Adopting Senior Ragdoll Cats: The Compassionate Choice for Rescue Lovers

Post written by MeLinda Hughes

Spring is quickly coming (for those us in the South at least), and visions of puppies, kittens, and rabbits abound in commercials, on calendars, and in the shelters. Unfortunately, the arrival of kittens in kill shelters means that the adult cat are much more likely to die every day, and yes, this includes Ragdolls just like any other breed. Why? Shelter workers and rescuers know that kittens are much more likely to adopt than adults, so they are more likely to keep the more adoptable kittens.  Seniors, cats aged 7 and up, are in even more danger as adopters quickly overlook these cats. Adult and senior cats are perceived as coming with possible hidden “issues,” and sometimes that is true.

However, adult cats bring so much to their new homes: they are already “house-trained,” they appreciate their new home that much more because they have been in one before, they are already altered when they go home, they do not need as much time and attention as kittens, and they are less “fragile” and are therefore better companions for children and other pets.

People looking to adopt an adult/senior Ragdoll can find them in a variety of places. There are a number of Ragdoll-specific rescues around the country; shelters often have Ragdolls, though they may be mislisted. Owners needing to rehome their cat(s) may list on craigslist and on rescue/adoption websites as well as on breed-specific websites like www. floppycats.com. Another place to look for Ragdolls is breeders. Reputable breeders usually have a clause in their contracts about “first option,” meaning that they will take back kittens they have sold if the owner can no longer keep them, and they often have retired breeders that would make wonderful companions.

So, please, when looking for a new family member, do not become fixated on buying/adopting that cute, little kitten.  Instead, look at that adult/senior Ragdoll needing a home and know that you are literally saving a life.

Here are some senior cats that are on Floppycats’ Ragdoll rehoming page.

Ragdoll Rescue Orinda, California – Tiger Lily – Ragdoll Rehoming Orinda, California

Ragdoll Rescue Pearland, Texas – FooFoo – Ragdoll Rehoming Pearland, Texas

Ragdoll Cat Adoption Superior WI: Clover- Ragdoll Rescue Superior WI Duluth MN

Ragdoll Cat Adoption Dallas Texas: George – Ragdoll Rescue Dallas Texas

Ragdoll Rescue Southern California – Romeo – Ragdoll Rehoming Valley Center, CA

As you can see from the listings on Floppycats.com, there are a number of reasons Ragdolls need new homes, but the fact is that they do need homes and you may be able to find your new best friend with just a little bit of research. Be sure and check your local craigslist ads. Go to Petfinder and Petharbor.  Be diligent by looking not just at listings for Ragdolls, but listings for Siamese, Himalayans, Balinese, and Birmans as these are the breeds most commonly confused with Ragdolls. Go to your local shelters and rescues. Contact local breeders. Check the bulletin boards at local veterinarians and spay clinics. Go to Facebook and “like” Ragdoll-related groups (rescues, local shelters, breeders, etc.) and then scan the pages for a likely match.  With a little bit of diligence, you should have no problem finding the perfect Ragdoll for your home.

There are a number of websites to help you with your new adult/Senior Ragdoll.

You will want to keep a regular watch on:

• Floppycats’ Facebook
• Rescue Me
• Ragdoll International – Retired Breeders
• Ragdolls of America – Retired Breeders
• RFW – Retired Ragdoll Cats
• Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll Rescue Facebook Page

All of these websites list Ragdolls for adoption/purchase. The last three are specifically for retired breeders.