The Ragdoll Adoption Process is unique to each breeder. Read more for the Masterpiece Ragdoll Difference. “How to Buy a Ragdoll Cat” is the most frequently asked question because people do not buy a ragdoll every day. You might do it only a few times in your entire life. And because the commitment is big, you want to be sure you understand the contract, health guarantee, and care requirements.
In 2025, we returned to our tried-and-true method of vetting families for our kittens. Our adoption process takes a little extra time, but it’s worth it. We use the waitlist, arrange in-person ragdoll kitten selection when possible, and establish pricing stability. Although the economy isn’t improving as of early 2025, we can offer waitlist members guaranteed pricing.
What to expect when you buy a ragdoll cat from Masterpiece Ragdolls in Four Phases:
Phase 1 – Connect directly to the breeder.
If you want to buy a ragdoll, you’ll need to apply. A quality application will be followed up with a phone conversation/interview—The Cat Chat! Be sure not to miss that phone call because we require at least one voice call. We want to get to know you.
How To Buy A Ragdoll Pro Tip
Talk about what you hope for and what you expect! Communication is the foundation of a pleasant buying and adoption experience. We have repeatedly heard that our ragdoll adoption process differentiates us from other breeders because we communicate. Buying a ragdoll cat should be fun and stress-free!
Phase 2 – Agree to the Terms of Buying a Ragdoll Cat
Managing expectations is the key to a successful relationship. Read the contract to be sure the fine print and health guarantee are right for you. If we all start on the same page, we reduce the potential for misunderstandings. Because of our commitment to communication and the establishment of ground rules, we have experienced minimal conflict. This is also a time for you to share your expectations with us. We want to know what is important to you to determine if we can accommodate your needs.
If invited, you can place a waitlist deposit of $400 (generally non-refundable) for a specific birth projected in the next 3 months. The deposit is refundable if we cannot produce a kitten for you. Deposits are typically made electronically (Venmo, Apple Cash, Zelle), but personal checks are accepted at this stage.
How To Buy A Ragdoll Pro Tip
Phase 3 – Kitten Selection (woo hoo!)
Depending on your location and availability, you can visit the cattery (our home) to meet the kittens and connect with a kitten. If visiting is impossible, we can schedule video chats and phone calls. You’ll also get many photos and videos. Another option is having us select or make recommendations. Many breeders insist on this because we know our pedigrees the best. We can imagine them doing well in certain situations, i.e., with kids and other pets, vs. for a retiree or single person.
Phase 4 – Prepare for The Big Day!
The ragdoll adoption process involves coordination and administrative tasks. You’ll want to know about delivery or pick-up dates. We will work together to help you decide on food choices, litter supplies, and health insurance. Payment terms are established, flights and flight nannies are scheduled, medical exams take place, vaccines and alteration (spay/neuter) are accomplished with our vet; record-keeping, registration, emailing, etc. You’ll read all about how to shop for necessary supplies with a list of our Must-Have Merch. All of this takes place between weeks nine and twelve.
The Waitlist Adoption Process
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Priority Selection for Upcoming Litters | Because the waitlist requires a deposit, you’ve placed all your eggs all in a single breeder’s basket, so to speak. |
| Availability within the next six months | |
| Updates on Mother/Kitten health and development | |
| Guaranteed Pricing for Pet Quality Kittens | |
| Ensures the correct fit for each family | |
| Time to prepare for adoption day |
Our committed waitlist is an ethical way of rehoming kittens and a reliable way for you to buy a ragdoll cat. We breed knowing we have loving families expecting rather than breeding and crossing our fingers that someone will come along.
During the waiting period, we can get to know one another better. The ragdoll adoption process is good if the breeder does not accept too many waitlist members. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver!
Learn how many people are on the waitlist.
This will give you an idea of how long your wait will be and give you a glimpse into the whole operation.
Melanie’s Waitlist Experience Buying a Ragdoll Cat
Melanie is a Masterpiece Ragdoll Cat Mama from early 2023. She joined the waitlist in late 2022 as a highly selective “waiter.” She knew what she wanted. She visited in February, knowing the kitten probably wasn’t her cup of tea. Despite finding the female lovely, she decided to wait for the male kitten of her dreams. She researched and interviewed several breeders and ultimately chose us. (Gosh, I was nervous and humbled!)
While Melanie waitlisted, she received updates about the births of litters and potential boys in blue lynx patterns. She returned to the cattery (our home) to make her final selection in early May 2023. And adopted on June 4. Between her selection and Adoption Day, she received “next steps” and tips/tricks emails, photos, and videos. She also knew that she was part of my everyday purpose. When I saw her kitten, Melanie and her family came to mind. I considered what things she said were essential to her adoption experience. Knowing her a bit made serving her much more straightforward.
Melanie is one of many people who will remain in my heart because of the time we worked together throughout the entire six-month process. She often updates me on his growth or asks me about what might be normal behavior or general questions about diet and weight. She sent me this video shortly after the adoption. It confirmed that we were breeding the right ragdoll temperament.
Buy a Ragdoll Kitten for the long run.
Rehoming sweet, cuddly ragdolls is the one concern every pet breeder has. Ragdoll cat breeders employ every method possible to place their kittens in committed and stable homes. Sometimes, it is a chore: we perform mental gymnastics to find the right families to ensure the adopter is not just a compulsive shopper. To buy a ragdoll cat from Masterpiece Ragdolls, you must show us you are in it for the long term.
The waitlist is a great way to choose your kitten at a stable price and adopt her within 3 – 6 months. We offer priority selection, personal attention, and regular communications to our Waitlist Members.
