5 Criteria of a Ragdoll Cat Breeder
This checklist provides you with questions to ask your Ragdoll cat breeder as well as things to consider during your interview with them. This list of questions will reveal whether or not your breeder is capable, professional, experienced, courteous and honest. You should not adopt from any breeder who is using questionable breeding practices or is treating any of their cats poorly. Know before you adopt!
A great Ragdoll cat breeder will be able to answer all of your questions honestly and respectfully. They should be familiar with the Ragdoll breed, know their cats and litters well, have a well-kept breeding kennel, and be committed to finding good homes for their Ragdolls.
#1 – Questions for Your Ragdoll Breeder Should Be Welcome
When I was searching for a breeder, I had a list of some questions which I asked each breeder. One breeder, in particular, in Ontario, Canada, was very hostile toward me when I asked my questions.
She had a good website with lots of information about her kittens; however, I had about 6 or so more detailed questions about the kittens, which weren’t answered on her website.
The questions were concerning vaccines and health records of the parents. She accused me of being a sneaky breeder looking for a breeding cat. and suggested I stop playing games and be honest and tell her who I really was!
She implied the questions I asked would only be of interest to a breeder and only a breeder would know to ask these questions!
Needless to say, I was startled by her reaction and instantly crossed her name from my list of potential breeders.
The first check on your list should be whether the breeder is open to questions at all. If they aren’t then don’t bother with them!
Questions & Considerations
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- Does the breeder speak freely about their kittens and her breeding business?
- Is the breeder hesitant to answer your questions or not knowledgeable?
- Does the breeder give you specific answers to all of your questions?
- Is the breeder interested in you?
Related> How To Choose a Ragdoll Breeder For The Kitten of Your Dreams
#2 – Is Your Breeder Familiar With Ragdolls & Breeding?
This may seem like a no-brainer but your breeder should be familiar with the Ragdoll breed. You may be dealing with a new breeder or one that isn’t reputable if they can’t answer basic Ragdoll questions.
Questions & Considerations
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- Is the breeder knowledgeable about the Ragdoll breed?
- Does the breeder keep any cats as pets? This can show their true love and passion for the breed.
- What health concerns are common to the Ragdoll breed?
- How long has the breeder been in the breeding business? Experience can speak volumes
- Ask about the lineage of the parents.
- Ask how they avoid interbreeding in their program
- What is the cost of the kitten? If the cost of the Ragdoll kitten seems cheap, this should be a warning sign that the breeder is cutting corners. There could be a reason for this.
Related > Ragdoll Cat Characteristics – 10 Reasons I Fell in Love with the Ragdoll Breed
#3 – Healthy Parents, Healthy Ragdoll Kittens
Check out your future kittens’ momma cat. The parents can reveal a lot of things about the health and well-being of their kittens. The mother’s pedigree is integral since the father of the kittens could be questionable if the mother is allowed outside. The breeder should be able to answer any and all questions you have about her lineage, diet, and possible health issues.
Questions & Considerations
- Where is the mother in the kennel? Is her living space clean and odourless?
- Does she appear healthy?
- When was the last time she was checked by a vet? Results?
- Do all of her kittens appear healthy and active?
- Are her kittens with her at 12 weeks of age? 8 weeks of age or less? The breeder should not be releasing the kittens under 12 weeks of age.
- Ask about her lineage.
- Are she and the father guaranteed no health defects? Be mindful that health issues are expected in a purebred cat. An experienced breeder will be familiar with potential health problems and upfront with that information.
- Do the kittens have a healthy appearance? Bright eyes, active, no runny nose or excess eye gook?
- Are they up-to-date on their shots?
- What is the kitten’s weight? Not overweight or underweight? As vet does, should be able to feel their ribs, but ribs shouldn’t be showing.
- Do any of the cats appear to have fleas? Run your hand through their fur and separate it, looking for critters or black specks. Also, look near the tail on the kitten’s back for black specs. These are signs of the presence of fleas.
