Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the Questions below.
What is included in the price?
We will not take a deposit until you have chosen a specific kitten and received a contract. Once received, please return the signed contract within 24 hours with a $1000 non-refundable deposit to hold the kitten. The deposit will go towards the total price of the kitten. The balance will be due by the date noted on the contract. Please contact us for pricing. We include all age appropriate vaccinations, spay or neuter, microchip, and a 4 year genetic health guarantee. We also provide other goodies like the kittens favorite toys, a bed or blanket, and scratching post with mom and litter mates scent. It helps make the transition into their new home easier. Our adult cats have also been DNA tested for several different diseases, including HCM mutations for Ragdoll and Maine Coon, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, and multiple mutations of Mucopolysaccharidosis. Our Ragdolls are also blood typed. Tests available when asked. When and if other tests become valid for the Ragdoll breed, we will be sure to include those.
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Here are some very important things to look for.
*Does the breeder raise their cats and kittens in a home environment, or do they cage?
*How many Queens and Kings does the breeder have?
*Does the breeder have a health contract? If so, what does it cover, and for how long?
*Are the cats DNA tested NEGATIVE for HCM?
*Does the breeder spay and neuter kittens before they leave? This is VERY important.
*Does the breeder keep kittens to at least 12 weeks of age? If they allow them to leave any earlier, this is a huge warning sign.
*Does the breeder show their cats/kittens?
*Does the breeder breed "rare" colors that are NOT accepted and charge more for them? This is another warning sign.
Look for a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders show their cats to make sure they are breeding cats that meet breed standards. They follow all the ethical rules and guidelines set by the leading cat associations, including making sure your kitten is spayed or neutered, at least 12 weeks of age to provide full immunity to vaccinations, all age appropriate vaccinations and microchipped. ALL reputable Breeders do genetic testing on their breeding cats!
Sometimes you may find cheap "bargain" Ragdolls, usually they are advertised on for sale sites, and in newspapers for a fraction of what a reputable breeder charges. They are usually sold between 6-8 weeks. Many times, these "bargain" Ragdolls are unregistered. They are typically not vaccinated or wormed and are not spayed/neutered. By the time you get the kitten home and spend the money to get the kitten fully immunized, spayed or neutered, it can easily add up.
Do you breed Mink or Solid (Non-Traditional) Ragdolls?
This is a good question to ask your breeder. We do not breed these colors, as they are not accepted colors in any major cat association. The Ragdoll standard is written to be a Blue-eyed, Pointed breed. Minks or non-pointed Ragdolls can not be shown for titles or championship status and can NOT be registered as a Ragdoll in some cat associations. Ragdolls are known for their beautiful blue eye color, and beautiful points of color. Mink and Solid Ragdolls are NOT pointed, and do not have blue eyes, many are bred from Ragamuffins. If you like these colors, please support a Ragamuffin breeder. The Ragamuffin breed standard does recognize these Mink and Solid (Non-Pointed) colors, and in some associations can be shown in championship status. Many Ragdoll breeders who do breed the Mink and non-pointed "Ragdolls", are charging much more for these "Rare" colors. They are not rare, and are easy to produce, but because they are not TRUE Ragdolls, most breeders will not breed with these colors.I see some breeders charge different prices, why is this?
This is a good question to ask your breeder. Sometimes a spay will cost more than a neuter, and a female will cost a bit more. Also, show quality kittens typically cost more. Don't fall into the trap of "rare" colors. If the color is "rare", it may raise questions of why the majority of breeders are not breeding these colors, to call them "rare". If you wish to have a certain color or pattern, you shouldn't have to pay extra to get a specific kitten. There are only a few breeders who charge extra for certain colors or patterns, most do not. The accepted colors are Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Flame, Cream, Tortie and can all be with or without lynx, these are not rare colors. If you are hearing the word, rare, ask why it is rare. There are a few breeders that will breed colors outside the specific accepted standard, most breeders will breed the accepted colors.
Are Ragdolls hypoallergenic?
No, if you have an allergy to cats, Ragdolls would not be any different. Feel free to visit, to find out if you have a reaction. Just remember, one visit may not trigger symptoms, and kittens are at less risk to trigger allergies than adults. Also, it could be certain shampoo's, seasons, litter use, that may be the trigger of symptoms. Most people are actually allergic to the specific proteins found in the cat's saliva. It is important to know if you or your family may have an allergy to cats, prior to adoption, as an allergy can develop at any age.
