Ragdoll Cat Forums

****deleted content as there was never any intention to offend anyone*****

I would like to think that your experience is uncommon, but it's really hard to know. These days, with the advent of the internet, anyone can "invent" themselves and say anything about themselves, their cats, or their cattery. I know that there are some "big" breeders who have incredibly well socialized kittens. There are some breeders that cage most cats they have, including kittens, and those kittens don't become well socialized at all.

I, too, have been fortunate in the cats that I have - they have all had that "ragdoll personality". And - with the exception of my first "pet" ragdoll - I've had all of my cats shipped/couriered to me, so I bought them "sight unseen." I really feel that your BEST bet - not a guaranteed bet, but your best bet - is to find a breeder that you feel very comfortable with. This person ideally would be close enough to visit - but if not, they should be willing and able to talk to you and answer any questions/concerns you have prior to purchasing. This would include answering questions about health histories, whether the kitten is vet checked, what kind of health guarantee comes with the kitten, etc. If you aren't satisfied with their answers, look elsewhere. And if you live close by, and come into contact with a breeder like you described - good for you and your mom for going elsewhere. There are plenty of healthy, well socialized Ragdoll kittens around.

It's a shame (and surprising) that the only information on this breeder was positive. Best of luck in your mom's search for her next companion.

Sadly your experience is a common one and I myself 'saved' a kitten from such a back yard breeder (naively) she was only 3 weeks old. She came with health problems, worms and ear mites. A lot of TLC and expensive vet bills later she has turned out to be a little beauty and a very much loved member of our family, sadly not all these kittens end up like my little Dusty and with all the will in the world many don't make it.

A reputable breeder will also like to know about you and your family circumstances, they would want to know that their kittens are going to loving homes and not somewhere they would be left alone for long hours.

I think this is a very small minority, but is another reason you want to visit to see the kittens and the environment - and be prepared to walk away if you are not comfortable - as you did. (Ann Baker herself was a very poor place to get a kitten for many years. That may seem positive - and may be depending on the timing, the breeder and the kittens - but it also may be a big red flag.)