1. Dry food
We provide our kittens with free access to dry kibbles, specifically Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken for Kittens (https://a.co/d/6RkBDUa). These are complemented with Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Freeze Dried Raw Cat Food Topper in Chicken flavor (https://a.co/d/6I1eeY1). We encourage you to continue free feeding your kitten, allowing them to eat at their convenience. As your kitten grows, you can gradually transition them to Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Food, suitable for all life stages (https://a.co/d/dGj8MDq), once they reach 6 months of age.
2. Wet Food
We provide our kittens with a balanced diet that includes wet food. In the morning and evening, we serve them 1/2 can of Original Instinct Chicken Wet Canned Cat Food for Kittens (3oz) (https://a.co/d/1fnhSom), topped with 1/2 can of TIKI PETS Cat After Dark Canned Wet Food Grain-Free (5.5oz) (https://a.co/d/6ZJlSSc). Our feeding schedule involves two servings of wet food per day. However, you can adjust the meal times and amounts according to your kitten's individual appetite and needs.
3. Water, fountain & Bowls
We prioritize the health of our kittens and cats by providing them with bottled water exclusively. For enhanced options, we recommend CAT WATER by VETWATER, a pH-balanced and mineral-free cat water that is clinically proven to support urinary health and prevent issues like FLUTD. You can find this product at: CAT WATER by VETWATER.
We also utilize water fountains to encourage our kittens to drink more water, as proper hydration is crucial for their overall well-being. It's essential to ensure they consume an adequate amount of fluids each day to prevent urinary issues. If your kitten shows reluctance to drink water, consider mixing water into their wet food twice daily as an alternative method to increase their water intake.
Furthermore, we emphasize the use of stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls, as opposed to plastic ones. Plastic bowls can lead to cat acne, characterized by black chins, whereas stainless steel or ceramic materials are safer and more hygienic for your kitten's health.
4. Litter
We use tofu litter for our cats, opting for this natural and eco-friendly alternative over traditional clay or silica cat litter. Made from soybean, tofu litter is 100% biodegradable, making it environmentally sustainable and safer for your cat. Its natural composition ensures that it is free from harmful chemicals or additives, providing a safer and healthier option for your feline companion.
One of the key advantages of tofu litter is its dust-free nature, which significantly reduces the risk of respiratory issues commonly associated with dusty clay litter. This feature not only benefits our cats but also promotes better respiratory health for us as caregivers. Given that we need to scoop their litter box multiple times daily, minimizing dust exposure is essential for maintaining optimal lung health.
Overall, tofu litter offers a superior littering experience, prioritizing both the well-being of our cats and the health of our household environment.
*Please Note: Commencing from 2024, kittens will undergo training to use both regular unscented cat litter and tofu litter for the convenience of new pawrents. This adjustment aims to address concerns expressed by some individuals regarding the availability of tofu litter.
5. Litter Box
Please select a litter box with a lower entrance to accommodate the kittens as they are still learning. We recommend the Lucky Champ Litter Pan in a Large size (https://a.co/d/5sjK9iL), or you may opt for different brands that offer similar features. Given that Ragdoll kittens grow rapidly and belong to a large breed, it's advisable to choose a litter box in a Large to Extra-Large size.
6. Grooming & Nails
We groom our cats daily, and they enjoy the experience. Among our collection of brushes, the HARTZ Groomer's Best Small Slicker Brush for Cats and Small Dogs in Black/Violet (https://www.chewy.com/hartz-groomers-best-slicker-brush/dp/159719?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12789771333&utm_content=Hartz&utm_term=&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V1xHbCMe7A6pikIYD2mFgv_I&gclid=CjwKCAjw3K2XBhAzEiwAmmgrAouE5cQ6_uVWXmRiASv8800yWnJffUM5h89_TEqbhST40KJwLdrf2hoCS7wQAvD_BwE) is their favorite.
For nail clipping, we recommend the Pet Republique Professional Nail Clippers designed specifically for kittens (https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Republique-Professional-Nail-Clippers/dp/B01GBSSKVU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=kitten+nail+clipper&qid=1660881291&sprefix=kitten+nail%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1). These clippers provide a safe and effective way to keep your kitten's nails trimmed.
*Please Note: As of 2021, we've transitioned to using grooming products exclusively from Chris Christensen Professional Grooming Systems ( Cat Collection (chrischristensen.com ). Their shampoos, brushes, and combs are of high quality and are particularly suitable for Ragdoll/Maine Coon cats.
7. Supplements
We provide our cats with essential supplements to ensure their optimal health and well-being:
Additionally, it's crucial to feed your precious kitten high-quality, protein-rich, grain-free food only. We do not recommend brands like Friskies or Meow Mix, as they contain lots of fillers that are not healthy for cats.
1. The best way to acclimate a new kitten to your home is to choose a bathroom or a small area where there is nowhere for him/her to hide and put his/her food & water and litter in there.
2. Allow the kitten to gradually explore the rest of its new home.
Ensure there are multiple litter boxes strategically placed throughout the house to provide easy access, especially considering that kittens, much like young children, can become easily distracted during playtime.
