When looking for a new kitten, be careful not to let a low price drive your decision-making. If you see purebred Ragdolls that are very inexpensive, you need to ask yourself why. Raising healthy, well socialized, purebred kittens takes a lot of time and money. Proper veterinary care is crucial for giving each kitten the best start to a long and healthy life. Proper veterinary care is not cheap.
Before making a purchase with any breeder, ask to come and see the kittens. Are they from a clean home? Are they crated or are they able to walk around? If you are not welcome to visit, you should consider this a warning sign.
As for the kittens' vaccinations, are they given by a licensed veterinarian, or is the breeder doing this themselves? If it's the latter, think of this: Would you give your own children vaccinations, or do you feel more comfortable going to your family doctor? Giving injections is not difficult, but I personally want my babies taken care of by professionals. Does the kitten come with a health guarantee? Ask to read the guarantee/contract before giving a deposit. Contracts protect the buyer, the seller, and most importantly the kitten.
Lastly, if the kitten does not look like a true Ragdoll, be wary. Registration papers can be altered by unscrupulous breeders to cover an unplanned breeding.
So before making a purchase, do your homework. Check out the breeder online. See if they have any complaints against them. As usual, if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Remember, if they are spending good money raising this kitten, then why is it so cheap?
