work fulltime new kitten Options

[chet]

Hi,

So I think I found a kitty I want, a ragdoll. I work fulltime, would you recommend I still get him? Home by by 05.00, 05.30. I grew up with cats who were kept outdoors during the day and they were fine.
I chose a ragdoll coz I hear they're perfect apartment pets. Kitty would be kept inside in my fairly small apartment (enough space to play). I of course would provide plenty of toys and kitty would get plenty of cuddles when I'm home.

Also, would a boy be better in this situation? I've always preferred boys.

thanks,

Chet

[Mymphf]

Hi Chet, welcome to the forum.

Others here are more knowledgeable about the breed you've chosen than I, I'm sure they'll be along shortly to offer their advice but you could always get two instead of one so your little guy wouldn't feel too lonely while you're away.

[lynh]

Hi,

In your situation I would definitely get two kittens/cats if finances allow, and perhaps put off getting them until you are on holidays so that you can spend a decent amount of time with them before leaving them to their own devices when you go back to work.

I've found that Ragdolls aren't always as they are generally depicted. My Summer couldn't be further in character and temperament from the "norm" if she actually tried!! (Apologies to any breeders reading this - I'm sure your babies are fine). I've come across a few people now who have behavioural issues with Ragdolls, so you can't really generalise. Don't let that put you off the breed. That's not my intention. I just wanted to say that cats can be as individual as people and you can't always rely upon the general information which is out there. Ragdolls are delightful, even Summer !!

Anyway, when you go back to work, make sure there are plenty of toys, things to climb on, maybe leave the radio or TV on. Work out where the sun is at various times of the day and try to make sure your cats have easy access to these spots.

As far as I'm concerned, the sex of the cats doesn't make much difference - I find females friendlier, and the males I've had over the years have been much more laid back - take your pick.

Good luck with whatever you decide. You'll never regret being owned by a cat or two.

[Furrballz]

Hi Chet,
As a Ragdoll Breeder I have had kittens go to both single and multiple cat homes, people who are home most of the time and those that work long hours, and the cats adjust.

I do think that as has been mentioned, 2 kittens could be best for your situation, but the right one could work just as well for you :)

My advice is for you to find a Breeder that you feel is doing the right thing for their owners and the kittens they raise, and go from there :)

Good luck! An exciting time for you!

[love.my.cats]

Most cats do adjust pretty well. Samson was an only cat for about 2.5years and he did just fine. If I was to start over, I think I would get two cats to start with as seeing them snuggled/playing together is awesome but at the time, I could really only have one cat and as much as he loves the company of the other cats now, I really don't think being on his own did him any harm.

Ragdolls are beautiful cats. I came so close to getting one before adopting Meeka from the pound. All our cats are rescue cats, and live indoors just fine. If you're going to get a ragdoll, please make sure you go to a registered breeder and don't buy one of the cheaper ones you might see on Gumtree. So many people are contributing to the cat overpopulation so it's much more responsible to pay an extra couple of hundred dollars to get your kitten from someone who's doing the right thing. Or you can always go to the other end of the scale and adopt a 'moggie' for under $200 with all vet work done, and know that you've also saved a life.

[2furries]

My first cat was a Ragdoll. He used to sit at the unit door and cry until I came home from work. I decided when he was about 18 months old to get another cat. Once he got used to the new one he was fine and it took a lot of the attention of me and they both got on well, which at the end of the day was the best thing. good luck.

[chet]

Thanks for the replies!

I'd love two but my place really is small, budget doesn't stretch to two and selfishly, I want the kitty all to myself.

Also, has anyone noticed a diff. in temperament between the sexes? I've always found boys to be more affectionate somehow.

thanks,

Chet

[Serena]

It is always best to have the number of cats you can afford to feed and make sure they have all veterinary work done.

[Furrballz]

Affection between the sexes is a contensious issue with opinions varying widely, depending on who you speak to! lol

I try and get people to get 'sex blind' and take each kitten as they are, and to be guided by our experience as the Breeder, because the Breeder will know the kittens purrsonalities more than how they act around these strangers wanting them to be all affectionate :)