Belle had her first call at 10 months, she came into call approx every 6 weeks and is a silent caller. In sept her snap test knocked her off call arghhhh. I thought that's it now until next year, most of my friends cats had stopped calling. Oh no not Belle (she has her own agenda). She came into call again the sat before xmas, not a good time it would mean collecting her boxing day and we were at the start of the snow age so wasn't sure about geting stuck in the snow. Izzy came into call on boxing day and calls every 3 weeks, she's just stopped again, she's vocal anyway. Belle? I am still waiting to take her to stud. My eldest encouraged her to meow so now when she sees him she meows otherwise she's quiet, everytime she meows I am like is she? isn't she? I am pulling my hair out with her lol. I want some raggie kitties. Moan over.
I hope you don't want Ragdoll Kittens just for the sake of wanting Ragdoll Kittens. Being a breeder, your aim should be to better the breed. To breed a Ragdoll that is as close to the breed standard as possible. While along the way making sure all kittens are healthy (of course!) and the ones that don't cut it are sold as loving pets, and the ones that do you can keep for breeding. Therefore getting closer and closer to the breed standard. Breeding is not easy or for the feint hearted, and from your last couple of sentences, I kind of got the drift that you only want to breed Ragdolls so you can get some cute little 'Raggie Kitties'. I apologise in advance if I am wrong. And if I am, I really hope that Belle has a loud call for you and you can get her mated!
I recommend you read
this, infact I might start a topic now with a link to this as I think a lot of cat owners should read it!!
I have carefully chosen Belle's mate in order to improve the breed standard. His eye colour is much darker than Belle's and he is passing this onto his offspring. He has a temprement compatible to her's. She is a little on the small side for a Raggie, he is not too big that it could cause complications during labour, he has done very well at his first show, but was retired from the show ring as he wasn't happy, Belle's father is a champion. I bought Belle as pet with the option to put on the active to breed if I decided it was what I wanted to do. So no I haven't gone into this lightly. If circumstances dictate I would willingly keep all of Belle's kittens.
As a rule the vets in the UK do not neuture/spay before 6 months, I have had a lengthly discussion with my vet recently regarding early neuturing and he was happy to perform this procedure early if I was concerned that my kittens would be bred from by a byb. I am also looking for a microchipping course close to where I live in order to chip all my kittens before they leave here. What else do you think I should do in order to show I am not a byb?
Do you show your cats? Is the stud shown? Are both parents health tested against genetic or health defects? Do you have the finances to fully care for the mother and all the kittens? Are you sure you will be able to find them good homes? Are you willing to take any of these kittens back if something doesn't work out in the new home?
If the answer to all these is yes, I would definitely not consider this as back yard breeding. Back yard breeders don't usually bother doing any research before breeding. I would also recommend parterning with a well established breeder to "learn the ropes" and prepare for what is to come, and to help improve your own reputation rather than being a newbie
Jan i really hope you get the desired outcomes shortly. two cats on heat sounds somewhat entertaining.
i always thought you were breeder anywyas
(01-29-2010 10:41 PM)dannilou Wrote: [ -> ]two cats on heat sounds somewhat entertaining.
You have no idea lol. I have a almost 4 month old Bichon Frise puppy who has formed an attatchment to Izzy my bsh and everytime she is calling, my little Lulu has her nose where dogs tend to stick their noses and Izzy is in ecstasy, poor Izzy but she's only 8 months so far too young for a stud.
(01-29-2010 10:41 PM)Solo Wrote: [ -> ]Do you show your cats? Is the stud shown?
He got Best in show in his one and only show, he wasn't happy in the show ring so was retired from showing. I live in a very rural area and the nearest show would mean a 4 am start, not convenient with young kids.
Are both parents health tested against genetic or health defects?
Yes
Do you have the finances to fully care for the mother and all the kittens?
Yes, I will keep all the kittens if I have to.
Are you sure you will be able to find them good homes? Are you willing to take any of these kittens back if something doesn't work out in the new home?
Finding a good home is no guarentee. Peoples circumstances change and yes I would take back all the kittens if the new owners found they could no longer keep them.
If the answer to all these is yes, I would definitely not consider this as back yard breeding. Back yard breeders don't usually bother doing any research before breeding. I would also recommend parterning with a well established breeder to "learn the ropes" and prepare for what is to come, and to help improve your own reputation rather than being a newbie
I may be new to breeding but I definatly have done my research before I chose to breed. I have my prefix, I have my 2 chosen breeds, I have my studs lined up, I have the equiptment, but most importantly in my opinion I have the support of my vet. I also have several breeders as mentors.
LOL that does sound extremely entertaining..poor izzy indeed..can u post some pics of the fluffy puppy.
Lulu is due for a bath his weekend, she is all white so not a good colour if you have an open fire and she likes to help fill the coal bucket lol. She has become something of a celeb here, she had loads of pics taken last night by my daughters friends mum and the woman at the garage today said her mum had a Bichon cross jack russel so took some pics of Lulu on her mobile to show her mum lol. I'll get some pics of her fluffed up and post this weekend.
You sound like you have done your research and will make a great breeder!
Oh Jan!! I fully understand your moan, I bet you didn't think it would turn in a trial by concerned raggie owners!
For those of you who don't know Jan, she is the most concientious new breeder you could ever wish to meet. Having overcome her own initiation to the breed I know Jan will only ever strive to breed the very best. I would gladly buy a kitten from Jan knowing that it will be well-bred, well cared for, well socialised and very well loved. The fact that she is still waiting for her first litter shows just how much care and research she has put into finding the right stud. Everything is made even more difficult for Jan because she lives in a village in the welsh countryside and has to make sure she can get Belle and Izzy to the right stud at the right time, not always easy when we are currently in the grips of the worst winter weather for 50 years and once again, Jan is snowed in this weekend!!!
Take it easy guys, sometimes it is too easy to draw conclusions and jump in without having all of the details to hand. We know it is because we all love the Ragdoll breed and want the very best but jumping in hard and deep can be destructive, especially when the person being lambasted is totally innocent.