Gotcha Day — Bringing Your Ragdoll Kitten Home

Young child gently holding a Ragdoll kitten in a calm home environment, representing a Gotch Day moment at Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls Ohio

Gotcha Day is an exciting milestone—the day your Ragdoll kitten officially comes home. At AAA CLASS ACT – Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls, we believe preparation, communication, and calm transitions are key to a successful start. This page outlines what to expect on Gotcha Day, how to prepare your home, and how we support families during this important moment.

What to Expect on Gotcha Day

  • Review and receive your kitten’s health records and microchip details.

  • 30 Day Health Insurance

  • Pedigree documentation

  • Copy of Parents DNA Records

  • Tica Registration Papers

  • Signed contract reviewed and provided.

  • Care bag: current food, blanket, toy, and care instructions.

  • A beautiful Royal Sapphire Portrait Series™ canvas print of your Sapphire kitten.

  • Time for questions and photos before you head home.

🏡 Preparing Your Home for a Smooth Transition

Before Gotcha Day, we recommend setting up a quiet, comfortable space where your kitten can settle in and feel secure. A calm start helps build confidence and supports a positive transition into your home.

Before arrival, please have:

  • A quiet room prepared for the first few days

  • Litter box, food, and water set up away from busy areas

  • Scratching post and soft bedding

  • A safe environment free from open doors, cords, plants, or hazards

We’ll review these basics with you and answer any last-minute questions, so you feel confident heading home.

Don’t worry — perfection isn’t expected. We’ll guide you through simple, realistic steps to help your kitten adjust comfortably.

🔄 What the First Few Days May Look Like

It’s normal for your kitten to:

  • Explore slowly or hide at first

  • Nap more than usual

  • Take time warming up to new sounds and routines

With patience, consistency, and gentle interaction, most kittens settle in quickly and begin showing their unique personality within days.

🩺 Vet Visit & First Week Checklist

We recommend scheduling your kitten’s first veterinary visit within 72 hours of Gotcha Day, even if your kitten appears perfectly healthy.

At this visit, your veterinarian should:

  • Review your kitten’s health records and vaccination history

  • Scan and confirm the microchip

  • Perform a general wellness exam

  • Establish care and discuss the ongoing vaccine schedule

  • Answer any questions about nutrition, litter habits, or adjustment

This visit helps establish a baseline for your kitten’s health and gives you peace of mind during the transition. We’re always happy to coordinate with your veterinarian if any questions arise.

🏠 The First Week at Home

Expect normal behaviors such as:

  • Sleeping more than usual

  • Quiet observation or hiding at first

  • Gradual curiosity and exploration

These behaviors are normal and temporary as your kitten adjusts.

Helpful tips for the first week:

  • Keep your kitten in a small, quiet space at first

  • Maintain the same food and litter initially

  • Introduce new rooms and family members slowly

  • Allow your kitten to approach you on their own terms

Routine, patience, and gentle interaction go a long way.

🚙 Travel & Delivery

Most families pick up their kitten directly from our cattery in Lucas, Ohio. For those traveling from farther away, we also offer meet-partway, extended delivery, or flight nanny services.

Our goal is for Gotcha Day to feel calm, joyful, and well-supported—for both you and your kitten.

👉 [ See Full Travel & Delivery Options]