What congenital defects are in Ragdolls?

Research shows that the Ragdoll breed is generally a very hearty cat.  Any defect in the average cat can be found in the Ragdoll but not in any greater incidence just because it’s purebred. 

A lot will depend on genetics of course and how conscientious the breeder was in health testing using whatever methods were available at the time. 

Thankfully two genes that cause HCM in Ragdolls have been identified so that breeders can potentially avoid producing kittens with heart problems from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.  That is a very exciting development in the Ragdoll breeding world!!

How are you breeding to avoid those defects?

Health testing is key!  How can you avoid it if you don’t do the health testing and screening? All of my breeding cats are tested for FeLV/FIV, DNA tested for both of  the genes responsible for HCM and Blood typed. 

Since the males produce the greatest number of kittens, I have them heart scanned as well as a precaution even though I know they aren’t carrying the known genes that cause HCM in a Ragdoll. 

There isn’t a breed specific test for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) in the Ragdoll.  I was advised by ‘Cat Genes’ Diagnostics that the DNA PKD test currently offered is primarily for the Persian breed and that they have only seen it occasionally in the Ragdoll breed.  Therefore it’s imperative to scan the kidneys and not rely solely on the PKD DNA test until a breed specific DNA test is developed.

How large is your breeding operation?

I try to keep all of the current actively breeding Ragdolls in my cattery  listed on the home page and  they will have their individual photo and details page as I have time. I usually have youngsters that I'm evaluating as well.

I normally retire one to be able to keep one. I've broken my own rule this year already but will retire some by the year end because I'm sure there will be kittens from 2009 litters that will steal my heart too.

As I continue working with the chocolate and lilac colors I need to continue to replace kitties with new and 'better' generations of kittens to constantly improve features.  The proof will be in the pudding as they say.  As I keep lilac and chocolate kittens from each generation they will be exhibited, if possible, to ensure I am on the right track as far as type is concerned.

 
Where do your cats spend most of their time?

I’d love to say that all my cats and kittens run loose in the whole house and we just have a big party.  But that’s not realistic nor responsible in a cattery environment. 

Everything has to be done in an organized manner.  That means that the boys can’t just run loose with the girls and kittens. Intact (unneutered) males will, and do spray or urinate on your furniture, walls etc in order to mark their territory and to attract females.  The little kittens can’t be mingling with older kittens and cats until they are properly vaccinated and have stronger immune systems etc.  

I’m very fortunate that I’m able to dedicate the majority of the house to the Ragdolls.  All of the kitties live in the house.  The boys have their own rooms where they can spray to their hearts content.  Kittens of different age groups have their  own areas of the house as well until they are able to mingle freely with older kittens and adults.

This is why it’s important for me to remain a small scale breeder.  If I had too many, things wouldn’t be as easy to manage and wouldn’t be healthy.

None of my cats are caged!!  If I had to cage my cats I wouldn’t be a breeder at all.  I object to the whole idea of caging them. 

As can be seen in my videos online, the Ragdolls have a great time playing and having the run of our home and interacting.  They need this to be well socialized. 

The downstairs in our house is dedicated entirely to the Ragdolls and we are renovating to make it even more awesome for them!   We are currently only using about half of the space so when we are finished it will be fantastic for the kitties.

Both of the boys have their own bachelor room.  They really like having their own space.  They always have a companion with them with and a big window to keep watch on what’s happening outside. They are never alone.  Both of the boys are mushy love bugs so they enjoy me playing with them and visiting them every day.

Besides the boys rooms two separate rooms, there are currently 3 small and 1 large room that serve as nurseries and the big room acts as the kitten/cat playroom.  This is equipped with cat trees, toys, beds and scratchers.  This is where they can all get together to rip and tear and jump and wrestle and act like maniacs.  My husband objects to the ‘herd’ of Ragdolls coming upstairs to do that around his electronic equipment!! 

Usually it's a few at a time upstairs unless we have company and then it's mayhem!  Kitties everywhere vying for attention.   I have to monitor the wires and stuff for my husband to ensure everyone is behaving.  :)

We do have an outdoor building where they can hang out mostly in the summer.  They love that.  It’s also handy as the studs bachelor studio during the peak months of breeding so that the males can have privacy from each other.  That tends to limit the amount of marking that they do and it’s a great change of scenery for them, literally.  They love the fresh air.

This year we are considering making a outdoor enclosure for the Ragdolls since we still have tons of fencing from the dogs! It will be fun to design and build that enclosure, especially for the boys, to give them extra freedom to alleviate boredom.

Do you breed full time? In other words, do you have another job?

For a while I was raising both the Westies and the Ragdolls. However, since both breeds are just so similar in that they are very demanding of your affection and wanting their personal time with you, I had to make a tough decision.  I retired the Westies! 

Having both breeds made me divide my time up too much and it wasn’t fair to either.  Now the Ragdolls have me at their beck and call full time. 

It was also essential if I was going to travel to shows with the kitties.  When I was raising the dogs, I usually had a number of boarders at any one time. That would keep me tied to home. 

I find raising cats to be much more demanding than raising dogs.  If I worked outside the home I doubt if I would be able to keep up with breeding.   I feel very fortunate that I can be home to dedicate the time needed for raising these very, very special cats.

