FAQ
Why are Ragdolls so expensive?
Breeding ethically can quickly add up in costs. You have to genetically test every single cat before considering them for breeding. There are also fecal and blood tests you have to run. You have to regularly buy in more breeding Ragdolls as well as transport them to you with prices varying wildly especially if you bring them in from overseas.
Regular veterinary care, feeding costs, housing them, any damages that they do to your home, cat trees, water fountains, stainless steel bowls, cat toys and enrichment, all the supplies that go into kittens like kitten milk replacer, feeding supplies, etc. Everything adds up very quickly.
When you see "breeders" selling kittens for very low prices, they are only able to do so because they cut costs. They don't do genetic or health testing, they don't do proper veterinary care in general, they feed cheap food and many even cage their cats to avoid things like damages to their homes.
Supporting reputable, ethical breeders is a vital part of getting these backyard breeders out so that cats and kittens can live better lives and not be used to sell kittens.
What's included in the price?
If you are interested in our kittens, email us at: rosebudragdolls@gmail.com. We prioritize those who fill out our kitten application, which can be found on our contact page.
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Currently, pet and show/alter kittens are $2,500 each. We do not offer kittens with breeding rights at this time.
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Once you choose a kitten, we ask for a $500 Non-Refundable deposit to hold your kitten. (This deposit will be deducted from the price of your kitten)
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Deposit may be paid via Zelle or Venmo and the remainder may be paid with either Zelle, Venmo or Cash in person.
We include all age appropriate vaccinations. Your kitten will be spayed or neutered before going to their new home and comes with a 4-year genetic health guarantee.
We also provide other extras like favorite toys, microchip, a sample of their current kitten food, and a bed or blanket with mom and litter mates scent. This helps make the transition into their new home easier.
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Our adult cats have also been extensively DNA tested for multiple different diseases, including HCM mutations, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, and multiple mutations of Mucopolysaccharidosis. Our Ragdolls are also blood typed. Test results available when asked.
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*Kittens go home around 12-14 weeks of age.
All kittens will have:
All age appropriate vaccinations
Deworming
Spayed or Neutered
Microchip with lifetime registration
Health record
4-year genetic health guarantee
And the "Kitten Care Package":
Bed or blanket with mom and littermate scents on it
Favorite toys
Comb
Sample of food
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Discounts given to repeat kitten homes or if you adopt 2 kittens at the same time.
$100 discount if you pick up kitten in Manhattan, Kansas.
Kitten delivery within a 2-hour radius of Manhattan, Kansas is free. For kitten delivery outside of a 2-hour radius of Manhattan, there will be a $300 delivery fee.
We hope that this makes the start with your new kitten a happy one. We are here to answer any questions for the lifetime of your kitten. Please feel free to email us.
How do I find a good breeder?
This is a great question. Websites are a great way to find breeders, but websites can be made to look pretty, and not the only factor to go with, when finding a breeder. You can also visit with the breeder, a good relationship is nice to have, as this is someone that you may want to stay in touch with, for questions or concerns in several days to several years down the road. Most breeders ask specific questions, this is to ensure they are finding the best home for their babies, please don't feel offended by the questions asked. Ask for referrals, so you can find out what others have had to say about the breeder. Don't feel bad about asking, we are always happy to share those happy adoption stories. It is important to find out if the referrals are happy with the quality of their kitten, as well as feeling comfortable staying in touch with their breeder. You can check with specific organizations (we're registered with TICA and CFA) to see if the person/cattery is in good standing. Don't feel afraid to call and check for any concerns or complaints. Check out the internet, by Googling the breeders name or cattery name. Check with the Better Business Bureau, to see if any complaints are against the cattery, and if there is an issue, talk with your breeder to get all sides of the story.
Here are some very important things to look for.
*Will the breeder do a video call for you to see the kittens and know that they are not a scam?
*Does the breeder raise their cats and kittens in a home environment, or do they cage?
*How many Queens and Kings does the breeder have?
*Does the breeder have a health contract? If so, what does it cover, and for how long?
*Are the cats DNA tested NEGATIVE for HCM?
