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KITTEN CARE GUIDE
Your New Arrival
Cats of all ages tend to shut down and go into "slow mode" during travel. A new kitten, even an outgoing, gregarious kitten,
may seem shy when they first arrive. Partly this is a coming back to full speed process and partly being faced with a multitude
of new experiences all at once. Start the kitten out in a small space that can be just theirs for a while. A bathroom connected
to your bedroom or other quiet place is good. They should have a litter box, water and food available. A secure bed is a good idea.
The carrier that the kitten travels in is a good choice if there is space for it. As the kitten settles in, open the door and let him
explore nearby rooms a little at a time.
Carrier
You will need a carrier to bring your kitten home. The kitten may want to get out while in the car. This is fine, but in case something frightens
the new kitten when you are transporting him from the car to the house you will want to use a carrier so that he doesn't jump out of your arms.
The carrier will also be necessary for trips to the vet.
The First Few Days
Your Ragdoll kitten will be sent home in good health, fully immunized, wormed and ready for a new life with you.
The first few days may be difficult for your kitten, remember, he/she has been used to mommy, brothers and sisters and
suddenly they are not there anymore. It takes time to adjust to a new home and your patience and love are greatly needed at this time.
For the first few nights, we suggest you confine your kitten to a small room with his bed, litter box and a snack (water and dry food).
Perhaps a snuggly safe toy will provide some security and a soft playing radio might also help as well.
If you can stand it, your kitten would love to sleep with you for the first few nights until he/she has settled in. Some people don’t
like this, but the kitten thinks it’s a brilliant idea!
Toys
Kittens love to play. They will chase small balls made of plastic and mylar. They also like their people to play with them using cat teasers made
of mylar, cloth, leather and feathers. If the kitten can chew the feathers off it is best to only play with these when you are present.
Vaccines
No FIP or FELV vaccination is allowed or my health guarantee will be voided. These two vaccinations are very controversial and the
risk that goes with them is too great of a risk for the health of your kitten.
Ragdolls are NOT to be given the Feline Leukemia Vaccine as they may contract the disease if it is given. A KILLED 3-in-1 vaccine
should be given, if possible. You may also use a MODIFIED LIVE vaccine, if that is the only choice available. Please DO NOT EVER
use any live vaccine on your Ragdoll. Please have your veterinarian give these vaccines in their hips if at all possible. Also, please
DO NOT EVER give the Bordetella vaccine to your kitten. My veterinarian gives the 3-in-1 in the left hip and the rabies in the right hip.
I NEVER get these vaccinations at the same time. Usually waiting at least 3 weeks between shots.
A killed vaccine MUST be used. Please DO NOT EVER use any live vaccine on your Ragdoll. We recommend the Rabies vaccination
be given at a different time (and at least 3 weeks away from) than any other vaccinations or medications.
Anesthesia
If your Ragdoll should ever require surgery or anesthetizing for any reason, please ONLY use ISOFLOURINE (a gas). Other
anesthesia is NOT recommended.
Food and Water Dishes
Ceramic, glass or stainless steel dishes should be used. Plastic dishes sometimes lead to allergies in cats.
Food and water dishes should be washed regularly.
Purified Water
kitten sick. We offer clean purified water 24/7 to our cats and kittens.
Your Ragdoll Kitten Has Been Fed A Balanced Diet
We recommend that you do not change your kitten's diet early on to avoid the risk of an upset tummy.
We are currently feeding Life's Abundance dry cat food which is left out at all times for free-will feeding. We also offer
Instinctive Choice canned food 1-2 times a day for added nutrition. Please only feed your Ragdoll foods that do not contain corn,
grains or by-products.
We also offer our kittens Natures Variety Raw Frozen Medallions in Chicken, Beef & Rabbit once or twice a day.
These are raw medalians that we feed once we've defrosted them (never cooked).
Fresh cooked meats (fish, chicken) are good as is a little raw meat, only human quality. A sprinkling of grated cheese and chopped
boiled egg is a welcome treat.
