Approved Family Matching Program

Ragdoll breeder smiling a an adult Ragdoll cat during the approved family matching process

Thoughtfully designed to support families who value a calm, intentional, personality-first adoption journey.

The Family Matching Portal is an optional resource created to help approved families stay connected, informed, and supported as our program develops — often before kittens are available.

Participation in the Family Matching Portal is completely optional and not required to adopt from us.

Families who choose to participate gain early insight into our planning process, educational resources, and thoughtful updates, while others may prefer to wait until kittens are available. Both paths are respected equally.

Participation is by invitation following the review and approval of an adoption application.

Ragdoll breeder speaking with an approved family while working from her home office, with Caraline the Ragdoll cat by her side.

What the Family Matching Portal Is

The Family Matching Portal offers families the opportunity to:

  • Build a relationship with us before placement begins

  • Learn how we carefully plan, raise, and evaluate our kittens

  • Stay informed as future litters are planned and developed

  • Share lifestyle information and preferences over time

This early connection allows families to feel confident and prepared — without pressure or obligation.

What the Family Matching Portal Is Not

It does not reserve a specific kitten

  • It does not guarantee placement order

  • It does not require immediate commitment

All kitten placements remain personality-first, guided by temperament, lifestyle compatibility, and long-term success for both the kitten and the family.

Approved families may remain in the Family Matching Portal for up to 12 months, depending on litter timing and match suitability.

  • After 6 months, families may choose to continue waiting or exit the program

  • If no suitable match occurs within 12 months, families may request a refund

Families are never penalized for choosing the path that feels right for them.

Timing, Waiting & Flexibility

When matching does begin, families move through a thoughtful, guided process — not a first-come system.

Timeline showing the Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls family matching process from personality development to kitten placement.

Refund & Exit Policy

We understand that circumstances can change.

If a family chooses not to wait or decides to pursue a kitten elsewhere before a kitten has been formally matched, they may request a refund of the Family Matching Portal fee.

Once a kitten has been formally offered, accepted, or placed on hold specifically for a family, the fee becomes non-refundable.

Our priority is always mutual respect, transparency, and long-term confidence — never pressure or obligation.

Our Commitment

Ethical Ragdoll Breeder reviewing family matching material while holding a Ragdoll cat, representing transparency and personality-based placement at Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls

Our program is built on:

  • Ethical breeding practices

  • Transparent communication

  • Thoughtful, personality-based placement

We are honored to guide families through this journey with care, clarity, and respect — always doing what is best for both our kittens and the families who welcome them home.

Family Matching Portal FAQs

  • The Family Matching Portal is designed for approved families who wish to begin their journey with us well before kittens are available. It allows time to build a relationship, share preferences, and stay informed as future litters are thoughtfully planned and raised.

    Families in the portal receive ongoing updates, education, and insight throughout the process so they feel prepared, connected, and confident long before matching begins.

  • No. Joining the Family Matching Portal does not reserve a specific kitten or guarantee availability.

    Our placements are always personality-first, guided by temperament, lifestyle compatibility, and long-term success for both kitten and family — not order of enrollment.

  • Yes — absolutely.

    Family preferences always matter. We invite families to share their lifestyle, hopes, and preferences, including traits, personalities, and general characteristics they feel drawn to.

    These preferences are thoughtfully considered alongside our hands-on observations as each kitten’s personality develops.

  • IWhen kittens are ready for placement, families already in the Family Matching Portal are invited into the matching process.

    At that time, families begin the selection process collaboratively with us — reviewing available options, sharing which kittens they feel most connected to, and receiving guidance based on temperament, development, and overall fit.

    Selection is a shared decision, never made without your input.

  • ItWhen more than one family may be a suitable match, we carefully evaluate temperament, household dynamics, long-term success, and overall compatibility — not first-come timing.

    Our goal is always to place each kitten where they will thrive for life, while respecting family preferences whenever possible.

  • ItIn some situations, a short temporary hold may be placed on a kitten while conversations take place to confirm the best match.

    Temporary holds are brief, non-binding, and used only to ensure thoughtful, intentional placements — never to create pressure or competition between families.

  • We understand that circumstances can change.

    If a family chooses to pursue a kitten elsewhere before matching begins, they may request removal from the Family Matching Portal. Portal fees are non-refundable, as they support time, communication, education, and planning provided throughout the process.

  • The Family Matching Portal is designed for families who are comfortable waiting for the right match rather than the next available kitten.

    Because breeding timelines and kitten development vary, there is no guaranteed timeframe for placement.

    Families may remain in the portal for up to 12 months. If no suitable match becomes available during that time, a refund of the Family Matching Portal fee may be requested