Ragdoll Cat Rescue

Cute ragdoll kitten with blue yarn

Ragdoll cat rescue centers can be the perfect place to find your next pet. Although owning a Ragdoll cat has many advantages, there are times when an owner can no longer care for a cat, and the animal is placed in a rescue center or animal shelter for adoption.

Why Cats Go to Rescue Centers

Ragdoll cats are sometimes sent to rescue centers because an owner grows ill and must go into a nursing home or perhaps even dies. When this happens, the family is not always willing to take the cat on as a pet and will place the animal for adoption. Occasionally, a cat simply doesn't fit the expectations or lifestyle of the owner. Although cats are a fairly low maintenance animal, Ragdolls still need a lot of love, attention and regular brushing. Some owners find they simply can't commit to this and choose to find the cat a home where it will receive the care it needs. Be aware that some cats go to rescue centers because of behavior problems as well.

Problems a cat might have can include personality disorders, medical issues or even litter box problems. Always question the center about why the cat is there and if there are any known issues. If at all possible, go to the shelter and see the cat in its environment. Most shelters encourage this and will allow you to interact with the cat to be sure you are a good fit for one another.

Ragdoll Cat Rescue Centers in the United States

There are several rescue centers that cater specifically to the Ragdoll breed, including:

You may also find Ragdolls occasionally at the Humane Society and other local animal shelters. If you wish to adopt a Ragdoll locally, ask your local centers to phone you if they get in any Ragdoll cats or kittens. In addition, many national registries such as PetFinder.com may have Ragdolls available at any given time.

The Adoption Process

The process for adoption will vary from shelter to shelter or person to person. Some people simply want a loving home for a pet that they have to part with and will not charge you any fee whatsoever to take their cat. Other people feel that someone who is really interested in an animal will pay a little something for it. If you are adopting through a non-profit animal shelter, most have an adoption process. This can include some or all of the following:

  • Pre-qualification process: The shelter will ask you questions, such as if you keep your cats indoors and what other pets you have in your home. Many shelters will not adopt out to people who allow their cats to go outside.
  • Adoption fees: Most shelters do charge an adoption fee, which can range from a small amount to a couple hundred dollars. This fee typically covers things such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
  • Follow-up: Some shelters require a follow-up home visit to make sure the cat is adapting well to its new environment. If the shelter director has seen a lot of abuse cases, this is more likely. He or she simply wants to make sure the cat is well cared for.

No matter which route you choose to find a Ragdoll cat for rescue, these cats have very loving natures and bond closely with their family members. Since they do bond so closely with their owners, try not to take on a Ragdoll unless you feel you can make the commitment to care for the cat for the rest of its life. The last thing you, the shelter or the cat wants is to see the cat wind up back in another shelter. Adopting Ragdolls can be very rewarding. You'll gain a loving companion for life.