Frequently Asked Questions About Ragdoll Kittens and the Ragdoll Breed

Please take a moment to learn more about the Ragdoll Kitten breed. We welcome your questions and comments, so feel free to send us a note and we will be happy to answer your questions!

Why would I want to read this FAQ page before calling you about the kitten I like on your site?

I think you will get a better understanding of what to expect out of adopting a kitten from us. Many of the questions here are questions I would ask a breeder if I was looking for a new family member.

How do I know the kitten I just saw is still available?

The kittens descriptions are accurate and get frequently updated. If you see a kitten on our Available Kittens page, it is still available. I do not hold kittens without a deposit.

How do I reserve a kitten?

First fill out the contact form or just call my cell: 817-500-2025 from 8am to 9pm CST to make sure the kitten you want is a good match for you and your family. Besides e-mail I must be able to communicate with you over the telephone.

If Ragdolls are Indoor cats only why are your videos and photographs taken outside?

To capture the Ragdolls true eye color I prefer natural sunlight for videos and pictures. Indoor lighting can alter the kittens natural coat color. You should see the entire cat including any mismarks. Many videos are taken inside. Blue eyed traditional Ragdolls and Solid White Blue eyed Ragdolls refelect the light on my camera indoors and they look bright red. I do not use photoshop to fix red eyes.

How long have you been breeding Ragdolls?

My mother brought home her first breeding pair in 1984 when we lived in Munich, Germany. She was the first Ragdoll breeder in Germany, wrote an article on the breed into ï¿½Katzenï¿½ the only Cat magazine at the time and helped promote the breed in Germany. I was very young then, but was included in all of the operations of a clean, upscale cattery. Throughout the years I am continuously educating myself on genetics, overall cat health, and the Ragdoll standard. I like to research pedigrees and talk to other breeders, especially those who still breed old solid and mink lines.

Why are some breeders charging more for "rare" mink and solid colored Ragdolls?

I donï¿½t have an answer for that. I personally know over 30 Ragdoll breeders who sell non-traditional, colored Ragdolls. I think there are several hundred breeders working with these colors. Here we donï¿½t charge more for a Blue Eyed Solid White, a Mink or a Solid. They are the same kittens as their traditional litter mates from one traditional parent. Some colors only come around once a year, but I donï¿½t believe people should be charged more for a color preference. We do charge more for show quality kittens.

What is the difference between Mink and Sepia Ragdolls?

From birth the mink kittens are significantly darker in body color than their pointed littermates (born white) and the sepia kittens are even darker than their mink littermates. The points of an adult sepia, mink and pointed Ragdoll look quite similar but the coat color has a richer/darker pigment from Mink to Sepia. All kittens are born with blue eyes. As the kitten approaches 10 weeks it is clear to see the difference in Mink and Sepia. You can only get a Sepia Ragdoll by breeding two Mink Ragdolls together. Adorableragdoll Cattery's last Mink to Mink breeding was done in Summer of 2008. We are not planning any Mink to Mink matings in the future. Our focus will remain on quality Mink colored Ragdolls who have one traditional colored parent.

What patterns do all Ragdolls come in?

1. Colorpoint (solid-no white) 2. Mitted (white chin, chest, mitts on front, back legs, belly) 3. Bicolor (white inverted V on face with white paws, back legs, chin, chest and belly)

What coat colors can Ragdolls come in?

1. Pointed Ragdolls: Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Tortie, Lynx and Torbie 2. Mink Ragdolls: Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Tortie, Lynx and Torbie 3. Sepia Ragdolls: Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Tortie, Lynx and Torbie 4. White Ragdolls: White (with no spots whatsoever and blue eyes) 5. Solid Ragdolls: Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Calico, Tabby, Black

Can the website benefit from my critique, comments, corrections and questions?

Of course constructive criticism is a good thing. I would like to know what you think about my site and answer your questions. Please send them in.

Can you describe the COAT color and EYE color differences between all the different Ragdolls?

