How can you tell the personality/ temperment of a baby kitten? Especially when you just visit the cattery for a brief period of time?
Soon I will be going to choose between two 6 week old kittens and I am going to try my best to see and feel and sense which one I connect with. But I fear it will be like a reverse 'Sophie's Choice'-- reverse because it will be a very happy occasion!
(The breeder lives far away, so I won't be able to make multiple trips.)
Any comments from all you experts would be appreciated!
Thanks ~ GeoVal
Observe, but also ask the breeder specific questions to determine if what you are seeing is typical for that kitten. In most cases, you cannot go wrong.
I am utterly NOT an expert as I just experienced your dilemma as a first time Ragdoll owner. I went on my kitten visit knowing two of the litter were pre-sold and I could choose from the remaining three. I knew that I wanted a boy so that brought it down to two. I watched the litter interact and then had a little alone time with each one away from mom and the littermates. I chose what I thought was the "middle of the road" kitten, not too assertive, not too passive, somewhat quiet but interested in playing...
Fast forward, Dexter has turned into anything but
I ended up with a little fire ball who plays hard, snuggles hard and is more vocal than any other member of my household including my two schnauzers. I think that the kittens had just eaten and were quite placid during my visit, so it's really hard to tell from just a short visit. The breeder had actually told me that the smaller of the two (Dex's brother) was a "sweeter" fella and that Dex had a tendency to be a rascal but I just saw what I wanted to a the visit. Now I'm not for a minute saying that I made a mistake, it turns out our holy terror has fit in perfectly with no fear of the dogs and he's a great playmate for our 6 month old calico kitten.
Bottom line, listen to the breeder, he/she has been with them since birth and knows their personalities well. Much good luck with your baby.
This is probably a dumb question...but if there are any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.
I've mentioned before that I adore my Newman. He's a really happy, gentle, pleasant guy. He's thrilled to be pet and happily greets everyone and anyone he meets. I just WISH he'd be a bit more cuddly. If he doesn't want to sit on my lap, I'd like him to sit right next to me instead of across the room. I wish he's sleep next to me instead of at the bottom of the bed. You get the idea.
I remember when he first came home he would purr like crazy when I'd pick him up and love him. He still does that. He just never got in the habit of seeking out attention or sitting / laying down on or right by me.
I imagine that a most people are seeking an affectionate cat when they purchase their kitten. I doubt breeders ever hear that the new owner wants a ragdoll that is more independent and prefers to sit on the other side of the room from them.
With that in mind, is there anything you can look for or ask about when choosing a ragdoll kitten that could give you an indication as to whether the kitten will be a lap cat or will sleep in bed right next to you. I plan to get one more at the end of the year or next year and as much as I love Newman...I really, really want the final one in to be a snuggly love bug. If he isn't - I'll still adore him but I'll be out of room for cats and really missing having that!
I just figure at young ages while they're still with mom / littermates it would be hard for the breeder to know if the kitten will be a lap cat or a snuggler. Newman was very friendly as a baby and he still is so that wouldn't have indicated anything to tip me off that he might not be affectionate.
Thanks in advance.
You look for signs in the kitten, but also look to the parents.
What signs might I see in the kitten or ask the breeder about that might tip me off? I spent some time with Newman when he was 8 weeks old and he ran right over to greet me and had no problem being picked up. I do remember that he was eager to get back to playing and was more interested in his siblings than in me but I would think that would be the case with most kittens that age (or not?). He didn't squirm or show any fear. He just seemed busy with kitten games. I assumed that was typical of most kittens at that age but maybe I was wrong to think that.
Next time if I'm deciding between a couple of kittens or deciding if one is right or to wait on a future litter - what signs in the kitten might clue me in? Any specific questions I might ask the breeder that could help me pick the kitten that is more likely to be a lap sitter / bed snuggler?
Ask the breeder where the kitten sleeps. How long he stays sitting on family members. Does he come for cuddles and stay? Just ask about specific behavior that you want in the kitten. You are right, that literal lap kittens can want down to play immediately in a visit. You also need to understand that the new household and people matter too. Some cats do not want to sleep on a type A who is up and down and in constant motion, changing positions, etc.
I would love a lap cat too.
My baby sits near me, usually is in the same room...but I'd love it too if the second kitty was a snuggler!
I don't think you can make your Newman into a lap/snuggler if he is not naturally that way. A Ragdoll is still a cat after all!
My boy is so beautiful and very affectionate and sweet...I so enjoy just looking at him and knowing he wants to be near me is a wonderful feeling!
Thank you all for the feedback. It is very helpful!
You most surely can make some non lap cats into lap cats. You just use slow steps and make each step attractive to the cat. I sometimes wish our 20 pounder were a bit more of a beside you cat than a lap cat. Be careful what you ask for. Even if one cat is not so big, it can at times get oppressive to have two or more lap cats on you at once.
You most surely can make some non lap cats into lap cats. You just use slow steps and make each step attractive to the cat.
Hi JanH,
How do you do that? With treats?