It is a great decision to bring the Ragdoll kitten to your home, but finding the right Ragdoll breeder is not an easy task to accomplish. Responsible breeding, proper veterinary care and a safe environment are the key elements for a healthy, well-socialized kitten.
Some new home buyers don’t know what to ask or what to look out for. A little homework and careful questioning will bring you many rewards and save you some very expensive surprises, while helping you to select a kitten that’s gotten a good start in life from a good breeder.
Through the right conversation, a lot can be learned about a breeder’s standards and commitment to their cats.
Ask About Health Testing
One of the first topics to discuss with Ragdoll cat breeders is health screening. A good breeder should be able to answer questions about testing and why it is important for breeding cats.
Inquire about whether parents have been tested for inherited diseases important to Ragdolls, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It’s also a good idea to inquire if veterinarian records or test documentation are available.
Learn About the Kitten’s Early Care
The first weeks of a kitten’s life can affect his or her physical maturity and behavior. Before taking the kitten home, ask about the type of care he is receiving from his vet. Important questions include:
- Has the kitten been vaccinated for the appropriate age?
- Has it had a dewormer treatment?
- Has the kitten been seen by a vet?
- Is the kitten microchipped?
- What does the kitten eat?
Request paperwork from their veterinarian to be familiar with the care that has been given.
Ask How Kittens Are Socialized
Ragdolls are known for their generally gentle and people-oriented personalities, but individual temperament is influenced by genetics and early experiences. Question about the kitten’s response to people, family activity, and other animals.
A home that is clean and stimulating can provide kittens with more opportunities to get used to normal sights, sounds and handling. It is beneficial to determine whether you can see the kitten’s mum as well.
Watching the mother can be a good indication of temperament, environment and what the breeder does with her cats.
Understand the Breeder’s Policies
Find out the breeder’s conditions and requirements before obtaining a kitten. Ask about:
- Purchase agreements
- Health guarantees
- Registration documentation
- Deposit and payment policies
- Procedures for returning and re-homing
The terms of a written agreement should be clear on what the buyer and breeder are expected to provide. Beware of a breeder who refuses to give you any documentation or coerces you into making a hasty payment without answering reasonable questions.
Discuss Temperament and Matching
Not every kitten is the same, even within the same litter. A responsible breeder should be interested in whether a particular kitten fits your household. Let the breeder know about your lifestyle; if you have children, other pets, or spend a lot of time away from home.
Discuss how they assess a kitten’s personality and if they are able to suggest a particular kitten for your situation. This talk might help you select a kitten with a temperament and vitality that is a better fit for your household.
