I fell in love with the Ragdoll breed in December 1997, on my first trip to the UK.  I walked into the house and initially I thought it was not real as it was lying on the mantle piece in typical Ragdoll style, it was the most gorgeous cat I had ever seen. I drove the owner nuts with all my questions.  At that stage we were under the impression that there were no breeders in South Africa as this one had been imported from the USA.

They were always in the back of my mind but as we already had two purrfect Persians, with another joining us a year later, I never investigated any further.  We unfortunately lost one of our precious girls in May 2007 and my thoughts turned to the next new member of our family.

In early November 2007 I was told about Raglin Ragdolls and I was beyond excited knowing that there was a breeder in SA. I immediately got onto the website and proceeded to spend hours browsing the most informative and easy to browse website I have ever come across. 

I emailed Linn not knowing if I would even get a response. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed as I received a reply the very same night. I was hooked and needed to get more information. I had been “warned” about the strict questionnaire and was out of my mind with worry that we would not meet the standard. Then came the phone call from Linn wanting to know more about us, and the rest I can say is history.

After being approved by Linn, my only concern was that as we are based in Cape Town, we would not be involved with our boy until he arrived, well, was I wrong.  Linn sent so many stunning photographs and information via email and telephone calls that kept us involved, and I looked for-ward to my daily fix of emails before I could start my day.

I can honestly say that Linn is one of the most forthright and upfront people I have ever “met” and appreciate and respect her no-nonsense attitude. It’s in the Ragdoll’s best interest after all.

In just a few days our Debonair Jack has stolen our hearts with his lovable nature and funny an-tics and I can only commend Linn and Robert for all the hard work and dedication they put into their cats, it certainly shows when you meet one of their kittens.

The best part of owning a Ragdoll is the amount of love and affection you get, it has certainly blown me away, and the way they look at you, you would swear they could see into your heart.

Thank you Linn from both (my) Robert and I for the wonderful boy you have sent to us as well as all the information and advice and we look forward to a long and lasting relationship.

Take care and best wishes,
Tracy and Robert M., CT (2008)

    
Below is Riley with his non-pointed Ragdoll brother Skye, a Blue Mitted Tabby

Ragdolls are not just cats they are a way of life! Linn always warns – RAGDOLLS ARE ADDICTIVE.  Having just had a third Ragdoll march into my life and take over I think I am beginning to qualify as an addict.     

My first exposure to Ragdolls was eight years ago when I read about them in a magazine.  Their characteristics sounded amazing.  Was it possible that such cats existed?  I figured that even if only half of the “sales pitch” were true this would be a cat worth having. 

Seven years ago after losing a much loved old cat, I decided the time was right to make my kitten dreams come true and made contact with Linn for the first time.  She asked me various question about the environment into which the kitten would move and then advised she was expecting a new litter.  I counted the days till the kittens would be born and lived on her website checking out the pictures of her cats and reading all the information she had on Ragdolls and cat care.  Finally the kittens were born and I fell in love with a non-pointed Blue Mitted boy – my Skye.  After visiting my boy a few times and realising how amazing these cats were I wondered if he wouldn’t be lonely without a companion and asked Linn to keep me in mind if any of the other kittens became available.  To my good fortune a prospective kitten owner changed their minds and I was blessed with my precious Pie.  Not just one amazing Rag baby but two – how lucky can one person get.  Having got them home I realised that the “sales pitch” didn’t do justice to these amazing cats.  They were so much more than the magazine had described, they were loving, gentle, and people oriented, all too human cats.  They filled our hearts and lives and seven years on I cannot imagine how I managed before they entered my life.

Pie and Skye were so amazing and so special that it took seven years before we felt ready to add a kitten to the family.  Having had such an incredible experience with Pie and Skye and having become so addicted to Ragdolls that there was no question of what cat to choose or who to get the kitten from.  I contacted Linn querying whether she had a kitten looking for a new family and fortunately for me a kitten in Schmittie’s litter was still available for adoption.  Linn invited me to come around and meet him.  I must admit I was very apprehensive – what if the kitten wasn’t an amazing character, what if he didn’t like me, what if my boys were a fluke and Ragdolls weren’t so wonderful after all. 

 What a needless worry, I met my bundle of fluff, he turned on the charm and I was smitten.  After a couple of visits he knew my voice and would come running to meet me (that is when he wasn’t doing his best impersonation of a fur covered cushion). 

