So you've decided that a Ragdoll kitten is the
one for you, now you'll be eager to welcome him into your home.
Here are some tips to help you choose a suitable kitten.
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Try to visit several breeders, but please never visit
more than one breeder in a day without changing your clothing
and washing otherwise you could be the cause of spreading
infection. Reputable breeders will be happy to welcome you
into their home and allow you to see all of their cats. |
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You should always see the mother of the kittens and the
father if the breeder owns the stud boy. However, many breeders
will use stud boys owned by others so it may not be possible
to see him. The breeder should be happy to supply you with
his details and hopefully a photograph or two. |
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Has the kitten been raised in the breeders home or outside
in 'cattery' accommodation? Kittens raised outside may find
it more difficult to fit into your home environment. |
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Ask the breeders lots of questions about the kitten's
diet, worming, vaccinations, litter training etc. They should
be happy to answer anything regarding their breeding practices.
You should feel that your breeder is approachable. A good
breeder will ask you lots of questions too. Don't be offended
by this, they are just trying to find the best homes for
their kittens and this shows they care. |
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Check the kitten is in good health. It should have bright
clean eyes. The ears should be clean and free from wax and
the nose should be free of any discharge. There should be
no vomiting or diarrhoea present and the kitten should not
have a pot belly, as this is a sign of worm infestation. |
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Be sure the kittens have been well socialised. The kitten
should be confident in your presence, not hiding away. They
should be happy to play and interact with you. If the kitten
is vaccinated, ask to handle it. Well socialised kittens
are happy to be picked up and cuddled. |
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No reputable breeder will push you into making a quick
decision and should be happy for you to go away and consider
if their kitten is for you. |
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Many breeders will ask you to sign a contract, don't
be put off by this. It makes it clear the breeder wants
the best for their kittens and has therefore put a lot into
breeding and caring for them. |
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Kittens should not be homed until they have completed
a vaccination course for flu and enteritis and have reached
at least 13 weeks of age. They should have been wormed,
had preventative flea treatment and should go to their new
home with a diet and care sheet. The kitten should be registered
with the GCCF or FIFe and you should be provided with a
full pedigree, registration papers and a signed vaccination
certificate. The breeder should be happy to support you
once you have taken your kitten home. |
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A reputable breeder will home their pet Ragdoll kittens
at a cost of around £350 - £400. This price
reflects the amount of money that has been invested into
raising a healthy, well socialised kitten. Please do not
be tempted to buy a 'cut price' kitten. There are breeders
out there who will sell kittens for £200 or even less,
but they are unlikely to register their kittens with the
GCCF (or FIFe) and therefore will not be governed by their
guidelines.
Breeders selling kittens at these prices are probably cutting
corners. The kittens are unlikely to be vaccinated, health
checked, wormed etc. If it seems too good to be true, then
it probably is. Please take great care and be sure to find
a reputable breeder who is practicing good breeding policies
and raising healthy, happy kittens. |
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If you visit a breeder and find unwell kittens, being
kept in poor conditions, then please do not be tempted to
home one. You won't be 'saving' the kitten, you will only
be encouraging the breeder to continue bad practice and
produce more unhealthy kittens. Walking away is the best
thing to do. Without buyers, the breeder will be unable
to continue. |