🐾 Kitten Care Guide

Raising a Confident, Healthy Ragdoll Companion

AAA CLASS ACT – Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls

Bringing home a Ragdoll kitten is the beginning of a lifelong bond.
At Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls, our kittens are raised with intention, structure, and deep respect for their physical and emotional well-being. This guide is designed to help you support your kitten’s transition, health, and development as they grow into a confident, affectionate companion.

Our care recommendations are based on veterinary guidance, real-life experience, and years of ethical breeding practices—not trends or shortcuts.

🏡 The First Week Home: Setting Your Kitten Up for Success

The first week is about security, routine, and patience.

We recommend:

  • A quiet, designated space for the first few days

  • Limited visitors and calm handling

  • Allowing your kitten to explore at their own pace

  • Keeping food, water, litter, and bedding close together initially

It’s normal for kittens to be:

  • Slightly shy or reserved

  • Less vocal the first 24–48 hours

  • More observant than playful at first

This is not a setback—it’s healthy adjustment behavior.

🍽️ Nutrition & Feeding Guidelines

Nutrition plays a major role in immune strength, digestion, and long-term health.

We recommend:

  • Continuing the same food your kitten was eating with us for at least 10–14 days

  • Gradual transitions if you choose to change food

  • High-quality, protein-forward diets appropriate for growing kittens

Avoid sudden food changes, which can cause digestive upset or stress-related issues.

Fresh water should always be available, and shallow bowls are often preferred by kittens.

🚽 Litter Box & Hygiene

Ragdoll kittens are litter trained before leaving our cattery.

Best practices:

  • One litter box per kitten (plus one extra if possible)

  • Scoop daily

  • Avoid frequent litter brand changes

  • Place litter boxes away from food areas

If accidents occur, they are usually related to:

  • Stress

  • Box placement

  • Litter preference

These are typically temporary and easily resolved.

🧸 Socialization, Handling & Routine

Our kittens are raised in-home and accustomed to:

  • Household sounds

  • Gentle handling

  • Human interaction

Once home, continue social development by:

  • Speaking softly and often

  • Gentle daily handling

  • Interactive play (wand toys, soft toys)

  • Establishing predictable routines

Ragdolls thrive on connection and consistency.

🩺 Veterinary Care & Ongoing Health

Your kitten should see your veterinarian within 72 hours of going home, even if they appear healthy.

This visit:

  • Establishes baseline records

  • Helps your vet get to know your kitten

  • Supports continuity of care

Continue with:

  • Recommended vaccination schedule

  • Parasite prevention per your vet’s guidance

  • Routine wellness exams

No breeder can guarantee lifelong health—but responsible care greatly improves outcomes.

🛡️ Stress, Immunity & Transitions

Stress is one of the most overlooked factors in kitten health.

To support immune balance:

  • Avoid overcrowded environments early on

  • Introduce new pets slowly

  • Maintain routine

  • Avoid unnecessary diet or environment changes

Most kittens carry common feline viruses without issue. Stress—not exposure—is often the trigger for illness, which is why thoughtful transitions matter.

🐱 Indoor-Only Lifestyle

Ragdolls are indoor-only cats.

Outdoor access increases risks of:

  • Disease exposure

  • Injury

  • Parasites

  • Theft or loss

If enrichment is desired, consider:

  • Enclosed catios

  • Window perches

  • Interactive indoor play

💙 Lifetime Support & Guidance

When you adopt from Shades of Sapphire Ragdolls, our support does not end at pickup.

We are always happy to help with:

  • Adjustment questions

  • Behavior concerns

  • Nutrition guidance

  • General care support

Our goal is not just placement—it’s long-term success for both kitten and family.

✨ Final Thought

A well-cared-for kitten grows into a confident, affectionate, and resilient companion. By honoring their needs—physical, emotional, and environmental—you are laying the foundation for a lifetime of trust and love.

We are honored to be part of your journey.