1.Pointed Ragdolls: points are dark - body coat is a few shades lighter. Eye color is only blue from a light blue to a deep sapphire blue. Our (Traditional) Pointed Ragdoll Breeders are: Adorableragdoll Sweet Torbie a Seal Mitted Torbie, Tuftytoes Baby Blue a Blue Bicolor, Jervis Lexi a Seal Bicolor Lynx, Adorableragdoll Luna a Seal Bicolor. Traditional Males are Adorableragdoll Blue Boots a Blue Mitted male and Sentimental Luxury Edition a Lilac Mitted male. 2. Mink Ragdolls: points are dark - body coat color is only a few grades lighter than their points. Mink Ragdolls have aqua eyes (Caribbean green/blue to deeper blue/green). Our Mink Ragdoll breeders are Dallasrags Layla a Blue Mitted Mink Tortie, Adorableragdoll Confetti a Seal Bicolor Mink Tortie, Adorableragdoll Misty a Blue Bicolor Mink. Our Mink male is Adorableragdoll Blue Panther a Blue Bicolor Mink. 3. Sepia Ragdolls: points are dark - body coat color is richer and deeper than that of a mink. Sepia Ragdolls can have green, gold, copper, blue and also odd eyes. We do not have any Sepia Ragdolls at this time. 4. White Ragdolls: entire cat is pure white - Blue Eyed White Ragdolls is what we produce here. White Ragdolls can have blue, green and odd eyes. Our Blue Eyed White Ragdoll breeder is Adorableragdoll Snowball and her son Adorableragdoll Milkyway. 5. Solid Ragdolls: See more detail on www.solidragdolls.com

Why do cats purr?

While there are many theories, I can tell you why I think my cats purr. The new mom purrs during the entire delivery which I am sure must be painful. I think she is comforting herself. She purrs when she is nursing and cleaning the kittens. I think since they are blind and deaf at birth that this vibration is a form of communication. It helps a baby separated from a nipple during mom’s sudden change of position to move in the direction the vibration is coming from until it feels mom’s body heat again and can climb back to her tummy to nurse. Kittens purr when they are nursed and cleaned by mom, when we pet them and they are calm, often while they eat, many times just by making eye contact with them. Now when they are getting a bath and being blow dried again there is a purr. It may be that this breed being a very domestic people seeking breed submits easily. Any input is welcome. In general they purr a lot. They freely come and desire to be pet and the volume turns up with each stroke!

When I come to visit your Ragdoll Cattery will I get a tour and see every cat on the premises?

Our cattery is our home. Our pregnant females, future breeders and those taking a break from breeding have full run of the house. Our new moms have special places of serenity for the different stages of raising their babies.

Why is NOT every kitten for sale as a Pet or Breeder or Show/Breeder?

Unless you are willing to wait for a breeder kitten, our kittens get spayed/neutered as soon as they reach 2 lbs. Often the entire litter weighs over 2 lbs at 8 weeks and everyone gets fixed. I occasionally hold a kitten back from being spayed/neutered to evaluate again at 10-16 weeks. If this kitten has serious show/breeding potential it will be listed as possible breeder or possible show alter. Those kittens are rare as I only sell a breeder that is a fine example of the Ragdoll standard, paying particular attention to the non-traditional colored Ragdolls.

Why do I have to pay a deposit to hold a kitten?

The purpose of the deposit is to insure the Purchasers intent to purchase the Cat described in this agreement. Deposits are required when the kittens are under 6 weeks of age. If shipping, and the kitten is already 8 weeks of age, then full payment is required to hold that kitten. The above Cat will be held for the Purchaser and not be sold to any other buyer regardless. A breech of contract, either verbal, written, or through neglect or avoidance to communicate, on Purchasers part can jeopardize the chance of placing the Cat in a new home quickly as possible. For this reason the deposit is NOT refundable only transferable to another kitten, within 6 months if not used in this litter. No Cat or kitten will be held, whether implied or stated without a deposit. Rare Exceptions to Refund policy: At the Sellers discretion, they may refund the total deposit due to such issues as 1)Cats ill health, or 2) if the Cat Buyer originally intended to purchase is unavailable for unforeseen reasons. 1) Pet Quality Deposits of $200 are required to hold a particular kitten. 2) Show/Breeder Deposits of $500 are required to arrange a requested breeding or hold a potential show/breeder quality kitten up to 8 weeks when an additional $500 is required to further hold the cat. 3) Retired breeders if purchased for less than $350, full payment is required to hold the Cat

Do you have a favorite breeder?

Dallasrags Layla

Is there a discount if I buy two kittens?

