Birman/Ragdoll anyone have experience of where to buy
Discussion
Hi all, we have started out search for a kitten and narrowed it down based on personality and looks to birman or female ragdoll (male would be too large).
From my googling so far I have found some breeders (most do not have anything available currently due to it not being the season) and some pets for sale on websites: pets4homes, preloved. I also called a couple of pet shops whom said they would ask their breeders what they have available.
I am not planning on breeding them but am assuming I should stick to pedigreed to make sure that the cat will grow up to look nice and if parents are both healthy then not have any health problems.
Please let me know if this would this be the best route to go down and any of your tips or suggestions of how to go about it (I have never bought a cat or dog before only had fish and leopard geckos) also if anyone has experience with a specific breeder please let me know
From my googling so far I have found some breeders (most do not have anything available currently due to it not being the season) and some pets for sale on websites: pets4homes, preloved. I also called a couple of pet shops whom said they would ask their breeders what they have available.
I am not planning on breeding them but am assuming I should stick to pedigreed to make sure that the cat will grow up to look nice and if parents are both healthy then not have any health problems.
Please let me know if this would this be the best route to go down and any of your tips or suggestions of how to go about it (I have never bought a cat or dog before only had fish and leopard geckos) also if anyone has experience with a specific breeder please let me know
Hi
I have 2 ragdoll cats, the key word being 2, they are the most loving and beautiful things but Ragdolls need company so I wouldn't recommend getting just one. They are purely bred to be indoor cats so keep that in mind. They are very needy but that brings it's own rewards as they are dog like in their affection to their owners, my two will runtithe door to greet me and also play fetch with their toys.
They are truly beautiful creatures though and the big blue eyes will melt your heart!
Try not to go to a 'back street' breeder make sure you see the mum and dad and they have papers, you will be looking at at least £400 for a ragdoll kitten, and yhey shouldnt let thrm go until at least 12 weeks old
I have 2 ragdoll cats, the key word being 2, they are the most loving and beautiful things but Ragdolls need company so I wouldn't recommend getting just one. They are purely bred to be indoor cats so keep that in mind. They are very needy but that brings it's own rewards as they are dog like in their affection to their owners, my two will runtithe door to greet me and also play fetch with their toys.
They are truly beautiful creatures though and the big blue eyes will melt your heart!
Try not to go to a 'back street' breeder make sure you see the mum and dad and they have papers, you will be looking at at least £400 for a ragdoll kitten, and yhey shouldnt let thrm go until at least 12 weeks old
Edited by chrispmartha on Sunday 27th November 01:01
We have a single Ragdoll - named Bruce. He does great on his own, he's so playful and loving, it's hard to imagine him being any different. He sleeps a lot during the day, and in the evening, he's a proper bundle of energy and cuddles.
Wouldn't have him any other way. He was 1 in July.
We used a local well known breeder, and 'we' (my family) have had another from the same breeder.
Alfie is my Mum and Dads cat (sadly Mum passed away last year, and we got him while she was terminally ill as company for her). Alfie was so nice, that I went back 6-9 months later and I got Bruce for my partner and I. Both are incredible, and I couldn't speak any more highly of the breeder. Cambridgeshire located, if you want any details, let me know.
Pic of Bruce:-
Wouldn't have him any other way. He was 1 in July.
We used a local well known breeder, and 'we' (my family) have had another from the same breeder.
Alfie is my Mum and Dads cat (sadly Mum passed away last year, and we got him while she was terminally ill as company for her). Alfie was so nice, that I went back 6-9 months later and I got Bruce for my partner and I. Both are incredible, and I couldn't speak any more highly of the breeder. Cambridgeshire located, if you want any details, let me know.
Pic of Bruce:-
Thankyou for your lovely feedback 
chrispmartha said:
Hi
I have 2 ragdoll cats, the key word being 2, they are the most loving and beautiful things but Ragdolls need company so I wouldn't recommend getting just one. They are purely bred to be indoor cats so keep that in mind. They are very needy but that brings it's own rewards as they are dog like in their affection to their owners, my two will runtithe door to greet me and also play fetch with their toys.
They are truly beautiful creatures though and the big blue eyes will melt your heart!
Try not to go to a 'back street' breeder make sure you see the mum and dad and they have papers, you will be looking at at least £400 for a ragdoll kitten, and yhey shouldnt let thrm go until at least 12 weeks old
I have 2 ragdoll cats, the key word being 2, they are the most loving and beautiful things but Ragdolls need company so I wouldn't recommend getting just one. They are purely bred to be indoor cats so keep that in mind. They are very needy but that brings it's own rewards as they are dog like in their affection to their owners, my two will runtithe door to greet me and also play fetch with their toys.
They are truly beautiful creatures though and the big blue eyes will melt your heart!
Try not to go to a 'back street' breeder make sure you see the mum and dad and they have papers, you will be looking at at least £400 for a ragdoll kitten, and yhey shouldnt let thrm go until at least 12 weeks old
Edited by chrispmartha on Sunday 27th November 01:01
I am sorry to hear about your mother, my condolences.
