Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide — Diet, Grooming & Health

Your kitten has been raised in one home with its parents, littermates, and our family. The first few days may be a difficult transition — your kitten needs patience, gentleness, and understanding.

Confine and isolate your new kitten from other cats for a minimum of five days and nights. A small room with a bed, litter box, dry food, fresh water, and toys is ideal. This helps prevent the spread of germs and makes the transition less stressful.

Kittens may display signs of stress during this period including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, lack of appetite, or diarrhea. These symptoms will pass after a few days.

Your kitten has been fed a balanced diet. Do not change your kitten's diet early on to avoid stomach upset. If you wish to change their food, do so gradually later on.

We use and recommend Royal Canin. Fresh cooked human-quality meats like boneless fish and chicken are a great addition. Natural rice, grated cheese, and chopped boiled egg are welcome treats. Raw chicken wings help keep teeth and gums healthy — supervise young kittens with bones.

Kittens require at least three meals a day until around five months old, then two meals a day. You may also free-feed, leaving food available at all times.

Your kitten has been litter trained using a standard litter box. Your kitten was also trained to use an automatic litter scoop machine — this eliminates scooping, is very sanitary, and we highly encourage its use. The brand and box we use can be found in our showcase on TikTok (@abbeyroadsragdolls), along with many of the toys and products we use and recommend.

Our litter recommendation is Dr. Elsey's Ultra litter. Avoid sand, dirt, or sawdust.

Place the litter box where your kitten can easily find it and try not to move it. Clean the box daily and empty and disinfect it frequently. Use chlorine-based products or diluted household bleach — avoid disinfectants containing phenols or cresols, which can be lethal to cats.

The Ragdoll coat is medium to long with a dense, soft, silky texture. It does not typically mat and is easy to groom. A weekly combing and brushing is a good routine — your cat will love the attention and it makes for wonderful bonding time.

Occasional baths are beneficial. If you wish to maintain regular bathing, start as young as possible. Always use age and breed-appropriate grooming products.

Routine flea control and periodic dewormings are very important. Use veterinary-grade products — most over-the-counter products are ineffective and can be dangerous.

Regular ear cleaning, teeth checking, nail clipping, and looking your cat over for parasites, lumps, or skin problems will help head off potential issues. Never hesitate to contact your vet if you have any concerns.

Vaccination schedules vary. Check with your breeder and veterinarian for the best immunization schedule for your kitten and follow it as closely as possible. After all kitten vaccinations are completed, your cat will need annual vet visits. If your kitten looks sick at any time, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Your kitten is placed as a loving pet and is not to be used for breeding. You are required to spay or neuter your kitten and provide proof to your breeder. TICA registration papers will not be released until proof of altering is received.

Spaying or neutering is good for your pet — it can help them live longer, healthier lives and reduces the risk of several cancers. It also makes pets better companions and reduces territorial behaviors.

Your kitten should always be kept indoors. It is the safest place for your cat and protects local wildlife. Dangers of outdoor roaming include dog attacks, car accidents, cat fights, getting lost, disease exposure, and theft. The best way to protect your companion is to keep them indoors at all times.

Educate yourself about Ragdolls — the more you know, the better the life you can provide. Read books, join cat clubs and forums, attend cat shows, and reach out to other Ragdoll owners. Always contact your breeder for advice and support, and discuss all questions with your veterinarian.