Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in reserving one of our kittens, we generally follow this protocol:

1. Getting to Know You
We’d love to learn more about you before matching you with a kitten! Please share a little about yourself and what you’re looking for, including:

• What personality traits would be the best fit for your home

• Preferred color, pattern, or gender

• Why you’re drawn to the Ragdoll breed

• Your past experience with cats
  
  

2. Meeting the Kittens
Once approved, you’re welcome to come meet the kittens in person. Please note that for everyone’s safety, all visits are recorded. Meeting the kittens is an opportunity to connect with them directly and see if there’s a perfect fit.

Because this is our private home and not a pet store, we ask that only serious buyers schedule visits. We completely understand if you don’t find a match during your visit, but please don’t schedule an appointment “just to look around.” Respecting our time and home allows us to keep this open-door policy for genuine, committed families.

3. Reserving Your Kitten
Once you’ve found your perfect match, the next step is placing a $500 deposit to reserve your kitten until they are ready to go home.

• The deposit is non-refundable but fully transferable to another available kitten.

• Deposits can be made via Zelle or cash.

• Once received, you’ll be provided with a receipt outlining the full terms and conditions.
  
  

Deposit Terms:

• If a kitten becomes ill, injured, or is diagnosed with a hereditary or congenital defect while in our care, the deposit will be refunded in full.

• Otherwise, the deposit may be transferred to another kitten in the program if you choose not to proceed with the original reservation

Our kittens are ready to join their new families no earlier than 12 weeks of age. This allows them time to fully recover from their spay or neuter surgery before leaving our care.

We work closely with our veterinary team to make sure each kitten reaches a safe and healthy weight for surgery. In some cases, it may take an extra week or two for a kitten to be ready.

• Neuter (males): Recovery period is typically 3 days.
  
  

• Spay (females): Recovery period is typically 1 week.  Females can generally go home with their spay suit for an additional week of recovery.
  
  

Only after this recovery window is complete will kittens be cleared to go home, ensuring they are comfortable, healthy, and fully prepared for the transition to their new family.

Each of our kittens goes home with a curated starter package to help make their transition smooth and stress-free:

• Veterinary health exam documentation

• Registerable microchip for lifelong identification and safety

• Vaccine and health records

• 30 days of free pet health insurance

• 72 hour health guarantee

• 2 year genetic and congenital guarantee 

• A week's supply of food (Royal Canin Kitten dry food)

• 1-2 cans of wet food

• A kitten collar

• Kitten-sized nail clippers

• A sample size of our preferred shampoos

• A toy

• A blanket with littermate's scent  (to bring along familiar scents)
  
  

This kit ensures your new kitten has everything they need for a healthy, comfortable start in their new home.

We recommend scheduling your kitten’s first veterinary appointment within 72 hours of bringing them home. This allows your veterinarian to establish care, perform a general wellness examination, and review the health and vaccination records provided with your kitten.

Our 72-hour health guarantee also recommends your kitten to be examined by a licensed veterinarian within this timeframe. This initial visit is an opportunity for your veterinarian to confirm that your kitten is healthy and discuss their future preventative care.

Please bring your kitten’s health and vaccination records to the appointment. Your veterinarian can review which vaccines and deworming treatments have already been administered and help you determine what is needed next based on your kitten’s age.

We recommend avoiding unnecessary vaccines or treatments at this first appointment, especially on the day your kitten arrives home. Your kitten has already experienced a major transition, and allowing them time to settle before introducing additional stress is ideal. If your veterinarian recommends vaccines that are due, please discuss appropriate timing with them and refer to our vaccination guidelines.

As always, if your kitten shows signs of illness or you have an immediate concern, please contact your veterinarian rather than waiting for the scheduled wellness appointment.

Our kittens typically go home having received two FVRCP vaccines. However, we keep every kitten up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations for as long as they remain in our care. Depending on your kitten's age at the time of pickup, they may have received additional vaccines beyond those listed in our standard protocol.

Your kitten will never go home with fewer vaccines than outlined, but they may go home with more. Please refer to the individual vaccination record provided with your kitten for their exact vaccine history and dates.

