Would Like Some Ragdoll Info

[sivyaleah]

Hi all!

I'm about to adopt a (supposed) pedigreed Ragdoll.  I found her on Petfinder - quite unusual, yes.  Apparently, the Owner is moving into a home with someone who is highly allergic and she needs to rehome her 4 year old, spayed female.  I jumped on the adoption, and it all went very smoothly, especially considering we've been trying to find another kitty for a couple of months and missed out on a few others for various reasons (not due to us - mostly bad timing or the cats needing vetting, which we were concerned about since we have a resident cat).

I say supposed for purebred, because until we bring her home, and receive the papers from the Owner, I will not fully believe she's 100% pedigreed, as I've read enough of this forum to know better.

However, thus far, it's been mentioned twice already about her being purebred by the person acting as liason for the adoption, and they have been extremely businesslike and concerned about making sure Mia is placed into a good quality home.  Also, they specifically mentioned that "the breeder" had tested Mia for FIV/FeLV and she was negative and they needed to make sure Casper was also (of course).

Anyway - that's not the reason I'm posting.  Whether or not she's purebred or not doesn't matter. I'd take her regardless, she's lovely

She looks sad here.  I was told she does not "show well" when brought out to pet adoption days - hates being in the cage.  But, when at home really shines.  We're going to meet her Thursday to get a sense of her personality and see how she responds to us.  I'm sure that will go well, as she's still living with her owner, comfortable in her own surroundings.

mia.jpg

• sivyaleah
• Dec 11, 2012

So, now to my question.

First, she sure does look like a Ragdoll to me.  So, I'll make the leap and assume she is, But, what color/pattern is she?  Would she be considered seal point, bi-color?  I can't see her paws, so I don't know if she has mittens or not.

Also, perhaps you can tell me a bit about their personalities.  I've read up on them, but reading Wikipedia is one thing and hearing from owners directly, entirely different.  The breed sounds like one which will fit in nicely in our household, and with Casper, as he's older (11-1/2), and kind of a mellow sort, we're not sure how  he will respond to another cat in the house - although we will of course be doing the proper introductions (I have off from work for nearly 2 weeks coming up - which is when we'll be bringing her home to us).  Having one that is more submissive seems better than a more outgoing, alpha type for sure.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Willowy]

She looks tortie-ish to me. I don't know what it's called in Ragdolls but yeah.

Better meet her to have a good idea of her personality. Breed traits don't always end up the same in all animals of that breed. My mom has a supposed Ragdoll (very much the same circumstances as yours; her former owners said she had papers. . .but no proof. But she's a seal bi-color with blue eyes anyway, so she looks the part at least) who doesn't act anything like a Ragdoll should. She hates to be picked up and beats up on the other cats :tongue2:. But that girl looks shy so maybe she won't be too assertive with your other kitty.

OK, I guess tortie is a proper Ragdoll color: http://www.tica.org/public/breeds/rd/intro.php But since the pattern is called bi-color, I don't know how that works with torties :lol3:. I'll be interested in hearing from someone who knows for sure what she would be called.

 

[Willowy]

Oh! I just remembered. If she came from a good breeder, the owner should talk to the breeder before re-homing. They like to keep tabs on their cats. At least ask them if they notified the breeder yet.

 

[missymotus]

Looks like a mismarked bi-colour, so she won't have mitts. Seal/black tortie in colour. 

She doesn't look like a raggie to me, head type is wrong - at least in that pic. 

 

[sivyaleah]

Thanks everyone.

I'm going to ask A LOT of questions when we go to meet her tomorrow.  First, of course in general about her so we know how best to deal with her when she arrives home to us, which is most important. Second, about her "pedigree".  Since being on this site, I've gotten very suspicious about people who claim to have a cat they call a certain breed, with a pedigree, that can't prove it, and I certainly know all about backyard breeders.  I'll ask if  I can get the breeders information and the papers, of course and find out if the breeder is being contacted about her re-homing I never would have known to ask that so thank you for mentioning this!  It certainly seems the responsible thing to do.

The photo, is not great, the angle is peculiar for sure.  Hopefully they will allow me to take some when I'm there.  What I won't do, is question her breed to the owner, as I do not want to jeopardize the adoption at all by insulting her.  This poor beautiful kitty needs a new home, and it would be a shame to lose her due to her owner deciding she doesn't like us because we don't believe she is what she tells us she is.  

For all we know, she isn't a pure Ragdoll, the "breeder" lied to her, and she has no idea that one needs papers in hand to be able to prove this. Haven't we all read similar stories ad nauseum to this effect?

