New Kitten! What do I need to know?

[MountPheasant]

Husband and I are going to pick up our new kitten tomorrow morning and we can’t wait!

We both grew up with cats and have always wanted our own, but we have been living in a flat for the last few years so didn’t have space. We are now in a house, and are going to get a male Ragdoll kitten tomorrow.

It’s been years since I had a kitten around and was I’m wondering if there’s anything I need to know? He will be indoor, which I’ve never done: how do I guard against him getting out?

Picture for cuteness reasons! We’re naming him Oscar

Please get him chipped asap if he isn't already, and neutered when your vet is happy to do it.
Neutered males are less likely to roam and fight, and a microchip means you have a better chance of getting him back if he does wander off

And if he does go missing, check your house really carefully - one of my kittens used to hide inside the conservatory roof blinds, we noticed once he grew a bit a weighed enough to make them bulge

Ragdolls shouldn't be allowed outside to roam, they lack common sense. I would either cat proof the garden or get him trained to a lead. I'm sure you will neuter him but please don't be tempted by anyone offering you money to breed from. He is a beautiful cat but non pedigree should never breed. I personally would get him tested for hcm. I don't mean this to scare you but it's a very big reality in cats who are being bred just because they are a certain breed. They may look like the pedigree being sold for double the price but there's a huge difference and a very genuine reason for the price tag.

I'm really sorry to rant about it, but not enough is known about people unlawfully breeding cats. These people tend to say they aren't registered because they are pet only. That's rubbish when you buy a pedigree ragdoll as a pet you still get papers but non active. I know this isn't the case with you but so many people don't seem to realise the scary side of it not even the people breeding from these unregistered cats.
He is very sweet

Oh my. He is lovely! I'm so jealous! Kitties are the best.

Can you cat proof your garden or get a catio built? He is gorgeous what kind of rescue was he in? I bet they went quickly.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Husband walked around the house yesterday blocking off tiny gaps and cables and looking for potential ‘stuck’ gaps, so hopefully there won’t be anywhere he can get lost.

I’m very wary about keeping him a healthy weight, that’s a good tip on the cat food. Should I just feed when he’s hungry? How will I know? Wet or dry?

@OhTheRoses great advice, thanks

@OohKittens no that’s really helpful, thanks- we are going to get him chipped and put w collar on him in case, but we won’t let him out. I’m not fussed on his pedigree status but will ask the vet about the test.

@EachandEveryone No chance of cat proofing the garden really as we have a lot of trees, I imagine he’d be up them and over the fence in minutes. The woman at the shelter is an old friend of my mums who has always kept ragdolls, she knew we wanted a cat so she called as soon as they found them. I hadn’t ever planned on a kitten but once I heard I couldn’t resist!

Picking him up at 10, I’ll post more pics when he’s here!

Exciting if there’s one spare grab it as well they will keep each other entertained

Just keep an eye on panting when playing that's how it starting with my cat who I lost. Ragdolls are a fair large breed (my boy is 28lbs he is huge) they are also slow to grow reaching adult weight at around 3yrs. I free feed mine so I just keep topping up the royal canin, they need a decent brand of food. I wouldn't use a collar it can sometimes restrict the growth around the ruff. They are quite vocal cats mine cry constantly. I have a norweigan forest kitten and he doesn't cry at all just makes all different trilling and chirping noises!

Catmandoo has a YouTube video on leash training it can be done.

You can catproof trees. It’s not difficult.

Never back down and let him do something 'just this once' because he is sooo cute.

He will remember it until the end of time and try it on every single day until the end of his life because you allowed it that one time.

Old lady cat got given Snackies once in the afternoon because DH was in a good mood and 'she seemed lovely'. She now turns up like clock work every fucking day demanding Snackies for an hour and a half even though we have never ever given them to her again.

On the other hand, teaching them something you want them to remember like not scratching the sofa, or coming home in the evening can take months.

I always think you don’t need to know that much because the cat knows all about being a cat and through a series of “looks” that range from reproachful, wounded, downright miffed & an air of “no it’s fine, fine, really it’s fine” when it is obviously not fine in a way more familiar to men who are in the wrong with their partners will teach you what it needs.

It will also nick all your favourite fleeces/throws/blankets. You no longer have the right to use any of them.

What are snackies isn’t she allowed Dreamies? Mine would go mad

Op thank you so I have for such beautiful photos. I am going to add looking at them to my routine today for positive vibes !!!
Good advice above. I’ll just add their teeth are razor sharp and last time I had kittens they chewed the corners of all books they could lay paws on. Decades later I still find evidence of them in pulling a book out ! Put precious things away for a bit.

My cats turned their noses up at Dreamies they are cat snobs

Old Lady Cat would like her diet to be 100% Snackie. She does have Snackies just not in her desired proportions

These are the objects of her affection:

www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_treats_catnip/cosma_cat_snacks/cosma_snacks_single_tubes/206212

Guys, he is so cute

He’s very chatty and confident, snuffled about for 5 minutes and now he’s playing non stop. So sweet!