If you’re considering adding a Ragdoll cat to your family, figuring out how to choose a reputable breeder is crucial for ensuring your future pet’s health, temperament, and overall well-being. With Ragdolls becoming increasingly popular for their affectionate and gentle nature, it’s essential to know what to look for in a breeder to avoid unethical practices and health risks. Here’s everything you need to know about locating a trustworthy Ragdoll breeder.
1. Research the Ragdoll Breed Standards and Health Needs
Breed Standards: A reputable breeder will breed Ragdolls that meet official standards for size, color, and personality. Knowing these standards helps you identify if a breeder is maintaining the characteristics that make Ragdolls unique.
Health Requirements: Ragdolls are generally healthy but can have genetic predispositions, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Responsible breeders will conduct genetic testing to reduce the risk of passing these issues onto kittens. If these test results aren't already on their website, you should be given these without any hesitation.
2. Look for a Registered Breeder
Professional Associations: Begin by searching for breeders registered with recognized associations like The International Cat Association (TICA) or The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Registration with these organizations indicates the breeder adheres to a standard of ethics and care, but is more importantly the only way to prove that their cats are pedigreed cats. You will find a list of breeder listings on these registration websites, there are many more than just this list; these are paid listings that breeders chose to use.
Note: Another great way to find out if a breeder is registered is by looking at their website. Most breeders will have some type of link on their website that gives proof, such as their Voluntary Code of Ethics or their Cattery Certificate. To give you an example, I have inserted a photo of our website footer which gives options for both.
3. Review the Breeder’s Online Presence and Testimonials
Website and Social Media: Reputable breeders typically have a professional website or active social media presence where they share updates, kitten availability, and educational information on Ragdolls. Take note of how well their website is done, do they put effort into the information found and the photos of the kittens? Do the kittens look well cared for? Some breeders are a lot more active through video content on social media. Something to remember is that it's hard work taking care of kittens and they do like to get into things and get themselves dirty. Don't expect perfect. There is a fine line! Use your best judgement.
Testimonials and Reviews: Look for customer testimonials and reviews on platforms like Google Reviews or Facebook. Feedback from previous customers can provide valuable insights into the breeder's reliability, customer service, and the quality of their kittens. If a breeder doesn't have this on their website, you typically can find a review source if you google the breeders cattery and type in 'reviews' after it.
4. Take note of the visibility given on their cattery environment
In-Person Visits: Please note, most breeders do not allow in person visits for many reasons. If it states that you cannot visit in person, please respect that. Catteries are on private property, in breeders homes. It is completely reasonable for all breeders to decline in person visits. Though I am one of few breeders who allow in person pick ups, I don't allow in person visits prior to adoption. A lot of breeders live alone, so having strangers come in on the first meet can be very scary. It's not a red flag if they don't allow any in person visits and opt for a parking lot pick up instead IF they've given plenty of other resources like videos and photos which I will bring up in another point.
Virtual Visits: If you can’t visit in person, some breeders will do virtual tour through video calls. This can still provide a glimpse into the breeder’s setup and the kitten’s living conditions. Not all breeders are comfortable with this, including myself. I don't do video calls of any kind because I unfortunately don't have enough hours in a day to be offering something like that.
Video tours and Photos: I know of very ethical breeders who simply do not allow the first two options at all for reasons already given. If they are providing plenty photos and/or videos of what their cattery environment looks like, chances are you are witnessing green flags only. As long as there are photos and videos as proof, that is more than enough evidence to know that the kittens are in good hands. It's really important to remember that a lot of breeders are already busy with other things like a job, or raising their children. Breeding isn't their full time job, but a side hobby. Please be respectful of their time!
click here for a video tour of our cattery: Cattery Tour
5. Ask Key Questions About Breeding Practices and Health Testing
Health Screenings: A reputable breeder will conduct health screenings for HCM, PKD, and other common genetic conditions. Ask to see the results of these tests, especially for the kitten’s parents, to ensure they’ve been cleared of hereditary health issues. Some, if not most breeders will also have this listed on their website next to each cats profile.
Vaccination and Deworming: Kittens should receive vaccinations and deworming before they’re ready for adoption. Check if the breeder provides records of these treatments to ensure the kitten’s health. They should receive at least 2 of 3 distemper shots, and should be dewormed at least once (typically given over a 3 day period) however ideally it should be twice - once at 6 wks and once at 12 wks.
