Preparing to welcome Ragdoll kittens into your heart and home is an exciting time. These docile darlings are known for their distinctive coloring and luscious semi-long fur. Before you bring your new Ragdoll kitten home, brush up on their unique characteristics and care requirements.
What to Know About Ragdoll Kittens
Ragdolls are a large breed of cat, weighing in at between 10 and 20 lbs as adults and living up to 15 years. Famous for their medium to long fur and their piercing blue eyes, Ragdolls come in a variety of colors, including blue, chocolate, lilac, red, seal, and cream.
The coloring on Ragdoll kittens can come in three patterns, but the most common is known as colorpoint, which presents with the ears, face, tail, and feet defined by a darker color.
What is the Temperament and Personality of Ragdoll Kittens?
When it comes to affectionate cat breeds, Ragdoll kittens are a popular choice. Their very name is a result of their tendency to simply go limp when handled, making them the ideal family pet and cuddle companion.
Ragdoll kittens are often referred to as ‘puppy cats’ because they have a tendency to follow their humans around the way a dog would. They are there to greet you at the front door when you get home, and they’re endlessly patient and gentle.
Families looking to add a cat to their home would do well to consider Ragdoll kittens. Not only are they excellent with children and other pets, but they also simply love being around people. Ragdoll kittens are not typically very independent and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.
What Are the Ragdoll Kitten Development Stages?
Knowing your Ragdoll kitten’s developmental stages can help you to ensure you’re providing the right kinds of stimulation and care to ensure your furry new friend thrives. You’ll get your Ragdoll kitten at around 8-12 weeks, as this is the best time for their development to leave their mother. At this age, your kitten’s going to be a little ball of curiosity and energy. While their color points will still be developing, their sense of playfulness is in full attendance, so make sure to bond with your Ragdoll by playing with them as much as possible.
Between 3 and 6 months, Ragdoll kittens will grow a great deal, their color point will become more defined, and they’re at their best age to be trained. Your Ragdoll kitten is most likely still highly active and will need plenty of playtime and attention.
The full personality of your Ragdoll kitten will emerge between 6 and 12 months. Your kitten will still be growing physically and mentally at this age, but their playfulness will wane somewhat as they take on a more adult temperament. It’s during this stage that your kitten will reach sexual maturity, so you can begin to plan for them to be sterilized.
Your Ragdoll will reach its full size and full-color development between ages 1 and 4. You’ll start to notice your cat being less kitten-like in its play patterns, and their adult personality will become more evident.
How to Care for a Ragdoll Kitten
Any cat parent will tell you that their fluffy little felines are more than just pets – they’re part of the family. Knowing how to care for your new family member is essential to ensuring a happy and healthy future for your Ragdoll kitten.
Grooming
The first thing prospective Ragdoll owners usually ask about is grooming. This breed is known for its luxurious medium to long fur, which comes with some grooming requirements.
Regular coat maintenance should include regular brushing: two to three times a week is recommended, but you’ll need to increase this frequency during seasonal shedding. While most cats don’t need to be bathed, Ragdolls can benefit from the occasional bath when they appear dirty or their coat looks greasy. We can’t say it will be easy to bathe your cat, but it’s a good idea to get your Ragdoll kitten used to this early on.
The accumulation of eye goop can stain your Ragdoll’s facial fur, so it’s advised to stay on top of that. Nail trimming is also recommended as and when their nails get too long (or too sharp!)
Diet
Like with any cat, you should aim to provide the highest quality food that you can afford. Start your Ragdoll kitten off with specifically formulated kitten food for the first year, and after that, switch to adult food.
Cats tend to get dehydrated, so it’s recommended to include wet food in their diet to assist with hydration. Also, make sure your cat has a fresh supply of clean water.
Ragdolls don’t do well as free-roaming cats, so it’s best to keep them as indoor cats. Because of this, they are at risk of obesity unless their diet is carefully managed.
Health Considerations
Ragdolls are a generally healthy breed, with relatively few conditions about which to be concerned. The two main health concerns that affect Ragdoll kittens include:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): this heart condition is usually screened for by responsible breeders. If you choose your breeder well, this should not be an issue.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): this kidney condition is not very common, but it can be serious. Regular check-ups and a healthy diet can mitigate the risk.
Dental care is an often-overlooked part of cat care, but you can prevent any dental issues by ensuring regular cleanings.
Environment Needs
If this Ragdoll kitten is your first cat, these are some things you’ll need to ensure your cat has everything they need in their new home.
Make sure you get a large, sturdy litter box or two. The rule of thumb is one litter box per cat plus one extra. Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post and plenty of spots to perch. Cats love heights, so a climbing tree or some high shelves where your Ragdoll kittens can make their best gargoyle impression is ideal.
As your Ragdoll is an indoor cat, make sure you provide plenty of stimulation in the form of interactive toys and a good dose of cat TV. No, this isn’t some fancy tech gadget but simply a window with a view. Your Ragdoll will enjoy looking out at the birds, the leaves, and passersby.
Make your home cat-friendly by removing toxic plants from your home, securing windows and balconies, and creating a safe, quiet space where your cat can retreat when they want some alone time.
What are the Costs Associated with Owning a Ragdoll Kitten?
A Ragdoll kitten costs between US$1,200-US$2,500 from a reputable breeder. In addition, you’ll need to factor in the initial purchase of basic supplies and spaying or neutering when your kitten is around six months old. You may also want to microchip your Ragdoll kitten in order to ensure they can be returned to you quicker if they get lost.
Additional regular costs that you’ll need to consider are good quality food, regular check-ups, toys and grooming supplies, and pet insurance.
How to Find a Reputable Ragdoll Kitten Breeder
Finding a reputable breeder is an essential step when purchasing Ragdoll kittens. Your process will start with thorough research to see that the breeder you’re considering is legitimate. You can ask for their certifications and even visit them in person to get a feel for them.
Make sure to ask about things like genetic testing, check their references, and make sure you read the contract carefully.
If the breeder is offering you a kitten younger than 8 weeks, is unwilling to show you their facility, and isn’t going to provide you with registration papers, you should be concerned. These are all red flags when purchasing a Ragdoll kitten and are signs you’re not dealing with a reputable breeder.
Final Thoughts
Ragdoll kittens are the ideal pet for anyone seeking a lovable companion. Their striking appearance and gentle nature make these cats popular, especially for families with children. There are some care requirements to ensure your Ragdoll is happy and healthy, but overall, this is a healthy breed that will thrive as an indoor cuddle companion.