I am now owned not only by my Pie and Skye but also by the most lovable blue Blue Colourpoint dream kitten called Riley. His purring machine doesn’t have an off switch; he loves his humans and runs to find you when he hears your voice.  He knows his name and even comes when he is called.  He loves to cuddle up in your arms or on your lap and shouts to get your attention if he figures he is being ignored, this is punctuated with a great deal of tail talk.  It is a big responsibility for a little kitten to share himself and his love between three humans, but somehow he manages it and has three devoted slaves. 

Linn’s kittens must be the only kittens that are sent off with luggage.  Riley came home with a large bag of toys (including additional toys for his two big brothers), plenty of samples of the food he was accustom to, plus discount vouchers for additional food. 

What has impressed me about Linn in the seven years I have known her is her consistency.  She maintains the highest possible standards, cats and kittens lack for nothing and their welfare and interests are her first concern.  This care and concern for her kittens starts before you even take your kitten home with information on how to secure your home for your kitten, including lists of plants poisonous to cats.  She encourages prospective owners to visit their kittens and start bon-ding with them long before they are ready to leave.  These visits involve meeting all her cats including the boys (and other prospective owners) so you know what environment your kitten has been raised in.  Her concern for her kittens doesn’t end when you take your kitten home, since I have had Riley she has phoned a number of times to check up on his well being, and to reassure me that I can contact her if I have any questions.  What a pleasure to have an expert on hand to answer any worries or concerns. 

Linn was my first contact ever with a breeder and I can count myself so fortunate to have found such a caring breeder.  Linn’s cats are family and as a kitten owner you become part of that extended family (she is Granny Linn to her kittens).  She takes the time and interest to get to know each kitten and its specific personality and uses this knowledge to match the kitten to the owner and their environment.  All kittens are spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated when you get them so all you have to do is take them home and love them.  If you want a lovable, rascal then a Raglin Ragdoll is the way to go.  Thanks Linn for my three amazing boys.

Ruth H., Jhb (2008)

In 2007 we decided to increase our family size as we had recently lost 2 elderly cats due to old age. We started our investigations and met with various Burmese breeders. We somehow never found a breeder that we were happy with and I started to look at alternative breeds and by chance came across the Ragdoll cats.  The first thing that impressed us was Linn’s website which provided abundant information, pictures and advice on Ragdoll cats.  

We contacted Linn who required us to complete a detailed questionnaire.  We were then requested to meet with Linn and were thoroughly investigated and at the same time were able to ask as many questions as we desired.  This was refreshing as no other breeder even took the time of day to find out who we were and what kind of home we would provide to their kittens We were taken around the property and introduced to all of Linn’s cats. Everything was spotless and all the cats were relaxed and happy.  We knew we had found the perfect breeder.

Once we were approved to purchase the kittens we were encouraged to meet with the kittens weekly to establish a relationship with them and be able to watch them develop.    

Linn is totally dedicated and makes many sacrifices to ensure that her kittens are given the best attention. Nothing is spared to ensure that they are given the best start in life.  We could not have wished for better.  When Leo and Bluebell were ready to be taken home they were very happy well adjusted and very loving kittens. We have never experienced this before although we have had many cats over the years.  Linn also makes herself available should you have any questions or require any support once you have taken the kittens home.

We (including Leo and Bluebell) thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We feel privileged to be given the opportunity to provide a home for our very special Leo and Bluebell.    

Thank you Linn and Robert for all the hard work that you put into rearing these fine kittens – you should be proud.     

Sonja and Amy  D., Jhb (2007) 

Being crazy about cats, I came across the Ragdoll breed on an American website and fell in love. I spent hours on the internet searching for a breeder in South Africa and found Raglin Ragdolls, Linn Currie’s website. I was fascinated and drove my family crazy spending entire weekends glued to the website, until I could identify the different kittens with their parents and their adoptive parents in the references.

From the detailed information and advice on Linn’s website, it was evident that Linn was not your normal run of the mill breeder. This is a lady who is really passionate and protective about her cats’ well being in her own home and the homes of the potential new owners. I finally plucked up the courage to request the Prospective Kitten Owner Questionnaire in April this year. After going through the questions I was nervous and scared that I would not “qualify” to adopt one of her kit-tens. I emailed my answers to Linn and was surprised to get a call from her that same evening. She liked my answers, but since I lived in Durban, and was not able to visit her home she conducted her interview with me over the phone. It was like talking to an old friend, and by the end of the call Linn announced that I was now an approved prospective kitten owner.

