OMG, I’m literally so hyped! I’ve been dreaming of adopting a Ragdoll kitten forever, and it’s finally happening! 😻
So, you’ve done your homework, found the perfect ethical breeder, picked out your future floof, paid the deposit, and signed on the dotted line. But, like, you still have four long weeks until your little furball comes home. I know, the “nesting instinct” is probably hitting hard, and you’re ready to get everything ready, right?
You’re probably thinking:
- How do I even prep for this?
- What do I need to buy?
- What shots do they need?
- Is pet insurance even worth it?
- Where does the litter box even go?!
While we can’t fast-forward time to adoption day, we can drop some major tips to get you totally ready for your new Ragdoll kitten.
8 Things to Do While You’re Waiting to Adopt a Ragdoll Kitten
1. Find Your Vet ASAP
Ask your friends and neighbors for vet recs, then schedule their first appointment for the week after you get your kitten. Seriously, don’t sleep on this! Vets are often booked up, so you need to call them and tell them you’re about to adopt a ragdoll kitten and your breeder won’t let you bring her home unless you’ve got this appointment.
Try to find a vet who’s a feline specialist or has tons of experience with cats. You want someone who gets the unique needs of felines, so you and your Ragdoll can build a good connection. Look for the DABVP(Feline) credentials – that means they’re certified cat experts! We even found our first feline specialist in Lacy, WA, who literally bred Abyssinians and got a scholarship for vet school. She was the ultimate problem-solver when it came to cat health.
2. Get Smart About Vaccines
Do a quick Google search on feline vaccine schedules and core care needs so you understand what your vet is talking about. There isn’t a special “Ragdoll vaccine,” but vaccine timing is everything.
Here’s the lowdown: When kittens nurse, they get these protective antibodies from their mom’s milk. These are like temporary shields against common kitty colds for weeks, even months, until their own immune system develops.
It’s a little tricky because while they have a lot of these “maternal antibodies,” it can be harder for vaccines to work their magic. Every kitten loses these antibodies at a different rate, so vets recommend a series of vaccinations starting around 8 weeks old. This helps protect them from common cat respiratory issues.
We start the respiratory vaccines at 8-10 weeks, and your vet will guide you on continuing the series. The current recommendation is to give the HCP (or FVRCP) vaccine about 4 weeks apart, then a booster annually.
When you adopt a Ragdoll kitten, you’re signing up for at least one annual vet visit for the first couple of years. Warning: We do NOT recommend the FeLV vaccine unless your kitten will be chilling with unvaccinated cats (like, from a shelter). Seriously, skip the non-core FeLV vaccine for your Ragdoll kitten.
3. Let’s Go Shopping!
When you adopt a Ragdoll kitten, it’s time to flex those shopping muscles!
- Food! 🍔 If you’re sticking to what they’ve been eating, easy peasy – just order the orange bag! For wet food, we’re obsessed with brands like Nulo, TikiCat, Soulistic, and Weruva. And don’t forget the treats!
- Litter Box(es) & Litter! You want stainless steel with high sides or a dome. Check out our post for more deets on litter boxes and filler.
- Cat Toys! Your kitten will come with some basics from us, but they’ll need more interactive toys to satisfy their inner hunter. A lot of stuff out there is just not-it for smart Ragdoll paws and teeth. This one is totally worth the $39.
- Carrier: This popular one on Amazon is perfect for under-the-seat airline travel and holds up to a 16lb cat. It’s a great starter carrier. Eventually, you’ll want a bigger, hard-sided one. Do NOT bring a used carrier for your new kitten. Seriously, the leftover smells from other pets can be super disorienting for them. Get a fresh one!
Stroller Vibes
Take your time on this one — if it’s even something you need.
- Stroller: Are you going to be that person pushing their ragdoll floof downtown? 💁♀️ Then you might want a combo carrier and stroller. The ideal one lets you check the wheeled part at the airport gate while the carrier (with your cat) fits under your seat.
5. Study Up on Cat Trees
Sisal rope wrapped around the “trunk” is super durable. And the carpeted, rimmed “buckets” are usually prime nap spots. Just remember, as Ragdolls grow, they might get too big for those tiny built-in boxes in some cat condos.
If I were designing the ultimate cat tree, I’d modify the Prestige Cat Trees. I’d ditch the carpet on the “trunks” for more sisal rope. Prestige trees are affordable, have those cozy “buckets,” and are super sturdy – our 17lb boys never tip these when they’re climbing for nap time.
- For all you high-rise dwellers in Seattle & Bellevue, make the most of those window views!
6. Grooming Glow-Up
Depending on their coat, you might want to invest in a quality comb like a Chris Christensen. But for now, this kit has everything you need to start! Also, learn how to trim those tiny kitten claws. 💅
More Must-Have Merch When You Adopt a Ragdoll Kitten
7. Get Ready Introduce Your Ragdoll to Other Cats
I can’t write a better guide than this one. It’s a step-by-step guide for homes with other cats. Scent-swapping, isolation, and gadgets like feliway plug-ins & calming collars for particularly salty cats. After keeping the kitties separated for a few days (a week?), supervise their meet & greets until you see agreeable play & tenderness.
8. Prep Their Personal Space
Before your Ragdoll kitten arrives, set up a dedicated room just for them. This will be their permanent litter box spot and the first place they see. Once they’re confident they can find their way back to the box, you can let them explore the rest of the house. Important: If you move the litter box later, they might go back to the old spot, smell the litter, and, well, use the floor there instead. Yikes!
Safety first! Get rid of any tempting cords like blind cords, headphone wires, or electrical cords that can be easily chewed. And avoid feather toys without supervision (wands held by humans are fine!). Yikes! Your cat’s new chew toy might just be a house plant. And since most of that greenery is toxic, it’s basically fatal. Please check your plants! If your’s is tricky to identify, snag a free app on your device’s store front.
PlantNet Plant Identification (Google’s app)
Check out this app, it’s called Pl@ntNet. You just snap a pic of a plant with your phone and it tells you what it is. Once you have a name for it, you can google or consult the NIH guide.
PictureThis Plant Identification (Apple’s app)
Like the google one, this is free! Again use your Iphone to determine what it is and then google it’s safetly for pets.
Personal Space
Remember, this space should be welcoming and cozy, ideally with a window.
Considering Laundry room or bathrooms? Those don’t give off “peaceful vibes” with all the flushing and washing machine noises. A guest bedroom or office is perfect. If you work from home, your kitten will probably hang out with you there anyway! Plus, a guest room means you can even sleep with your Ragdoll kitten for the first few nights. 🥰
Pet Insurance: Do I even need it when I adopt a purebred ragdoll kitten?
Definitely consider health insurance! We’re stoked to hook you up with 30 days of free Trupanion Insurance. Seriously, take advantage of this even if you’re not sure which company to go with long-term. There are no pre-existing conditions clauses, and emergencies always happen when you least expect them!
Chewy Care+ has some plans to get you thinking about what works best for your fam. Some people prefer a low monthly cost with a high deductible, while others go for an all-inclusive plan with a higher premium but covers office visits and meds.
Preparing to adopt a Ragdoll Kitten
When you adopt a Ragdoll kitten, there’s definitely some essential prep work. Use this time before you pick up your little floof to shop for essentials, kitten-proof their areas, and make their space perfect!
And remember, the Masterpiece Ragdolls Experience includes ongoing support after you adopt. If you have any questions, just hit us up via text or email. Likewise, if you find an amazing toy or product, share the wealth so we can pass on the tips to other Ragdoll owners! What’s the first thing you’re going to buy for your new kitten?