*Does the breeder spay and neuter kittens before they leave? This is VERY important.
*Does the breeder keep kittens to at least 12 weeks of age? If they allow them to leave any earlier, this is a huge warning sign.
*Does the breeder show their cats/kittens?
*Does the breeder breed for "rare" colors and charge more for them? Don't be sucked into the the "rare" label and definitely don't pay more for them!
Look for a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders show their cats to make sure they are breeding cats that meet breed standards. They follow all the ethical rules and guidelines set by the leading cat associations, including making sure your kitten is spayed or neutered, at least 12 weeks of age to provide full immunity to vaccinations, all age appropriate vaccinations and microchipped. ALL reputable Breeders do genetic testing on their breeding cats!
Sometimes you may find cheap "bargain" Ragdolls, usually they are advertised on for sale sites, like Craigslist for a fraction of what a reputable breeder charges. They are usually sold between 6-8 weeks. Many times, these "bargain" Ragdolls are unregistered and parents are not health tested. They are typically not vaccinated or wormed and are not spayed/neutered. By the time you get the kitten home and spend the money to get the kitten fully immunized, spayed or neutered, it can easily add up.
Do you breed "rare" ragdoll colors (or Cherubim)?
This is a good question to ask your breeder. We do not breed these colors, as they are not accepted colors in any major cat association as Ragdolls. TICA accepts them as Cherubim, but the Ragdoll standard is written to be a Blue-eyed, Pointed breed. Minks or non-pointed "Ragdolls" can not be shown for titles or championship status and can NOT be registered as a Ragdoll in any cat association. Many of these non-pointed cats are bred from Ragamuffins. If you like these colors, please support a Ragamuffin breeder. The Ragamuffin breed standard does recognize these Mink and Solid (Non-Pointed) colors, and in some associations can be shown in championship status. Many Ragdoll breeders who do breed the Mink and non-pointed "Ragdolls", are charging much more for these "Rare" colors. They are not rare, and are easy to produce.
I see some breeders charge different prices. Why?
This is a good question to ask your breeder. Sometimes a spay will cost more than a neuter, and a female will cost a bit more. Also, show quality kittens typically cost more. Don't fall into the trap of "rare" colors. If the color is "rare", it may raise questions of why the majority of breeders are not breeding these colors, to call them "rare". If you wish to have a certain color or pattern, you shouldn't have to pay extra to get a specific kitten. There are only a few breeders who charge extra for certain colors or patterns, most reputable ones do not. The accepted colors by all associations are Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Flame, Cream, Tortie/Torbie and can all be with or without lynx, these are not rare colors. If you are hearing the word, rare, ask why it is rare. There are a few breeders that will breed colors outside the specific accepted standard, most breeders will breed the accepted colors.
Do you ship your kittens?
No. In 2013, a law went into effect that prevents breeders from shipping kittens to families. The law now states that kittens must be seen in person (which includes video chat). You are welcome to drive to our home and pick up your kitten, or fly into the Kansas City, Wichita or Manhattan airports, and we can meet you there. In some cases, we may be willing to travel to bring your kitten to you. If you have a family member close by that can see your kitten in person, we would be able to ship your kitten with a pet courier.
Do Ragdolls shed?
Yes! Ragdolls shed, just like any animal with fur. Though, the shedding is minimal compared to most long hair breeds. The hair is also easily cleaned up, as it sheds in clumps, that can be picked up or vacuumed. Spring is the shedding season, and it tends to be the worst, during that time. The rest of the year, grooming is minimal as well, as the coat is non-matting. We recommend using the Zoom Groom, to remove some of the coat. We also send a comb/brush with your kitten to help with grooming. If you groom often, you won't have hair all over and it can be amazing bonding time for you and your kitten.
Are Ragdolls hypoallergenic?
No, if you have an allergy to cats, Ragdolls would not be any different. Kittens are at less risk to trigger allergies than adults. It could also be certain shampoo's, seasons, litter use, that may be the trigger of symptoms. Most people are actually allergic to the specific proteins found in the cat's saliva. It is important to know if you or your family may have an allergy to cats, prior to adoption, as an allergy can develop at any age.