Linn made it clear from the beginning that I was on a waiting list and that there was still the process of kitten proofing my home to her standards before she would allow me to adopt one of her kits. I was so excited about being approved and also saddened by the news that Linn estimated kittens being born in September, for adoption in December. What followed was a wealth of information and advice via email and telephone calls regarding every aspect of raising a Ragdoll baby in a safe and secure environment. Linn covers everything one needs to know from securing your garden with kitty fencing, to nutrition, hygiene, grooming, safe toys, dangerous plants, health-care and vaccines, scratch posts and litter boxes, the list is endless. Any questions I had were met with direct informative answers, Linn tells it like it is, and will not compromise her kittens in any way. I tried to tell Linn which sex and colour pattern I preferred, only to be told in a no non-sense way that the kittens are not made to order and that she would match my prospective kit-ten’s personality to mine. (I now understand fully where Linn was coming from and appreciate her directness and integrity)

I was overwhelmed when Linn called towards the end of June to say that Sally was in her final trimester and would give birth mid July. Depending on the sex and how many kittens were born, one could be mine. This was the best news ever; I would have my new baby in October instead of December. Linn kept in constant touch of Sally’s condition right up to the day the kittens were born. Not being able to attend Saturday visits, Linn kept me fully informed as to the kittens’ progress and sent the most gorgeous photos so that I could still be part of their first three months. All three kittens were beautiful, but the little female with her pink nose stole my heart.  When Linn phoned and asked which was my favourite of the two girls I immediately told her the one with the cute pink nose and she said, well that’s the one I chose for you. The best news ever!!!!

 Then life sent a curve ball, changing my home environment and potentially changing my “appro-ved” status. With a heavy heart I phoned Linn telling her the news, and gave her the opportunity to cancel my adoption. Linn is a caring, compassionate and determined lady who then gave me friendship, support and my beautiful Ragdoll baby, Raglin's Azalea Zoey.

It did not end there either. Linn phoned one day and asked if I was sitting down, I feared the worst! Linn then told me that one of her photos of Zoey had been selected to be on the front cover of the October/November issue of the All About Cats magazine. There was also an article in the magazine where Linn had taken this particular litter to visit a special young lady, Lyndsey, in hospital. It was like a dream come true. Not only was I getting the most beautiful kitten (all new mothers think theirs is the most beautiful) but a famous one too. Needless to say, absolutely every-one I know was told about Zoey and the magazine.

Zoey arrived at Durban airport mid October in the most perfect health, with an entire bag of goodies, kitten guide and food from Granny Linn. Linn phoned throughout the day checking on Zoey and insisted that we let her know once Zoey had eaten and used her litter box. My vet was amazed at the condition of Zoey and commended Linn on her detailed documentation and her request for a check up after the kitten arrives at its new home. As a new mom, I know that Linn is just a phone call away, anytime of the day, to offer help and advice.

 Zoey settled in immediately and has her new Granny Thora and I wrapped around her little paw.  Zoey has a “special” paw, which she even uses to dip into her water bowl, and then licks the water from her paw in order to drink. The paw never stops. She pats my eyelids in the morning to wake me up. She explores the house and pats everything with her paw as if to test it first. Linn captured her paw pose beautifully in the cover photo on the magazine. She is extremely affectionate and verbally demands loves and tummy tickles. She has brought so much joy into our lives and I can-not thank Linn enough for having faith in me and giving me the opportunity to become the proud mom to a beautiful, mischievous, loving, adorable bundle of life. Be warned that they capture your heart, rule your home and allow you to spoil them rotten. In return they offer you unconditional love.

Thank you Linn and Robert for the love and dedication you have for your babies and may you continue to bring this love and joy to other “approved” kitten owners. May you be an inspiration to other breeders for the sake of all kitties out there. Thank you for your friendship and support and for joining our family as Granny Linn.

Di H., Durban (2007)

 
The kitten that stole my heart - Sam at 5 months.  Photographs courtesy Charlene G., Grahamstown

An unsolicited reference for a remarkable breeder.

I have been corresponding with Linn for sometime now and mid October my family had the ho-nour receiving our very own Raglin bred kitten. Our kitten attested to the fact that Linn upholds the highest of standards when it comes to care, hygiene and the health of her kittens. We received a stunningly beautiful, extremely healthy, happy kitten. Our new baby had not just been “bred and fed” but had been reared in love and cared for, as if he had been the only one. He seamlessly slotted into our home showing no anxiety at his new surroundings and that after a two-hour flight, clear evidence that this beautiful baby had received individual attention and had been well socialized.