How are Ragdolls with other animals?
Ragdolls are a very docile, laid back breed. Most do very well in multiple cat and dog homes. Our vet has one of our Ragdolls, and she gets along well with their birds. One should always supervise the interaction, until you feel comfortable knowing there will be no problems.
Do Ragdolls shed?
Yes, Ragdolls shed, just like any animal with fur. Though, the shedding is minimal compared to most long hair breeds. The hair is also easily cleaned up, as it sheds in clumps, that can be picked up or vacuumed. Spring is the shedding season, and it tends to be the worst, during that time. The grooming is also minimal as well, as the coat is non-matting. We recommend using the Zoom Groom, to remove some of the coat.
Will you ship your Ragdolls?
No, we no longer can ship pet kittens because of a new law went into affect in 11/2013, that prevents breeders from shipping kittens to families. The law now states that kittens must be seen in person. You are welcome to drive to our home and pick up your kitten, or fly into the Dallas airport, and we can meet you there. In some cases, we may be willing to travel to bring your kitten to you. If you have a family member close by that can see your kitten in person, we would be able to ship your kitten with a pet courier.
Why do you keep your kittens 13-14 weeks?
We keep most of our kittens between 13 and 14 weeks, and some kittens could be kept for as long as 16 depending on how they mature, each kitten will be evaluated individually. There are many reasons that breeders do this, so many to list that I would rather refer you to a wonderful written article How young is too young,by FBRL Services and Barbara C. French
Is it safe to early spay and neuter?
Yes, it is very safe, and easier on kittens than older kittens or adult. Most cat breeders practice early spay and neuter and a huge majority of Ragdoll breeders. The concept of early spaying and neutering is not a new one, it has been practiced for over 50 years in North America and is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. There are huge benefits to altering such as, spaying a female can actually protect her against mammary cancer and uterine infections. In males, neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate and related infections. You don't have o worry about your male kitten learning to spray before he is neutered. There are many other positives, please read Early Spaying and Neutering for more information on early spaying and neutering kittens. All our pet and show kittens leave spayed or neutered, with no exceptions.
How do I introduce my kitten to my home and my other animals?
Introducing your Ragdoll into your home and other animals is a big step for you, but also a big step for your kitten. It is his/her first time in a new surrounding. First, have a room set up for your new kitten away from any other animals and away from the major hustle and bustle of your home. Bring his food, water, and litter box inside the room, so that he gets used to his new surroundings. It is recommended that you stay on the same food and litter that is being used at the breeder’s home, if you are inclined to change brands, it is best to wait a few days for the kitten to adjust, and then slowly start changing the litter or food over a 2-week period. If diarrhea occurs, try changing a little slower. If there are litter box problems, go back to the original brand and then slowly bring in the new litter Next, let your other cats and dogs smell the new kitten under the door. The kitten is also being introduced in a safe area to new sounds and smells of his new home. After a couple of days, start allowing your new kitten to explore his new surroundings, making sure to help her find her food and litter areas. When meeting your other cats for the first time, you can expect hissing and growling, make sure that for the first few meetings, that you are around to supervise if anything gets out of hand. If that happens, just give it a few more days and try the introduction at a later time.
What if I am interested in an adult Ragdoll or rescuing a Ragdoll?
That's wonderful!! There are many Ragdolls out there in need of rescuing. Here are 2 links to help you begin your search for a Ragdoll.Ragdoll Rescue and Pet Finder These sites update frequently, so please check back often. There are also many breeders who have retired adult breeders for adoption, if I do not have any currently available, I would be happy to refer you to breeders who do have adults available, or help you on your search for a Ragdoll that needs rescued.
Can I take my Ragdoll outdoors with me?
No, I am sorry to say, we don't allow our kittens to go outdoors, and that includes not allowing your Ragdoll outdoors under supervision, or on a leash, the only time to take your Ragdoll outdoors is inside of a soft or hard sided carrier, and into a vehicle. We have thought hard about this subject and know that it is the only way to fully protect a cat from the many outdoor dangers. Once a cat gets comfortable with the outdoors, your cat is more apt to run outdoors when the door is open. There are many reports of cats supervised on a leash that are attacked by neighborhood or stray dogs, there are also many internal and external parasites that your cat can pick up even in the short amount of time outdoors. Please keep your cats indoors for their safety.For other questions not answered here, please e-mail us anytime.