Hello! As you can see I'm new to the forum. I wasn't sure which forum to post this topic in, so if it needs to be moved I apologize.
I'm considering buying a kitten, and was wondering what the board in general's feelings on shipping kittens was? Obviously breeders allow it, but is it recommended? Would you suggest people come to the breeder and actually get to know kittens if they don't have a coloring preference? I don't want to put a young cat through the trouble of flying just so I could enjoy them. On the other hand, it would be nice to buy from a recommended breeder.
So any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much. I've been reading through some of the threads, and this looks like a lovely forum and resource.
Lauren
I think it is more important to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder and know you are getting a quality kitten than to worry about the shipping. I've known of kittens being shipped overseas and they do just fine. If there are other reputable breeders close to you that you feel more comfortable working with, then by all means go to them, but otherwise, shipping a kitten shouldn't keep you from getting one to enjoy.
Welcome to the forum!! Hope you'll stay around and let us know what you decide, and when you get your kitten!
Hi Lauren,
Welcome to the forum. I totally agree with Teresa. Buying from a reputable breeders is very important. And if your having trouble finding a reputable breeder close to you, you can always ask the forum for help with that too. There are a lot of ragdoll owners and breeders here with a lot of knowledge and always willing to help.
Sue
There are reputable breeders most places. There are big advantages of getting a kitten nearby and you should try hard to do it that way. However, if that is not possible because of your timing or wanting a color/pattern/sex that is not available locally, then many kittens are shipped without problems.
Hi Lauren and welcome!!
I had this same feeling and tried to find a breeder within a few hundred miles of me. I live in a very rural area and there aren't any ragdoll breeders here. I'm not even sure there are ragdolls in our area. I have found a wonderful breeder and now friend but she lives out of state so I am doing the shipping thing. It's done all the time SO I just have to be calm. It was either ship my baby when the time comes or I don't get to have a ragdoll. That's NOT an option so I'm shipping!! I just wish I could get two at once but since I'm home all day everyday I can wait.
Dorothy
I agree with JanH you should try to find a breeder that is within driving distance. If that is not possible then having a kitten shipped is really no big deal. We use Continental Airlines when we ship kittens. I feel they do a very good job.
Thank you all so much for such quick, informative replies. There is a breeder in my state, about an hour and a half from me. I was initially planning to buy through her, I just want to insure she's the right choice.
I'll definitely stay around and let you know how things go. I probably won't even begin to think about purchasing until late summer or early fall, depending on where I move.