Linn Currie is a no-nonsense, straight talking, hard hitting, knowledgeable breeder who will al-ways tell you what you have to know even if it is not what you want to hear. Linn is an iron lady with a compassionate heart when it comes to her Ragdoll babies. She is passionate about the Ragdoll breed and will protect her kittens, cats and her integrity as a breeder with her life. You will not qualify to adopt one of the Raglin babies until Linn is satisfied that her kitten is going to be placed in the very best possible home.

Linn Currie is a breeder of integrity and excusing the pun, she is a rare breed.

The Gombert Family, P.E. 2007

This is the story of how we came to own the most amazing, special kitten we named Chianti. Mark and I were interested in adopting a kitten.  We went to our local newsagent and bought a copy of the All About Cats Annual 2007. Funnily enough, we were looking for Maine Coon breeders (after having researched the breed). While reading the magazine cover to cover, we were constantly drawn to the page titled Ragdoll. We read the information over and over, getting more excited about this particular breed! We turned to the back of the magazine, looking for breeders and there we found Linn Currie’s advert.  Accompanying the advert was the most gorgeous photo of a Ragdoll kitten and we were hooked! In our excitement we tried to phone Linn then and there (it was a Sunday afternoon) and not surprisingly, the phone was not answered. 

On Monday, I went onto Linn’s website and read and read and read! I liked what I saw, this was by far the most superior website by a breeder that I had gone onto. Linn didn’t just supply info about her cats and kittens, she went the extra mile.  There were articles about how to choose a breeder, how to choose a healthy kitten as well as all the information I could’ve hoped for about my chosen breed. I thought to myself, this must be one confident breeder – who would have thought of a breeder cautioning you about choosing a breeder and giving you tips on how to spot a healthy kitten? I felt that Linn must have a lot of integrity and gave her a call. She advised to me to go on her web-site and request her prospective kitten owner questionnaire, I did so in seconds! 

Within a few minutes I had received her questionnaire, if I wasn’t impressed before, I sure was now. As I read through her questions, I was taken aback. Not one of the other breeders I contacted even thought to ask me one of the questions on that questionnaire. I had actually been disappointed by other breeders’ responses when I contacted them as they were too businesslike. I was glad that Linn had taken the time to find out more about me and was interested in finding out whether I would be a responsible and caring cat owner. I knew then and there that this was the breeder for me! I quickly filled in the questionnaire and waited to hear from Linn. She called me back and invited both Mark and I to her home to meet her cats. I was so excited and couldn’t wait for the proposed meeting. Linn is one of the most passionate people you will ever meet, she is warm, generous and most of all so, so helpful. Both Linn and Robert welcomed us into their home and introduced us to their beautiful cats. I was very happy with the set up.  I must admit I was scared that there were going to be lots of cats in cages and was relieved to find that this was not the case. Linn and Robert were very open with us and even insisted that we check the facilities and look around the “nursery rooms”!

Following the meeting, Mark and I become prospective kitten owners! To our delight, it turned out that Linn is a fantastic photographer, she sent us the most beautiful weekly photo’s of our little boy, Raglin's Rocco Chianti, a Red Mitted male! She and Robert also invited us to their home each week for kitten visits – this meant that we were lucky enough to be a part of our kitten’s development and watch him grow each week! It was a truly amazing experience and I thank both Robert and Linn for giving us that opportunity.  It wasn’t just about visiting our kitten and getting to know him, we learnt so much from them and Linn was always willing to answer our questions and give us advice. (Linn has such knowledge!) 

One of the things that they helped us with, was our goal to construct a scratch post, that was at least equal to one of their amazing structures! Robert advised us and explained what we would need to buy, he even offered to help us one Saturday. We spent the day there and Robert taught us the “ropes”, at the end of the day, we were tired, but, proud owners of a beautiful scratch post. (See Linn’s scratch post page – ours is lucky enough to be featured! – Brag – Brag!!)

Even now that my little guy is over five months, I know that I can contact Linn anytime, for ad-vice or to ask any questions. She will always go out of her way to help you and direct you in the right direction. (always in the best interests of you and your kitten/cat) I can highly recommend her and say that she truly is a breeder who cares. Mark and I agree, any cat that we might want to adopt in the future, will have to be a Raglin Ragdoll!