3. Introduce other pets in the household gradually. This process allows for a smoother transition, ensuring that all animals feel comfortable and safe in each other's presence.
Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats typically exhibit fearlessness and affection towards others, making the introduction process vital for both the new and existing pets in the household. We utilize a variety of security doors with mesh barriers, allowing the animals to safely interact, sniff noses, and become acquainted with one another. However, it's important to remember that each cat is unique, and some may readily accept the new arrival, while others may take more time. It's normal for older cats to require 2-4 weeks to fully accept a new kitten, so patience is key as they adjust to the changes in their environment.
4. Toys
Toys are an essential part of our cats' entertainment. We procure a variety of toys from trusted sources like Amazon.com, focusing on items with feathers, cat toy balls with bells, and fake mice, which our kittens particularly adore, albeit occasionally submerging them in their water dish. It's wise to stock up on toys, as they have a tendency to find their way under furniture.
While laser pointers may seem like harmless fun, they pose risks to both humans and cats. The erratic movement of the laser beam can frustrate cats, denying them the satisfaction of a successful hunt. Instead, we recommend interactive toys like dangling toys on poles, ensuring they're safely secured when not in use to prevent tangling.
Birdfeeders positioned near cat ledges provide safe entertainment for both cats and owners, offering a captivating view of birds without harm to any party involved. For outdoor excursions, we advocate for the use of pet strollers as the safest means to enjoy the outdoors with your furry companion.
5. Scratching posts
When selecting a scratching post for your cat, consider investing in a high-quality option as there are various types available. Experimenting with different designs can help you find the one that best suits your cat's preferences. Alternatively, if you're inclined, you can craft your own by wrapping sisal rope around a sturdy board, or you may find that a scratching post is already included in your cat tree.
6. Cat tree
Your kitten is likely to be quite active and will benefit from opportunities to play, climb, and explore. We highly recommend investing in a cat tree to provide her with a designated space for these activities. Amazon offers a wide variety of cat trees to choose from, allowing you to find one that suits your kitten's needs and preferences.
7. Litter
Your kitten has been accustomed to Tofu Litter, which you can conveniently purchase from Amazon/Chwey, with various brands available to choose from. However, we've found that they transition easily to traditional clumping clay litter if that's your preference. We no longer use clumping litter due to its dust factor, lack of biodegradability, and the risk of kittens ingesting it. If you opt for a different litter type, we recommend introducing it gradually by mixing it with the old litter to help your kitten adjust.
8. Litter boxes
We recommend starting with a standard flat litter box for your kitten. Once you're confident that the kitten is using the litter box properly, you can gradually introduce litter boxes with flaps or cubby hole entries. However, we advise against using flap-style litter boxes until the kitten is older, as they can be intimidating for young kittens. Introducing such a litter box too early may lead to the kitten avoiding it and using alternative locations, such as the floor or even your bed, for littering.
9. Cat food
We feed our kittens Instinct Grain-Free Dry Food, providing them with dry food available at all times for free feeding, along with wet food twice a day. It's important to note that some kittens may not recognize dry food as food initially, so offering a variety of both dry and wet options can help cater to individual preferences and ensure they're getting proper nutrition. Quality food options can be found at various pet stores like Petco or Petsmart, Alternatively, you can order online from Amazon or Chewy.com. Any well-balanced food formulated for kittens will suffice, and if transitioning from our food to another, a gradual transition over a week or two is recommended for the kitten's ease. We advise consulting with your veterinarian regarding the best feeding Raw Diet for your Ragdoll/Maine Coon kitten, as opinions on feeding methods can vary.
*We strongly advise maintaining the kitten's current food and diet regimen until they reach at least 12 months of age. Consistency in their diet during this critical growth period is essential for their overall health and well-being. Should there be any considerations for dietary changes beyond this timeframe, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian for professional guidance tailored to the kitten's specific needs.
9. Nail trimming
While not mandatory, trimming your kitten's nails prevents them from getting caught in fabric, which can be uncomfortable for both the fabric and the kitten. To acclimate the kitten to nail trimming, gently massage her feet, particularly the front ones, when she's calm. Gradually push the claw forward and use regular nail clippers to trim the tip, ensuring not to cut too close to the quick. It's crucial to avoid declawing your cat as it's painful and unethical, leading to lifelong suffering.
10. Vaccinations
We recommend only the core vaccines, which are FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). We advise against administering vaccines for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), Bordetella, and Chlamydia.
Vaccinations are medical procedures, and like all medical interventions, they carry risks. Live vaccines contain weakened forms of viruses or bacteria, which can lead to symptoms resembling the diseases they're designed to prevent, along with potential allergic reactions and tumors at the injection site. Moreover, vaccinated cats shed these viruses or bacteria in their stool and saliva for up to 12 weeks, posing a risk of infection to unvaccinated cats in the vicinity, including pregnant cats and kittens too young to be vaccinated.
The most common reactions observed in Ragdolls/Maine Coons include fever, weakness, lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes or eye discharge, mouth sores, pain at the injection site, and limping.
For more detailed information on vaccinations, please refer to the Cornell University Feline Health Center website: Cornell Feline Health Center.
Regarding specific diseases prevented by vaccines:
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