⚠️ Important Vaccination Guidelines

FVRCP:
Your kitten will typically need one additional FVRCP booster after going home. Please provide your veterinarian with your kitten's vaccination records so they can determine whether an additional booster is needed and the appropriate timing.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia) Vaccine:
Our updated protocol recommends discussing the FeLV vaccine once your kitten is at least 4 months old. Ragdolls can be particularly sensitive to this vaccine, so we prefer that our kittens are older before receiving it. We do not administer the FeLV vaccine prior to go-home. Please speak with your veterinarian about your kitten's individual risk factors and the appropriate timing for vaccination.

Our kittens are guaranteed to be free of FeLV/FIV at the time of purchase and for 72 hours following purchase. Our breeding cats are also tested for FeLV/FIV and vaccinated against FeLV as part of our health program.

Rabies:
Your kitten will also need their rabies vaccine in accordance with your veterinarian's recommendations and local requirements.

Whenever possible, we prefer vaccines to be administered individually and spaced approximately 3 weeks apart. Please work with your veterinarian and use the vaccination records provided at pickup to establish the schedule that is most appropriate for your kitten.

We recommend deworming your kitten once a month until they are 8-12 months old. 

Yes! All of our kittens are spayed or neutered prior to going home.

Our kittens have their procedures performed at Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, where they are cared for by experienced surgical professionals. Following surgery, every kitten returns to our home to recover under our care and is monitored closely throughout the healing process.

We do not send kittens home immediately following surgery. We prefer for them to complete their initial recovery with us so families can focus on enjoying their new kitten rather than managing post-operative care.

Male kittens are given a minimum of approximately 3 days to recover, while female kittens are typically given 1–2 weeks of recovery time due to the more invasive nature of a spay procedure.

Your kitten will only be cleared to go home once they are comfortable, active, eating normally, and recovering appropriately from their procedure.

Yes! All of our kittens are microchipped prior to going home.

Your kitten’s microchip information will be included with their go-home paperwork, along with instructions for registering the microchip at no additional cost.

We strongly recommend completing the registration as soon as possible after bringing your kitten home. A microchip is only most effective when it is registered with your current contact information, allowing you to be contacted if your kitten is ever lost and their microchip is scanned.

Please remember to update your kitten’s microchip registration anytime your phone number, address, or other contact information changes.

Our kittens are exclusively fed Royal Canin Kitten dry food. We do rotate different wet food brands like Weruva, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, or Tiki Cat. We also add inclusions such as goat's milk, probiotics, and cooked lamb, goat, or beef. We do this to ensure they are meeting their high protein needs at pivitol development stages. 

Our kittens are free-fed dry food and have access to both dry food and fresh water throughout the day. This encourages healthy eating habits and ensures they receive the nutrition they need during their rapid growth stage.

Because Ragdolls grow for up to two years, it is especially important that they receive ample food and balanced nutrition during this time. In addition to dry food, we also feed our kittens wet food twice a day for added hydration and variety.

You are welcome to follow this same protocol in your home, or adjust as needed based on your schedule and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Yes, but we recommend keeping your kitten on the same dry kibble and wet food brands they are accustomed to for at least the first 6 months to 1 year whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent diet during this important stage of growth helps avoid unnecessary digestive upset.

Ragdolls can be particularly prone to sensitive stomachs, and sudden dietary changes may result in soft stool, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite. The stress of transitioning to a new home can also temporarily make their digestive system more sensitive, so we do not recommend changing foods immediately after bringing your kitten home.

If you decide to transition to a different food, it should be done very gradually. While many standard food-transition guidelines recommend transitioning over approximately 7–10 days, we recommend doubling that timeframe for Ragdolls and transitioning over approximately 2–3 weeks.

A general transition may look like:

• Days 1–5: 75% current food + 25% new food

• Days 6–10: 50% current food + 50% new food

• Days 11–15: 25% current food + 75% new food

• Days 16+: 100% new food

If your kitten develops loose stool or digestive upset during the transition, slow the process down and give their digestive system additional time to adjust before increasing the amount of new food.