*sighs*

 

[orientalslave]

If they are asking more for her because she's a pedigree I'd suggest politely asking for scans of her paperwork.

 

[sivyaleah]

No, the organization is only charging their customary adoption fee, nothing more.  $125 which is pretty much the going rate in our area.  I've seen it range from $75 - $150 depending on the organization so the amount didn't make me concerned.

 

[flintmccullough]

*If*-she-is-a-registered-Ragdoll,there-are-about-a-zillion-things-wrong,with-this-whole-picture.

She-does-have-blue-eyes,a-RD-trait,and_I-can't-speak,for-all-the-RD-colors-and-combinations,lol,she-may-have-DQ-color-traits.

Hard-to-tell-from-the-picture,but-my-best-guess-is,she-is-a-"pet-quality"-RD.So-she-may-not-necessarily-be-coming-from-a-breeder.Most-likely,she-came-from-a-kitten-buyer,as-a-pet-quality,and-now,for-what-ever-reason,the-owner-no-longer-wants-her.If-the-owner-would-contact-the-breeder-she-got-her-from,the-breeder-would-take-her-back.

But,your-not-looking-to-show-her,so,as-you-said,it-really-doesn't-matter,if-she-is-a-registered-RD-or-not.

If-you-could-find-out-who-her-owner-is,I-can-tell-you-if-they-are-a-breeder/show-person,and-what-the-actual-story-is.I-can-also-put-you-in-touch-with-RD-breeders/show-people-in-your-area.They,fur-sure-would-know-what-is-going-on.My-own-breeder-also-breeds-RD's.

First,go-look-at-her-and-decide-if-she-is-what-you-want,RD-or-not.Keep-in-mind,some-kitties-don't-do-well,in-a-show/public-setting.

RD's-tend-to-be-very-laid-back,they-are-almost-dog-like,they-like-to-be-where-you-are,and-some-will-even-fetch.

This-will-help-you-get-started.If,you-get-her-will-be-very-glad-to-help-you,and-tell-you-all-you-need-to-know.

http://www.cfainc.org/client/breedRagdoll.aspx

 

[sivyaleah]

Thank you Flint. Great info. We have a tentative appointment to meet Mia, her actual owner and the person from the organization handling the adoption this evening. I have some small concern, after a flurry of emails. Back and forth for a week now, and them trying to pin ME down for a time to meet, there has been no answer to my last 2 emails from yesterday trying to firm up the date and time.

I hope the owner isn't getting cold feet. I have off for two weeks starting next Friday and its the perfect time to devote to the introduction process for the two cats. After that, it would be far more difficult.

 

[flintmccullough]

Since-you-are-going-to-meet-the-owner,ask-her,is-she-a-breeder-or-show-person,or-did-she-buy-the-cat-as-a-"pet-quality"-kitten.Its-also-possible,she-bought-her-as-a-retired-show-cat.Or-maybe-she-is-a-breeder/show-person,that-fell-on-hard-times,and-needs-to-find-the-kitty-a-good-home.

If,she-doesn't-have-a-cow-about-it,lol,ask-to-see-her-registration-papers.Write-down-some-of-the-names-in-her-line,to-warn-you,they-are-going-to-be-some-very-long-names,and-I-can-look-up-her-linage.It-would-be-cool-to-know-about-her-background,not-a-necessity,so-don't-push-it,if-she-gets-upset,about-it.

If-she-is-cool,with-you-looking-at-her-papers,ask-if-she,the-kitty,has-been-tested-for-HCM,if-she-says-yes,ask-to-see-the-papers.If-she-can't-produce-them,then-we-assume,she-has-not,not-a-big-deal,you-are-just-gathering-information.

If-the-kitty-acts-"scardy-girl",don't-dismiss-her-because-of-that.Some-cats-that-come-from-championship-lines,just-don't-take-to-showing/public-places,and-are-scared.

If-you-can-remember-her-name,or-any-other-names/cattery-names-she-mentions,I-can-prob-figure-out-where-she-came-from.

Either-way,your-not-looking-to-show-her,so-the-above-really-don't-matter,it-would-just-be-nice-to-know-where-she-came-from.

Let-us-know-how-it-goes,get-some-good-pictures,if-you-can,best-of-luck.

