Our Ragdoll Cats
Our breeding girls
We have nine breeding girls, all of which are tested for FIV, FELV and Tritrichomonas Foetus and are currently all negative for these pathogens.
We strongly disagree with the idea of cats in little cages or cramped runs and so our girls have never been locked into separate quarters. Instead, they are all allowed to roam a roomy central area that has four heated runs and plenty of common space so that they can choose where to nap, snooze, lounge or play. Pressure activated heating pads keep them cosy in winter and they drink fresh Scottish spring water alongside a healthy, balanced diet. There are a variety of shelves and other climbing furniture, giving them access to different levels, as well as a plethora of toys and other enriching diversions.
The current cattery sits on a grassy hillside up behind the house, where the cats all enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding organic sheep farm. As of August 2008, we are in the process of having a new purpose-built cattery constructed, which we hope will be completed by the Autumn. See our Cattery page for pictures of the progress.
The girls come into the house about two weeks before giving birth. They then spend six weeks or so inside with their kittens before mother and babies all go back to the cattery for a bit of socialisation and more room to run about. Whenever we can, we bring pregnant mums in together so that they can have a bit of company and support along the way.
Iris
Pedigree name Vonvarda Iris
Date of birth 4 December 2003
Colour Blue Colour Point
Characteristics Iris was the very first breeding cat we bought and is definitely the most nurturing of our mums. She is a real trooper and gets along well with all the others. She's definitely happiest when rearing babies - a tall order, considering her last three litters have been eight-strong!
Katie
Pedigree name Vonvarda Lou Lou
Date of birth 13 May 2004
Colour Seal Colour Point
Characteristics Katie enjoys a bit of luxury, it must be said.
A proud little lady that loves her kittens but will happily shrug them off if there's a bit of cream or a plate of tuna on the go! She's probably one of the friendliest girls and
will cuddle for as long as you'll let her.
Picture courtesy of RWA Photography
Sally
Pedigree name Vonvarda Sabrina
Date of birth 8 September 2004
Colour Seal Mitted
Characteristics Known to actually climb your leg or jump straight into your ams from atop the cupboard, Sal is an amazingly friendly and loving girl, who will follow eagerly, chirping and nuzzling, as you make your way around the cattery. In the warm weather, she prefers a quiet corner and some time to think big thoughts.
Kismit
Pedigree name Rainlee Kismit
Date of birth 8 August 2004
Colour Blue Bi-Colour
Characteristics Having come from a cattery in Essex
at the age of two, it must be said that Kismit went through a few trials and tribulations before settling in.
She's now simply one of the gang, a cool, composed treasure of a cat. A dainty, lovely lady indeed.
Athena
Pedigree name Ragatage Athena
Date of birth 14 July 2005
Colour Seal Colour Point
Characteristics Athena was from Iris's first litter of kittens (fathered by Pablo) and was simply too lovely to sell! She is constantly curious and lovingly attentive. She seems to have inherited her mother's propensity for large litters, having reared six in her first go.
Betsy
Pedigree name Ragatage Betsy
Date of Birth 30 August 2005
Colour Seal Mitted
Characteristics Betsy is quintessentially Ragdoll-ian in
her floppiness and friendliness. A definite "keeper" from
Katie's first litter (fathered by Pablo) - how could
we resist those Liz Taylor eyes?
Picture courtesy of RWA Photography
Hazel
Pedigree name Ragatage Hazel
Date of birth 7 September 2006
Colour Blue Colour Point
Characteristics From Athena's first litter (fathered by Dandy), Hazel
draws a striking resemblance to her grandmother, Iris, and shares her single-mindedness when it comes to food and lounging. She's got looks to die for and a personality to match.
Josephine
Pedigree name Ragatage Josephine
Date of Birth 24 October 2006
Colour Seal Bi-colour
Characteristics Josephine, from Sally & Dandy's first litter,
is named for the mother of the very first litter of Ragdoll kittens ever born (to Californian breeder Ann Baker) and her Ragdoll tendencies are all too clear in her constant purr, relaxed nature and willingness to shower you in kisses. When her first litter arrived, we realised she was also an incredibly nurturing mother, putting her kittens first in everything.
Pandy
Pedigree name Ragatage Pandora
Date of birth 30 September 2007
Colour Seal Colour Point
Characteristics Pandy was the largest, fluffiest, most perfectly-marked female kitten we had ever welcomed here at Ragatage Ragdolls and so it went without saying that she would remain here with us. As of August 2008, she absolutely dwarfs all the other girls in the cattery, including her mother Iris, our star matriarch. Although not yet showing interest in the boys, be sure to check back in the near furture for details and pictures of her kittens.
