Despite their luxurious, semi-long coats, Ragdolls are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Unlike some long-haired breeds, the Ragdoll's silky coat has less of the dense, woolly undercoat that tends to cause heavy matting and tangles.

Most Ragdolls benefit from a thorough brushing once or twice a week to remove loose hair, prevent tangles, and reduce shedding around the home. During seasonal coat changes, more frequent brushing may be helpful.

In addition to coat care, regular nail trims, routine ear checks, and good dental hygiene are important parts of a healthy grooming routine. Introducing these habits early helps kittens become comfortable with handling and makes grooming easier throughout their lives.

Of course, every cat is an individual. Some Ragdolls have fuller coats than others and may require more frequent brushing, particularly around the chest, belly, and hindquarters where tangles are most likely to occur.

Our kittens are handled gently from an early age and are accustomed to routine grooming, helping them transition more easily into their new homes. Most ragdolls genuinely enjoy the bonding experience of the grooming session and a good belly rub!

No. We do not routinely spay or neuter kittens before they leave our care. We believe natural sex hormones play an important role in healthy growth, development, metabolism, and overall wellness during maturity. Therefore, we follow the guidelines of our trusted holistic veterinarian who recommends delayed spay/neuter, or when the kitten is somewhere between 5 months and 1 year of age.

Yes. All kittens receive a routine health exam at around 5 weeks of age. They are given a conventional dewormer by the veterinarian and also receive a certificate of wellness.

Neither is better. In our experience, both male and female Ragdolls are exceptionally affectionate, gentle, and people-oriented. Personality varies much more by the individual kitten than by gender. We encourage families to focus on personal preference and compatibility rather than choosing based solely on sex.

Yes. If we do not currently have the right kitten for your family, you may request to join our waitlist. Waitlisted families are contacted as suitable kittens become available.

A kitten is considered reserved once a deposit has been received and both parties have agreed to the placement.

Absolutely. We encourage families to choose the kitten that best fits their preferences and lifestyle. We are also happy to help guide you based on temperament, energy level, and household dynamics.

Yes. Our Ragdolls are registered through the The International Cat Association (TICA).

Yes. All breeding cats undergo genetic screening through Wisdom Panel. They are screened for potential genetic, breed-related diseases such as HCM. Our goal is to produce healthy kittens with strong genetic foundations. Our cats have also tested negative for FIV and FeLV.

Yes. Our kittens are raised in a family environment and receive regular interaction and socialization from an early age.

Yes. Our kittens are raised alongside our family dog, Wolf, helping them become familiar with respectful canine companionship from an early age.

In most cases, yes. Ragdolls are known for their gentle, social nature and often do very well in multi-cat households when introductions are handled thoughtfully.

In many cases, yes! Kittens are naturally social, playful, and energetic. Having a feline companion can provide hours of entertainment, comfort, and enrichment that humans simply can't replicate. Two kittens can chase, wrestle, groom one another, learn social skills together, and help burn off all that kitten energy in healthy ways.

For families who work outside the home, have busy schedules, or simply want their kitten to have a constant companion, adopting a pair can be a wonderful choice. Many people are surprised to find that two kittens are often easier than one, as they help keep each other occupied and satisfied.

As cats mature, they generally become more independent and may spend less time actively playing together. While adult cats are often more solitary than kittens, many still enjoy the companionship, security, and familiarity of another cat in the home—especially if they were raised together or introduced thoughtfully.

That said, every situation is unique. A second kitten is not a requirement for a happy life. Many kittens thrive as the only cat in a household, particularly when they receive plenty of interaction, enrichment, playtime, and attention from their human family.

If you're unsure whether one kitten or two would be the best fit for your home, I'm always happy to discuss your lifestyle, schedule, and goals to help you make the choice that's right for both you and your future feline family members.

In general, if your heart and your budget allow for two, kittens often seem to think it's a pretty great idea.

While many Ragdolls enjoy having a feline friend, every situation is different. Households where someone is home frequently may do well with a single kitten, while homes with long periods of solitude may benefit from adopting a pair.

We prefer to meet adopters in person whenever possible. For your convenience and for families living out of the area, transportation options may be discussed on a case-by-case basis. 

We can absolutely help you find a reliable, trustworthy pet transport nanny to deliver your kitten to you, either by plane or ground transport. Fees for the transport are determined by, and made payable directly to, the transport agency and are separate from the adoption fee.

Our kittens are raised in our family's home. Therefore, for our privacy, as well as for the health and safety of our kittens and breeding cats, visits are handled virtually via video conference calling.  Please contact us to discuss current policies and set up a virtual meet-and-greet. In some instances, allowances may be made for visiting older kittens on scheduled warm weather days (in a public area close to our home). These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and may only apply to families who have secured their deposit but are still unsure about their choice of kitten. We understand what an important decision this is and sympathize with the desire to hold your kitten before adoption day, but we also ask for your understanding in our need to protect our privacy. Following your secured deposit and choice of kitten, we do our best to keep you updated with recent photos and updates leading up to your big 'Gotcha Day!'

