Sunday, May 22, 2011

A Guide For Raising Ragdoll Kittens

By Louella Decker


Pets play a major role for people seeking companionship at home. Having one can be fulfilling but at the same time effort and time-consuming since pets do require care. Ragdoll kittens are among those highly favored for their agreeable nature and good looks. They are so endearing but pet owners may have to consider some tips on how to care for these furry creatures.

Welcoming a new pet at home is definitely something to look forward to. And just as pets are longing to see their new homes, their environment should be kept safe. Leaving electrical cords and blind cords on the loose will leave a mess because cats would like to play with them. Tying them properly would prevent this. Plants which may be poisonous for cats should also be kept away. Make the house kitten-proof for the new addition to the family.

Just like people, cats become anxious when they see an unfamiliar place. Letting them sleep close to their owners would provide the chance for a bond to form. And since they are separated from their brood, keeping them warm is necessary too. Animals have their own scents and they would have to register the scent of the new house before they can be introduced to other resident pets at home. Thus, keeping them in another room for one to two weeks should be done.

As much as toilet training is important for humans, Ragdoll kittens also need to have their own litter boxes. The litter box used by the breeder can be continuously utilized for the first few weeks but owners should eventually buy another. Wood pellets can be used as fillers to absorb wetness and odor as well as other fillers available for cats. Sawdust is not advisable for its non-absorbent property. Cleaning of litter boxes should be done everyday using a cresol and phenol-free agent. Chlorine and other household chemicals are okay as long as they are diluted.

For feeding the Ragdoll kittens, a meal concentrated on meat would be fine. However, an all meat diet is also not good. Dividing the meals into three parts in a day would allow proper digestion and would provide the needs of a growing cat until five months. Canned goods and dry food are okay as well as fresh chicken and fish, boiled eggs and cheese.

Combing the fur of the Ragdoll kittens may not be too much work since they are naturally soft and silky. Doing it weekly is okay but for those who wish to do it more frequently, it would be a definite pleasure to the cats. Bathing is also recommended but that would require care. Asking the breeder about it would be much better.

Maintaining the health of cats is also essential for responsible pet ownership. There are available vaccines for them; asking the veterinarian would be necessary for this step. Fleas, ticks and worms also commonly invade cats. This can be uncomfortable for them. A lot of products are available for treating these conditions but professional help would also be needed.

Ragdoll kittens are best kept indoors to protect them from the dangers outside. Cats are curious animals; they would love to play with and experiment on what they see from the environment. Having a set of toys safe for them as well as a scratching post made of cardboard or sisal rope would keep them busy enough inside.

ragdoll kittens




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