Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hello all!

I am excited to join this forum. My name is Karen and I along with my family are waiting for our new family member who is going to be born in early March. (I know we have a while to wait ) I decided to join this group so I can share my excitement as I go through my adoption process and love to hear everyone's stories about their furry friends!

We said goodbye to our little boy of 14 years in December (not a ragdoll breed) after he became ill from stomach cancer. We made the decision to say goodbye to him when he stopped responding to his treatment and we felt his life quality was beginning to decline. To be honest, it has been extremly painful for me to get used to him being gone. He was my little shadow.. always following us around everywhere and taking turns sleeping in our bed or the kid's bed. So I think the time we wait for our Ragdoll to be old enough to join us, it will allow time for us to finish grieving.

We decided to pursue a Ragdoll because of the personality traits that they exhibit. I love that they are very affectionate and love to be part of the family. We have two kids... age 5 and 6 who loved our cat dearly and were wonderful and gentle with him. They are anxious to welcome our new kitty into our home!

I have to admit, the process of deciding who to adopt from was difficult. I have never adopted from a breeder before and really wanted to make sure that the kitty we adopt was coming from a reputable and honest breeder who cared about the well being of the cats that were in her cattery. Several breeders would not allow me the option to come visit kittens that were only weeks away from being ready for adoption. Another breeder posted on her website she is offering an opportunity to get a free ragdoll kitten if they hire her for her Realtor services and a transaction closes. One breeder told me she adopts kittens as young as 8 weeks old. Several breeders did not return my calls. I finally met a wonderful breeder who I noticed was very highly regarded in this forum. She told me that I could never call her too much and she would send me updates as soon as the kittens were born. I feel really wonderful about our decision on who we will adopt from. She is also close to us so we will not have to put the kitten through any trama of travel.

So as I wait to bring our new family member home, I look forward to learning as much as I can about the Ragdoll breed and hearing everyone's experiences with their lovable companions!

Welcome to the forum. You've made a wonderful decision to get a ragdoll and it sounds like you did your homework with breeders also. (are you going to clue us in which breeder you're getting your little one from?). I look forward to hearing all about your little one and when it's born.

Hello Karen, welcome to the forum! congrats on adopting a ragdoll baby sorry you lost your 14 yr old kitty, i know the hurt..lost our 2 last feb & march. I am a first time ragdoll owner like you. They are a very special breed & we are enjoying every day with them as i know your family will enjoy yours. I will look forward to post & pics from you.

Hello and welcome! You can't go wrong with a ragdoll..good choice! You won't be disappointed!

Hello and Welcome!

I love this forum. It is like an extended family for me. I too am a first timer for the Ragdoll breed. Our 17 year old British Shorthair was gone for about 4 months before we discovered Ragdolls. I went from never again to I need another kitten now in a few short weeks! The wait I am sure is still painful, but at least you have something to look forward to now. We enjoyed shopping for "stuff" too. So many new things on the market today for kittens.....looking forward to pictures of your new baby.

HI Karen and welcome
Congrats!! on your new baby sounds like you made a great decision not only on the Ragdoll breed , but more important the breeder.
Hope you stay around there our lot of great people with a lot on kitty knowledge here.

Karen ... I am glad you found a good relationship with your breeder. I cannot tell you how wonderful a good breeder can be in making your wait seem not quite so unbearable The relationship I have with my breeder is wonderful, and I call or email her w/ questions and updates as things arise w/ Dusty. Just so you are prepared, sometimes one Raggie becomes a quick precursor to two Raggies

Your post sounded so similar to what we had gone through...loss of older cat, choice to get a ragdoll, researching breeders, and then the wait...
Glad that you found this site while you are "in waiting", lots of advice and tips to be found in preparation for the homecoming. If there is anything you can't find on a search, just ask.
One word of advice, this site will be your best friend for everything ragdoll, and it is very addictive!
Welcome and hoping to hear more.

Yes, Welcome to the forum! This site is full of great information, & great advice when choosing a breeder! beware - Ragdolls ARE addictive! I went from no cats 2 years ago to 5, with 2 more planned! (not all are raggies) You cannot go wrong with a Ragdoll - they are sweet & loving & not to mention gorgeous!

Welcome! I, too, am awaiting my first Ragdoll--an addition to my two beautiful Moggies. I've become addicted to checking out information on this forum! I can't wait till April 3rd--when I'll meet my new Raggie baby! Glad you found a breeder you trust!