| Ragdoll kittens need special care, just like any other | | | | keep to the regimented food, feeding small amounts |
| kittens. The first time you bring one home, you will | | | | and often, and add any new food in small amounts |
| need to take some things into consideration. Firstly, a | | | | to the old food, so the change is implemented slowly |
| kitten needs to be at least 12 weeks old before you | | | | before proper bacterial environment in cats' stomach |
| bring him home, if he is only 6-8 weeks, and the | | | | develops. |
| breeder says it's alright, then find another breeder. | | | | Remember, unlike many cats, ragdoll cats should |
| No reputable breeder should let you have a kitten | | | | never be allowed out by themselves, they are a |
| too young, and less than 12 weeks is far too young. | | | | trusting breed that lacks the street smarts of many |
| Before 12 weeks, the kitten might not be fully | | | | other breeds, you should keep them in the house |
| weaned, and suffer from diarrhea and sickness, | | | | always, and work on leash training when they are old |
| causing dehydration, weakness and even death. Even | | | | enough. Ragdolls are an intelligent breed, one capable |
| if the result is not so serious, the kitten might suffer | | | | of learning leash training in a matter of days, they |
| behavioral problems associated with leaving its | | | | respond well to both treats and affection, so use this |
| mother too young. So, remember 12 weeks at least, | | | | in your training. |
| no less. | | | | As ragdolls love attention so much, your new ragdoll |
| Most kittens will be skittish and nervous when you | | | | kitten will likely follow you around all day. Ragdolls |
| get them home, they are used to being around their | | | | hate to be left alone, so ensure you spend as much |
| mothers and brothers and sisters, not around you. So | | | | time with your new kitten as possible, and they |
| treat them carefully, it is important that you pick a | | | | should never be left alone for more than 3 hours at a |
| local breeder, not one miles and miles away, because | | | | time regularly. |
| a 12 week old kitten will not do well traveling half | | | | Ragdolls are a very adaptable breed; they will quickly |
| way across the country in your car, keep the travel | | | | get used to the new house, new routines, and to |
| time to a minimum. | | | | you. Make sure they have everything they need, all |
| When you get your ragdoll kitten home, minimize the | | | | the comfort they require, and enough toys and |
| stress by keeping the kitten in one room, with you, | | | | games to keep them entertained. |
| make sure a litter tray is nearby and you show the | | | | If you don't offer them enough toys and playthings, |
| kitten where it is. Give the kitten clean water and | | | | they will likely use whatever they can find around the |
| make sure you have some food - the one that the | | | | house as a toy or scratching post, whether it's the |
| kitten has been weaned on. | | | | furniture or the books, clothes, shoes. Don't allow |
| Don't change the food for the first few weeks, the | | | | your ragdoll kitten to get bored, and they will offer |
| kitten will struggle to adapt to the change, it may | | | | you many years of companionship from their gentle, |
| suffer from diarrhea, sickness and lethargy. Instead, | | | | loving nature, curled up on your knee. |