Are you bringing home a Ragdoll kitten? It is definitely an exciting time for you, but for your little kitten, it could be a little intimidating. After all, they will be leaving their familiar environment and going into a new home. So, what can you do to keep your Ragdoll kitten happy in your home? These tips should help.
To learn more, contact Dr. Jennifer at Midwest Ragdolls. As an experienced veterinarian and Ragdoll breeder since 1995, Dr. Jennifer takes care to ensure all kittens are healthy and well adjusted to their new homes. We can answer any questions you have and provide expert tips. In Chicago and the surrounding areas, contact us online or by call or text at 630-803-4405 to reserve your kitten.
When to Bring Home Your Ragdoll Kitten
When it comes time to bring home your new Ragdoll kitten, it can be an exciting time, and so we understand that it can be difficult to wait, wanting to bring your new family member home as soon as possible. However, it is important to be sure that you are brining your Ragdoll kitten home at a time that is healthiest and safest for them. This will ensure the best adjustment and behavior for years to come.
While there are many opinions, we try to stick to facts from a peer reviewed article written by veterinary behaviorists on what the appropriate age to send a kitten home is. Most veterinarians in general recommend sending kittens home at 8-9 weeks. This ensures the kitten is able to bond with its new family, while still ensuring a healthy development process.
The early weeks are an important developmental time for kittens as they include weaning and the early formation of substrate preferences learned from the queen. Kittens taken from their mother before 2 weeks of age can be markedly fearful and overly aggressive toward humans and other cats. There are also times when it may be appropriate to send home an older kitten, such as when they are a poor doer or are recovering from an illness.
Once a Ragdoll kitten is brought home, you are encouraged to introduce the kitten to as many different people and places as possible during this time and into the entire first year.
More Tips for Bringing Home Your Ragdoll Kitten
- Give your kitten time to get acquainted: Allowing your Ragdoll kitten time to get acquainted in their new home will make them feel happy and safe. Your little ball of fur would want to explore and play in their new surroundings, but they will also need a safe place to retreat. Create a secure place for your kitten away from children, other people, pets, and loud noises. You should also place their food and litter box at a comfortable distance. Spending quality time with your Ragdoll kitten will help them get used to the new place faster.
- Get safe and engaging toys: Ragdoll kittens love to play. When you bring your kitten home, ensure it has a variety of toys. You will want to give them toys to roll on, ones they can pounce on, and even things for them to climb. Playing with your little pet will also give them the attention they crave.
- Make regular visits to the vet: Regular visits to your vet are a must to keep your Ragdoll kitten safe and healthy. Vet visits are especially important during their growing years. Your vet can guide you on how best to feed your kitten during the growing stages. Ragdoll kittens are prone to liver and kidney disease. Regular check-ups will ensure early detection and timely treatment.
- Keep your Ragdoll kitten safe around children and other pets: Ragdoll kittens love human company. However, children could unknowingly hurt the kitten. That is why it is important that you teach your children how to properly handle the kitten. It is best if you do not leave small children alone with the kitten. Ragdoll kittens are playful and play well with other pets, provided other pets do not rough handle them. If your other pets do not treat your Ragdoll kitten well, it is better to keep them apart. You may consider socializing them gradually.
Get Your Ragdoll Kitten from Midwest Ragdolls
Ragdolls are extremely popular because they are the best cat for allergies along with being extremely cute, fluffy, and social. If you are thinking of bringing a Ragdoll kitten home, Midwest Ragdolls has the best Ragdoll kittens for sale in Chicago. Contact us online or call or text 630-803-4405 to reserve your kitten or learn more.