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Rainbow55 · 04-13-2007, 12:55 PM

At what age should I expect them to be fully litter trained and ready to be taken home?

Are ragdoll kittens good with children?

Familytimerags · (This post was last modified: 05-06-2007 11:03 AM by Familytimerags.)

Rainbow55 Wrote:At what age should I expect them to be fully litter trained and ready to be taken home?

Are ragdoll kittens good with children?

Hello,

A good age to bring home in kitten is between 12-14 weeks, this allows for better immunity, as your kitten will have had 2-3 sets of boosters, this also will allow time for the kitten to be spayed or neutered before going to his or her new home.  Keeping a kitten with Mom and littermates, will give time for proper scratching post ettiquette, and time for the kitten to learn good litter habits, and at this time socialization around people.  A very good site, that explains many benefits to keeping a kitten to this age is here. http://www.breedlist.com/faq/young.html
Ragdolls can be good with children, but the better question is are the children good with animals.  Ragdolls are known for their calm, laid back nature, but each kitten/cat will have their own individual personality, some more affectionate, others may want to be a lap cat, where other prefer to sit next to you.  It is best to ask your breeder about the personality of the kitten, and to choose a kitten that best fits the personality you are hoping for.  My son who is almost 7 has been raised with Ragdolls all of his life, and my daughter, was only 2-3 years of age, when our first Ragdoll adopted us.
If you can find a reputable breeder in your area, call or email and schedule an appointment.  Please know breeders with Expecting queens or young kittens that have not yet been unvaccinated, may ask for you to wait until those kittens are immunized against common illnesses that can affect young kittens.  Also, expect for many questions to be asked by your breeder, such as your current and past pets, how you feel about certan issues like declawing, if the kitten will be strictly indoors, and others.  Breeders who ask these questions and others are just trying to make sure, their kittens go to good forever homes.

~~raggles~~ · 12-05-2007, 06:11 AM

A good age to get a Ragdoll is 12 - 13 weeks. They are litter trained by then and socialised.

Most Ragdolls can't help themselves and love to play so kids are fine with them. All children should be taught respect for any pet and that they must be gentle, and handled correctly. A kitten will run away and hide if mishandled or abused. So gentle and fun is the way for children and pets.

Furrballz · 12-05-2007, 04:14 PM

Stormi and Raggles have pretty much covered it all...I also allow my kittens to leave here from 12 weeks onwards. All kittens are litter (and bed sleeping! lol) trained before leaving here.
I dont vaccinate until abit later than some (approx 10weeks old) as the Mums are with the kittens until they leave, so there is natural immunity there thru the milk.
I also have children and dogs that are with the kittens and I agree with Stormi and Raggles that the children have to know how to handle animals for the relationship to continue on a good note.
Good Luck!

islandgirl · 12-07-2007, 05:13 PM

Furrballz Wrote:Stormi and Raggles have pretty much covered it all...I also allow my kittens to leave here from 12 weeks onwards. All kittens are litter (and bed sleeping! lol) trained before leaving here.
I dont vaccinate until abit later than some (approx 10weeks old) as the Mums are with the kittens until they leave, so there is natural immunity there thru the milk.
I also have children and dogs that are with the kittens and I agree with Stormi and Raggles that the children have to know how to handle animals for the relationship to continue on a good note.
Good Luck!

islandgirl · 12-07-2007, 05:18 PM

Have you ever heard of a Ragdoll kitten being adopted out at 8 weeks old? We adopted our little Angus from a reputable breeder at 8 weeks. We had no idea that they should be left with their Mom and siblings untill they are at least 12 weeks. He is a seal mitted, and has VERY beautiful and even markings. But...he is rather small and quite timid and jumpy. Could that be because he left his Mom at such a young age?

Furrballz · 12-07-2007, 08:57 PM

Sadly islandgirl, I have 'heard' of it happening from a Registered Breeder.
In Australia, our Cat Bodies that we are Registered with has Ethics and Guidelines that we are all to follow as we have agreed to them by signing up with them. All in Australia to my knowledge, dont allow a kitten to leave its Birth home until 10weeks of age.
If you are really concerned, you can find out who they are registered with and make enquiries as to what the Ethics and guidelines are in your situation.
Have you tried anything homeopathic to help your kitten, like rescue remedy? Have a look in your Chemist (drug store) for it. You only need to add a few drops to his drinking water or rub a few droops on your fingers and into the tips of his ears. Its natural, and can have wonderful calming affects.

Poppydum · 12-08-2007, 05:44 AM

Furrballz Wrote:Sadly islandgirl, I have 'heard' of it happening from a Registered Breeder.
In Australia, our Cat Bodies that we are Registered with has Ethics and Guidelines that we are all to follow as we have agreed to them by signing up with them. All in Australia to my knowledge, dont allow a kitten to leave its Birth home until 10weeks of age.
If you are really concerned, you can find out who they are registered with and make enquiries as to what the Ethics and guidelines are in your situation.
Have you tried anything homeopathic to help your kitten, like rescue remedy? Have a look in your Chemist (drug store) for it. You only need to add a few drops to his drinking water or rub a few droops on your fingers and into the tips of his ears. Its natural, and can have wonderful calming affects.

Yes, in the UK under GCCF rules registered breeders are supposed to keep their kittens until they are 13 weeks old. I would have serious concerns about any breeder who let a kitten go at 8 weeks of age. As well as the Rescue Remedy - you could try a Feliway diffuser (plug-in) to help your kit.

islandgirl · 12-08-2007, 04:14 PM

Hi everyone!!

Actually, our little Angus will be 2 yrs. old April 19. And other than being a little timid, he seems to be OK as far as health. But really...the people that we adopted him from are (supposed to be) a reputable Cattery. And they have been breeding Ragdolls for many years. But thanks a lot anyway.

As soon as I can figure out how to post pics of my 2 little sweeties...I will.

Megailee · 12-27-2007, 04:13 PM

Hi,

Most reputable breeders will not release a kitten prior to 12 weeks.
If shipping then kitten should be about 14 - 16 weeks old.
Most Ragdolls get along with children and other pets if they were well socialized from the breeder.