There were things I knew I could not do if I was going to become a breeder. I could not stand the thought of my breeders being housed in small cages, nor could I stand the thought of my house being ruined by the smell of a spraying tom or sometimes a queen. I talked to several breeders to see how they handled this and then used some of their ideas and also incorporated some of my own.
I have a small closed cattery (meaning I do not do stud service), and all my cats are tested for FeLV and FIV before joining in with the rest of the gang.
Health and sweet temperaments are of the utmost importance here at Ridgecreek. Many hours are spent on staying well informed of the standards. I am in constant contact with other breeders that I have found to be honest and very ethical in their breeding programs. We support and help each other on all aspects of having a successful breeding program.
I show in the the show halls for the enjoyment, competition and camaraderie. It is also another way of keeping up to date with the Ragdoll standards. Some kittens and cats love to "strut their stuff" and others prefer being home. I do not campaign any cat or kitten that is not happy in the show hall just to obtain a title.
Kittens are born in our bedroom and raised in my kitten room which is right across from my bedroom. From day one my kittens are handled, hugged, and kissed. Who could resist doing so to these precious babies?? In the kitten room is where they learn to interact with each other, run, play, tussle, and yes, eat "grown-up" kitten kibble. Mom also teaches them toiletry manners and that humans do not like their furniture ruined so they learn to use a scratching post.
Next comes the time when the kittens receive their vaccinations and are dewormed. Their antics keep us in stitches; we have to tread carefully in order not to step on them as they love to follow their humans around. Our kittens are not caged and are raised under foot.
I think it is important to devote a lot of time and love to my "babies". (I even call my adults my babies.) I also spend a great deal of time and energy in keeping my cattery extra clean and a fun environment for them.
I am a member of TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers Association). I am also a member of RFCI (Ragdoll Fanciers Club International), RFW (Ragdoll Fanciers Worldwide), RI (Ragdoll International) and RBC (Ragdoll Breed Club). All my cats are registered with TICA and a few with CFA. I show in TICA.
Welcome to my website!!! Sit back and relax and enjoy a lot of pictures, reading information such as explaining what a show is about, and showing pictures taken at shows. Pages of Ragdoll description, colors and patterns, purchasing a kitten from us, and many other interesting facts will also be discussed.
I would also like to give a little information about how I got started in showing/breeding of Ragdolls. I saw a T.V. show several years ago about Ragdolls and I was intrigued by the breed so I bought a pet quality kitten. That's all it took!! I attended some shows, did a LOT of research, and since I am a retired school teacher and have a passion for cats, I felt this would be a good hobby to pursue. With the help of many Ragdoll breeders I got my first male and first female and the rest is history.
