| What you are about to read may save you a lot | | | | least one of its shots. Steerclear of any breeder |
| ofheartache. Buying a Ragdoll Kitten, even from a | | | | offering kittens up at 8 weeks. If theyare doing this |
| breeder, canbe a minefield. Here are 6 things you | | | | it is to save costs, since a kitten growsespecially fast |
| should look for whengoing to a breeder for a Ragdoll | | | | in the time between 8-12 weeks. You're muchbetter |
| kitten. | | | | waiting to get your Ragdoll. It will be easier onyou, |
| Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds at | | | | and easier on them. |
| themoment. There's good reason for that. The | | | | 4. Get a health guarantee and contract. |
| Ragdoll cat isaffectionate and a pleasure to have | | | | Never buy a kitten without a health guarantee and |
| around. But you reallyhave to be careful about where | | | | contract. |
| you buy your kitten frombecause not all breeders | | | | This protects both you and the breeder. Remember |
| are created equal, and you don'twant to end up with | | | | to read thecontract carefully. Don't just take their |
| a kitten that has health problems. | | | | word for it. Abreeder will be more than happy to sign |
| 1. Ask your breeder if the kitten is a full-bred Ragdoll. | | | | a contract if theyare certain that their breeding stock |
| It may seem like a silly question to ask, but it's | | | | is disease-free. Makesure it's at least a two year |
| somethingyou really need to know. Some breeders | | | | guarantee, as some defectsdon't show up until a cat |
| are cross-breedingthe Ragdoll with other breeds in | | | | is fully grown. |
| order to get new coloursand patterns. A Ragdoll cat | | | | 5. Visit the cattery. |
| is only considered to be afullbreed when its four | | | | If it's at all possible you should visit the cattery and |
| generations out from any cross. | | | | seethe conditions the cats are bred under. There are |
| 2. If a breeder is asking a much lower price than | | | | severalthings to look for: overall cleanliness; whether |
| mostothers in the area, ask why. | | | | the malesand females are separated to prevent |
| It's possible that the breeder is cutting corners and | | | | inbreeding; are thecats with kittens kept separate |
| nottelling you the full story. It's a shame, but you | | | | from the other cats? Justmake sure that the cats |
| have to beon the lookout. It could be something as | | | | aren't too separate. If theylook like they are getting |
| simple as they aretrying to attract more customers, | | | | by with a minimum of humancontact this can be just |
| or they have more kittensthis year than expected, | | | | as bad. They'll be nervous aroundstrangers and you |
| but you should ask the question allthe same. | | | | don't want that. |
| 3. Is the kitten 12 weeks old or more? | | | | 6. Make sure the kitten is socialised. |
| If you want a well-adjusted kitten then its essential | | | | If the kitten runs away from humans, then there is a |
| thatyou wait until the kitten is at least 12 weeks old. | | | | goodchance it hasn't been socialised. This will make |
| Thisgives the chance for the breeder to socialise the | | | | for anervous kitten and maybe even a nervous or |
| kitten, asall good breeders will know how to do. In | | | | neurotic cat whenthe Ragdoll cat grows up. If you |
| addition to thisthe kitten's immune system will be | | | | buy a kitten that isn'tsocialised it's going to be hard |
| much stronger. Make surethat the kitten has had at | | | | on them to move...and evenharder on you. |