Ragdoll cats have a reputation for being a quiet, gentle breed, and are much sought-after for those seeking a calm, sensitive pet. Unfortunately, many Ragdoll cats need to be rehomed due to various individual circumstances, so it is important that you know how to find them.
Why Do People Need to Rehome Ragdoll Cats?
Ragdoll Cats are the perfect pets for people who have the time to dedicate to and love them. However, not everyone is in a position to commit to having a Ragdoll. Many cat owners will rehome their pet when they can’t afford to provide them with the perfect home.
We asked our Facebook community why people rehome Ragdoll Cats. Here’s what they had to say:
- The cat is not getting on with other pets in their household.
- Change in the household set up like a new baby or partner.
- Change in living arrangements – landlord won’t allow pets or moving country.
- Change in work-life results in the owner not having enough time to spend with their Ragdoll Cat.
- Behavioural and personality issues – such as not using the litter box or aggressive or timid temperament.
- Unable to afford the upkeep such as food, litter and veterinary bills.
- Not enough space
- Deceased owner
Where to find a Ragdoll Cat for Adoption?
There are many places to search for Ragdoll cats needing a new home. Here are some of the best options.
Ragdoll Cat Breeders
A registered Ragdoll Cat Breeder will usually stipulate in their contract that their kittens, whatever their age, should be returned for rehoming should their current circumstances change. Keep an eye on their Facebook pages and websites for available Ragdolls that require rehoming. From time to time breeders also look to rehome their retired breeding females and males. You should expect to pay a much lower fee than your would for a Ragdoll kitten. Rehoming a cat directly from a reputable Ragdoll breeder also guarantees that you are getting a healthy, purebred ragdoll cat that is well socialized. Find your local Ragdoll Cat Breeder here.
Ragdoll Cat Facebook Groups
Search Ragdoll Cat on Facebook and you’ll come up with heaps of international Facebook Groups dedicated to Ragdoll Cats. You’ll often find posts from people within the group that need to rehome their Ragdoll Cat.
Animal Shelters
Make Sure you check out your local animal shelter. Many of their adoptable cats will be advertised on their Facebook page. A Ragdoll, or Ragdoll mix, will come up for adoption every once in a while, but you will have to be quick as they always attract a lot of interest.
Websites
There are many websites that list Ragdoll cats for rehoming, and that is the best place to start your search. Here are a few that we recommend. Click on the links to visit their websites.
ragdoll.rescueme.org– an international site that lists Ragdoll Cats that need rehoming across the world. You can search via your country and state.
Merlin’s Hope: Ragdoll Rescue – a rescue group that rehabilitates, and rehomes Ragdolls, Maine Coons and other long-haired breeds. Follow their Facebook page for the news of Ragdolls that are searching for their new forever home. Merlin’s Hope is located in Ennis, Texas. Adoption fees are usually in the range of $250 – $300.
ragdollinternational.org – Unfortunately, every year, some Ragdolls end up in shelters and foster homes and need to be placed in loving forever homes. This page is intended to try and help place these Ragdolls. Ragdolls that are rescued and in need of placement along with those looking to adopt a rescued Ragdoll may list on this page.
www.petfinder.com – Petfinder is an online, searchable database of animals who need homes. It is also a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Organizations maintain their own home pages and available-pet databases.
www.adoptapet.com – North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. Adopt a pet from 1 of 17,000 animal shelters and rescue centres.
purebredsplus.org – Purebreds Plus Cat Rescue (PPCR) is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, socialization, and rehoming breed cats and other exceptional cats and kittens into permanent homes.
Craigslist.org or Gumtree – although both sites can be an excellent way to find Ragdolls available for adoption, you need to be aware that there are scams relating to pet adoption operating on these websites. So make sure you exercise caution when dealing with people through these sites.
Caring for a rescued Ragdoll Cat?
When you rescue a cat, you are not only saving a life; you are also taking on the responsibility of rehabilitation. While some Ragdolls that need rehoming may have come from a loving home, others may present issues requiring extra loving care. The first step is to get to know your new furry friend, understand his unique needs and work on creating a bond of trust between both of you.
- There are certain things you can do to help ease your kitty into their new home
- Create a safe space where they can adjust to their new surroundings. Confining them to one room of the house to start with is advisable.
- One of the common reasons that people seek to rehome their Ragdoll is toileting issues. Stress is one of the many reasons that lead to these issues. Set up two litter trays for your cat and make sure you keep them meticulously clean.
- Place their food and water bowl in a quiet area.
- Make time to bond with your new feline friend by playing and grooming them.
- Be patient. Your new cat may spend a lot of time hiding under the bed before it feels comfortable to venture out and explore its new surroundings.
Do you need to rehome your Ragdoll Cat?
If you are in the unfortunate situation of needing to rehome your Ragdoll Cat, contacting the breeder that you purchased your cat from should always be the first point option. If that is not an option, then try some of the other options listed above.
When rehoming your Ragdoll Cat, it is advisable to charge an adoption fee. This is to ensure that the person wishing to rehome your cat is serious about taking on the responsibility of giving it a good home. Owning a cat is a big responsibility, and it’s not cheap. If someone can afford to pay a couple of hundred dollars to rehome your Ragdoll, then they are more likely to be able to afford all the other expenses that come with owning a cat – like vet bills and food costs. If you are uncomfortable receiving money for your cat, you can always donate it to your local animal shelter.
