Kitten Around Ragdolls: Ragdoll Breeder Review
Kitten drinking mama's milk
When I was searching for my own Ragdoll, I found there were so many breeders to choose from that it was difficult to know which one was the right fit. I found plenty of online reviews, but I still wanted to see how the kittens were raised, what the environment was like, and how healthy the cats were. Unfortunately, the Ragdoll breed's popularity has also made it a target for scammers and breeders who don't do all the health testing required to produce healthy kittens. These firsthand cattery visits are my attempt to cut through that risk and provide a genuine, on-the-ground perspective for future Ragdoll owners, so they can find their future best friend from an ethical, verified Ragdoll breeder.
How I Review Each Cattery
I reach out to breeders and ask if I can tour their home, meet their cats, and document the experience for other future Ragdoll owners. Not every breeder says yes, but Kiki and Loren, the owners of Kitten Around Ragdolls, welcomed me into their home and let me see their cattery firsthand.
About the Breeder
Kiki and Loren run Kitten Around Ragdolls together as a family, with their kids involved in the day-to-day of the cattery: feeding, socializing, and handling the kittens alongside them. The TICA-registered cattery is based in Sacramento, California, an easy drive for buyers in the greater Sacramento area, and within a few hours for anyone coming from the Bay Area or Reno. For buyers further out, they also arrange a flight nanny, so families anywhere in the world can bring home a Ragdoll kitten from their cattery.
If you'd like to see their cattery in person, I filmed a walkthrough. You can watch it here.
How the Kittens Are Raised❤️
Sometimes kittens get dirty, and Loren gently bathes them.
One of the things that impressed me most during my visit to Kitten Around Ragdolls was how the kittens were raised. The kittens are raised with a lot of love. Rather than being kept in cages, the kittens are raised inside the family's home, where they're surrounded by everyday household activity, dogs, and regular interaction with people. At night the kittens even get to sleep with Kiki and Loren, further building that human interaction from an early age.
As a result, I found their kittens were not shy and very comfortable around me. All they wanted to do was be my friend. In my opinion, this type of home environment helps lay the foundation for a confident and well-socialized cat. By the time these kittens are ready to go to their new homes, they've already experienced regular handling, household sights and sounds, and close interaction with people.
The kittens come to greet me
The home itself was very clean and well maintained. Loren also takes pride in keeping the kittens clean, and if one gets dirty, he personally gives them a gentle bath.
Another thing I appreciated was the emphasis Kiki and Loren place on nutrition. The cats are fed a premium, all-meat diet, giving the kittens a healthy start during one of the most important stages of their development.
Kitten Health
One of the most important factors when choosing a Ragdoll breeder is health. You're looking for a kitten who will hopefully be part of your family for the next 15 to 20 years. Therefore, you want to eliminate the risk of hereditary diseases.
A responsible breeder will do health testing and selective breeding to reduce these risks. During my visit to Kitten Around Ragdolls, I wanted to understand not only what health testing they perform, but how they approach breeding for the long-term health of their cats. I came away impressed by the emphasis they place on health, genetics, and responsible breeding. They also have a one year health guarantee.
Here is a list of things they do:
Health Testing
All the genetic health screening done for the breeding cats (Mom and Dad)
- Full Wisdom Panel DNA screening
- UC Davis PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) testing
- UC Davis HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) testing
They also have an in-home ultrasound machine, which lets them monitor their queens closely throughout pregnancy and catch potential problems early.
Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity is an important part of responsible breeding. By keeping the coefficient of inbreeding (COI) low, breeders reduce the likelihood of closely related cats passing on the same harmful recessive genes, helping maintain healthier bloodlines over future generations.
Kiki and Loren were able to share a pedigree chart that shows how genetically diverse their breeding cats are.
Link to Pedigree Chart
Veterinary Care
Before adoption, every kitten undergoes routine veterinary care to help ensure they are healthy and ready for their new family.
- Two rounds of FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) vaccine
- Deworming
- Flea prevention
- Fecal testing
- Early spay/neuter before placement
Final Thoughts
I have visited many Ragdoll catteries at this point, and what stands out to me is how much love Kiki and Loren put into raising their cats. All of the cats I met were so friendly and most importantly healthy. I especially appreciated how much health testing and veterinary care goes into every kitten, giving each family real peace of mind that they're bringing home a healthy companion who can be their best friend for many years to come. Reading through their reviews, it made sense why so many families come away with such a great experience.
I've toured most of the Ragdoll catteries in Northern California at this point, and Kitten Around Ragdolls stands out as one of the best for quality cats. So if you're searching for a top Ragdoll breeder near Sacramento, the Bay Area, or Reno, this is a cattery worth reaching out to. You can visit Kitten Around Ragdolls to learn more and apply.
