Question: What are some of the characteristics of the Ragdoll?

Answer: Ragdolls are a relaxed, loving, docile cat.  They are an easy-going cat...  Many love to have their bellies rubbed and enjoy sleeping on/next to you...  I find they are intelligent and trainable.  I have found that my Ragdolls love to follow me around house...

Question: What is the life expectancy of the average Ragdoll?

Answer:  A Ragdoll's life expectancy is no different than any other cat...  With proper care and attention, they can live 15+ years.

Question:  Can a ragdoll be trained similar to a dog?

 Answer: Yes! I have had multiple new owners that have trained their ragdolls to play fetch, sit, beg for a treat...

Question: Is the Ragdoll a "lap cat"?

Answer: Some can be while others may like to lay next to you instead.

Question: Do Ragdolls shed?

Answer: Yes, Ragdolls do shed.  Routine grooming about once (maybe twice for a ragdoll with an extra long coat) a week is recommended whereas other medium-to-long haired cats may require daily grooming.

Question: Are all Ragdolls loving, calm, and docile?

Answer: No...  Every kitten/cat has its own personality and once in awhile there may be a cat/kitten that doesn't fit this description.  This is not common and breeders do breed for temperament.

Question:  Who is Ann Baker?

Answer: Ann Baker was a breeder in California who first introduced us to the Ragdoll breed.

Bringing home your new kitten/cat:

It can be stressful for a kitten/cat...  A kitten may have some separation anxiety from its mother and siblings and may meow looking for them for the first day or so.  You should try and give the kitty some quiet time to relax and become more comfortable...  Don't invite lots of people to visit the kitty right away - give the kitty a few days to adjust to its new home/environment...

If you have other pets, such as dogs or cats, you can expect some friction when introducing the new kitty in the home.  You should be present at all times when introducing the kitty to any other pets you may have.  First, you can let your pets see and sniff the kitty thru a baby gate - or thru a carrier - or under a door.  This will let the pets and new kitty smell each other and start the process of getting used to one another. 

When you are ready to bring your pets and the new kitty together, where they can have physical contact, you should obviously be there to supervise.  The entire process may take as little as a few days or as long as several weeks.  It will take time for each of them to get used to one another.  Just remember to give each of them equal attention and love...  I have had several new owners have little play sessions with their resident kitties along with the new kitty where they all play in the living room with feather teasers and toys and that seems to help - the kitties may all forget about each other and just want to have fun and play...