for RAGDOLL KITTENS 
BEWARE OF BACKYARD BREEDERS !
Guidelines on purchase of a genuine Ragdoll Kitten.
When looking for a Ragdoll kitten, or Pedigree klitten of any breed, there are a few things to check:
| 1. Is the seller a Registered Breeder? | A Registerd Breeder means a cattery that is registered with a Controlling organisation such as the Feline Control Council of WA or the Cat Owner's Association of WA. These organisations are responsible for registering all pedigree cats and kittens. They have rules by which the members must abide. Some of these rules are to protect the animals, purchasers and the breeders themselves. For instance: A kitten is not allowed to leave the mum before it is 10-12 weeks old. The parents and lineage of the kitten are scrutinised through the organisation's records, to make sure that it is a pure breed and not mixed. Mixing breeds is only allowed under certain experimental circumstances. |
| 2. Will you get a Pedigree for your kitten? | If
you will not be able to get this document (usually available after the
transfer paperwork from the breeder to the new owner, has been processed)
it is certain that the seller has no record of the progeny OR DOESN"T
WANT YOU TO KNOW ! |
| 3. Will you receive a written guarantee with your kitten? | A
reputable breeder will want to offer you a guarantee that the kitten
is healthy and free of genetic defects. In the case of any problems
associated with genetic disorders, a reputable breeder will give you
a refund or replacement kitten, providing various terms and conditions
have been met. (Such as verification by the Breeder's Vet.) |
| 4.Will your kitten have been treated against worms, mites and fleas before you pick it up? | No
reputable breeder would consider giving you a kitten that has mites,
worms or fleas, so you should seek assurance in this regard prior to
purchase. However, as in all young creatures, susceptibility to these
nasties is increased and sometimes a few may slip the net. Kittens are
not too good at ridding themselves from these. To Increase the chance
that your kitten will be free of these make sure that the seller is
committed to treating the kitten correctly. |
| 5. Will your kitten have been vaccinated? | Reputable
Breeders will give the kittens two vaccinations for three diseases before
they can be given to the new owners. (F3 vaccination). After this the
kitten, when it has become a cat, will require one booster every year.
You should receive a card from the breeder's vet. showing what vaccinations
have been given and when. If you do not receive this, do not continue
with the purchase. |
| 6. Are you buying from an Auction or a Pet Shop? | Registered
Breeders are forbidden by the respective organisations, to sell kittens
or cats through either of these. |
| 7. Will your seller offer after-sales advice? | Reputable
breeders will be only too happy to know how the little kittens are progressing
and will be interested in solving any problems you or the kitten may
have! |
| 8. Are paying less than the market price for your kitten? | If you are, be careful. It could be that the seller has cut corners e.g. only one vaccination or none at all or maybe letting the kitten go to a new home before 10 weeks of age. The very high cost of quality Pedigree breeding cats is such that breeders have to charge what they do to at least break even when selling PEDIGREE kittens.
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RAGGIES IS A REGISTERED BREEDER WITH THE FELINE CONTROL COUNCIL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
PAGE UPDATED 8TH JULY 2008