Yes, $100 off the total for both. Shipping for two kittens is also discounted to $200 if shipped in one carrier with Continental Airlines before they and the carrier exceed a weight of 9 lbs. Usually two kittens between 10-13 weeks will fit. If their weight exceeds 9lbs with the carrier they may be shipped with Continental Airlines in a medium carrier for a total of $250.

Will you accept a personal check?

Yes, but your kitten has to stay for another week after I received your personal check. This makes it hard when some people drive for many hours to see a kitten on a weekend and the banks are closed to get cash or a cashier’s check. Money orders are preferred over personal or business checks.

Why is your home address not on the website? I need directions to get to your house?

After we have talked on the phone and your questions about your future kitten have been answered I will give you my house number and directions to come visit your kitten.

When I come to choose my kitten from you will my kittens parents be there for me to see?

Yes, unless the father was a stud used from another breeder like Sentimental Luxury Edition. He is the only male we occasionally use for our chocolate/lilac program. I would like you to meet both parents of the kitten you are adopting.

Why do most kittens at 12 weeks old jump right up purring and wanting to be pet?

Because they are spoiled, very well socialized by that age and they know the sofa is the place for attention.

I don't see what I am looking for on your site. Should I call asking what is coming up or if you can refer me to another breeder in my area?

Please fill out the contact form and I will call you with answers to your questions. Yes, many breeders refer clients back and forth when they don’t have what the clients is looking for at the moment. I work with reputable breeders in several states.

Can I have my kitten de-clawed after purchasing it from you?

It is your decision to do what you feel is best for your new family member. A decision such as this just requires a little time spent on Google and getting to know your kitten. This is an article I agree with: http://www.geocities.com/declawing/

Is there a way that I can pick up or have my kitten shipped already de-clawed?

The vet I trust with de-clawing doesn’t do early spay/neuter. This would mean that your kitten is being put under general anesthesia at 8-10 weeks to be spayed/neutered/micro chipped and then at 12 weeks put under general anesthesia again by my vet to perform the de-clawing procedure. Your kitten may need to stay up to a week in a special confined safe clean place with extra love and shredded paper instead of litter until fully recovered which is for kittens 3-4 days. Please read the above article before you call me regarding this subject. The additional fee for this is $150 and your kitten would be ready to go home between 13 to 14 weeks old.

How long do Ragdolls live?

My grandmother in the Czech Republic had one of our early Ragdolls for 18 full years. It’s what kept her getting up every morning. She had a Seal Bicolor Male she named “Cirda” who was actually a tiny runt of the litter no one wanted. My mom gave him to my grandma not knowing the cat added a few years to my grandmother’s life. If Cirda made it to age 18 with very limited vet care I would think Ragdolls live long enough to impact your life forever.

Is there a genetic difference between Mink and Sepia Ragdolls?

According to SolidRagdolls.com: “Sepia and mink body coat color is a very 'warm' color. Genetically, Pointed Ragdolls have 2 point genes (cs, cs), Sepia Ragdolls have 2 sepia genes (cb, cb) (also known as the Burmese genes), Mink Ragdolls have 1 point gene and 1 sepia gene (cb, cs). A sepia gene is not sex related but to get a mink Ragdoll at least one of the parents needs to be a mink. A Sepia Ragdoll, when bred to a Pointed Ragdoll, only produces Mink Ragdoll kittens.” Based on this info Neo being a Sepia Ragdoll bred with any of my blue eyed Traditional Ragdolls should produce an all Mink Litter.

How do I pay for my kitten?

Seller accepts cash, checks, money orders, or credit cards through paypal. Credit card will require an additional 3% fee. Typical Kittens Prices: Range from $750 to $900. AdorableRagdoll Breeder/show quality Prices: Range from $1400 to $2500. These are uncommon due to high standard of Seller. Buyer must have an established cattery registered in CFA or TICA, and be a member of at least one Ragdoll club, such as RFCI and RI, and adhere to their Code of Ethics. Final payment is required prior to or on placement date. If using a check, please allow two weeks for check to clear before your Cat is allowed to go home. Cash or money orders are preferred on placement date. Under no circumstances will the Cat be allowed to be placed without payment in full. Credit card payments can be made through paypal: andrea@minkcats.com Besides e-mail I must be able to communicate with you over the telephone. I am unable to take credit card numbers directly. Bank wire transfer or Western Union is also fine.