I shall private message you for the breeder details, Bruce looks gorgeous
I shall private message you for the breeder details, Bruce looks gorgeous
garylythgoe said:
We have a single Ragdoll - named Bruce. He does great on his own, he's so playful and loving, it's hard to imagine him being any different. He sleeps a lot during the day, and in the evening, he's a proper bundle of energy and cuddles.
Wouldn't have him any other way. He was 1 in July.
We used a local well known breeder, and 'we' (my family) have had another from the same breeder.
Alfie is my Mum and Dads cat (sadly Mum passed away last year, and we got him while she was terminally ill as company for her). Alfie was so nice, that I went back 6-9 months later and I got Bruce for my partner and I. Both are incredible, and I couldn't speak any more highly of the breeder. Cambridgeshire located, if you want any details, let me know.
Pic of Bruce:-
Wouldn't have him any other way. He was 1 in July.
We used a local well known breeder, and 'we' (my family) have had another from the same breeder.
Alfie is my Mum and Dads cat (sadly Mum passed away last year, and we got him while she was terminally ill as company for her). Alfie was so nice, that I went back 6-9 months later and I got Bruce for my partner and I. Both are incredible, and I couldn't speak any more highly of the breeder. Cambridgeshire located, if you want any details, let me know.
Pic of Bruce:-
I have a male birman:
Bought him from a breeder in Tadcaster who had supplied some friends with their pair of birdman's. He's a Blue Tabby Point and I'll freely admit to some bias here but I think he's gorgeous
Pros:
He's an exceptionally loving kitty, seemingly can't get enough fuss - he will ignore food at points in order to follow me around the house and get snuggles!
Lovely soft fur which looks and feels great when he's been groomed
Playful but not particularly high energy so they aren't going to destroy the house like a Bengal
They are a pretty healthy breed generally speaking but have a bit of a sensitive stomach and while it doesn't bother them so much a bit of diarrhea plus that long for is not a fun combination
The only cats I've ever known that don't just tolerate belly rubs but will actively seek them out!
Cons:
Even with regular FURminations his fur gets EVERYWHERE, black clothes are a mistake around him!
Birmans in general need company, not a good solo cat if you're going to be out all day.
Related to that they are house cats only, they have f
k all roadsense and are far too trusting to be let out.
Bought him from a breeder in Tadcaster who had supplied some friends with their pair of birdman's. He's a Blue Tabby Point and I'll freely admit to some bias here but I think he's gorgeous
Pros:
He's an exceptionally loving kitty, seemingly can't get enough fuss - he will ignore food at points in order to follow me around the house and get snuggles!
Lovely soft fur which looks and feels great when he's been groomed
Playful but not particularly high energy so they aren't going to destroy the house like a Bengal
They are a pretty healthy breed generally speaking but have a bit of a sensitive stomach and while it doesn't bother them so much a bit of diarrhea plus that long for is not a fun combination
The only cats I've ever known that don't just tolerate belly rubs but will actively seek them out!
Cons:
Even with regular FURminations his fur gets EVERYWHERE, black clothes are a mistake around him!
Birmans in general need company, not a good solo cat if you're going to be out all day.
Related to that they are house cats only, they have f
k all roadsense and are far too trusting to be let out.I attended the birman show over the weekend, the cats are much more beautiful in real life than any photo can portray, the blue tabby point was our favorite too, the pictures do not do them justice.
When one goes for family holiday for example, would they be happy to stay at a relatives or family friends home as long as he is getting attention? I heard some breeds are very particular with this and others due to their friendly nature will be comfortable to stay with different people.
When one goes for family holiday for example, would they be happy to stay at a relatives or family friends home as long as he is getting attention? I heard some breeds are very particular with this and others due to their friendly nature will be comfortable to stay with different people.
KaraK said:
I have a male birman:
Bought him from a breeder in Tadcaster who had supplied some friends with their pair of birdman's. He's a Blue Tabby Point and I'll freely admit to some bias here but I think he's gorgeous
Pros:
He's an exceptionally loving kitty, seemingly can't get enough fuss - he will ignore food at points in order to follow me around the house and get snuggles!
Lovely soft fur which looks and feels great when he's been groomed
Playful but not particularly high energy so they aren't going to destroy the house like a Bengal
They are a pretty healthy breed generally speaking but have a bit of a sensitive stomach and while it doesn't bother them so much a bit of diarrhea plus that long for is not a fun combination
The only cats I've ever known that don't just tolerate belly rubs but will actively seek them out!
Cons:
Even with regular FURminations his fur gets EVERYWHERE, black clothes are a mistake around him!
Birmans in general need company, not a good solo cat if you're going to be out all day.
Related to that they are house cats only, they have fk all roadsense and are far too trusting to be let out.
Bought him from a breeder in Tadcaster who had supplied some friends with their pair of birdman's. He's a Blue Tabby Point and I'll freely admit to some bias here but I think he's gorgeous
Pros:
He's an exceptionally loving kitty, seemingly can't get enough fuss - he will ignore food at points in order to follow me around the house and get snuggles!
