Preperations to bring Your ragdoll kitten home

Items needed include...

Food- The kittens are currently eating ( Purina Pro Plan Kitten chicken & rice formula ) dry.

Although it's in their current food, we recommend additional L-lysine. We use brand Felisyl, it is a flavored gel and can be ordered on Amazon. L-lysine is an amino acid that supports immune system, eye and respiratory health. We recommend a 2 inch size ribbon of the gel applied to a popsicle stick given a few times a week.

Free feeding of their dry food is recommended and hold off on introducing canned food until they are settled in and well established eaters of their dry food. Their dry food has everything in it that they require, canned food does not! Ragdolls are very food driven and can become "food beggers" so be sparing with treats too.

We recommend that they continue eating their dry kitten food until around 1 yrs of age. Then you cat switch to Purina Pro Plans Chicken & Rice adult formula. Ragdoll are a large and dense boned cat that continue to slowly grow until they are actually close to 2 yrs old.

Food and water dishes- Stainless steal is the best material, it's anti bacterial. A waterproof mat or pad is a good idea to place under the water dish. Water fountains are popular and may stimulate your kitten to drink more water. Cats overall tend to not drink as much water as they should.

Litter pan and litter (Fresh Step clumping unscented litter is currently being used). It comes in a lightweight version as well which is much more convenient to lug around. 

Here your kitten has used covered and uncovered litter boxes, either are fine.

Bedding (flannel fabric from a fabric store is cost effective, easy to wash and doesn't fray)

Toys! My recommendations are toys that make noise like foil balls. They also love feather wands. Laser pointers really get their attention lol. 

*Please stay away from catnip and any toys containing catnip. Kittens may have an allergic reaction. The strengths of catnip can widely vary in toys and is not regulated.

Cat tree- Kittens love to climb and be off the ground. They also prefer to sleep up high like their leopard ancestors.  A medium size cat tree is a good place to start.

Amazon and Chewy.com have many selections, but to be honest the cat trees at Petco and Petsmart are higher quality, studier and already assembled.

Grooming- I prefer a metal tooth comb for brushing.

A pair of standard fingernail clippers for nail trimming. 

For bathing I use a baby shampoo ( Johnson & Johnsons lavender "purple liquid" ). A soft toothbrush is helpful in washing between their toes. Avoid getting water in their ears.

Always thoroughly dry your kitten after bathing. Remove excess water with a plush towel 

( paper towels work well too ) then blow dry on medium speed with warm air. What is comfortable up close against your arm is fine. Clipping the fur in their rear end area aids in good hygiene. I like to use a beard trimmer with the 1/2 inch guard attachment.

Prepare a private space for your kitten in an area like a bedroom, bathroom or laundry room.

Kittens settle in quickly but remember that they will need supervision for awhile especially when being introduced to any current pets and to the larger areas of the home. If you have a two story home, I recommend food, water and litterbox on each floor.