Dear Friend,
I'd like to take a minute of your time to tell you a little about myself and my cats. My husband, David and I met in High School, and were later married in July of 1987. We have four children, Erik, Cody, Rachel and Nicole. David is the fourth generation son on his families farm, and our sons are also involved in the farm. I've always loved animals...especially Cats, and have had them all of my adult life. Most of my initial experience with cats, came from our "barn" cats, and rescuing strays. I enjoyed the nurturing and the care that went into my relationship with them, and relished the unconditional love they gave in return! But felt a great desire to learn more and more about their health and genetics in order to understand and care for them to the best of my ability. I was involved some with our local animal shelter. But felt I wanted to do more. I decided to focus my energy into what I believe is a responsible community of breeders and pet owners, Ragdoll cats.
So I did a lot of inquiring to breeders trying to find my new kitty! I visited cat shows and met breeds that were beautiful to look at but either took a lot of care, had breed related health concerns, or had personalities that would never fit into my family of young children, a dog and a 'non-cat' husband (or so he claims...but we have caught him too many times giving those hugs and loves to our furry friends when he doesn't think anyone is looking!) And then it happened - I met my first Ragdoll - it was love at first purr! I bought my first Ragdolls in the Fall of 1992, and each day relish their companionship and find myself wondering why everyone doesn't have at least one. My first litter was born May 15, 1993..and with each new litter, it's still filled with anticipation and joy!
After witnessing the hardships of many discarded cats I am very particular that all kittens go to loving homes. I have a strict contract that must be signed with the sale of any and all kittens. I only sell breeding cats to individuals already established with a respected reputation. Although, I will consider working with new breeders who have a willingness to learn and to follow the ethics that I follow along with RFCI's code of conduct. I want my kittens to go to homes that are 110% devoted to the health and well-being of this new addition to their family for the cats entire lifetime. My belief's against declawing are stated in my sales agreement, as I will not place a kitten in a home that is considering this mutilating surgery. And my strong belief's concerning conservative vaccination protocol are also outlined in my sales contract. Early altering is standard practice here at Rockabye Ragdolls. For more on what to expect in getting a kitten from us go to What to Expect
My cats are raised in our country home with my 4 children and 1 dog. I am a mom devoted to my family, home and Ragdolls. As kittens they are well socialized by the whole family and medically are under my veterinarian's care for their vaccinations and altering procedures. I only have a small number of cats in my breeding program, and they are kept in a loving yet proficient manner that protects and promotes socialization, safety, and most importantly their health. I try to only raise one or two litters at a time because it's important to me to have well adjusted kittens that are able to be part of our daily routine and not locked up in cages. I also feel best if I'm able to get to know everyone that is getting a kitten from me. I do this simply because I love my cats and want the best for them.
I have occasionally shown my cats in TICA, CFA and ACFA and have done well..including several Champions, and a few with higher titles such as Grand Champion in CFA and Supreme Grand Champion in TICA, but my focus is on genetic health and diversity, the true Ragdoll personality and well socialized kittens, and my breeding program reflects this. My cats are never let outdoors but they have access to lots of sunshine and fresh air and constant attention. I have my own males and do not offer stud service. I have a strong belief in breeding responsibly with my Ragdolls best interest as number 1 priority..
My breeding program focuses on some of the older lines of Ragdolls that are all 100% Ragdoll without other breeds mixed in, and I feel strongly that the Magic we are all looking for in the Ragdoll cat is found in these lines.
I feel a great sense of pride and responsibility for my cats and am honored to be their human Mom. I feel my cats are truly loved, respected and well cared for, and this is evident in my kittens. I am a registered Ragdoll breeder through TICA, CFA and ACFA, and proudly have been a member of RFCI since 1993, and am also currently a member of RAG. And am currently the Grievance Committee Chairperson in RFCI. Hopefully the devotion and commitment I put into my Ragdolls shows with the quality care, excellent health pledge and carefully monitored dispositions in our kittens. My intent is that this will reflect for many years in your new kitten. I hope I have given you an insight into what type of breeder I am and if you have any questions or would like references I would be happy to help.