Your kitten will go home with information regarding the exact foods they are currently eating, and we recommend having these foods available before bringing your kitten home.

We begin introducing our kittens to the litter box as soon as they are able to walk. By the time they leave our home, your kitten will be fully litter box trained.

It is completely normal for kittens to experience a short adjustment period after moving to a new home. Some kittens may not urinate or defecate for 2–3 days due to stress. This is usually nothing to worry about, and they should resume normal eating, drinking, and litter box habits once they’ve settled in.

We use Tractor Supply Pine Pelletized Bedding in our kitten nursery. Pine pellets are a non-clumping litter, which is important for young, weaning kittens who may occasionally explore or taste their litter. Non-clumping litter helps reduce the risk of a kitten accidentally ingesting clumping litter, which could potentially cause an intestinal blockage.

By the time your kitten goes home, they have grown out of this exploratory stage and are not considered at risk of eating their litter. However, because our kittens are raised together in a nursery where there may be kittens of different ages, we keep everyone on the same safe, non-clumping pine pellet litter while in our care.

Once your kitten comes home, we recommend transitioning to a clumping litter for easier everyday cleaning and maintenance.

To make the transition as easy as possible:

1. Fill the bottom of the litter box with the new litter you would like to use long-term.

2. Add a layer of our familiar pine pellet litter on top.

3. Gradually decrease the amount of pine pellets as your kitten becomes comfortable using the new litter.

We provide a supply of our pine pellet litter in your kitten's go-home bag to help with this transition.

We use open-top stainless steel litter boxes in our nursery. Your kitten is accustomed to an open litter box, so we recommend starting with a similar setup when they first arrive home. Once they are fully settled and consistently using their litter box, you can transition to another style if preferred.

Your kitten can transition to a different litter once they are home. We use Tractor Supply Pine Pelletized Bedding in our nursery, so this is the litter your kitten will be most familiar with.

To make the transition as easy as possible, we recommend gradually introducing the new litter rather than switching all at once.

Start by placing your preferred litter on the bottom of the litter box, then add a generous layer of our familiar pine pellet litter on top. As your kitten continues to use the litter box consistently, gradually decrease the amount of pine pellets with each litter change until you are using only your preferred litter.

We provide a small amount of our pine pellet litter in your kitten’s go-home bag specifically to help with this transition.

Ragdolls generally adapt very well to new litter, but changing too many things at once can be stressful. We recommend keeping the litter box style and location consistent while transitioning the litter. Once your kitten is confidently and consistently using their box, you can make additional changes if desired.

If your kitten has an accident during the transition, simply go back to using a higher percentage of the familiar pine litter and transition more slowly.

As a general guideline, we recommend having one litter box per cat, plus one additional box. For example, a home with two cats would ideally have three litter boxes.

When your kitten first comes home, however, one easily accessible litter box in their small transition space is usually perfect. Keeping the litter box nearby helps your kitten quickly learn where it is and maintain the good litter box habits they developed while in our care.

As your kitten gains access to more of the home, you may want to add additional litter boxes—especially in larger or multi-story homes. We recommend having at least one litter box on each level your kitten regularly accesses.

Place litter boxes in quiet, easily accessible areas where your kitten will not feel trapped or startled. Avoid placing them directly next to food and water.

We personally use and recommend open-top stainless steel litter boxes. They are easy to sanitize, do not absorb odors like plastic can over time, and provide plenty of room as your Ragdoll grows.

We recommend waiting until your kitten is fully settled into their new home and consistently using their regular litter box before transitioning to an automatic litter box.

During the first few weeks at home, we prefer kittens to use a traditional open-top litter box similar to what they are accustomed to in our nursery. Moving to a new home already involves many changes, so keeping their litter box familiar can help prevent unnecessary accidents or confusion.

Once your kitten is comfortable, you can introduce the automatic litter box alongside their existing litter box. Allow them to explore and use it voluntarily before removing their traditional box. You can also add a small amount of their familiar litter to the new box to help them recognize its purpose.