- Is their coat healthy and soft? Ragdolls are known for their luxurious coats. A healthy diet and adequate grooming should keep it looking beautiful. If a cat is stressed then they either fail to groom or excessively groom so keep an eye out for signs.
Related >The Amazing Ragdoll Coat – Things You Need to Know
#4 – A Happy Kennel Means Happy Ragdoll Cats
The breeding kennel for your potential Ragdoll cat should be clean and pleasant for the Ragdoll babies. The kennel should not be too isolated or sterile but should also provide the kittens with their own safe space to grow.
Questions & Considerations
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- Is the kennel clean?
- Are there any strong pungent odours?
- Do they offer a pleasant living space for cats and kittens? It is quite acceptable for the kittens and mom to be isolated in a room, but this can affect some kittens adversely. They could become less social and hide a lot. They may cower a lot when attempting to be picked up and held.
- Do the cats have stimulating toys, scratchers, and plenty of space?
- What is the personality of your potential Ragdoll kitten? Shy is ok, but overly withdrawn may be a concern. Maybe the kitten isn’t getting enough social time. Are they too aggressive? They could have socialization issues.
- How are the kittens raised? Underfoot? As part of the household? Tend to be more outgoing, active and adaptable if they are part of the family early on.
- Are the breeding Ragdolls allowed outside?
- How often are the Ragdoll parents taken to the vet?
- Ask about their philosophy of immunization. My breeder chose a more expensive brand of vaccine, as it was proven to be potentially less harmful to the kitten, than the standard vaccine.
- What does the breeder feed their cats? Beware if it’s a cheap dry food.
Related >Want to Buy a Ragdoll? Know the True Cost of Owning a Cat
#5 – Is the Breeder Interested in You?
A good breeder is committed to finding a good home for her babies. After all, the kittens should be their pride and joy. Here are some questions the breeder should be asking you.
Questions & Considerations
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- The breeder should ask if you’ve previously owned Ragdoll cats? Have you EVER owned a cat before?
- Do you work long hours away from home?
- Do you have young children?
- Are you certain you have the time to tend to the cat and its needs? It’s surprising the number of people who will surrender a pet due to lack of time to care for them.
- Are there other cats in your household? What is their health status? Last vet visit results? Are they indoor cats? Have they been check for parasites, FELV, FLV? Existing household cats can infect the new kitten.
- Are there other pets in the household? Dogs? Hamsters? These other pets could cause problems or be rough on the new kitten. I had a neighbourhood cat who refused to go home because the children were rough on him and he was afraid of the family dog. I semi-adopted him since he refused to go home!
Final Checklist for Choosing a Ragdoll Cat Breeder
Don’t Rush.
My biggest word of advice when selecting which breeder to use for adopting your Ragdoll kitten is to not be in a rush. Grabbing the first kitten available is not always the best idea.
Breeders love to say, “Oh there are other people on the waiting list for this kitten. I can’t hold it for you. If you want it, you need to decide right now.”
Fine. Don’t do it. Let it go.
Do Your Research.
You need to have the instinctual gut feeling that the kitten you are considering is absolutely the right one for you but only after doing your research.
Rushing into a deal with insufficient investigation could lead to future heartache if the kitten is ill or of poor quality breeding.
Ask Your Breeder Questions.
Don’t be shy to ask. If the breeder is annoyed with you for your questions. Forget it.
Continue with your search. You have a right to know the answers to all the questions you ask. You have an emotional investment sitting on the table here, not just a financial investment.
It’s a big heartbreaker to love and then lose a kitten to a disease or condition they had all along. Take the time to choose a healthy, quality kitten. You want to make the best choice you possibly can. Don’t support breeders who produce kittens with health issues or lie about their breeding. Support reputable breeders that love the Ragdoll breed as much as you.
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- Ragdoll Cat Facts – 12 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ragdolls
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- Guide to Creating a Safe Space Your Ragdoll Kitten
