Jacqueline, tell us about yourself and your home.
Certainly! I’m a proud 52-year-old mother of three children – Dave, Selena, and Ma-ajmala – who no longer live with me. I reside in a cozy apartment with a balcony in the small town of Venray, located in Limburg. A true animal lover from childhood, I grew up with dogs. However, in June 2023, I fell in love with a different kind of four-legged companion.
You’ve piqued our curiosity. Who is this four-legged friend?
Meet Bullet, my 1.5-year-old Ragdoll cat. Originally owned by my son Dave, Bullet joined me in June 2023 due to Dave’s frequent work-related absences. This change is better for both the cat and me. Having experienced a trauma at work, having a pet helps me cope – providing structure, something to care for, and, above all, joy and love.
But you were once a true dog person?
Yes, I didn’t grow up with cats, but with other animals and dogs. In the past, I had a hobby involving purebred dogs and even had two litters. So, it seemed natural for me to get a dog that could assist me, a therapy dog. However, Bullet’s arrival completely changed that plan.
Bullet truly surprised me! He’s a Ragdoll cat with many unique qualities: highly instinctive and attuned to my feelings. He possesses a beautiful character, being exceptionally sweet and affectionate. However, I don’t feel he needs to be with me all day; he should have his own space, and I give him that. He senses well when he can have his own time.
Wow, Bullet must be very special to you then?
Yes, I adore Bullet and cherish him deeply. Thankfully, I’ve never lost him. He is primarily an indoor cat – I don’t consider it safe for him outside, especially with the busy traffic nowadays. Although he enjoys being outside, he’s allowed on the balcony only when I, my mother, or one of the kids is present.
In the future, I would like to take him outside using a cat carrier with a secure strap attached. I plan to try taking him for a walk or a bike ride next summer
Every day with Bullet is fun: he makes everyone laugh and is a real clown!
And what do you make Bullet happy?
Bullet loves food anyway. But he is a picky eater – he likes kibble and certain wet foods, but turns his nose up at expensive Barf food. Whereas most cats love that.
An afternoon relaxing in the sun on the balcony will also make Bullet happy. But he prefers to lie on his Ragdoll cat tree. That really is his chill spot. And watchtower, because he finds it super exciting to see what’s going on outside. And when he’s not there, he’s sleeping on my lap.
Oh yes, and a clean litter box makes him very happy. Because as soon as I clean it, he shamelessly poops on it, haha.
Does Bullet have any other special features?
Yes, he definitely has those! He didn’t like my son’s worn clothes. If those were lying somewhere and not yet washed, he would spray on them. I think it’s because of his owner’s scent attached to them. Because on clean clothes he doesn’t do it.
In the beginning, he also sprayed in the house, but fortunately I managed to get rid of it. Sometimes it still happens, but I am going to find out what causes it and am convinced that with a lot of love and patience, it will be fine.
Another nice thing is that he helps me with the shopping. He sniffs everything I bought. And he sorts the paper coming out of the printer. I have no idea why, but he apparently finds that important to do.
Can you describe a day in your life with Bullet?
Bullet sleeps cosily in bed with me, so when I wake up he immediately comes to cuddle with me. And when I get up, he walks everywhere with me. I change the litter tray first and do it again in the evening. Then he gets fresh drinking water and I give him some wet food and top up his bowl with kibble. After that, it’s playtime! First he’ll go and scratch and climb in the scratching post by himself. Or he grabs my feet and socks. And then we play together. When I am ready, I start housework. And Bullet then joins in. I also clean his eyes and brush him every day. And then he always gets a treat as a reward.
The last question again: why do you love cats so much?
Cats are casual and very pure in their behaviour. And of course they are sweet. But Bullet is extra special for though. I love taking care of him! It took me some time to get to know him, but he is more than worth it: I love giving him the love and attention he needs. And he also gives me a lot in return. Companionship, of course, but also a lot of fun. Because he is a real clown and makes everyone laugh.
Jacqueline bought scratching post Catharina 160 for her Bullet because this scratching post is specially designed for the character and needs of Ragdoll cats. And she and Bullet are very happy with it. Even building the scratching post was fun – Bullet played with the screws and nuts and Jacqueline put the scratching post together very easily.