Breeding Frequency: Ethical breeders prioritize the health of the mother cats and limit the number of litters they have per year. There is a lot of controversy on this topic, and every breeder has the right to their own opinion and knows their own cats the best. My personal preference with frequency is to mate each girl based on what she can handle, which is typically a lot more often than people realize. They are designed to be able to handle motherhood (in fact mine thrive at it), which is why cats are able to have kittens every 2 months if they are living in the wild (yes, that's 6 litters a year!). I thoroughly believe it's unfair not to allow them to have more frequent litters because of the amount of heats they will go through which end up being harder on their bodies than pregnancy. I've had a girl develop pyometra, a life-threatening uterus infection, because she wasn't being mated. She needed an emergency hysterectomy and was days from dying. If I can mate my girls more frequently and retire them sooner, I do. My general timeline for each girl is to mate them approximately 6-8 months apart (which is approximately 1.5-2 litters a year) and retire her around 3-3.5 years old. This gives her a much longer 'pampered' lifestyle as a pet. I've also made the hard decision to retire girls after only 1 litter, or none at all. Not everything goes to plan.
6. Observe How the Breeder Interacts with Their Cats
Socialization and Handling: Reputable breeders will handle and socialize kittens from an early age, making them more comfortable with humans and better suited to a home environment. Breeders should be affectionate with their cats, encouraging them to develop the Ragdoll’s famously friendly temperament.
Bond with Cats: Ethical breeders view their cats as family members, not products. Look for breeders who show genuine love and concern for their cats' well-being, which translates into better-adjusted, healthy kittens.
7. Expect a Thorough Adoption Process
Detailed Application and Screening: Reputable breeders usually have an application process to ensure their kittens go to responsible, loving homes. They may ask about your home environment, experience with pets, and lifestyle to ensure a good match.
Adoption Agreement: Ethical breeders will have you sign an adoption agreement, which may include clauses on returning the cat if you can’t care for it, spaying/neutering, and health guarantees. A great breeder will have a much more in depth adoption agreement to protect both parties.
8. Beware of Red Flags
Low Prices: Ragdoll cats are very costly (if the breeder is doing it properly) due to health screenings, care, and the breeder’s time and effort. If a breeder offers Ragdolls at low prices (anywhere around $2000 and under), it could indicate cut corners, poor care, or even a kitten mill and I can guarantee they don't want to ever hear from you again after the sale.
If you notice breeders offering their kittens on the higher end ($3500-$4500), you can be certain they wouldn't be doing that if they were in a hurry to get rid of the kittens. I personally have higher pricing, because I put a lot of time, money and energy into our cattery and want to ensure they go to good homes. I am willing to wait for the right adopter. A big part of adopting a kitten from us is giving advice through-out the kittens life (unless I retire of course!). Adopters are added as contacts in my phone so I can be available to them via text if ever they need it. I charge according to my ethics, care and life-long support.
No References or Health Guarantees: If a breeder is unwilling to provide references, health testing information, or guarantees on kitten health, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Pushing for Immediate Purchase: Ethical breeders don’t rush potential buyers. They want to ensure that each kitten goes to the right home, and they’ll be patient throughout the decision-making process. This goes hand in hand with my first point regarding high pricing vs low pricing. If a breeder has a higher price, they are in no rush to make the sale.
No Website or Social Presence: Not all breeders have a social presence, but every good breeder should have a website. And the more detail given, the better. You shouldn't have to ask any questions if they have a really good website! They should be open and transparent and have a professional and well-accessible website. If you can't find a website at all, please look elsewhere. That is a massive red flag.
9. Get Recommendations from Ragdoll Owners
Owner Recommendations: Join Ragdoll cat forums, social media groups, or talk to other Ragdoll owners. Many are happy to share breeder recommendations based on their own positive experiences.
Finding a reputable Ragdoll breeder requires patience, research, and a keen eye for detail. Ethical breeders put (a lot of) time, money, and love into ensuring their Ragdolls are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for a lifelong home. By following these steps, you’re not only choosing a healthy kitten but also supporting breeders who care deeply about the Ragdoll breed’s future.
For more resources, you may want to check with organizations such as The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and the Ragdoll Fanciers Club International (RFCI), which offer additional guidance on responsible breeders and Ragdoll care.
Comentários