbles wants to snuggle with Diego, but the little Hamlet isn't at the cuddle stage yet.

Rumbles tries to wash his head, which is something Inigo LOVED, but Diego thinks it's an invitation to wrestle.

Rumbles misses Inigo very much, as do we all.

My sweet Inigo, I think of you every day

About a boy

We hadn't met Inigo before we decided he'd join our family, he came from a breeder in Auckland.

We'd looked at a lot of pictures of Ragdolls online at various breeders, and we knew he was the right boy for us the moment we saw him. He was such a sweet kitten - his eyes were like the sky, and the little patch of white on his nose... we were hooked.

Who can resist this face?

We spoke to his breeder quite a bit on the phone before he came, nervous first time parents and all... when we first asked what he was like her response was that he was a lovely boy, and he 'made best friends with everyone he met'.

He flew out here from Auckland, and when he arrived the flight attendant commented that he saw a lot of cats fly in, but that Inigo was the sweetest boy he'd ever seen - he didn't mew at all.

Young Inigo displays a talent for mixing tunes

Young Inigo was such a sweet and sunny boy. We kept him in one room at first, but he wanted none of that - he wanted to roam around and take over the whole house!

He loved to be loved. For the first few weeks Rumbledad brought his cat tower in every night (and this is a big, heavy tower!) so that he'd be comfy and watch over us. Rumbledad would then bring his tower back out to the lounge for the day, so Inigo could sit in the sun. This went on for almost a month, poor Rumbledad! But he wanted Inigo to be happy, and he never complained once.

Inigo on his beloved cat tower

Rumbledad and I very rarely fight, but we had one big one once when Inigo was about one and a half ( I honestly can't for the life of me recall what the fight was about) I remember how the fight finished -  Inigo RAN in between us and mewed his little heart out - I swear he was saying 'don't fight! don't fight!' as he looked up at us with such worried eyes. It's impossible to stay cross  when you're confronted with such cuteness!.

As he got older, it was really clear that he needed a friend. Whenever we left for work, he'd cry at the door for us... you could hear him in the hall and right up to the elevators! And so we got him a brother.

Less than an hour after they met they're best pals

Rumbles and Inigo were fast friends, within hours little Rumbles had demanded to be let out of the room we'd kept him in so he could see what was outside the door. If we were at all nervous that Inigo wouldn't like his new brother that was very quickly put aside - they were playing in their cat tunnel almost immediately.

Rumbles adored his big brother. Anything Inigo did, Rumbles did too. I laughed so hard the first time I saw Rumbles the Maine Coon do the 'Ragdoll flop'

Me and big brother, we do STUFF!

One of Inigo's very favorite things? Kisses on his head. He purred like a car motor if you leaned in and kissed his head... Rumbles figured this out early, and would wash his head whenever he wanted a cuddle with his brother.

If kisses on his head were number one, number two was defiantly cuddles. Whenever I was sick, or sad... he just knew. He'd curl up beside me, with his head on my pillow, and I'd cuddle him like he was a teddy bear.

I love Thwack cuddles!

Rumbledad and Inigo had a special bond. When Rumbledad was on his computer in the spare room, he'd jump on his lap and the two of them would have 'boy time' The spare room became 'The Boy Room'.

When Rumbledad plays on his computer, I keep warm next to
him and the heater!

Inigo has made me so happy every single day since he came here. Four years of unconditional love and gentleness.

He'll be going to the bridge tomorrow at four. His heart, the biggest one I've ever seen on anyone human or animal, has tried so hard to keep beating for us... but he can't do it any more. He's developed a secondary condition with his liver, and it's time to let him go.

The kitty cardiologist will help him to the bridge, Inigo loves her and she him - we asked if she could please do it. I'll be taking Thwack to go with him and to be cremated with him so he won't be alone.

Thank you all for your kindness and support and for letting us share his life with you.

Dreams in the Mouse House - Inigo

I love my house. I dream of  all the fabulous adventures
Rumbles and I will have!

It's so safe and cozy in here. zzzzzz

I got to see the cardiologist today. I like her, she says I'm handsome and gives me snuggles.

I've made good progress - she thinks I'm a LOT happier, and while I haven't put on any more weight, I haven't lost any.

She's going to keep watching me, and try some new meds. Thank you all again for being so kind to me and the Rumblefolk. It sure does help having friends.

*ahem* - Inigo Flufflebum

Well I'm finally feeling up to writing a bit here, and I'm glad 'cause I've missed you all so much.

I'm feeling a bit better. My meds are changing again, and Rumblemum keeps following me around the house with food... but the vet has said I've put on a bit of weight.

I liked the vet today, a baby bird was brought in and I could hear it peeping!!! The vet said I looked just like a kitten with my wide eyes!