 

[carolina]

I have an entirely different perspective on this. Seems to me you are adopting this baby from a Purebred Ragdoll Rescue (or simply a rescue/ragdoll rescue). I think that's who you are calling "liaison", and also who takes her to adoption events, and who put her on petfinder and why you are finding this adoption so business like. I have done the same, 3 times. Twice for ragdolls, and once for a DLH.
This is NOT the same as buying a cat from a byb, and shouldn't be judged as so- this is adopting a cat from a rescue, that's all.
Imho, that is a ragdoll, who looks scared and annoyed inside of a cage, with her ears back, in a bad angle. Awful picture
I see nothing wrong with her, nor with you adopting her.
I think that's great that the rescue has been so through, and wants to make sure she is going to a good home- good rescues do that.
I hope you have this sweet kitty with you soon.... She is lovely! Good luck!

 

[sivyaleah]

Well, we ARE leaving in 1/2 hour to go meet her, and her "mommy" so we will be finding out as much as possible shortly.  I will be taking photos for sure, and asking as many questions, in as polite a way as I can.  My mom had a phrase she would use in her line of work "Probe and clarify".  I'll be doing for sure!

 

[sivyaleah]

Ok well she IS purebred.

mia2.jpg

• sivyaleah
• Dec 13, 2012

She is from a breeder in south New Jersey. Listed as sealpoint bi-color tortie.

 I believe I saw the father was Blue Purrsuasion, and the mom was called Lexi - but she is not shown on the site.

I saw photos of the litter, and all the papers.  They were happy to show it all to me.

Anyway, aside from that we're having reservations due to her personality; and now not sure what to do.

The story is that her daughter purchased the cat 3-1/2 years ago from the referenced cattery.  Her son, has developed severe allergies.  So, she gave the cat to her mom.  But, the grandson comes to visit of course, so this isn't a good solution anyway - and now they will be moving to boot.  Add in, that this cat has been moved 5, count them, 5 times in her little lifetime thus far.  

Anyway, she was extremely standoffish, skittish and tense.  She barely acknowledged either of us.  I couldn't get any more photos than the one above because she wanted nothing to do with me.  We both tried to not push ourselves on her but there was zero curiosity on her part to know us.  When I came near her at one point on the couch, she hissed and moved forward to swipe at me.  Her owner's husband even said that the meows coming out of her were the type that were saying "stay away from me"  I asked if she liked being handled in general and they both said not so much, that she really doesn't like being picked up.  I did not notice either of them actually even being loving to her come to think of it.  The husband was playing with her with one of those wand type toys and she was bouncing off furniture like crazy - very high energy.  We were told she climbs up on everything - tables, the fridge, counters, etc.  If this is it, I do not think she is going to be a good match for our resident cat, or us at all.

I'm trying to put myself in her "paws" - why she might be this way.  I can imagine that being moved as many times as she has been, must have messed with her sense of feeling safe and at home.  I also know, that the grandchild, tends to treat her aggressively at times due to a mental disability (another reason probably for the re-homing).  While the husband has had a lot of cats in his lifetime, the wife has not, and I don't know if she actually interacts with Mia much from what I saw - and he seems to interact with her only to play, not in a loving, calm way.

The thing is, we were hoping to find a calm, loving cat to bring into our family.  I do understand that she is young and has energy to burn and, that on the other hand we got really lucky with Casper - who turned out to be nearly the model cat as far as behavior is concerned.  I mean, he's just fantastic.  Non-aggressive, loveable, likes being held, low key, loves everyone that comes in the house.  Maybe, we're expecting too much from another cat?  Or, are we being realistic and seeing that there may be problems here which could be bigger than we planned for?  My boyfriend did not feel that certain something he hoped to feel with her at all.  There was no connection able to be made and I have to agree with that.  I think she may try and take over Casper's alpha status, when I expected a more submissive cat based on what I've read about Ragdolls.  

Her behavior, from what we saw, certainly was not what the breed is defined to be.

On the other hand, I feel like maybe she just needs that forever home, to just finally be somewhere without so many changes, a calm, quiet place.  We have that.  But, we were NOT looking for a project, one which might impact Casper.  She just does not seem like she is going to play nice with others

 

[missymotus]

It really isn't wise to mention the cattery name.

Now since you have that info please do contact the breeder and let her know, most have contracts stating cats are not to be surrendered. 

Sounds like she's not been well socialised since leaving the breeders, she may become more comfortable in your home, but she may not. 

If you're having doubts then don't get her, you should connect with her and simply have to have her. Otherwise keep looking. 

 

[GoldyCat]

I looked at the breeder's website and found this in their contract.

