Gulf Coast Ragdolls
Everything we want our families to know before bringing their Ragdoll kitten home, from setting up their first room to feeding, litter, introductions, grooming, veterinary care, and pickup day.
Settling In
Every kitten is different. Some settle in almost immediately, while others need a little more time to feel safe and confident.
Start small. Set up a quiet base camp with litter, food, water, toys, a scratcher, and a cozy sleeping spot. Let your kitten come out of the carrier when they are ready.
For the first couple of days, give your kitten a smaller room where they can safely acclimate. This should also be where they sleep at night at first.
Needing time to adjust does not mean anything is wrong. Give them patience, routine, play, and affection, and they'll learn that their new home is theirs too.
Introductions
Slow introductions give everyone time to feel secure. Your new kitten's base camp makes the perfect starting point.
Separate → scent swap → positive door time → visual introduction → short supervised visits. Go at the slowest pet’s pace.
A little hissing or uncertainty can happen during introductions. If either pet is consistently frightened, hiding, chasing, guarding resources, or escalating rather than settling, separate them and go back a step. Dogs should remain securely controlled during early meetings, and your kitten should always have an easy escape route and elevated space.
Feeding
Ragdolls grow quickly during their first year and continue maturing for years. We don't recommend restricting a growing kitten's food simply because the amount surprises you.
3 wet-food meals per day + a small handful of kibble mixed in. Leave kibble and fresh water available all day. Growing Ragdolls can eat a lot, especially during their first year.
Recommended Products
We recommend stainless steel or ceramic food and water dishes because they're nonporous and easy to keep clean. Avoid scratched plastic bowls, which can retain oils and debris and may contribute to chin irritation.
Litter Box
Our kittens are raised using Dr. Elsey's clumping litter. Starting with something familiar can make the transition into a new home easier.
XL/XXL litter box + Dr. Elsey’s clumping litter + litter mat. Start with the litter they already know, then transition gradually if you want to change it.
That's totally fine. Once your kitten is reliably using the box, transition gradually. Start mostly with the familiar litter, mix in a small amount of the new litter, then increase the new litter over several changes. If your kitten hesitates or avoids the box, slow the transition down and add more of the familiar litter back.
Recommended Products
Home Setup
Ragdolls may be famously relaxed, but kittens still need plenty of play, enrichment, and appropriate places to scratch.
Tall cat tower + multiple scratchers + tunnels + interactive toys. Give them vertical space, places they are allowed to scratch, and plenty of play.
Recommended Products
Grooming
Getting your kitten comfortable with brushing, nail trims, dental care, and gentle handling while they're young makes routine care much easier later.
Brush, comb, sanitary trimmer, wipes, eye wipes, nail clippers, toothbrush, enzymatic toothpaste, and a gentle cat-safe shampoo. Start handling paws, brushing, and dental care while they are young.
Cleaning & Household
A few pet-friendly cleaning staples make it much easier to stay ahead of Ragdoll hair, litter messes, and everyday cleanup.
A reusable pet hair remover, pet air purifier, pet-safe floor and surface cleaners, and litter box wipes. Keep cleaning products stored securely and always follow the product directions.
Health & Vet Care
You'll receive the veterinary paperwork from your kitten's first visit so your veterinarian can continue their care from there.
Schedule your veterinarian within 30 days. Bring the paperwork we provide so they can continue FVRCP boosters, rabies vaccination, and plan spay or neuter timing.
Bring the paperwork we give you to the appointment. Your veterinarian can continue the FVRCP booster series, typically spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart, give the rabies vaccine at the appropriate age, and help you plan spay or neuter timing.
Our kittens go home not yet spayed or neutered. We recommend discussing a plan around 5 to 6 months with your veterinarian. Ragdolls are a slow-maturing breed and may not be fully mature until around 3 years old.
This guide reflects how we prepare and raise our kittens and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your veterinarian should make medical recommendations for your individual kitten.
Pickup Day
Pickup day is exciting. A little preparation makes the ride home and first night much easier.
A secure carrier is required. Your kitten goes home with their Florida health certificate, veterinary records, familiar toys, and some of their current kibble.
Recommended Products
Your kitten doesn't need to understand their whole new world on day one. Keep things calm, predictable, playful, and safe. Confidence will come.
A quick list of what we recommend having ready before your kitten comes home.
See Our Full Kitten Essential List →