There's an ad in our local paper today and before I call, I thought I'd ask if you think it's legit.
The ad is for seal point and flame point Ragdoll kittens. 2 months old, parents on site. For only $200.00. We paid $700 for our kitten and I just find it hard to believe that these kittens could be purebred for only $200 ?!?!?!
I'm thinking of calling, but honestly...how would I KNOW if these cats are truly purebred Ragdolls ? I don't know if that's a 'normal' price or it is and we paid too much for our little girl. ???
This isn't the first time I've seen this person post an ad in our local paper. It makes me VERY curious. What do y'all think ??
Everything about that screams BACKYARD BREADER!!! STAY AWAY! The fact they are 2 months old, means 8 weeks, and ragdoll breaders do not let their kittens go before 12 weeks when they have had their shots. The price for a purebred ragdoll (pet quality) averages around $650 - 750, and should include shots, neutering (in the US), and registration papers. Please don't call or even go look at these kittens. If you do, you'll feel sorry for them and want to bring one home and that only perpetuates BYBs. Additionally, most kittens from breeders such as this end up having health issues and vet bills will cost you more than just purchasing a "REAL" ragdoll from a reputable breeder...
*now stepping down off my soapbox (once again)*
Back Yard Breeder!!!!! It screams it. As someone that is very active in the rescue world all my red flags go up with ads placed in papers and craigs list that resemble what you are describeing. They may be real ragdolls but every single time they sell one they are kept in business and the animals suffer from poor breeding and breeding conditions. I have done many many rescues with ASPCA closeing down backyard breeders and Hoarders. It is very sad the condition these poor creatures are kept in.
Beware and be carefull.
Get some of those real $15 Prada leather bags while you are shopping. The result is even worse. Then you get a $2 item for $15. With these you get a $50 moggie for $200 and the chance to hit the negative jackpot on vet bills. No. Real Ragdoll kittens are not available cheap. The way to get a Ragdoll is with registration papers from a major registry AND from a reputable breeder.
I agree with everything everyone is saying, except for one minor thing (which doesn't really affect this situation since the ad was clearly placed by a BYB, but wanted to address it anyway)-- even in the US, not all reputable breeders do early spay/neuter, so that in and of itself isn't necessarily a red flag if everything else checks out. But, again, the 8 week old $200 ragdolls are clearly NOT from a reputable breeder!
On the contrary, not early altering is a red flag, just like placing kittens young. A red flag does not necessarily mean to avoid the person. It just means that you need to see why the red flag is there.
Note that I said "not necessarily" and "if everything else checks out". So we're in agreement, even if my phrasing maybe wasn't as precise as it should have been.
$200 for a Ragdoll is definitely NOT a true Ragdoll... Even if it comes with papers (which I doubt so), the kittens will have loads of health issues, temperament issues, etc... So, for new buyers, pls BEWARE of "cheap" Ragdolls, as they are from unscrupulous BYBs, who are just interested in $$$ and treat their cats as "money-making machines" and the poor cats live in unspeakable environment...
Bubba was $750. and that didn't include neutering. Teresa makes an excellent point when she says don't go and look at them. It would probably be mighty hard to walk away.
We took everyones advice and didn't call. You're right, Teresa. Had we gone, my heart would have melted and we would have brought one home with us, because leaving them would have broken my heart.
I know that the woman we brought Sunny from was a tough sell. LOL She did a background check on us (called our vet and some personal references), spoke on the phone with me 4 times and while she was a real sweetheart, you KNEW she took her 'babies' very seriously. When we wanted to pick up Sunny at 10 weeks, she said "Absolutely not". When we did go to get her, she allowed us to see her house, meet all her cats, she gave us all her vets information, etc. All shots and de sexing were done and we received registration papers.
We're going to wait. And when we get another Ragdoll, we'll go back to our breeder in Chicago. I sleep well at night knowing that Sunny came to us the 'right way'.
Thanks to each of you for your great advice ! I appreciate it ! xo