Jules S., Alberton (2007)

We came across the Ragdoll breed accidentally while paging though a copy of Animal Talk. We were searching for a breeder of Golden Retrievers when the magazine flopped open on a picture of this gorgeous cat. Immediately I said to my husband that I simply had to have a Ragdoll for my birthday! So we ceased our search for a dog and started looking for a Ragdoll breeder in Cape Town without success. Luckily, we stumbled upon Linn’s wonderful website and immediately requested a questionnaire. After we had filled it out and e-mailed it back to Linn she called me and conducted an interview telephonically. I could tell straight away that she was not one to just part with her kittens and truly cared for each and every one of them. When she told me I was an ‘approved owner’ I was beside myself with joy but couldn’t believe I had to wait so long to get my darling angel.

The first picture Linn sent me was of this teeny tiny ball of fluff and I was in love. Linn kept me updated via e-mail and all her photos and I am so thankful because without that I would have no idea who my baby was. Because we are in Cape Town we were unable to visit but I never felt as though I had missed out on anything thanks to the way Linn always tried her utmost best to include us. (I must admit that I am a bit glad that we are too far to visit because I don’t know if I would have been able to leave that gorgeous angel!)

All in all Linn delivered a beautiful, healthy (very naughty) baby girl to me the day after my birthday, and I can safely say she was worth the wait and the best gift I could have asked for. She is so sweet and keeps my husband and I highly entertained with all her antics (despite her incessant chatting and ‘curtain climbing’ in the wee hours of the morning). We are so happy to have her in our lives and look forward to all the years of fun ahead of us with our baby girl.

Tammy C., Cape Town (2007)

Every time you send me pictures of one of your new babies, I go on your website and view all your cat pictures. I know I am stealing time from the company, but these cats are simply gorgeous.  I never tire looking at them.  Owning one, or rather being the human caretaker of a Ragdoll, is really a privilege.   

All they ask is food and water, shelter and love, and they give it back ten folds.  It may be a cliché but it is a reality.  They never judge, nag, or complain.  They never get angry or cross.  Annoyed at times yes, but never with you. They're always there for you and they have such warmth and energy, one can never be sad or depressed with such a companion.  In fact, their antics and facial expressions will make you laugh.  They are no longer pets, but a member of the family, a true friend.

When ChouChou arrived in our home, he was such a cute kitten with his big blue eyes, his soft and silky coat and pure white mittens.  But he also had a grin on his face that said, “I may be cute, but I am no angel". 

We soon had a routine.  During the day I went to the office and ChouChou would sleep.  When I got home, we would do the cuddling, feeding, playing etc.  And everything went very well, until it was my bedtime.  And in ChouChou's mind, the equation went like this: MUM'S BEDTIME = CHOU-CHOU'S PLAYTIME.  As soon as I put the light out, ChouChou, as young as he was, would lead the other cats into games of hide and seek, playing catch and causing havoc with my carpets.  He was determined to turn my Persian mats into magic carpets.  He would start running from one side of the room and then slide the carpet until it hits the wall or a cupboard.  I would then check to see he was OK and ChouChou would roll onto his back pretending that he had nothing to do with this, only to repeat the performance the minute the light was off again.

Another amazing thing about ChouChou is the rate at which he grew.  If you blinked, ChouChou had grown.  He is now 16 months and weighs 6.6kg.  He is magnificent.  Too big for the magic carpet tricks now he has taught his best mate, a small Persian kitten of about the same age but half his size and weight, to climb onto my armchair and jump onto the piano.  All this when the light is off and I am in bed.  At first, the piano keyboard was open and I was treated to Chopin Minute's waltz played by eight cat paws. 

ChouChou is also a very clean and neat cat.  Whenever he sees any dirt on the floor, he will try to cover it up.  And when he has eaten, he will try to cover his bowl, which often results in sending the bowl and kibbles flying to the floor.  And then it is soccer time with all the other cats, chasing and pushing kibbles all over the place.

So ChouChou is no angel, but he is adorable, very loving and a real presence in the house.  He is now called ChouChou le Magnifique because he is just that.  And with him in the house, there is never a dull moment.  I never know what he will do next.  So it is always fun to be at home because I know that soon or later, ChouChou will find another way to make me laugh.

I cannot imagine my house without ChouChou.  If one day he has to go over the rainbow, I know I will be heartbroken but until such day, I will make sure that ChouChou never lacks anything, especially love and care.  