Always follow the automatic litter box manufacturer's minimum age and weight requirements. Some automatic boxes use sensors or moving components that may not safely detect very small kittens. We do not recommend using an automatic litter box until your kitten meets the manufacturer's requirements.

Once your kitten is confidently using the automatic box on their own, you can gradually remove their traditional litter box.

Never force your kitten into an automatic litter box or activate a cleaning cycle while they are inside or investigating it. Their first experiences should be calm and positive so they don't develop an aversion to the box.

Ragdoll kittens are born completely white. Their colors and patterns begin to appear gradually and continue to develop as they grow. It can take up to two years for a Ragdoll to reach their full adult coat and coloration. 

Ragdolls have thick, plush coats that require regular maintenance to keep them healthy and mat-free. Under my care, kittens are introduced to grooming early with 3–4 baths, weekly nail trims, and regular brushing. This helps desensitize them and prepares them for a lifetime of grooming needs.

I highly recommend bathing your Ragdoll at least every 2-4 months once they’re home. Seasonal coat changes, in particular, put them at risk for matting. The natural oils on their skin can act like glue, binding the dead undercoat to their body and creating compacted, uncomfortable mats. Regular bathing helps release this undercoat and prevents matting before it begins.

You will notice some white, fluffy “tumbleweeds” around your home during shedding season but this is far better than needing to shave your Ragdoll, which can damage their beautiful double coat.

Brushing also plays an important role. A slicker brush and a metal comb are the best tools to help remove loose hair and undercoat. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat healthy but also minimizes shedding around your home.

Ragdolls are a large, slow-maturing breed and are considered one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Their mature size can vary depending on genetics, build, and individual development.

Males tend to be larger, typically reaching around 13–18 pounds, while females generally mature around 10–15 pounds. Some Ragdolls may naturally fall slightly above or below these ranges while still being perfectly healthy.

Ragdolls also mature much more slowly than many other cat breeds. Your kitten may reach much of their adult height and length relatively early, but they can continue to fill out and develop their mature body, coat, and overall appearance for several years.

Because of their eventual size, we recommend choosing appropriately sized litter boxes, cat trees, carriers, beds, and scratching posts that will comfortably accommodate a full-grown Ragdoll.

Yes. We strongly recommend that Ragdolls be kept as indoor-only cats and never be allowed to roam outdoors unsupervised.

Ragdolls are an exceptionally social, trusting, and people-oriented breed. They tend to have very little fear of strangers and may not recognize or respond appropriately to outdoor dangers. Their friendly personalities, striking appearance, and often light-colored coats can also make them easy targets for theft, predators, and other outdoor hazards.

Keeping your Ragdoll indoors protects them from cars, predators, toxic substances, parasites, infectious diseases, getting lost, and encounters with unfamiliar animals.

That doesn't mean your Ragdoll can't safely enjoy the outdoors! Harness training is a wonderful option. We recommend introducing a properly fitted cat harness indoors first. Allow your kitten to become completely comfortable wearing it and walking on a leash inside your home before gradually introducing them to a secure outdoor environment.

A fully enclosed catio is another great way to provide fresh air and outdoor enrichment while keeping your Ragdoll protected.

Ragdolls are happiest when they are safe, close to their family, and included in everyday life. With plenty of indoor enrichment, climbing spaces, windows, toys, and interaction, they can live very happy and fulfilling lives entirely indoors.

Bringing home a new Ragdoll kitten is exciting! To help make the transition smooth and safe, here are some recommended steps and items to prepare in advance:

1. Safe Space

• A pen with a secure top is highly recommended for the first week or two. Place your kitten inside with a litter box, food, and water to help them adjust.

• This pen is also a safe way to introduce your kitten to other pets or to keep them secure when you’re busy or away.
  
  

2. Kitten-Proof Your Home

• Secure or remove loose/hanging wires and cords (especially curtain blinds).

• Block off small crevices, such as behind the refrigerator or dryer.

• Remove or replace any toxic plants.

