Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Understandably, many prospective owners wish to visit a cattery in person, hoping to meet their future companion before making a decision. However, as a responsible breeder, we have made the decision not to allow home visits for several important reasons—both for the well-being of our kittens and for our own family’s privacy and safety.
This policy is not meant to discourage potential adopters, but rather to ensure the best possible environment for our kittens as they grow. We want to take a moment to gently explain why we have this rule, and to address some common misconceptions about choosing a kitten.
The Safety and Health of Our Kittens Comes First
A cattery is not a pet store or a shelter—it is a nursery where young kittens develop and thrive in a carefully maintained environment. Allowing visitors into our home exposes them to unnecessary risks that could have serious consequences.
1. Risk of Disease Transmission
Kittens have delicate immune systems, and despite our best efforts, they are vulnerable to infections. Even a healthy-looking visitor could unknowingly carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites on their clothing or hands. Some of the most concerning illnesses, like feline panleukopenia (a highly contagious and deadly virus), can be tracked in from shoes or clothing after visiting another home with cats or even stepping through an area where an infected cat once was.
2. Stress on Kittens and Their Mothers
Ragdoll kittens are known for their affectionate and relaxed temperament, but that doesn’t mean they don’t experience stress. A sudden influx of new scents, sounds, and people can be overwhelming, especially for very young kittens who are still learning about their world. Stress in kittens can lead to weakened immune systems, behavioral challenges, and even impact their overall development.
The mother cats (queens) are also protective of their young. Even the most socialized, loving Ragdoll mom can become anxious or defensive when strangers enter her space. This stress can lead to reduced milk production or even rejection of the litter in extreme cases.
3. Home and Family Privacy
While we take great pride in raising our kittens, we are also a family with a private home. Unlike a large breeding facility, a home-based cattery is not a storefront—it is a place where we live, rest, and care for our animals. Inviting multiple strangers into our home would disrupt our personal space and compromise security.
Common Myths About Choosing a Kitten
One of the biggest concerns we hear from potential adopters is:
“How will I know if the kitten will bond with me if I don’t meet them first?”
This is a common misconception, and we'd love to explain why it’s not as necessary as people think.
Myth #1: “The Kitten Needs to Choose Me”
Many people believe that kittens will “pick” their owner when given the chance. In reality, kittens at a young age are naturally curious and may interact with anyone who engages them. Their reactions in a short visit don’t necessarily indicate which human they’ll form the strongest bond with.
Ragdolls, in particular, are known for their deeply affectionate nature. Unlike some independent breeds, they thrive on human companionship and will bond with their new family regardless of whether they met them as a baby or not.
Instead of choosing a kitten based on a brief interaction, we carefully observe each kitten’s temperament over the weeks we raise them. We then match them to homes where we believe they will thrive, based on personality, household environment, and lifestyle.
Myth #2: “I Need to See Their Personality First”
A kitten’s personality is still developing at the time they are ready for adoption. Kittens go through different socialization phases, and their final temperament is shaped not just by genetics but also by their ongoing experiences in their forever home.
While we can certainly identify early traits—some kittens are naturally more playful, others more laid-back—it’s important to remember that a kitten's personality will continue to blossom as they grow and adapt to their new environment.
How We Help You Choose the Right Kitten
Even though we do not allow in-person visits, we take several steps to ensure you feel confident in selecting your kitten:
Personality Assessments: We spend time evaluating our kittens' temperaments and help match them with the best families based on their lifestyles and preferences.
Photos and Videos: We provide regular updates with pictures and videos so you can see how your kitten is growing.
Virtual Meetings: In some cases, we may offer video calls so you can see the kittens interact in their familiar environment.
Detailed Descriptions: We provide information about each kitten’s personality traits and what kind of home they may be best suited for.
Final Thoughts
Our no-visit policy is designed to protect our kittens, their mothers, and our home environment. We understand that this may feel disappointing to those hoping for an in-person experience, but we assure you that it is in the best interest of our kittens’ health and well-being.
By working with us through updates, photos, and temperament evaluations, you will still find the perfect Ragdoll companion for your home—one who will bond with you just as deeply as if you had met them in person.
We appreciate your understanding and trust in our process, and we look forward to helping you find your perfect furry family member!
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