Why do you keep your kittens until 12-14 weeks?
We keep most of our kittens between 12 and 14 weeks, and some kittens could be kept for as long as 16 depending on how they mature. Each kitten will be evaluated individually. There are many reasons that breeders do this, so many to list that I would rather refer you to a wonderful written article How young is too young, by FBRL Services and Barbara C. French
Is it safe to early spay/neuter?
Yes, it is very safe, and easier on kittens than older kittens or adult. Many cat breeders practice early spay and neuter and a huge majority of Ragdoll breeders do so. The concept of early spaying and neutering is not a new one, it has been practiced for over 50 years in North America and is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. There are huge benefits to altering such as, spaying a female can actually protect her against mammary cancer and uterine infections. In males, neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate and related infections. You don't have to worry about your male kitten learning to spray before he is neutered. There are many other positives, please read Early Spaying and Neutering for more information on early spaying and neutering kittens. All our pet and show kittens leave spayed or neutered, with no exceptions.
Quote from AVMA.org: "For feline patients, the AVMA endorses the consensus document put forth by the Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization for Age of Spay and Neuter Surgery, which recommends cats not intended for breeding be gonadectomized by five months of age. The document represents a clear and evidence-based position that promotes individual animal health, contributes to effective population control, and can be communicated clearly to clients. It has broad support among veterinary medical and cat breeding associations, having also been endorsed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Association of Shelter Veterinarians, American Animal Hospital Association, Winn Foundation, Catalyst Council, Cat Fancier’s Association, and The International Cat Association."
How do I introduce my new kitten to my home and my other animals?
Introducing your Ragdoll into your home and other animals is a big step for you, but also a big step for your kitten. It is his/her first time in a new surrounding. First, have a room set up for your new kitten away from any other animals and away from the major hustle and bustle of your home. Bring his food, water, and litter box inside the room, so that he gets used to his new surroundings. It is recommended that you stay on the same food and litter that is being used at the breeder’s home (which is why we send home a sample of food), if you are inclined to change brands, it is best to wait a few days for the kitten to adjust, and then slowly start changing the litter or food over a 2-week period. If diarrhea occurs, try changing a little slower. If there are litter box problems, go back to the original brand and then slowly bring in the new litter Next, let your other cats and dogs smell the new kitten under the door. The kitten is also being introduced in a safe area to new sounds and smells of his new home. After a couple of days, start allowing your new kitten to explore his new surroundings, making sure to help her find her food and litter areas. When meeting your other cats for the first time, you can expect hissing and growling, make sure that for the first few meetings, that you are around to supervise if anything gets out of hand. If that happens, just give it a few more days and try the introduction at a later time.
What if I am interested in an adult, or rescuing a Ragdoll?
That's wonderful!! There are many Ragdolls out there in need of rescuing. Here are 2 links to help you begin your search for a Ragdoll.
Ragdoll Rescue and Pet Finder These sites update frequently, so please check back often. There are also many breeders who have retired adult breeders for adoption, if I do not have any currently available, I would be happy to refer you to breeders who do have adults available, or help you on your search for a Ragdoll that needs rescued.
I see "traditional lines" on most of your cats. What's this mean?
Traditional Lines, also known as Original Ragdolls have a pedigree that traces directly back to the original Ragdolls that Ann Baker created in the 60's (it needs to be at least 90% traceable). Ann Baker added many different cats and colors in the 70's and 80's. Pedigrees from those cats typically do not trace back on every branch of the pedigree to the foundation cats. Lynx, Reds, and Torties were also added to accepted colors/patterns in the 90's by outcrossing to different breeds. These are all beautiful Ragdolls, but we are passionate about the original Ragdolls. We believe it is important to preserve these lines that trace back to the foundation without the outcrossing to IRCA lines and different breeds to get the new colors/patterns. All of our cats are Traditional lines. We do have plans to add a lynx pattern girl, but she will only be added as she will uphold the BEP Ragdoll Breed standard of excellence.