There is a widespread belief in some countries that too much dried food causes kidney problems. We know of no known foundation for
this with modern good quality dry foods and many Ragdoll breeders in USA feed their kittens ONLY dried food. Raw chicken wings are
good to keep teeth and gums healthy but please watch your kitten while young.
Your kitten requires three meals a day until around 5 months old and then two meals a day. Some cats are happy to have one meal a
day when adult, however, the recommendation is two smaller meals a day. It is easier on the cat’s digestion and an enjoyable part of their day!
We don’t recommend an all meat diet. This diet is lacking in various vitamins and minerals which are vital to your cat’s continued good health.
These Foods Are A Small Part Of The Diet, And Are Used As Treats Only:
Fish - Place fish (no bones!) in casserole dish and cover with milk and place lid or foil on top. Bake on moderate heat for 20-30 minutes.
Drain and flake fish, check for bones. Feed to your cat when cool (We use this occasionally for our older cats.).
Chicken - We buy whole chicken’s and steam them until cooked. Remove flesh from bones and once again feed to your cat when cool.
Vitamins
The Litter Box
Your kitten has been trained to use a litter box with Feline Pine pellet litter. Put the litter box in a place where your kitten can find it and try
not to relocate it- your kitten is not a mind reader! The litter box should be emptied and cleaned on a daily basis. Please use a disinfectant
which is safe for cats. Disinfectants containing phenols and cresols can be lethal to cats. They can absorb this substance through their paw pads.
Please also be aware of the products you use in your bathrooms, kitchens etc. We suggest chlorine based products or normal household bleach
watered down. Please remember your kitten is in a new environment and any adjustments need time, patience and understanding of the occasional
‘slip ups’ that might occur.
Grooming Your Kitten
The Ragdoll coat is medium and long. Dense, soft and silky in texture. This coat does not form mats and is quite easy to groom. We recommend
a weekly combing (greyhound comb) and brushing for maintenance of your kitten’s coat, however if you wish to groom more regularly your cat will
love the attention. The occasional bath is a good, though can be challenging at first until your kitten gets used to the bath routine. It's best to start
early so the kitten can get used to the idea of being bathed. We recommend bathing every 2-3 months. Touchups can be done for any part, as
needed. Just make sure to trim those nails first. Cats are experts at using their claws to grab and hold onto things.
You will need to buy cat nail clippers to keep nails on the shorter side.
Fleas And Worming
Flea, tick and worm control is of paramount importance for the good health of your kitten. It is vital to keep your kitten worm free, as apart from
being uncomfortable for the kitten it also affects his/her health. Fleas must also be kept at bay! Flea infestations can be most uncomfortable for you
as well as the cat. The recommendation is to use a veterinary product as these are the most effective in flea control. Some over the counter products
can be dangerous to your cat and most, if not all of them, do not work. We recommend a monthly dose of Revolution. Revolution is a topical application
applied between the shoulder blades and it cover fleas, ticks, mange, mites and heartworm all in one.
Keep Your Kitten Indoors
We require that kitten is kept indoors. It is the safest place for your cat and protects the wildlife outside. There has been increased awareness of the
damaging effect that cats can have on our environment and this has become such a problem that currently draft legislation is in process in many countries.
Cats are natural hunters. Please do your part in protecting our wildlife and the well-being of your cat. Internal parasites, disease and abscesses are just a
few problems that your cat may pick up from digesting or fighting wildlife, (this includes feral cats). So, the the best way to protect your cat and the wildlife
is to keep your cat indoors at all times!
The other dangers for your cat roaming free to consider are:
1. Dog attacks
2. Car accidents
3. Cat fights or getting lost.
4. Exposure to diseases
5. Theft
The trauma to your cat is distressful and the resultant vet bills can be very costly!
A Few Important Warnings
1. Be very careful if you have recliners. Kittens get under them. Some have gotten their heads squashed, leading to death. Others have
gotten crushed and broken limbs and some have even lost their legs.
to get out the door, purchase a squirt gun. Every time they hang by the door, squirt them. Eventually they will stop trying to get out.
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