• Avoid reclining furniture or other hazards where kittens may get trapped.
  
  

3. Litter Setup

• We recommend starting with a pellet-based litter.

• If you prefer another type, transition gradually by mixing the new litter in slowly until your kitten adjusts.
  
  

4. Food & Nutrition

• Please purchase food before your kitten comes home to avoid any gap in feeding.

• Continue with the food your kitten is accustomed to, and make gradual changes if desired.
  
  

5. Veterinary Visit

• Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian within 72 hours of bringing your kitten home.

• This ensures your kitten is healthy and protects your right to a refund should any health concerns arise during that window.
  
  

6. Toys & Enrichment

• Choose toys that encourage play and exercise, as well as scratching posts or climbing trees to burn off kitten energy.

• Treats: Look for simple, single-ingredient treats such as freeze-dried or air-dried meats. Churu treats are also loved by many kittens, but use them sparingly to avoid stomach upset.
  
  

Bringing your kitten home is exciting, but remember that everything is brand new to them—new people, smells, sounds, routines, and surroundings. Even the most outgoing kitten may need a little time to feel completely comfortable.

We like to use the 3-3-3 rule as a general guideline for the adjustment period:

The first 3 days: Your kitten is decompressing and learning that their new environment is safe. They may be quieter than usual, hide, sleep more, eat a little less, or be hesitant to explore. Other kittens may settle in almost immediately! Both responses can be completely normal.

The first 3 weeks: Your kitten begins learning your household routine, becoming more confident, exploring more of the home, and forming a bond with their new family. Their true personality will start to shine through as they become comfortable.

The first 3 months: Your kitten should feel fully at home. They have established their routine, developed strong relationships with their family and other pets, and understand that this is their permanent home.

Start Small

We strongly recommend beginning your kitten in a small, quiet, safe space rather than immediately giving them access to the entire home. A bedroom, office, or other comfortable room works perfectly.

Set up their food, water, litter box, scratching area, toys, and a comfortable place to sleep in this room. Keeping their environment smaller at first helps prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and makes it easy for them to locate their food, water, and litter box.

Once your kitten is eating normally, consistently using their litter box, playing, and confidently interacting with you, you can gradually allow them to explore additional areas of the home.

Try not to rush the process. Some kittens are ready to explore within a day or two, while others benefit from a little more time. Let your kitten set the pace. A calm, gradual introduction gives them the best opportunity to feel secure and confident in their new home.

Bringing a new kitten into a home with existing pets takes patience and planning. A slow, positive introduction sets the foundation for a lifelong bond. Here are our recommendations:

1. Start with Scent

• You are welcome to request a blanket with your kitten’s scent before they come home.

• Allow your pets to sniff the blanket so they become familiar with the new kitten’s smell in a non-threatening way.
  
  

2. Create Safe Separation

• Use a solid barrier (such as a door, baby gate with a cover, or playpen) so pets can sniff each other without direct contact.

• This helps them adjust at their own pace and prevents overwhelming interactions.
  
  

3. Positive Associations

• During early introductions, provide positive enrichment such as treats, toys, or playtime on each side of the barrier.

• Do not share toys or bowls yet—this helps each pet feel secure while building positive associations with the other’s presence.
  
  

4. Short, Supervised Meetings

• Gradually allow brief, supervised interactions in a calm environment once your pets show relaxed body language through the barrier.

• Keep sessions short and positive, ending before stress builds.
  
  

5. Respect Individual Paces

• Some pets may adjust quickly, while others need more time. Never force interaction. Let your kitten and resident pets set the pace.
  
  

6. Provide Individual Spaces

• Ensure your kitten has a safe retreat (a separate room, pen, or elevated perch) where they can rest and feel secure.

• Continue to provide your existing pets with their own safe spaces, too.
  
  

7. Maintain Routines

• Keep your resident pets’ daily routines (feeding, walks, playtime) consistent to reduce stress and prevent jealousy.
  
