You should have a Vet in mind, before taking your new kitten home. Ask around for referrals from your friends and relatives.

Your breeder will have certain ideas of how they want the kitten brought up, so make sure the breeder and the vet have the same ideas about things.

Vets are very good in diagnosing illness and treatments, but generally breeders know more about raising kittens, especially the breed they work with daily.

Your breeder will have some instructions for your kitten, as far as the type of food and litter to use.

It is highly recommended using the same food as the breeder has brought the kitten up on. Changing food can upset kitty’s tummy and cause loose stools.

If you wish to change the food at a later date, mix in the new food gradually.  Talk to your breeder regarding suitability of foods.

It is suggested that you use the same litter as the breeder, as you do not wish the kitten to become confused about the litter.  The kitten should be introduced to their new litter tray as soon as you arrive home.

Pine Pellets
Playfulpaws and many other breeders recommend Pine Pellets as a litter. When the kitten / cat urinates on the litter, the Pine Pellets absorb and expands, collecting the moisture.  During the absorption process, a pine fragrance is released, masking the urine odour.  You will find that it is very easy to spot specific areas in the litter tray where the kitten has urinated.

Any pellets that get wet will turn to sawdust, which you can sieve out the sawdust and continue to use the untouched pellets.  The sawdust is thrown out and replaced with new pine pellets.

See the following link for information on Pine Pellets – delivered to your door. Pussydo Cat Litter Link

If you decide to use Pine pellets, the  Pusseydo litter tray is highly recommended.

Comprising of a base tray and a sieve tray, you place around 2.5 cm of pellets into the sieve tray, and when the pellets break down, the resulting sawdust falls into the base tray. You can also shake the tray, causing wet litter to fall into the bottom tray. No need to toss out unused pellets.  You only empty the base tray with the used litter.

See the following link for information on Pine Pellets – delivered to your door. Pussydo Litter Trays Link

Glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bowls are the best.

If you have dogs, place the food dish off the floor. Cat food is not recommended for dogs.

You should purchase a medium sized Cat Crate for your Ragdoll kitten, as it will not stay small for long.

At home, put the crate in the room with the kitten, and leave the door open so the kitten can go in and out.  When the kitten sees the carrier all the time, and is familiar with it.

It is VERY important that you never take your kitten / cat out of the property, except in the crate.  A scared cat can get away from anyone. The cat may be perfectly calm as you leave the house, but if a car should backfire, or a dog bark close by, it could startle the cat and the cat will panic.

Also, leave the cat in the carrier while driving in the car. A roaming cat can get under the pedals of the driver, and cause an accident. If you should be in an accident with your cat in the car, the cat will be safer in the carrier. Remember to use the carrier for bringing kitten / cat to the Vets.

It is not recommended to let other people in the waiting room touch your kitten. They are probably there with a sick animal. You don’t want them to pass the germs on to your kitten.

A Scratching post, or Cat Tree is the most important Piece of Furniture A combination of Cat Tree and Scratching post is highly recommended.  One with platforms provides the kitten with a safe area and also allows them to survey their domain 🙂

Cats need to scratch, as it is their natural process of removing the outer sheath (dead layer of nail).  Have a look around the scratching post and you will find those discarded sheaths. If cats aren’t allowed to scratch and remove the outer sheaths, they could resort to scratching your carpet / furniture / curtains.

Not only is a scratching post necessary for their nails, but it is also a therapeutic tool for natural feline behavior to stretch the back and muscles. Therefore, it is recommended to invest in a scratching post that is taller than the height of your kitty, so they can reach up while scratching.

A combination of Cat Tree and Scratching post is highly recommended.  One with platforms provides the kitten with a safe area and also allows them to survey their domain.

Remember though that a scratching post is not a replacement for feline pedicures. Your kitten / cat will need to have their nails to be carefully trimmed on a regular basis.

Can your kitten or cat escape out a window?
Can your kitten or cat escape out a door?
Can your kitten or cat escape from your property?

Some people cat proof their outside area, so the kitten, or cat can explore.

Check to see if your house plants are are poisonous, or an irritant to cats.