Kitten Behavior

Your kitten has been socialized with people (including children) and other pets, but your home and family members are new to your baby. Please be calm and patient as your kitten adjusts to their new home. 

We recommend that your kitten has a safe area where they can get away from the busyness of the family home. Cat caves, cat trees, or a kennel with their blanket are great options for places for your kitten to decompress and relax. Don't be alarmed if your kitten doesn't eat much during the first couple of days while they adjust. They will likely eat and use the litter box when they are alone in their "area". Before long, your kitten will be acclimated and probably follow you around everywhere!

Your kitten will get the zoomies, usually in the morning and/or evening, for about 20 minutes or so. You'll recognize the zoomies as bursts of energy where they run, jump, and play vigorously. Zoomies are a good indicator that your baby feels comfortable in their new home. During these periods of letting out that crazy kitty energy is not the time to hold and cuddle your kitten. After the zoomies, your baby will probably be ready for a nap- that is the PERFECT time for a snuggle session with your baby!

Do NOT let your kitten bite your hands or feet when playing. Kittens will sometimes gently put their teeth on you when you are calmly holding them; biting is different- it is aggressive. You will know the difference. Do not jerk your hand away- their instincts tell them it's prey and to grab on tighter. If biting occurs, do not allow it. Firmly say NO and offer a toy instead. Your kitten must learn that hands and feet are not toys. 

*Ragdolls are social by nature. Calm and gradual introductions to new people and family pets will lead to happy relationships. For tips on how to introduce your kitten to resident cats (it works great for dogs too!), we love this video from Jackson Galaxy: https://youtu.be/4DlJYcfiRu4?si=xY1IenB77IKcRDI6 .

*Your kitten may run and hide initially. This is normal, he/she just needs time to relax. Allow your kitten some time to get accustomed to his/her new home. Sit on the floor near where he/she is hiding and do something calm like scroll on your phone or read a book. Give your kitten some time to come to you. He or she will! They want to be near you, to love you, to be your best friend- it just takes a little time to work the nerves out in their new environment. Patience is key.

We know that before long, your kitten is going to be like Velcro to you. Enjoy going to the bathroom alone, because that isn't going to last long. Ragdolls LOVE to be with their people! Be patient with your kitten, give them their own quiet space, provide toys and stimulation for playtime, and then enjoy the cuddles with your baby. (Kittens do go through a "teenager" stage at around 6-9 months of age where they can become a bit more playful and hyper- at that time you might be looking for a playmate for your kitten, and of course- we can help with that!