I also sell designer brand clothing from home on the side (when I have time!!) to finance the Ragdolls. They appreciate that.  

J I haven’t had much time to get a site up though since I spend so much time on my Ragdoll site.  You can view my first attempts here: http://fashions.auctiva.com   There are some glitches to work out.   I was going to open a boutique in the lower part of the house but now we’ve dedicated it to kitty cats so that idea is out!  

I am also an Independent Product Consultant for an incredible natural health supplement that all of my family uses and all of our animals too!!  It's called Tahitian Noni Juice.

What sort of health guarantees do you offer?

I have great confidence in the health of my Ragdolls.  I offer a health guarantee that I would want as a kitten buyer.

All my pet kittens go home with:

6 weeks of complimentary Insurance

5 year genetic health guarantee

2 year FIP guarantee.

I think this is a very fair guarantee.  I believe that by 5 years of age, any genetic disease that wasn’t already found in the parents and eliminated from our breeding program will have appeared.  This is why I feel confident in offering this extensive health guarantee.

What happens if the kitten gets sick?

No kitten will leave here if I don't think it's 100%. 

If a kitten gets sick once it leaves my home I would hope that the new parents would contact me and let me know what’s happening so I can offer support, guidance and advice. 

Any kitten that gets sick shortly after leaving my home is covered by my 72 hour guarantee. 

If it gets sick within weeks or months after, I am always available for help and will assist the new family in any way that I can.  This is where the 6 weeks of complimentary insurance comes in handy.  You never know what a kitten can get into or whether it will be stressed in it’s new environment during the introduction phase.  It’s peace of mind knowing that you have this coverage for unexpected vet bills.

If a genetic illness crops up, the new family simply needs to contact me with the details from their vet.  I am very easy to deal with and want the best for each family that adopts a baby from me. 

I certainly don’t want to increase the pain of having a sick kitten by giving a hassle.  I will replace the kitten as soon as the family feels ready or as soon as a baby is available.
 

What is your favorite Ragdoll look?

I have some specific things that I like in the Ragdoll features. 

There isn’t one specific color or pattern that I prefer although I’m a bit partial to the uniqueness of the Tortie and I love a big red cat! 

The Lilac Lynx cats are absolutely stunning and the Chocolate Point Ragdolls have that mesmerizing look of elegance.

Overall, I think it really depends on the cat as to what I find attractive.  The personality is so important. 

Not all colorpoint, mitted or bicolor cats look alike.  There is quite a variation in size, coat, eyes, profile, ears as well as depth and placement of color.  This can make one cat much more appealing than the next in exactly the same color/pattern combination. 

Bicolors are very, very popular and I do love a bicolor with a beautiful white V that runs through the center of the eye, deep point color, excellent scoop, full muzzle and gorgeous eyes. 

Colorpoints are very striking if the point and body color have a deep contrast.  That to me is very attractive.

What I’m breeding toward is a large Ragdoll with the longer non-matting coat because I don’t find the shorter coat as appealing. 

I love the beautiful rounded muzzle that makes the Ragdoll appear very angelic even as an adult.  A narrow or pinched muzzle isn’t a good look for a Ragdoll. 

Deep blue eyes with a beautiful shape and a long bushy tail are fantastic.

As for color, I’m currently working on producing top quality Chocolate and Lilac Ragdolls with the qualities listed above. 

This is very rare color in the Ragdolls.  DNA tests are now available to determine if a Ragdoll is truly chocolate or lilac or just a lighter colored seal or blue.

Chocolate is a recessive color.  BOTH parents need to either BE a chocolate or lilac or be carrying the chocolate gene to produce this color.   DNA tests will alleviate any doubts now as to whether a cat is a true lilac or chocolate or if they are carrying the chocolate gene.

Since other breeds have commonly been introduced to produce these colors of Chocolate and Lilac, it's a good idea to exhibit our Ragdolls and ensure that the Ragdoll temperament and conformation isn't compromised.  

I am now working on my fourth generation of chocolate and lilac Ragdolls which is very exciting.   I’m very pleased with the quality of kittens that I am producing.  The goal is to improve with every litter we produce.

May I speak with people that own your cats?

Absolutely.  However, it’s good to keep in mind that any breeder giving you references is only going to direct you to people who are going to give a good report. 

I highly recommend that you speak to the breeder personally on the phone, ask to speak to their VETERINARIAN as a reference and if at all possible visit the cattery for yourself. 

If you are discouraged from doing any of those things, I would recommend that you go somewhere else. 

Remember that the breeder has to sell themselves to you too.  You aren’t the only one who has to answer questions or be interviewed.  Ask lots of questions so that you feel comfortable adopting a new family member from this person.  They are the one molding your kittens initial view of life and humans in general.   A good start is vital.

It’s important to purchase from a breeder that you feel is responsible in the way they raise their kittens, that you feel comfortable with and trust that if you have any issue that they will respond quickly and be willing to assist beyond the sale of the kitten.

Do you raise your cats underfoot?

As noted above, kittens are raised very lovingly and in an organized way for their health.  Socialization within the ‘general population’ begins after the first vaccinations are given.  This ensures that small kittens aren’t exposed to viruses and such that their weaker immune systems cannot fight off.  Once this is done, babies are allowed to roam and be trained to become polite and well behaved members of the family.