The Hiccups of New Adventures

As I write this, I find myself several months into my ragdoll/breeder adventures. While many joyful moments exist, I wouldn't be where I am without the occasional learning curve. In today's blog, I will share with you my wisdom I've learned in hope that you will not make the same mistake as I.

Blue Point Mitted Ragdoll

Excitement fills your soul when you pick up your beautiful kitten. You know the advice: keep the kitten separate and let him/her settle in. But you watch your beautiful ragdoll kitten, and you notice confidence and a desire to explore. So, you decide to let the little one lead you.

Sound familiar? This is my tail (no pun intended) of my confident ragdoll. And I didn't do it only once, but I did it twice - with my two ragdolls - introducing them almost immediately upon arrival to my house. Socially, they did amazing! But I wouldn't be writing this if I didn't have a tail (this pun was intended) of woe to tell you!

New environments are stressful. From the kitten's perspective, up until recently, he or she was one kitten surrounded by furry siblings and a cuddly mom. Suddenly, the kitten finds itself in an unfamiliar setting with new smells and new friends. While exciting as this is, it still can be a stressor and take a toll on their bodies.

Let's pause for a moment to recall the last time you started a new adventure. Perhaps it was a new job or attending an event where you didn't know anyone. A part of you eagerly awaits the adventure while your body may experience physical signs such as sleeplessness, nerves, lack of hunger or super hungry.

Our fur babies experience similar responses too. While they want to be part of your family, they also may find their body's reacting to the stress of the new home. It is common for a new ragdoll kitty to experience lack of appetite, diarrhea, and even a mild cold during their transition.

To help with a smooth transition, Chosen Paws Ragdolls recommends the following:

1. For the first few days, confine your kitten to one room in your home. Choose a quiet space where the kitten will feel safe and comfortable. A recommended location may be the room you will permanently keep the cat litter. While a bedroom is tempting, there will be lots of places to hide (Help! I lost the kitten to the dark abyss under the bed!).

2. Provide your kitten with lots of attention and love to reassure him or her through the adjustment.

3. It is normal for your kitten to be nervous and cautious, so talk to him/her quietly and encourage exploration.

4. Introduce other animals through scent. Offer your kitten a blanket that your other animals have laid on (and vice versa). Let pets sniff one another through a closed door or baby gate before any face-to-face meetings.

5. When you feel the kitten is comfortable, introduce it slowly to the other animals - making sure the visit is supervised.

   1. Adult cats may take time to adjust, especially if they are not accustomed to kittens. Adult cats may be afraid of the kitten and respond with hissing or swatting (this is normal).

   2. With dogs, ensure the dog is calm. Avoid overwhelming excitement (like licking too much) or chasing behavior.

The first few days may be quiet and cautious, but soon your home will be filled with soft purrs and gentle companionship. That is the joy of a Ragdoll.