I've been a bit low-energy the last couple of days - Rumblemum thought it might be because I haven't been out on the deck, she put me AND Rumbles into the Kritter Kondo (so I wouldn't worry about him).

This is his first time out and he was so thrilled! He did manage to almost bring the whole thing down on us with his exploring *sigh*. He's a good brother, but he's big and goofy at times.

We both checked out the birdies and sniffed the new smells... it was an excellent adventure.

I want to thank you all so much for your sweet words to me and Rumblemum/Rumbledad. They've both been so very sad... I hate for anyone to be sad but I just didn't have the energy to cheer them up like I usually do. I'm so lucky to have friends that will help me out.

I'm off for a snooze now, but I'll make sure to post some photos tomorrow.

Shhhhh

*whispers* He's sleeping!

Happiness is a warm bed - Inigo

You may recall Rumbles talking about how he was snoozing in MY bed... well I'm happy to say that I've made my claim!!

My bed...my best friend

Perfectly contoured to my body

ZZZZzzzzzZZzzZzzzZzz

My bed plugs into the wall and it makes it WARM!! I can't WAIT! Rumblemum says I have to wait till she gets an adapter... I don't know what that is but she better get it NOW.

Many thanks to the BOOTIFUL Baby at Nip and Bones for sending my wonderful bed!!

Let sleeping floof lie - Inigo

I tell ya, there is no place like home!

I get praise even when I sleep!

Please bring my noms over. I'll have breakfast in bed

It was back to the vet for a check-up for me today. The nurses and my vet must really like me, I got the BEST cage with a sheepy bed! (I can't have one of those at home, Rumbles eats the sheepy bits *sigh*)

My blood pressure is very low again, but the nice vet says that's just because we're still adjusting my meds. They've changed them to fix my blood pressure.

All the vets and nurses say that I'm the first Ragdoll they've seen that actually has the Ragdoll trait of going limp in their arms! (I do it to charm them, and woo over any bootiful ladycats that might be looking)

Finally!! Photos! - Rumblepurr

Rumblemum HOGGING our BLOG *huff*  And she deprived you all of our photos!

Here are some of Inigo on his first day back. He asked me to say please don't laugh at his shaved spots (there is a very prominent one in his ruff) I've not laughed at him yet cause I love having him back. Maybe in a couple of months I'll laugh, just a little.

I feel a bit sorry for him. Every time he does ANYTHING the humans get all excited and praise him. He has some noms? Praise. He drinks some water? Photos and praise. He goes to the litter box? Praise. Seems like a lot of pressure to me.

Back at the vet

An update on Inigo: he was fainting again on the weekend. He's been in to see the kitty cardiologist today and she wants to keep him for the next couple of days. The fluid is back in his chest, and she had to drain it again.

His blood pressure was very low because of the diuretic he was on to help with the fluid (which wasn't working anyway) she's cut back on it as part of his treatment, and she's going to try a different diuretic that will act in a different way and will help keep his blood pressure normal.

The rumble parents were so happy to see him back to his normal self. He must have been in so much pain with the low blood pressure and fluid build up. He purred SO loud, and he was happy to see Thwack and his brush. He ate quite a bit which was good, since he hasn't really been eating on the weekend.

We're all hoping the new medications will help. We can't stand to see him suffer, he's such a sweet and gentle boy.

Update on Inigo

Inigo had another fainting spell on Sat. He hasn't been himself, and he hasn't really been eating as he should be. He seems so very sad. Rumblemum and dad are watching over him, offering him tuna water and any other noms they can think of.

Rumblemum has been watching The Tudors, and she's now calling me Lord Rumblingpurr and Inigo is Prince Cuddlington of the Floofingshire.

We're gonna hide her remote soon...

WHAT is the MEANING of this? - Inigo

You better not be coming near ME with that, Rumblemum.

*pushing Rumbles closer*

Update - Inigo

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that we're all ok. We got quite a shake, but nowhere near as bad as the other island.

Rumbles thinks that it happened because of him (he was purring a lot at bedtime, he thought it was his RUMBLE that started it...) he ran under the bed and stayed there (he CLAIMS he was protecting the dust bunnies *snort*)

I stayed on the bed with Rumblemum and dad. I know if they're there that I'm safe.

So for everyone wondering what that naughty Rumbles was doing yesterday... he was *quiet voice* on one of the  speakers!! AND he was thinking of jumping up to the one shelf in the house he can't get to (it's where Rumblemum has to keep all the knicknacks now)

We're so touched that so many people were worried for us. Thank you my friends.

Yeah... HUSH Puppy - Inigo

Something you don't know about me... I love to diggy. Rumblemum can't understand why I do it, but I've always done it! When I hop on the bed, I dig the spot first before I sleep on it. When I stand on a magazine, I diggy it first.

