FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions, answered here. Feel free to contact us with any questions not listed below!

Cute white kitten with blue eyes sitting on a beige fabric chair.

Questions & Answers 🐾

  • Our pet Ragdoll kittens are $2,500 plus Ohio sales tax.

    Because AAA CLASS ACT – Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls is a registered LLC, we are required by law to collect sales tax. While many breeders do not, we choose to run our cattery with full transparency and professionalism. This protects your purchase and ensures your kitten is backed by a legal contract and written health guarantees.

  • Genetic Health Guarantee – 3 Years: Covers life-threatening congenital or hereditary conditions, including HCM, PKD, and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).

    • Initial Health Guarantee – 72 Hours: Please have your kitten examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup. If a medical issue is found, we will work with you immediately..

  • No cattery can honestly claim to be 100% coronavirus-free — unless kittens were raised in a laboratory, which of course they are not.

    A kitten may test negative one day, but that does not mean they will never be exposed in the future. Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is extremely common and can be picked up in many places, including veterinarian offices, boarding facilities, or multi-cat households.

    What sets us apart is that we do not make false promises. Instead, we provide written health guarantees, strong veterinary care, and lifetime support. We also recommend keeping your kitten on immune support supplements to promote a strong, resilient immune system as they grow.

  • Supplements are not required, but some families choose them for extra peace of mind — especially during the transition to a new home.

    Two options commonly used by breeders and veterinarians are:

    • NuVet Plus Feline – a broad-spectrum immune support supplement with vitamins and antioxidants.

    • VetriScience Lysine – helps support immune and respiratory health.

    These supplements are optional and should never replace proper nutrition, vaccinations, and veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian before starting supplements.

  • Each kitten leaves with:

    • Age-appropriate, up-to-date vaccinations, including the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine.

    • Multiple veterinary exams with records provided.

    • Spay/neuter surgery prior to pickup (or placement under a SpaySecure agreement, depending on the litter).

    • Microchipping for permanent identification.

    • Parents tested negative for FeLV/FIV and DNA tested for HCM and PKD.

    • Littermate fecal testing for parasites (such as giardia, coccidia, and worms).

    • Littermate FeLV/FIV testing before placement.

    Why littermate testing?
    Kittens in the same litter share the same environment, so littermate testing accurately reflects the health of the group. This avoids putting every kitten through multiple needle sticks or stool collections while still ensuring thorough results.

  • Yes. Every adoption includes 30 days of complimentary pet insurance to support a safe transition into your home.

  • We highly recommend continuing coverage beyond the complimentary 30 days.

    The first year of growth is critical — kittens are still building their immune system and gut health, making them more vulnerable to illness or stress. Insurance protects against unexpected emergencies, injuries, or illnesses and gives peace of mind as your kitten grows.

    • Step 1: Pre-Approval – Complete the adoption application form.

    • Step 2: Priority List (Optional) – Families may join the Priority List for a $50 non-refundable fee, applied toward the deposit. Priority families get earlier access to available kittens.

    • Step 3: Reservation – At 8 weeks, kittens may be reserved with a $250 deposit (minus $50 if already on the Priority List).

    Total deposit required to hold a kitten: $250.

  • Visitation is allowed once kittens have received their second vaccination, usually around 12weeks of age.

  • Kittens are typically ready for their forever homes at 14–16 weeks, depending on health, development, and spay/neuter recovery.

    • Complimentary delivery within a 2-hour radius of Lucas, Ohio.

    • For longer distances, delivery is $0.45 per mile.

    • Families may also fly in and take their kitten home in-cabin. Carriers available for $40.

  • Yes. Ohio (and most states) require a veterinary health certificate for kittens crossing state lines.

    The cost is $75, covering the exam and paperwork. This fee applies only for out-of-state deliveries.

  • No. Declawing is not permitted under our contract except in rare medical cases. We provide resources and alternatives for safe scratching training.

  • Yes. Ragdolls and Cherubims are gentle, trusting cats who thrive indoors. For outdoor experiences, consider a catio or supervised harness walks.

  • If circumstances change, you must contact us first. While we may not always be able to bring a cat back into the cattery, we will always assist with safe rehoming.

    Our kittens must never be surrendered to a shelter or rescue.

  • A necropsy (animal autopsy) is the only way to determine the exact cause of death.

    This protects you, us, and our breeding program by confirming whether the loss was due to a genetic condition, accident, infection, or environmental factors.

  • Like all responsible breeders, we occasionally face health challenges — no breeder can honestly say otherwise.

    Our kittens are raised under strict veterinary supervision, receive multiple exams, and are covered by both a 72-hour initial guarantee and a 3-year genetic health guarantee.

    We are committed to being transparent and supportive if challenges arise. While we don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, we do everything possible to raise healthy kittens and stand behind them with written guarantees and lifetime support.

    • Deposits: Website credit card, Venmo, or Zelle.

    • Final Balance at Pickup: Cash only.

    This gives families flexibility for reservations while protecting both buyer and breeder at pickup.

  • Yes. All kittens are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association). Papers are provided upon pickup.

  • Families may share their preferences for color, pattern, or personality. We also help guide placements based on temperament match, ensuring the happiest long-term outcome.

  • Kittens are raised in our home with:

    • Daily handling and playtime

    • Exposure to normal household sounds

    • Litter training

    • Introduction to scratching posts

    • Early grooming sessions

    By the time they go home, they are confident, playful, and ready to bond.

  • Occasionally. Retired kings and queens are spayed/neutered, fully vetted, and make wonderful companions. Availability is limited.

  • For health and safety, we do not allow public handling of adult breeding cats. However, we share photos, pedigrees, and health test results of our kings and queens.

  • Yes. Families may join the Priority List to increase their chances of securing a preferred color or pattern.

  • It’s normal for kittens to hide or act shy at first.

    We recommend setting up a quiet, safe space (like a bedroom) with food, water, litter, and familiar bedding. With patience and gentle interaction, most kittens quickly adjust and grow confident.

    • A small bag of current food

    • A blanket with the scent of their mother/siblings

    • A favorite toy

    • Veterinary and vaccine records

  • Yes! We provide lifetime support and love keeping in touch as our kittens grow in their forever homes.

  • Our kittens are part of our family, and we want the very best for them. We are looking for adopters who:

    • Value their kitten as a lifelong family member, not just a pet.

    • Provide a safe indoor home, free from the risks of roaming.

    • Believe in preventive veterinary care, proper nutrition, and vaccinations.

    • Understand that kittens need time, patience, and love as they adjust to a new environment.

    • Can afford the long-term care of a Ragdoll, including food, litter, toys, routine and emergency veterinary care, and pet insurance if chosen.

    • Are committed to keeping their cat for its entire lifetime (often 12–18 years).

    We welcome families with children, couples, and individuals — as long as you’re ready to provide a safe, stable, loving, and financially responsible home.

  • Our kittens are part of our family, and we want the very best for them. We are looking for adopters who:

    • Value their kitten as a lifelong family member, not just a pet.

    • Provide a safe indoor home, free from the risks of roaming.

    • Believe in preventive veterinary care, proper nutrition, and vaccinations.

    • Understand that kittens need time, patience, and love as they adjust to a new environment.

    • Can afford the long-term care of a Ragdoll, including food, litter, toys, routine and emergency veterinary care, and pet insurance if chosen.

    • Are committed to keeping their cat for its entire lifetime (often 12–18 years).

    We welcome families with children, couples, and individuals — as long as you’re ready to provide a safe, stable, loving, and financially responsible home.