If you’re considering adding a Ragdoll cat to your family, the most important thing you can do is find a reputable breeder. Ragdoll cats are big, fluffy, and adorably cute, but they can also be a handful. So it’s important to make sure you’re getting a healthy and well-socialized cat from a responsible breeder. Here’s how to find a good Ragdoll cat breeder.
If you’re considering the purchase of a Ragdoll cat, you may be wondering how to find a reputable breeder. Breeders and pet stores are not the same. When you purchase a cat from a pet store, you don’t know the quality of the breeding or if they were treated humanely. You want to find someone who has a high reputation in the Ragdoll community, and is committed to the breed. A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee for any Ragdoll kitten that is adopted from them.
Here are a few tips for finding a good breeder and buying your new Ragdoll cat.
Check out the Breeder Directory on Ragdoll Cats World
Search a reputable Ragdoll Cat Breeder in our breeders directory. Whether you’re looking for a certified Ragdoll breeder in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada or more, we’ve assembled a list of breeders who are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA), The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and other recognised Ragdoll Cat Associations. Each breeder profile includes contact information and a map with their location enabling you to locate the breeders nearest your home. If there are no local breeders close to you, then cast your net further afield. Shipping kittens either to another state, or even another country is not at all unusual and Ragdolls’ temperament enables them to take shipping in stride. Visit our Ragdoll Breeders Directory
Attend Local Cat Shows
Heading along to your local cat show is a good way to find the purr-fect Ragdoll kitten to join your family. As Ragdolls are a popular breed you are guaranteed to find at least one entered. Here you’ll be able to meet with other Ragdoll owners and chat about their experiences. This way, you can get to meet new Ragdolls while also getting to know more about the breed. However, you must follow proper cat show etiquette. You may not touch or even ask to touch another person’s cats. This is because the risk of infection is very high if you are touching a cat that has been in close contact with other cats. Sometimes a breeder’s latest litter will be on display. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) has a list of upcoming cat shows listed on its website.
Search Breeder Listings on Cat Association Websites
Another way to find and buy your perfect Ragdoll kitten is to visit Cat Association websites such as The Ragdoll Fanciers Club International (RFCI), The International Cat Association (TICA) and The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). Breeders registered with these associations are guaranteed that their breeding program meets the Ragdoll breed standard set out by the association.
Join a Ragdoll Cat Facebook Group
There are many groups dedicated to Ragdoll Cats on Facebook, some are even location specific. These groups are a wealth of information provided from Ragdoll Cat owners. They are a great place to ask for breeder recommendations. You’ll find that many Ragdoll owners in the group are happy to share information and post pictures of their feline friends.
Visit Several Catteries
Try and visit several catteries before selecting the breeder you wish to purchase your Ragdoll kitten from. This is a very good way of checking out the environment in which the breeding cats live and how the kittens are raised.
When you arrive at a breeder’s home, look for cats roaming freely around the house. If they’re visible and friendly, this is a good sign. You want a kitten that is well socialized. Look to see that the premises are reasonably clean and smell somewhat neutral or pleasant – although bear in mind that the Ragdoll breeder cannot control when a Ragdoll cat might choose to visit the litter box!
Plan to visit only one cattery or breeder per day, to prevent diseases or germs being spread from cattery to cattery. When you arrive at a breeder’s home, look to see whether cats are roaming freely about the house. If so, this is a good sign. Make sure the premises appear and smell reasonably clean. Remember though, that the Ragdoll breeder cannot control when a Ragdoll cat might choose to visit the litter box. Check whether the cats are outgoing or run away from you when you try to pet them. Observe the general appearance of the Ragdoll cats on display. If they have red eyes, sneezing, runny nose, bloating stomach or dirty ears, these are all signs of possible problems.
Final Thought
When you adopt a Ragdoll, it is important to know that your relationship with your breeder doesn’t end there. You may need to contact them with questions throughout the cat’s lifetime, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable talking to them. Breeders love to receive emails and pictures detailing how your Ragdoll Cat is going and any personality quirks they have.