Marie-Louise de C., C.T. (2007)

At the beginning of this year, I decided that I was going to invite a pet into my home after a long absence. My father having been a bird fanatic and a collector of birds, never allowed me to even contemplate having a cat, and so I made up my mind that this would be the pet of choice. Knowing very little about them, other than having baby sat friends’ cats, I did what any good academic would, and began reading every book I could get my hands on, to decide which one I would like. Not unlike your typical Leo, I decided that my furry friend would not only be of royal stock, with blue blood running through his or her veins, and be unique and exquisite. Everyone would “Ooh and Aah” when they saw her, and know that it was of exceptional genes and breeding. Hence the reason I would not have any children, a man with exceptional genes and breeding? Hardly!!! Nevertheless, several books later, I short listed my choice to the medium or long hair breed, and finally settled on either a Maine Coon or a Ragdoll. I went on to the website and started searching for breeders of these breeds. I came across a breeder of Maine Coons and Linn Currie, a breeder of Ragdolls. I loved the photographs on Linn’s website and decided that I wanted a Ragdoll.

So I sent off an email and requested one of the cats. I was very casual in my approach, and rightly so, Linn completely ignored my email. When you meet Linn Currie and spend time with her, you will soon learn that Linn only breathes because of her kittens and owners. There is no doubt that Linn’s life and dedication is to her cats first and foremost and then the owners of her cats. Being very tenacious, I sent a second email to Ms Currie. This impressed her, and she sent me an email in return saying it was imperative that I be professional with her, and respect that she is very selective about who will own one of her cats.  

Still not convinced that I was worthy to own one of her cats, I sent her my CV, assuring her that I was an upstanding citizen and a professional person. With that I was invited to enter her very stringent selection process, which begin filling out an extensive questionnaire. I remember distinctly being impressed with the questions, forcing me to contemplate very seriously whether I was a worthy owner or not. I found the questions intelligent, thought provoking and challenging enough for me to seriously consider my decision. I thought parents should have to answer these questions before being allowed to bring children into the world! At points in the questionnaire, I had to admit to being pretty ignorant of being a cat owner, but also impressed that she asked “What would you expect of your breeder?” Totally petrified to own a cat at the end of the questionnaire, I sincerely requested that should she consider my application that I would only agree to taking her kitten if she would give me coaching, as clearly I was a novice.

Linn, after a phone call, “I like to hear the voices of potential owners”, she says, invited me to visit on a Saturday morning. Prior to arriving, I was informed of a set of house rules, and requested to strictly observe them. I liked the respect she gave her cats and their kittens. On the Saturday I arrived at the house, obeyed all the rules except the “do not pick up the kittens” rule, and immediately was disciplined. If you don’t know Linn, you’ll think she is capable of mass murder for harming one of her babies, but in time, you will come to know that Linn Currie is a genius when it comes to her breed, and that any instruction she gives you is for the well being of her cats and kit-tens, and not for any other reason. In fact, I came to notice, that through her coaching, I was star-ting to integrate her love and respect for the kittens, and setting my own standards for handling them. In my own home now, I am fanatical as to how my friends handle my kitten, I make them remove their shoes! they think I’m nuts, but the truth is she’s crazy about toes, and I ask my friends to wash their hands before handling her.

After a few hours with Linn, and a gruelling interview process, she showed me a kitten that could “potentially” be mine. I was thrilled. She requested I visit the following Saturday. In the mean-time she began the journey of informing me through articles and her website of the huge responsibility of raising a cat, in an attempt to put me off at all costs. This I came to learn was to test my commitment and to ensure that I was aware of what I was taking on. The more she sent me, the more difficult the decision became, except when I visited on Saturdays, then with Linn’s coaching and guidance continually, I knew that despite the huge responsibility, the rewards were just as huge. Linn Currie kept to her coaching commitment for 12 solid weeks with me. She made me read books, articles, she sat for hours talking to me about raising a kitten, the dos and don’ts, demonstrated how to hold her, feed her, brush her, it was phenomenal. Leaving the choice of kitten to-tally up to her was my best decision. She matched my temperament with the kitten’s temperament perfectly. 

Then begins the bonding process. Linn with her magical camera talents takes incredible pictures of the kittens and owners! I remember seeing me with my kitten the first time, I wrote to Linn saying I was now officially a mad kitten lover and owner, besotted, hypnotised and overjoyed. I sent the pics to all my friends who said, “Who is this photographer?” Pictures arrived weekly, and you were informed of your kitten’s age, weight and any other developments. You can’t help but have them open on your screen all day, and with that, you develop a deep love for your kitten.  