In this case, Rumblemum thinks I'm showing the Hush Puppy who's boss...

First you must subdue the puppy

I'll show YOU hush! *diggy dig*

Sufficiently diggied

Bootiful new friends... Inigo

I managed to beat Rumbles to the email the other day, and I've met a BOOTIFUL new kitty blogger!!

Miss Clarissa is a lovely young lady... she has 14 brothers and sisters!! They have some great adventures, and a nice bloggy! She doesn't know many kitties out there, so if you have some time stop in and say hello to her (and don't tell Rumbles or he'll try to smooch her)

And now, photos of MEEEEEEE!!!

See that number on the speaker? That's my
handsome rating. I'm a 75/75 on the
handsome scale

You gotta have ruff

Step aside kiddo, let me show you how it's done - Inigo

I believe my 'little' brother MAY have mislead you guys yesterday. The TRUE story is that Rumblemum was taking pictures of me, and Rumbles wandered in and decided the photoshoot was all about him!

My SUPERCUTE face

Did you notice that pictures of me ALWAYS have that
angelic backlighting? 

My 'I'm a kitten, but I'm also wise' face

Someone has come a rumblin' over *sigh*

The results update for today: Rumbles is now 15 votes behind the first place kitty! But I bet you don't even care about him when there are photos of meeeee to look at!!

Soon...SOON all the attention will be back on ME! - Inigo

Yeahhhh...

The day of FLUFFLEBUM - Inigo

My friends, it has been FAR too long. Rumbles this, Rumbles that... enough already!

I'm sure that some of you are wondering why Rumbles gets to do the Top Model contest rather than having me enter as well.

I've decided to hold out to see if someone out here will come up with a 'Survivor - All Cat' edition.

Think about it. I'm stranded on an island with lots of bugs to nom, big trees to climb, an ocean fulla fishies and the biggest sandbox ever! I'm a shoe in to win! (and no pesky little brother!!)

A boy can dream...

*sigh* But Rumblemum would miss me, and I know that if I wasn't here to supervise the tying of the shoelaces in the morning everything would just fall apart.

I can still dream I suppose.

Rumbles has asked if I could let you all know that the voting starts for him tomorrow morning. He's really hoping that you'll support his quest to become... NZ's Next Top Cat Model. There is only one vote per person, so if you wanted to vote for him that would be brilliant. He'll have the voting URL up tomorrow. This is the last phase of the contest, so we'll stop bugging you guys about it soon, thanks again to everyone that's helped out already.

Do all top models have to put up with this? - Rumblepurr

Well, today was a BIG day for me, Rumblemum and Rumbledad decided to do my big photoshoot today!

Rumblemum ironed a backdrop (aka a sheet) and they used some of the best lighting in the WHOLE world (aka they opened all the blinds)

I, of course, was a total pro about the whole thing. But SOME big brothers got their noses out of joint and had to muscle in on my big shoot!! 'Good kitty club' my eye! The boy is a camera hog!

Profile one

And now the other side

This one is ruff-tastic!

All I need is a niptini

Ever so relaxed!

And again with the ruff!

Enjoy the limelight my brother... My contest cover will be unleashed tomorrow!!

The BOX - Inigo

I'm on Rumble watch

No sign of him on this side either

This isn't as fun without him trying to annoy me

I can see I'm gonna have to help out now - Inigo

I know Rumbles is the one running for New Zealand's Next Top Cat Model, but I think he needs a bit of help. Since I've been posing a lot longer than him, I'm going to give him some tips.

Tip 1: Fluff that ruff!

A fluffy ruff will make you look more majestic, and will help accentuate your whiskers. There are very few that can resist squeeing when they see the ruff fluff.

Tip 2: The half turn

The advantage to this pose is that you get the fluffy ruff, but you also get both eyes. Since I have handsome eyes, this is a very good pose for me.

Tip 3: I wonder what they're doing over there

This can be a tricky one. It's a full face, but the eyes are looking to the distance. The power of this shot is that it adds a bit of mystery - the viewer wonders what they're not seeing that I am (I was seeing Rumbles knocking something over in case you wondered *sigh*)

Tip 4: Look wise

When in doubt, pretend you're a lion. Look super wise, fluff the ruff and PURRRRRR.

I've also decided that rather than wait for the draw to win the $40 gift certificate for Nip and Bones, I'm going to make the draw tomorrow (we're not good at waiting for exciting things! tee hee!) 

Rumbles is thinking he might hold another draw starting tomorrow for any new donaters that might want to support him in the contest. So, if anyone wants to donate to help him and the Cat Protection Society, it will be a new chance to win a new prize drawing starting tomorrow! 

We all really appreciate how generous everyone has been to help Rumbles. This isn't just something we're just saying, we honestly thank everyone that has left a sweet comment or donated to our cause.