Are they selling this kitten to you as some sort of pedigree? If they are, then I am afraid you are being duped. From my understanding of the breeds Ragdolls are generally quite slight framed but look bigger because they are very fluffy and BSH (especially males) can be quite chunky so I'm not sure why she would be small?

 

Asking for members' advice here. We found a lovely kitten to buy, mum Ragdoll small, dad British shorthair. The seller says the kitten is cheaper than usual as she has not 'stabilised the line' yet. And the kitten will be small. As new to cats, I wondered if people foresee any problems here- why is the kitten small? and what does 'stabilise the line' mean? are we likely to face health problems with the kitten?
Many thanks in advance.

Both Ragdolls and British Shorthair cats have inherited diseases, so, unless they have been DNA tested free of those conditions, you are taking a risk that the kitten may not be healthy. There is also the problem of buying from a byb. (I have never before heard the term 'stabilise the line!) Sometimes they cut corners when rearing kittens in order to make a profit from selling them. Kittens who have not had a good start are more likely to suffer ill health in later life.

Why are you contemplating buying a cross-breed rather than a pedigree kitten?

 

I should imagine the rubbish they are telling you about the kitten being small means either
a) It has health problems they know about & are trying to offload
b) It is MUCH younger than they are telling you.
WALK AWAY!!!!!!!!
Either go to a reputable rescue centre if you want a moggie - which is what you are buying, Or go to GCCF website to find a pedigree kitten.
You have done the right thing by asking before you buy. Preloved? Gumtree?
There is no such thing as stabilising a line with cross breed cats. There is no guarantee that your kitten has anything to do with the parent cats. They are not dogs, you get that crap with Labradoodles, cocker poos & all those other 'designer crossbreed mongrels'

 

I am sorry for this kitten, but I fear it will have ill health.

I wouldn't proceed any further and save yourself a lot of heartache plus massive vet bills.


Good luck and stay in touch

 

Run, run far & fast from this 'breeder'.

Ragdoll x BSH is not an approved cross, the kitten can't be registered, as above the parents may well not be tested for inherited diseases, and sounds like the 'breeder' is making a pile of excuses.

If I have an undersize kitten it stays here until I'm happy which could be at 15 weeks old or more if necessary.

This 'breeder' is a BYB, however good or bad the kitten is buying it will only encourage them.

 

A breeder attempting to create a line that can't be registered???? It's a moggie at the end of the day. IF a cross of the breeds she is suggesting (which sounds unlikely) then could easily have health issues if she has not performed the proper tests on the parents.

Have you actually seen the parents and their pedigrees?
Were they being kept indoors.
Was this a planned mating?

As others have said I would not want to advocate such a practice and would walk away and find a proper breeder of whatever breed you decide to go for. Lots of advice here if that is the route you choose.

 

Hi Amelie do you specifically want a kitten or would you consider a rescue Ragdoll or BSH. There are rescues that are for these breeds as there are for most breeds. 2 of my boys are Ragdolls and they are not at all small.simba has lost weight at the moment but he always does in summer. If you want a kitten of either breed, look on either GCCF or Tica and look on their list of reputatable breeders. Or you could adopt a cat or kitten from a rescue home. That way you would know it's been health checked and had its inoculations.

Viv xx

 

Agree with everything that's been said above!!

And I bet they're charging hundreds of pounds for these kittens also because they come from apparent pedigree parents but the kittens are not pedigree!

Please do listen to the experience of the advice given, I know these kittens will be SO cute and beautiful but so will plenty of others who are either moggies from a rescue who has checked their health or a kitten from a proper breeder of pedigree cats who are health checked before mating which will ensure you get a beautiful and healthy family addition.

Good luck with your search. Stick around, learn from these amazing people and once you have your new addition please do share lots of pics if you can.

 

Many thanks to all, really appreciate your advice and support. We will walk away from this one and check for a registered breeder or try the rescue option. We found a GCCF registered Ragdoll breeder, going to see one tomorrow- much more convincing in the presentation, details sent, and registration papers available. Thank you all- and wish us good luck with our new family member.

 

A very sensible option Amelie. I'm sure people will be along soon to advise you on the best questions to ask regarding health testing etc for ragdolls. They are beautiful cats and from what I know very nice natures generally.

What age are he kittens your going to see?

Your looking for Nice active kittens with clean bright eyes, clean noses and a clean bum. I would really like a litter of kittens to be interested in me and confident to approach me and be handled/petted by me rather than being scared of me and hiding in corners/under sofas.

make sure and see mum and that mum seem happy, healthy and got a nice temperament herself.

Good luck!!! Xx

 

Good luck Amelie. When I got Tiga my eldest Ragdoll. I also saw Tiga's dad as his breeder had both mum and dad. I was also allowed to see her new project of Ragamuffins. Another beautiful and very new breed, cousins of the Ragdoll. Let us know how you get on please.

Viv xx