RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING A RAGDOLL KITTEN

 RESEARCH the breeders and catteries that you intend to contact for the purpose of purchasing a purebred Ragdoll kitten. Do so BEFORE making a deposit. Conduct your due diligence to determine if they are affiliated with a recognized, reputable international organization such as TICA, CFA, ACFA, CFF, or FIFE. Much to my chagrin, there have been several kitten mills and backyard breeders (under the guise of sister catteries/franchisees) that have colonized, like an infection, on Long Island and in New York, overall, just over the course of the past few years. Check with the previously mentioned organizations to determine legitimacy. Protect yourself before buying a baby by searching complaint boards online by simply inputting the breeder’s name or cattery. Be cognizant of the following RED FLAGS:

  • Beware of breeders that offer discounted kittens under 12 weeks of age that are not vaccinated, not spayed/neutered, and/or not weaned before leaving the cattery.
  • Beware of breeders that mass produce babies monthly.
  • Beware of breeders that cannot produce the parents of the kittens, the pedigrees AND/OR medical records (including genetic test results) to the parents of your kitten(s).
  • Beware of the breeders who cannot produce the pedigree registration papers for the kitten offered BEFORE you make a deposit!

You are entitled to request the following information about the little life you are about to acquire and become responsible for the next (hopefully) 15-20 years:

ASK the breeder for his or her veterinarian’s name and permission to contact the doctor for a reference.

  • ASK for a kitten client reference, or two.
  • ASK WHEN and WHY the pet dealer decided to become a Ragdoll Breeder and if they have a mentor.
  • ASK what type of parasite prevention is provided.
  • ASK what type of HEALTH GUARANTEE is offered—Article 35-D of NYS Law requires AT LEAST 14 BUSINESS DAYS!
  • ASK for a copy of the breeder’s contract BEFORE you visit and READ it.
  • ASK the breeder if he or she shows their Ragdoll cats to ensure what is being bred meets the Ragdoll Breed Standard.