  

8. Watch for Stress Signs

• Hissing, growling, excessive hiding, or loss of appetite are signs that introductions are moving too quickly. If this happens, take a step back and slow the process down.
  
  

With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most Ragdoll kittens transition smoothly into multi-pet households.

Bringing your kitten home is an exciting transition, but remember that everything in their new environment is unfamiliar. Even a confident, outgoing kitten can feel overwhelmed by a large new space, unfamiliar sounds, smells, people, and routines.

We recommend beginning with a small, quiet, kitten-safe room such as a bedroom or office. Set up their litter box, food, water, bed, scratching area, toys, and carrier in this space before they arrive. Keeping their world small at first helps them learn where their essentials are and gives them a safe place to retreat while they adjust.

When you arrive home, bring your kitten directly into their designated room and open the carrier door rather than pulling them out. Allow them to come out, investigate, and approach you at their own pace.

Spend plenty of calm time in the room with them. Sit on the floor, play, offer affection, and allow them to explore without overwhelming them with too many visitors or new experiences at once.

When Can They Explore the Rest of the House?

Once your kitten is:

• Eating and drinking normally

• Consistently using their litter box

• Playing and exploring confidently

• Comfortable approaching and interacting with you

• No longer hiding or appearing overwhelmed

...you can begin gradually expanding their access to the rest of your home.

Introduce one new area at a time rather than opening the entire house immediately. This is particularly important in large or multi-story homes, where a young kitten may have difficulty finding their way back to their litter box.

Keep their original room available as their safe space during this transition. They may return there to sleep or relax until the rest of the home becomes familiar.

Most importantly, follow your kitten's lead. Some of our kittens confidently explore their new home almost immediately, while others need several days or longer. There is no need to rush them. A gradual introduction helps establish confidence, good litter box habits, and a sense of security in their new home.

Kittens are naturally curious and can get themselves into places you would never expect! Before bringing your kitten home, we recommend taking some time to kitten-proof your home just as you would for a young child.

Pay special attention to:

• Cords and chargers: Secure or cover electrical cords and unplug anything your kitten may be tempted to chew.

• Strings, ribbon, yarn and hair ties: These can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed. Wand toys and toys containing string should only be used with supervision and stored away afterward.

• Small objects: Pick up anything small enough to be swallowed, including rubber bands, children's toys, craft supplies, earplugs and small pieces of plastic.

• Houseplants and flowers: Make sure all plants in your home are cat-safe. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and should never be kept in a home with a cat—even small amounts of pollen or water from a vase containing lilies can be dangerous.

• Medications and household chemicals: Keep medications, vitamins, cleaning products, pesticides and other chemicals securely stored.

• Recliners and moving furniture: Always check where your kitten is before operating a recliner, adjustable bed, sleeper sofa or other furniture with moving mechanisms. Kittens love finding hidden spaces underneath furniture.

• Washers and dryers: Keep the doors closed and always check inside before starting them. Warm, dark spaces can be very appealing to cats.

• Cabinets and closets: Check for spaces your kitten could crawl into or become trapped inside. Childproof locks can be helpful on easily opened cabinets.

• Windows and screens: Make sure window screens are secure. Cats can push through loose screens surprisingly easily.

• Balconies and exterior doors: Never assume your kitten understands heights or outdoor dangers. Keep balconies secured and be mindful when opening exterior doors.

• Toilets and standing water: Keep toilet lids closed, particularly while your kitten is young.

• Food: Keep potentially harmful human foods and food scraps out of reach, and make sure trash cans are securely closed.

Get Down to Their Level

One of the best ways to kitten-proof is to get down on the floor and look at your home from your kitten's perspective. Look underneath furniture, behind appliances and inside small openings. If their head can fit through a space, there's a good chance the rest of them can too!

Ragdoll kittens are especially social and curious and will often follow their families everywhere, so develop the habit of checking where your kitten is before closing doors, moving furniture, starting appliances, or leaving the house.

Starting your kitten in a small, fully kitten-proofed room also makes the transition much easier. As they become comfortable and you gradually introduce additional areas of your home, you can kitten-proof each new space before giving them access.