Our kittens are raised on a species-appropriate, moisture-rich diet of fresh foods and are never fed kibble. We focus on fresh, minimally processed nutrition that more closely aligns with a cat's natural biological needs. Each kitten goes home with starter food and detailed feeding guidance to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are designed to thrive on animal-based foods and to obtain much of their hydration through their diet. Because of this, we prioritize moisture-rich foods such as fresh, raw, and high-quality canned diets.

Fortunately, healthy feeding has never been easier. Today, there are many excellent fresh, frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, and canned options available through pet stores and online retailers, and subscription delivery services. Our kittens are accustomed to eating a variety of high-quality foods, including canned meals, making it easy for families to choose an approach that fits their lifestyle and comfort level.

When selecting a food, we encourage families to focus less on marketing claims and more on the basics: moisture, quality animal protein, and minimal unnecessary fillers. In general, the simpler and more species-appropriate the ingredient list, the better.

For those cat humans who enjoy preparing food themselves, we're always happy to share recipes, resources, videos, and trusted references. Whether you choose to prepare meals at home or utilize one of the many convenient fresh-food options available today, we're here to help you find an approach that is both practical and aligned with our philosophy.

For a more detailed explanation of feline nutrition and why we do not recommend kibble, be sure to visit our blog post: Why We Don't Feed Kibble.

Our feeding philosophy is based on providing cats with a diet that more closely reflects their natural biological needs as obligate carnivores.

While kibble is convenient and widely available, it is a highly processed food with very low moisture content. Cats naturally obtain much of their hydration from their food, and maintaining adequate moisture intake is an important part of supporting overall feline health. Many common urinary tract and kidney/bladder issues can be prevented by ensuring that your cat’s diet is moisture-rich.

In place of kibble, we focus on fresh, moisture-rich foods, including high-quality canned and raw options, to better support hydration and provide a diet centered around animal-based proteins.

This is a topic I'm passionate about, and there is much more to discuss than can fit into a short FAQ. For those interested in learning more, I have a detailed blog post that explores feline nutrition, hydration, and the reasons behind our feeding philosophy in greater depth.

You can find a more in-depth explanation here: [Why We Don't Feed Kibble] (coming soon).

Item deWe recommend having food, litter, litter boxes, scratching surfaces, toys, beds, and a safe introductory space prepared before your kitten arrives. A detailed kitten-preparation guide will be provided. Some of the important and highly recommended items are as follows:    

*water fountain to encourage healthy hydration.

*fresh cat grass grow kit with trays and seeds , or pre-grown grass available at many large pet stores and supermarkets 

*at least one litter box per kitten 

*litter and a scoop

*interactive toys and enrichment items 

*cat furniture with elevated resting places and vantage points 

*species-appropriate cat food, as discussed throughout this website 

*a secure harness and leash for supervised outdoor adventures, if desired

*a safe catio or other secure outdoor enrichment area , if possible and desired

*a quiet, safe introductory area in your home prepared ahead of 'Gotcha-Day'scription

We've tried them all, and we have our preferences. I personally prefer and recommend natural litters, such as GoNatural by Catit (pea husk-based) and Really Great Cat Litter (tofu-based). These litters are free of dust, clump neatly, and tend to track a lot less than some of the other litters on the market. Some families prefer a pine pellet litter, which is very economical, wonderful for odor control but tracks quite a bit as it crumbles. Other families prefer a classic clay litter.

That said, most kittens will readily use most litters, so choose one that best fits your preferences and budget. I have found that generally speaking, a kitten or cat’s refusal to use the litter box properly, or inappropriate urination and defecation, often has little to do with a ‘dislike’ of the litter itself.

Yes. Our kittens are fully litter box trained by the time they go to their new homes.

Inappropriate urination is one of the most common concerns cat families face, and in my experience, it is often a symptom of an underlying issue rather than simply a dislike of the litter box.

Cats are sensitive creatures who thrive on routine and predictability. Changes in their environment, stress, anxiety, territorial concerns, boredom, or conflict with other pets can all contribute to litter box problems. A new pet, a change in schedule, visitors in the home, moving furniture, or even something as simple as relocating a favorite sleeping spot can sometimes be enough to trigger the behavior.

When litter box issues arise, I encourage families to become detectives. Ask yourself: What has changed recently? Is my cat stressed, frustrated, anxious, or trying to communicate that a need is not being met? Often, the answer reveals itself through careful observation and a process of elimination.

