ABOUT JAZZMANIA KITTENS

Jazzmania kittens are provided meticulous care with the top three priorities being diet/nutrition, veterinarian care, and socialization. Before birth, each queen is given her own room where she can give birth to her babies in quiet and privacy. The kittens quickly learn to recognize my voice even though their eyes are not yet open. Within several days, they will roll over for their "tummy rubs." Each kitten is handled and weighed on a daily basis and this is evidenced by their early socialization. Their eyes come open at around 10 days and at 4 weeks, the kittens are clamoring to climb out of their playpens and meet the outside world! The kittens are ready to go to their new homes at 12 weeks of age with everything necessary for their first year of life including all vaccines, dewormings, fully litter trained, a complete physical by my vet and a health guarantee by contract as well as ALREADY SPAYED/NEUTERED.

HEALTH/VET CARE

Jazzmania is an FIV/FeLV-free cattery. My cattery is "closed." This means that there is no exposure to any other cats outside of my cattery. I choose not to show my cats to ensure that both adults and kittens remain disease-free. All adults have tested negative for FIV/FeLV; therefore the kittens are guaranteed negative leaving my home. In addition, several adults are "spot-checked" with bloodwork on an annual basis. Each kitten is given a physical by my vet when they are "speutered." He will provide a signed letter that certifies that each kitten is in good health. In addition, a health guarantee by contract is provided that covers hereditary/congenital defects as well as FIP and HCM. Please note that all of my breeders have been DNA tested for HCM and all are negative. I will also provide you with complete vaccination/deworming records along with recommendations for future vaccinations and vet visits. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial for the health of your kitten.

DIET/NUTRITION/CARE

Your kitten should be fed a high-quality grain-free dry food as well as canned food twice daily. The latest research indicates that cats that have been fed only dry foods can develop urinary crystals or blockages as well as early onset of diabetes and other diseases. It is also essential to have clean, filtered water available at all times and changing it at least twice daily is recommended.

Ragdolls shed very little and because they do not have undercoats like the long-haired breeds (such as Persians and Himalayans), they do not mat easily and their coats are easy to maintain. A slicker brush is recommended - use it once a week so that your kitten will be accustomed to the process and enjoy it; however, their easy-to-maintain coats really do not require frequent grooming.

Ragdolls are strictly indoor cats and do not have the instincts to defend themselves outdoors. They do love windows or screened in porches and can thus enjoy sunshine and fresh air without being exposed to a variety of dangers such as cars, theft, other animals, fleas and/or diseases.

Ragdolls DO require lots of love and attention! They are very intelligent and easy to train. They will follow you from room to room and greet you at the door. Many clients refer to Ragdolls as "puppy dogs in kitty fur" because of their puppy-like traits - they can even be trained to fetch! And you will probably find, as many people do, that......

RAGDOLLS ARE LIKE POTATO CHIPS......

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE JUST ONE!!

DECLAW POLICY

Declawing is no longer an accepted practice. If you are considering this inhumane procedure, please see the "Declaw" link under "Related Links." This harmful procedure can permanently change your kitten’s personality and behavior. The kittens have been introduced to and trained to use sisal scratching posts and pads from an early age. It is highly recommended that you purchase a post with sisal covering. There are also horizontal corrugated cardboard pads or scratching mats that can be purchased inexpensively. In addition, it is quite easy to trim the ends of the front claws with a specially designed clippers. I will be happy to show you how!

Whether you purchase a kitten from Jazzmania or another breeder, buyer beware. Please do your research before making a deposit on a kitten from any cattery - ask lots of questions! The breeder should be registered with the major cat associations. The breeder should have years of experience and/or be working with a mentor. The breeder should be willing to allow you to visit the cattery to choose your own kitten. You should be able to obtain registration papers for your kitten. And most importantly, every breeder kitty should have been DNA tested for HCM!

Cats/kittens should never be caged and should be handled on a daily basis to ensure proper socialization. Be aware of cleanliness in the breeder’s home/cattery. Watch for any visible, physical signs of health problems with either the adults or the kittens. Kittens should not be released before 12 weeks of age (Ragdoll kittens are slow to mature) and should be fully vaccinated, dewormed and already spayed/neutered. The kittens should be accompanied by a health certificate signed by a certified vet and a health guarantee by contract should be provided as well. You will probably find that most reputable, well-established breeders have a wait list.