If, for any reason, the Purchaser cannot retain ownership of this cat/kitten, the Breeder shall be given the right of first refusal, and/or will assist in placing the cat/kitten with a new family.

Did you ask if the current owner had contacted the breeder? It's possible that the breeder is using the rescue as a liaison to place the kitty in a new home, but I would have expected them to tell you if that were so.

 

[sivyaleah]

First, I did not know I shouldn't mention the name of the cattery, apologies for that.  Flint asked me to do so - perhaps she meant to PM her on that but I didn't get that sense.  The way she writes is a bit unusual.  I'll ask the mods to remove it if I'm not able to at this point.

Anyway, I asked the owner right off if they contacted the cattery, because I knew about this already.  The woman wasn't sure as the cat, is technically owned by her daughter.  She "thought" that she has sent some emails to them to that effect - but honestly, I think she was concocting that out of her head.

My feeling, after sleeping on this and reflecting a bit, is that the cat has been through a lot in it's young life.  And, yes, not socialized very well.  I'm not sure we are the right people to attempt to correct her, having a resident cat that is so well behaved.  My concern is she will upset the good situation we have here with Casper, and create issues for him unnecessarily.  

I'm going to speak to the liason today.  She mentioned to all of us last night that she always will have an "after talk" with both respective parties to get their feelings about how it went, to double check since sometimes people don't speak their minds in person.  I don't think she had ever met the cat before either, so I want to get her impression as well although, the cat didn't attempt to come up to her either in any way, so I suspect she may feel the same.

I'm taking this just as a case of "wrong kitty" for us.  As already mentioned, her being a purebred has nothing to do with it at all - it was just a nice bonus for us, if it turned out to be the right cat for us. 

I'll keep you all posted as this progresses.  

 

[sivyaleah]

It really isn't wise to mention the cattery name.

Now since you have that info please do contact the breeder and let her know, most have contracts stating cats are not to be surrendered. 

Sounds like she's not been well socialised since leaving the breeders, she may become more comfortable in your home, but she may not. 

If you're having doubts then don't get her, you should connect with her and simply have to have her. Otherwise keep looking. 

Missy, I took your comment seriously - and removed the name of the breeder.  As I just wrote, I wasn't aware that I shouldn't have done that.

As for whether or not we should get her, you nailed it.  It didn't feel that simple last night as we left - I think I needed to sleep on it but reading your last sentence puts it into perspective.  I appreciate that. Thanks.

 

[flintmccullough]

I-meant-for-you-to-PM-me,but-I-didn't-specifically-tell-you-that,so-that-is-my-fault,I-will-take-the-hit-for-it,and-my-apologies.

I-write-like-this,because,my-space-bar-does-not-work,and-its-a-major-pain-to-type-like-this,but,I-wanted-to-help-others-on-here.He-is-an-imac,and-his-keyboard-is-expensive.The-mods-are-aware-and-they-don't-have-a-problem-with-it.

Contact-the-cattery,tell-them-the-story,give-them-the-information-you-have,they-will-take-this-kitty-back,she-has-been-thru-heck,she-deserves-to-find-a-home-that-can-deal-with-special-needs-kitties.

 

[sivyaleah]

Oh no harm done Flint.  

Anyway.  I wrote the liason a long very nice email this morning, I was very honest about the whole thing, and did ask her to call me later on when she has time, because I really liked her a lot, and she's a good contact to have in life, aside from all of this (she pet sits).

She seems like she'll be understanding about it, since we were very much on the same page intellectually last night, about how to handle cats in general.  I think she was impressed I knew so much about them, even with health and feeding issues.  Potentially, I could see becoming involved in helping her to some degree; not fostering, but maybe in some other capacity.  She was lovely.

I feel much better for having gotten it all off of my chest.  Now, I just hope that she'll be able to impress upon the owners to do the right thing, and contact the breeder asap. Having her out there on PetFinder, just really doesn't seem the right thing to do.

Thanks again everyone.  All of your advice was much appreciated and valuable for me, and helpful in going forward.  It taught me how to be more cautious if this kind of situation arises again, but I think we'll be picking our next kitty out in person; where we can gauge his/her personality before we commit ourselves for a week of emails just based on a picture and online blurb that is written to "sell" the cat and is not, accurate of it's nature.

 

[missymotus]

Missy, I took your comment seriously - and removed the name of the breeder.  As I just wrote, I wasn't aware that I shouldn't have done

You weren't to know especially as someone else mentioned it

Good luck in your search for the perfect kitty for your household