While you work to identify the cause, a helpful temporary strategy is to thoroughly clean the affected area with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle, then make that location more desirable for eating, resting, or playing. Placing favorite toys, treats, a bed, or even feeding meals in the area may help discourage future accidents, as cats generally prefer not to eliminate where they eat or sleep.

It is equally important to rule out physical causes. Urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, pain, and other medical conditions can all result in inappropriate urination. Any sudden change in litter box habits should be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

As with many aspects of feline health, prevention begins with supporting the body through species-appropriate care, including a moisture-rich diet, proper hydration, a low-stress environment, and plenty of opportunities to express natural feline behaviors.

Patience and consistency are key. Cats are naturally cautious about new foods, and many need time to learn that a different texture, smell, or protein source is safe. Start by offering tiny amounts alongside their current food and gradually increase the proportion over time.

Some cats benefit from hand-feeding, offering small bites as treats, or simply being allowed to investigate the new food without pressure. Don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t immediately embrace a new diet. Most cats can and will successfully transition with time, patience, and a gradual approach.

Remember that cats are carnivores by nature. Trust their instincts, move at a pace that feels comfortable for your individual cat, and celebrate small victories along the way. If you need guidance, we’re always happy to share what has worked for us. Many commercial cat foods contain additives that overstimulate the senses of the cat and get them "hooked" on less than ideal food choices. Natural foods will eventually win them over however , as instincts kick in and the cat's body wakes up to the regenerating effects of proper nutrition.

Many families report noticeable changes after transitioning to a fresh, moisture-rich diet. Common observations include smaller, firmer stools, less litter box odor, improved hydration, a softer coat, increased muscle tone, and steady energy levels.

Because fresh foods are often more digestible than heavily processed diets, there is typically less waste produced, which can mean less to scoop and less odor in the litter box. Every cat is unique, but many families are pleasantly surprised by how much can change when nutrition more closely reflects what a cat's body was designed to eat.

Finding a veterinarian whose philosophy aligns with your own can make a big difference in your pet's long-term care. I encourage families to establish a relationship with a holistic or integrative veterinarian whenever possible, as these practitioners often place a strong emphasis on nutrition, prevention, lifestyle, and supporting the body's natural balance while still having access to conventional diagnostics and treatments when needed.

I'm always happy to help point families toward holistic or integrative veterinarians in their area. A great place to start is the AHVMA Vet Finder, where you can search by ZIP code to locate practitioners near you. Another helpful resource is the Holistic Vet Directory, which allows you to search for holistic and integrative veterinarians throughout the United States.

Having a veterinarian who understands and supports your goals for nutrition, preventive wellness, and natural care options can make it much easier to build a healthcare plan that feels aligned with your family's approach. Of course, every pet and situation is unique, and I encourage families to choose a veterinarian they trust and feel comfortable partnering with.

If you don't see the perfect kitten available right now, don't worry! Some of our available kittens may not be featured on our website. Please reach out. Our available kittens change throughout the year, and we are happy to maintain a waitlist for future litters.

To join our waitlist, simply reach out and tell us what you're hoping for. Families who place a reservation deposit receive priority placement and are contacted in the order deposits are received when suitable kittens become available. This allows families the earliest opportunity to choose from upcoming litters.

We're always happy to discuss what you're looking for and help determine whether an upcoming litter may be a good fit.

Every kitten develops at their own pace, so we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

The earliest we begin evaluating kittens for placement is around 8 weeks of age. However, the decision is based on the individual kitten's readiness as well as their future home environment.

Factors we consider include the kitten's confidence, independence, social development, and whether they will have feline or human companionship in their new home. Kittens that will spend long periods alone may benefit from additional time with their mother and littermates.

Most HolistiCats kittens go home between 9 and 12 weeks of age, depending on what we feel is in the kitten's best interest.

Each kitten goes home with a starter package designed to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Your kitten will go home with:

• Starter food and feeding information to assist with dietary transition
• A veterinary wellness certificate
• Familiar toys and comfort items
• A blanket carrying the scent of mom, littermates, and home
• Educational resources and recommended reading materials
• Ongoing support and guidance whenever needed

One of our favorite recommended resources is The Nature of Animal Healing by Dr. Marty Goldstein, a thoughtful introduction to holistic animal wellness for those who wish to learn more about holistic wellness for cats and dogs.

Support does not end when your kitten goes home. We are happy to answer questions and provide guidance regarding nutrition, introductions, behavior, and general kitten care. You may text or call me anytime with questions now that you are part of the HolistiCats family!

Our focus is on raising healthy, well-socialized Ragdolls through species-appropriate nutrition, environmental enrichment, careful breeding practices, holistic principles, and individualized care. We believe exceptional health and vitality is a cat’s birthright and strive to give every kitten the strongest possible foundation for life. We provide life-long support to all feline families looking to give their cat the healthiest, happiest life possible.