From a health perspective, Linn is fanatical about handing over a healthy happy kitten. At all times, Linn informs you of your kitten’s health, ensuring that they receive all their vaccinations, etc. prior to handing them over, and insists on a veterinary health check immediately you take your kitten home. Needless to say, the vet, was very impressed with the state of my kitten's health and said she would probably only need to see her in a year again. I even got coached on how to deal with the vet, and it was all plain sailing. 

Just prior to your kitten coming home, Linn magnificently gives you guidelines for feeding, cleaning out kitty litter boxes, securing your home, and especially help in how to handle the first few days, which without I would have floundered. Not that I didn’t ask her things ten times over! And patiently and lovingly, she reviews everything with you. She even went shopping for me when I couldn’t find supplies, and called me to confirm costs etc.

I loved the gift packs we received prior to taking the kitten home. Food packs, toys, just incredible professional service.   

In all my years in the corporate world, in training and education, I have NEVER encountered such impeccable customer service, technical expertise, professionalism and passion. Linn Currie should be the breeder benchmark in South Africa; setting the highest best practice standards I have ever seen. I have had my kitten home for two weeks now, and I can honestly say that every-thing that Linn Currie said and taught me, has contributed to my kitten and I having the most incredible relationship. She (Gita) is happy, loving and intelligent and I am a very proud and happy owner. Knowing Linn is on the end of the line whenever I need her, caring about me and the progress we are making daily, makes me feel real secure in being able to take care of my kitten.  

So to you Linn Currie, I salute you, your beautiful heart, and on behalf of all owners who have kittens from you, you are the quintessential professional, a first class breeder, a friend, a coach and a very special granny to our kittens. Every time my Ragdoll learns a new trick, I know it is due to the happy environment you raised her in, hygienic, carefully orchestrated by you and Robert to ensure nothing short of their sheer joy and bliss for our kittens.  

Thank you so much for your trust in me, for your total dedication to my happiness with Gita and for being so helpful long after the sale is made.  

May God bless you
Arty E., Jhb (2006)

PS: There is one problem with your kittens. They are so gorgeous, when my guests come over, they ignore me completely, and instead spend all their time Oohing and Aahing over the Princess. What to do?

Our decision to adopt Belle came after a long period of considering how an addition to our family would affect Cole. He has been our only child (a Ragdoll from Raglin Ragdolls) for two years now and is without a doubt one of the most pampered cats alive. We were quite concerned that Cole wouldn’t readily adopt Belle as his new sister. We were prepared for a long process of helping Cole to get used to Belle. Linn helped us with a lot of research about how to introduce a new kitten to our home.

The day Belle arrived; she immediately started purring and didn’t stop till about four days later. I was amazed by how well she dealt with Cole. She tried to approach him whenever they were together and when he hissed or growled, she just stepped back and carried on playing by herself. It didn’t take long before Cole couldn’t contain his curiosity about this strange new creature any longer. He approached her after about two days and they started speaking to each other in a kind of mew-pert fashion. A few days later, they started playing and chasing each other up and down the passage. Two weeks has gone by and Cole is now grooming his little sister.

Belle is a remarkably beautiful little girl, but she is also extremely naughty. She is fond of at-tacking feet and pulling things down from bookshelves, tables and towel rails. Everything that is neat should be rearranged. She really is a character.  

Being in Cape Town, I wasn’t able to observe how the kittens’ personalities were developing so I became quite dependent on Linn to help me choose the perfect sister for Cole. Her analysis of Belle was spot-on.  Belle’s personality is so much different to that of Cole, and they complement each other perfectly. Linn was also extremely helpful in advising me on how to deal with the introductions. We spoke on the phone several times a day, strategising and ensuring that the process went as smoothly as possible for all of us. 

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Linn and Robert for all the advice, photos, toys, vouchers, updates about Belle and most importantly, all the love and care that went into raising the kittens so well and contributing largely to the wonderful personalities that Cole and Belle have today. I also feel that I should thank Cole for being such a wonderful son and brother, and even though I know he won’t read this (he is a really smart cat by the way, and I know that he at least enjoys watching me read), I want to make sure he knows how proud we are of him.

Yvonne G., Cape Town (2006)