«I call them my favorite ...»
- This special kindness in their eyes... I didn’t even know that they were called Ragdoll, I just needed a short-haired cat in addition to the Persian Cherelle The Best. But when I first saw this doll, I realized that I was going to take it home.
- Your first Ragdoll cat: please tell us the story how this pet appeared in your home.
- I was looking for a cat, and my whole trip was full of events. It all started with a show in the vicinity of Milan, where I was thinking of finding cats for breeding. I did not think about Ragdolls at that time and did not know that they would be there, but the only beautiful cats were exactly two Ragdolls. They were sisters Sissi and Susanna of blue mitted-tabby colour, but they were 6 months old. One of them, Sissi, looked at me kindly and inquiringly. So I decided to come closer, asked the breeder for permission to take the animals in my arms - and as if by magic, Sissi began to purr in my arms, squinted her blue eyes and was happy to be stroked, while Valentino Papandrea, their young breeder, explained how it was hard to sell this cat because of its wary attitude towards strangers. Trying to restrain my emotions, I did not dare to give my miracle back and agreed on a sale. I also did not dare to separate the sisters and agreed to buy the second cat as well. Sissi had such a cute look, and Susanna was just beautiful.
- "Rag doll" - Do you like this name? What associations does it cause for you personally?
- I like this name, the word itself is obviously borrowed and therefore I had to find a translation, but I like not only the sound, but also the meaning: these cats really look like dolls.
- Please name the 5 main advantages of Ragdolls and the 5 main disadvantages of this breed... if any.
- First of all, Ragdolls are the best antidepressant: they radiate calm, their eyes relax, they see that you are nervous, and by all means calm you down, set you up in a positive way. Whether the breed is ideal or I am so fascinated by it, but I don’t see any flaws in the breed.
- Many people say that Ragdolls are very difficult to breed. What do you think about it?
- I don’t think so, there are no more difficulties with this breed than with others.
- What main difficulties in breeding can you call as a breeder?
- Breeding is another matter; it is hard and does not always work since the very beginning. There were problems when the cat could not feed the kittens due to mastitis; I had to take care of the kittens manually. At the moment, everyone is alive and well. I must say that this incident greatly influenced me... In general, this is a fairly natural and predictable process, and when such accidents occur, I consult with other breeders. As a rule, we find a solution.
- Please answer as a breeder: are Ragdolls suitable for everyone?
- Yes, but do not forget that they are still cats and need attention and a good attitude.
- Even like the first cat?
- With the support of experienced breeders, you will surely do everything right.
- What advice do you usually give to people buying a kitten in your cattery?
- First of all, I advise them to make sure that their home is safe and secure for new residents. It is necessary to pay attention to windows and balconies, since cats do not see danger in them until it is too late. Although they are called “dolls,” they behave like little moose. If you have children, explain to them that Ragdolls cannot be squeezed like ordinary cats - “until the first scratches”: these creatures are more helpless, and we must protect them.
- Some people are afraid to have Ragdolls, as they have heard enough or read about “genetic changes” that this breed has undergone. What can you say about this?
- The breed has no inheritable defects.
- As you know, Ragdolls have a special coat, which is thick, long. Is it difficult to care for?
“Not really difficult.” To keep Ragdolls in their best form is a matter of technique, you just need to have a metal comb and comb your pets twice a week. During molting, you can do this more often, for example, daily, but in general it does not take more than a few minutes a day.
- What is your favorite Ragdoll color?
- Blue. I like to bring bright colors to everything, I do not really like chocolate and lilac cats.
- What is your favorite character trait in Ragdolls?
- Complete absence of aggression and absolute affection, calmness and confidence, and at the same time the ability to make polite and rather sweet remarks with their voice.
- How do these cats get along with other cats and other animals?
- I have an experience of successful keeping of several Ragdolls, dogs and parrots simultaneously. I can’t say anything about other pets.
- Is it true that this cat should never be left alone?
- Absolute truth! They get sick and suffer if left alone, they need your presence, although in extreme cases, if you are often away, you can buy a couple more kittens.
- Sometimes you hear that Ragdolls are not too smart. What can you answer to those who think so?
- I can't confirm that. Like any animal, they have intelligence and personality traits, and we can assume that they are slowly developing. But they are smart enough.
- How much does a Ragdoll kitten cost? What makes up this price?
- They are not too expensive, the cost is comparable to kittens of other breeds, as it seems to me. In Europe, prices range from 800 to 1,500 euros, depending on whether you need a pet cat or show class. Prices are not really high considering how much purebred puppies cost today or how much the breeder contributes to cat breeding.
- Are they picky eaters? Do you usually recommend natural nutrition or professional feed?
- I’ve had no problems with nutrition. They eat both dry and wet food, homemade products and cat mince. As to usual home meat, I give them white bird, steamed fish; I buy high-quality canned food and recommend cereal-free dry foods.
- They say that Ragdolls are hypoallergenic, is that true?
- This is not true. At least, I have not noticed any evidence of this, and scientists have not provided proofs. Siberians and Norwegians are classified as hypoallergenic breeds, with some reservations, but I can say that several allergy sufferers, after checking, have bought my kittens and have never complained later.
- What kind of sweet words do you use to call your Ragdolls?
- I call them my favourite and, as a rule, use their nicknames only when I scold them for something. Simply put, I treat them like children.