You may hear that it is bad to spend upwards of five hundred dollars for a kitten when there are so many kittens and puppies in need of homes that are free. While this is true there are certain advantages to selecting a purebred kitten such as a Ragdoll.
Ragdoll cats have been selectively bred to enhance the characteristics that have made the breed so well known. These qualities include their temperament and physical attributes. The Ragdoll temperament makes it very adaptable to a wide variety of living arrangements. For example, this cat is well suited for someone living in a small apartment; other breeds may be very unhappy living in small quarters. In addition, paying a premium for a kitten from a reputable breeder will insure your kitten has been treated properly during the first twelve weeks of its life. This will insure your cat will be healthy and well-adjusted.
Price of Ragdoll Cat
The price you will pay for a Ragdoll kitten will vary depending on where you live and the breeders that are available. The best place to start looking for a Ragdoll kitten would be to check with the local Ragdoll club in your area. If there are no clubs in your area the Internet is an excellent way to locate breeders. Prices will vary depending whether you plan on showing or breeding your cat. Pet quality cats will cost the least, starting around $450 to $500. Show quality cats will run anywhere from $500 to $1200, perhaps even more depending on the breeder. If the price is unusually low you might question the breeder’s motives for selling the kittens that low. Make sure the kitten has papers. It is not necessary for you to register your cat; however, ensuring that the kitten has papers will ensure your cat really is a Ragdoll.
Unless you want to start breeding cats or take up cat shows, pet quality Ragdolls are the economical choice. For a kitten to be sold as pet quality, it probably has some cosmetic characteristics that would prevent it from being shown. Make sure you are purchasing from a reputable breeder; if the deal seems too good to be true there is probably something the breeder is not telling you. Also, make sure the kitten you are purchasing is registered. This ensures your Ragdoll kitten is not a mixed breed. Kitten mills are notorious for producing sickly or abused cats.
Visit the Cat Breeder in person
Always visit the breeder in person before purchasing a cat. Just because a breeder is registered with an association does not necessarily mean they are a good breeder; this is why you want to visit their home and see the conditions the kittens are born into. It is extremely important that your Ragdoll kitten spend the first ten weeks of his or her life with its littermates. This is important to ensure you receive a well socialized kitten.
Make sure the kittens are healthy and energetic. Pay close attention to their living conditions. The kittens should not be afraid of humans; it is a bad sign if they are terrified of you when you visit the cattery. Ask to see the parents; this will give you a good idea of how your cat will turn out. Breeders should always keep their litters for at least ten weeks and provide them with their first set of immunization.
All reputable Ragdoll cat breeders use a purchase contract when selling kittens. Make sure the purchase contract you sign includes a health guarantee. Your breeder may require neutering or spaying the cat unless you pay an additional fee. The best advice you can hope to receive when shopping for a Ragdoll kitten is to be careful and shop around. Contacting members of the Ragdoll community in your area will help you locate reputable breeders and ensure you receive a healthy, well-adjusted Ragdoll kitten.
