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Excited Cats advocates for adopting before shopping, though we fully understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder. So, we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally visited or investigated all of the breeders below. We have put the top-recommended all in one place for you to get in touch and make the best decision for you. Learn more about our stance and how to choose the right breeder here.
Ragdoll kittens are almost as adorable when they become adults, with a playful nature and independent personality. These cats have bright blue eyes that capture the attention of any human they spend time around. So, it makes “purrfect” sense that you would like to bring one of these precious cats home as a pet of your own.
Ragdoll Kitten Breeders in the U.S.
Ragdoll kittens are extremely popular, so there is no shortage of breeders to buy one from. Before buying a Ragdoll, it is important to find a reputable breeder to work with. Not all are created equal, so doing your due diligence can save you the trouble and heartache of investing in a sick cat or one that has hereditary issues.
Take your time checking out the reputable breeders you come across, and ensure that you understand how their procedures work. Some Ragdolls breeders who ship will provide you with everything that you need to have peace of mind in your investment.
You might be wondering which Ragdoll breeders can be trusted, which is not an easy question to answer. You can visit each breeder facility yourself or conduct an in-depth interview with a facility representative online or over the phone. With so many breeders to choose from, there is no need to settle. You should even consider checking with rescue centers to find out if you can help save a Ragdoll’s life.
You can also try the following resources to find the perfect Ragdoll kitten for your household.
Ragdoll Breeders That Ship
If you want the best of the best when it comes to Ragdoll cats, you can search nationwide for a furry family member on sites like this.
Rescue Ragdoll Cats
If you are interested in rescuing a Ragdoll cat rather than buying one from a breeder, check out this site.
Ragdoll Breeders Near Me
Maybe you want to look in a certain location to find a Ragdoll kitten or cat to buy or adopt. If so, this website can point you in the right direction.
Another place to look for Ragdoll kittens is your local pet shop. It may already have these kittens for sale, or the staff might be able to source a kitten for you upon request. Keep in mind that you cannot verify the background of the kitten, their possible hereditary health problems, or the kind of treatment that they received before being sold to the pet store and then to you.
How Much Does a Ragdoll Kitten Cost?
There is no one set price for Ragdoll kittens being sold on the market, whether through a breeder or a pet shop. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000–$2,000 for the average Ragdoll kitten. If you want to purchase a show Ragdoll, you may end up paying upward of $2,000–$5,000.
Rescue Ragdolls are bound to be much less expensive. Therefore, if you want to save money and make sure that an unfortunate cat gets an awesome home, the first inquiry that you should make is with the various rescue centers in and around your community.
The 3 Things to Ask a Ragdoll Kitten Breeder
Before buying a Ragdoll cat from any breeder, it is a good idea to make a list of questions for them to answer. This will help ensure that you know exactly what you are getting into and optimize your buying experience. Asking many questions will empower you with the opportunity to make an educated buying decision when all is said and done. Here are a few questions to consider adding to your list.
Are Lineage Documents Available?
One important question to ask is whether lineage documents are available for the Ragdoll kitten that you are considering adopting. If you cannot verify the health and breeding background of the parents, you cannot possibly know how healthy the kitten you want to adopt is.
You should be able to get copies of all veterinarian records, DNA information, and heredity concerns from the breeder whom you plan to buy your kitten from. If they are not willing to provide you with lineage documentation, consider finding another breeder.
Can the Parents Be Met?
It is a good idea to meet with the parents of any Ragdoll kitten that you consider investing your hard-earned money in. Meeting the parents will give you a good idea of the kind of health that you can expect the kitten to inherit. You can also get an idea of the temperament and other characteristics that your new kitten might inherit.
Also, you will be able to understand how the parents (and breeder) took care of the kitten that you want to bring home so you know where the parents did well and where to compensate to ensure a happy and healthy life for your new Ragdoll.
Have Vaccinations Been Administered?
Before you purchase your new Ragdoll kitten, it is important to find out if any vaccinations have been administered, and if so, which ones. If vaccines have been administered, your breeder will have a record of them and should be able and willing to pass them on to you.
This is a good indicator of whether the kitten has seen a veterinarian and whether you will have to deal with catching up on vaccines and vet visits yourself (which costs money) to ensure the health and happiness of your new Ragdoll kitten.
The 3 Things to Know Before Buying a Ragdoll Kitten
Before deciding whether to purchase or adopt a Ragdoll kitten, it is a good idea to learn all you can about these adorable yet sometimes trouble-making cats. Here are a few important things that you should know before deciding to invest in a new Ragdoll kitten for your household.
1. They Shed Frequently
While some websites claim that Ragdolls do not shed much, the truth is that these long-haired cats shed often enough that you’ll need to comb or brush your Ragdoll cat multiple times a week to keep hair from building up on your furniture and floors. These cats can also develop mats that need to be cut out, so regular trimmings may be necessary.
2. They Are Larger Than Usual
Ragdoll cats are considered a large breed in that they are typically taller and heavier than most other domesticated breeds available on the market. Do not expect a small cat that easily fits in your lap. Instead, expect to spread out to accommodate the large body of a Ragdoll when your kitty wants to cuddle. These cats can take up half a couch and a quarter of the bed when they are spread out and relaxed.
3. They Can Be Demanding
One of the biggest complaints that Ragdoll cat owners have is that these cats can be quite demanding. They do not usually hesitate to meow, cry, and yowl when they want to get their way. They typically insist on cuddling with human companions when it is time to sleep at night. Also, they will always let their owners know when they are ready for food or treats. All in all, these cats are not passive and will not give up easily when they are trying to get their way.
Conclusion
Ragdoll kittens are adorable, cuddly, and easy to fall in love with. However, all Ragdoll kittens turn into cats that have different expectations and requirements than kittens do. However, adults tend to be just as fun-loving and cuddly as their kitten selves. It is important to understand all aspects of caring for this breed of cat before deciding whether to invest in one or to pursue an adoption through a rescue agency.
Featured Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock
