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Finding a breeder

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• Finding a breeder

• Hello

  NatsFan78 > 06-17-2019, 07:32 PM

  Hello, my name is Michelle. I live in Virginia in the United States. Unfortunately I do not have a ragdoll yet, I just heard of them for the first time while searching for information on lapcats. After reading about them I am in love! I hope to adopt one next summer so I am here to learn everything I can.

• RE: Hello

  Tikismom > 06-17-2019, 08:27 PM

  Hello and welcome Michelle! You've come to the right place to ask questions. We have reputable breeders here and knowledgeable members who are always happy to help so ask away.

• RE: Hello

  NatsFan78 > 06-17-2019, 08:31 PM

  Thank you so much! I think I found a breeder. Any advice on making sure she is a good one?

• Finding a breeder

  NatsFan78 > 06-17-2019, 09:03 PM

  Hello all! I am hoping to adopt my first ragdoll in a few months. I think I have found a good breeder. Any advice you can give on finding the right breeder and kitten would be greatly appreciated. I am in Virginia but the breeder I have been messaging with is in Tennessee. She comes to northern Virginia to visit family and will often bring the kittens with her for people who have adopted here. She has been very kind and answered all my questions. This is all new to me and I don’t want to pick the wrong breeder. Thank you.

• RE: Hello

  Tikismom > 06-18-2019, 10:28 AM

  If you post a link to the website someone may have heard of them and be able to provide feedback.
  They should be registered with TICA and/or CFA and the litter registered as well.
  Breeding stock should be screened and negative for the known genetic mutations of HCM.
  Breeder should do early alter, spay or neutering, prior to kitten being released.
  Kitten should be released no earlier than 12 weeks of age (or later) for proper socialization.
  A reputable breeder will have you sign a contract usually stipulating things like contacting them first if the cats is to be re-homed for any reason, agreeing to always keep them indoors, etc.
  One red flag is if the breeder offers unapproved variants like minks. Ragdolls are a blue eyed pointed breed only.
  Hopefully one of our breeders will chip in if I've missed anything.

• RE: Hello

  NatsFan78 > 06-18-2019, 11:35 AM

  (06-18-2019, 10:28 AM)Tikismom Wrote: If you post a link to the website someone may have heard of them and be able to provide feedback.
  They should be registered with TICA and/or CFA and the litter registered as well.
  Breeding stock should be screened and negative for the known genetic mutations of HCM.
  Breeder should do early alter, spay or neutering, prior to kitten being released.
  Kitten should be released no earlier than 12 weeks of age (or later) for proper socialization.
  A reputable breeder will have you sign a contract usually stipulating things like contacting them first if the cats is to be re-homed for any reason, agreeing to always keep them indoors, etc.
  One red flag is if the breeder offers unapproved variants like minks. Ragdolls are a blue eyed pointed breed only.
  Hopefully one of our breeders will chip in if I've missed anything.

  
  The breeder does not currently have a website. When I asked about it she said the website is currently down “until i get unbusy enough to make it a priority.  Frankly, i prefer Facebook.  It is more transparent than a website.  The website did not have anything on it that cannot be obtained here.” She has answered my questions quickly and thoroughly. I messaged a few others but I was most impressed with this one. I will post what she sent me below. I just want to make sure I make a good decision. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you. 
  
  Her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RagdollKittens.us/
  
  Her response to my message asking about her cats and her adoption process:
  
  Thank you for your interest in our kitties.  We are on the West Tennessee/KY line.  We accept credit cards through Paypal.  Paypal also offers credit with no interest for six months if paid within the six months.  
  
  Our first litter for the year is due any day.  Most boy kittens are $885.  Most girl kittens are $925.   We sometimes have lower and higher prices depending on markings, lines and age.  Bicolor kittens start at $1295.    
  
  The kitten  reservation  is $295 and reduces the balance due at time of pick up.   We do not hold kittens without a completed agreement and reservation.   
  
  We are registered with TICA.  We are also members of RFW.   
  
  If you are interested in reserving a kitten, please let us know you want to review our agreement.
  
  This price includes: 
  1.   They are spayed/neutered before leaving our home. 
  2.  Their vaccinations are administered by one of our vets.  Many vets will not accept vaccinations administered by breeders.  
  3.  They are health examined at least once by our vets
  4.  They are micro-chipped at time of neuter 
  5.  We apply a prescription parasite preventative (Revolution) before they go home it lasts 30 days.  If you do not want this please let us know.   Parents are on monthly program. 
  6.  They are bathed.  
  7.  Their nails are clipped and we are happy to show you how to clip their nails with your nail clippers.
  8.  They come with TICA papers
  9.  A written two-year genetic-health guarantee is included in our written agreement.
  10. Kittens are taught to "come here", "no", and "it's okay"
  11. We feed high-quality food -- right now it is Instinct Kitten dry and  Dave's Turkey and Giblet canned.  
  12. All of our cats and kittens live in our home not cages, barns, or outbuildings.  We currently have five breeding girls and one boy.
  13. Mom and her kittens have their own nursery.   
  
  We do not ship but will meet you at the airport if you fly the kitten in-cabin with you.   We do travel a little to meet people.   Part of our fee goes to caring for feral cats.   
  
  Maryann,
  NobleRags TICA RFW
  
  I asked about testing on their cats before breeding and vaccines:
  
  Yes, we test all parents for HCM mutation.  We have multiple generations free of that.  I would not say they are "prone".  Ragdoll breeders were serious about being sure that that disease did not take hold and paid for a test to be developed to catch it.  It is a mutation that SEEMS to require two copies (one from mom and one from dad to be fatal to kittens.  Like humans, heart disease does not happen in just one race, national origin or group of people.  It is present in all cat breeds. 
  
  PKD is a kidney disease.  The scientist who created the test, recommends against it for Ragdolls.  I have the quote. I will try to fish it up.  She says the Persian mutation is not present in Ragdolls.  She said to spend the money on cat litter. Blockages and inflammation of the kidneys and urinary track system can be avoided by feeding quality ingredients free of cheap fillers.  Canned food daily is part of a healthy cat diet.  Yes, costs more but it is critical.  www.catinfo.org
  
  I recommend against FIV, FeLV vaccines because they are for outside cats.  The exception would be if your existing cat or cats have those diseases.  Unfortunately, many vaccines are not 100%.  The purpose is to limit disease.
  
  I have had one cat tested for corona virus, Rhino virus, calici and 3 other viruses.  It was negative.  Since these are highly contagious,i believe my home is free of them.  Over the next year, my five cats will be tested.

• RE: Hello

  JanH > 06-18-2019, 02:11 PM

  Although it does not matter with this breeder if she does not breed with any HCM DNA positive cats, it may with other breeders you consider. HCM is autosomal DOMIANANT. One copy of the gene can cause HCM and death from it. It may be true (or not) that HCM development is more likely and more severe in cats who are homozygous (two copies, one from each parent) for the HCM genes. HCM from the "Ragdoll gene" (so called because it was discovered in Dr. Meurs research on Ragdolls) has "variable penetrance," which means that a cat with an HCM gene may not develop HCM and severity varies.
  
  Testing of breeding cats for the "Maine Coon HCM gene" is also wise, since it has been found in Ragdolls, although seemingly rare. This gene was also identified by Dr. Meurs.

• RE: Hello

  NatsFan78 > 06-18-2019, 02:17 PM

  (06-18-2019, 02:11 PM)JanH Wrote: Although it does not matter with this breeder if she does not breed with any HCM DNA positive cats, it may with other breeders you consider. HCM is autosomal DOMIANANT. One copy of the gene can cause HCM and death from it. It may be true (or not) that HCM development is more likely and more severe in cats who are homozygous (two copies, one from each parent) for the HCM genes. HCM from the "Ragdoll gene" (so called because it was discovered in Dr. Meurs research on Ragdolls) has "variable penetrance," which means that a cat with an HCM gene may not develop HCM and severity varies.
  
  Testing of breeding cats for the "Maine Coon HCM gene" is also  wise, since it has been found in Ragdolls, although seemingly rare. This gene was also identified by Dr. Meurs.

  
  Thank you so much Jan. Does this seem like a good breeder to you? I’m hoping to make a decision and put a deposit down in the next few months.

• RE: Hello

  JanH > 06-18-2019, 03:10 PM

  I did not access her Facebook materials. The cattery policies she mentions seem good. I do not know the lines she uses, since one would have to see the full registered names of the cats or some discussion of her mentors. I also did not note how long she has been breeding. Perhaps TM will see the Facebook materials and have some input. I did not see red flags in what is in this string. The prices seem low, but responsible breeders sometimes do that, particularly in some areas.
  
  I do not approve of non-refundable deposits, although some do. (That it is refundable here is not noted.) My feeling is that I do not want a kitten of ours to go to a home that is taking the kitten with loss of deposit being a factor and, although disruptive, moving down the waiting list for a fully satisfied home should not be an issue for a popular breeder. In addition, I can reject a candidate for a kitten at any time, including at the last minute, and the prospect should have the same flexibility.

• RE: Hello

  Codysmom > 06-18-2019, 04:57 PM

  Welcome Michele so glad you could join us and as has been said this is a great place to learn about Ragdolls and .
  
  I could see the link and the breeder's cattery is called "Noble Rags" she also does mention the following, which might be worth noting:
  
  We are a small in-home Ragdoll kitten breeder with champion lines. We also have rare Chocolates, Lilacs, Minks, Sepias and Lynx. Some of our cats can be traced back to the Original five Ragdolls.
  
  I couldn't see anywhere whether the kittens are spayed/neutered before you get them or what age they are before letting them go.
  
  Perhaps one of the breeders on the forum have heard of her and can advise you. 
  
  Wishing you everything of the best in your search for a kitten, they are an amazing breed and it's worth waiting for the right one. You won't regret it.
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