Lovely soft fur which looks and feels great when he's been groomed
Playful but not particularly high energy so they aren't going to destroy the house like a Bengal
They are a pretty healthy breed generally speaking but have a bit of a sensitive stomach and while it doesn't bother them so much a bit of diarrhea plus that long for is not a fun combination
The only cats I've ever known that don't just tolerate belly rubs but will actively seek them out!
Cons:
Even with regular FURminations his fur gets EVERYWHERE, black clothes are a mistake around him!
Birmans in general need company, not a good solo cat if you're going to be out all day.
Related to that they are house cats only, they have f
k all roadsense and are far too trusting to be let out.Echo much of what has already been said. We have two girl Ragdolls (sisters) that are now 4 and they are the most loving, gentle affectionate cats you could imagine.
They really are indoor cats, due to their trusting nature and personality as well as looks (theft). Ours come out with us into the garden in the summer, and have never tried to get over the 6 foot fences. They just like to have a sniff and sit around with us, then pop back in to use the litter tray!
Due to the above, I would echo the sentiment of having two, especially if you are leaving them on their own in the day. They do like each others company as well as human company. Two are almost no trouble over one, other than the initial cost, then just ongoing food and vets etc.
We almost ended up with 3 as the breeder had one left, but when we went to collect ours, it had sold. We have since ( 2 years ago) also introduced a British Shorthair into the household, it was a bit hissy at first but they all get along fine now.
Try to go with a recommended registered breeder, so you know they have a reliable breeding background and pedigree. Always ask to see the Mum and Dad, and where they are kept. This should help show the breeder looks after the animals well, and if they won't show you then walk away. They do need to be at least 12 weeks old to leave their parents, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
We purchased ours this time of year and picked them up the day before xmas eve, there weren't that many about due to the time of year as you say. Ours came without a pedigree (unregistered) and we were a bit naive about this at the time, as we weren't going to breed them, but if buying again I would ensure we had this.
They do shed hair a lot, so you need a good hoover, but even though they have long hair they don't really matt like some cats, as they don't have a separate undercoat like Persians for example. However, they do benefit from regular brushing, it helps them not to get furballs. One of ours loves to be brushed, the other doesnt mind.
We feed them on good quality dried food. We use mostly Royal Canin.
They can take up to 3 years to fully develop their markings. I did these last year to show how they have changed each year.
This is from 2014:
They really are indoor cats, due to their trusting nature and personality as well as looks (theft). Ours come out with us into the garden in the summer, and have never tried to get over the 6 foot fences. They just like to have a sniff and sit around with us, then pop back in to use the litter tray!
Due to the above, I would echo the sentiment of having two, especially if you are leaving them on their own in the day. They do like each others company as well as human company. Two are almost no trouble over one, other than the initial cost, then just ongoing food and vets etc.
We almost ended up with 3 as the breeder had one left, but when we went to collect ours, it had sold. We have since ( 2 years ago) also introduced a British Shorthair into the household, it was a bit hissy at first but they all get along fine now.
Try to go with a recommended registered breeder, so you know they have a reliable breeding background and pedigree. Always ask to see the Mum and Dad, and where they are kept. This should help show the breeder looks after the animals well, and if they won't show you then walk away. They do need to be at least 12 weeks old to leave their parents, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
We purchased ours this time of year and picked them up the day before xmas eve, there weren't that many about due to the time of year as you say. Ours came without a pedigree (unregistered) and we were a bit naive about this at the time, as we weren't going to breed them, but if buying again I would ensure we had this.
They do shed hair a lot, so you need a good hoover, but even though they have long hair they don't really matt like some cats, as they don't have a separate undercoat like Persians for example. However, they do benefit from regular brushing, it helps them not to get furballs. One of ours loves to be brushed, the other doesnt mind.
We feed them on good quality dried food. We use mostly Royal Canin.
They can take up to 3 years to fully develop their markings. I did these last year to show how they have changed each year.
This is from 2014:
kazino said:
I attended the birman show over the weekend, the cats are much more beautiful in real life than any photo can portray, the blue tabby point was our favorite too, the pictures do not do them justice.
When one goes for family holiday for example, would they be happy to stay at a relatives or family friends home as long as he is getting attention? I heard some breeds are very particular with this and others due to their friendly nature will be comfortable to stay with different people.
Agreed that pics never seem to quite do them justice When one goes for family holiday for example, would they be happy to stay at a relatives or family friends home as long as he is getting attention? I heard some breeds are very particular with this and others due to their friendly nature will be comfortable to stay with different people.
Regarding holidays I'm not really sure - I've not been away for more than a couple of nights since I got mine. Friends who have a pair of Birmans went away for a couple of weeks but when they did a relative who used to live in the house with them came to stay and they seemed ok with that. Birmans don't seem to fixate on just the one human slave the way some breeds do although they definitely seem to miss their regular slaves to an extent. I'd have thought you'd be fine, especially if they already knew the people they were staying with.
A great illustration of the differences is between my two - the Birman is largely unaffected when an "unknown" is in the house whereas my Bengal cross runs and hides under my bed!
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff