Cat Advise, Please?

Question

Hi there! I really want a ragdoll cat. I found a breeder that is trying to adopt out their retired mom cats. That's perfect for me, because I don't want a kitten. I was going to go look at the cat tomorrow, but the breeder upped the appointment to tonight because they are going out of town tomorrow. She said she may not come back depending on if she finds a house or not. That would mean if I like the cat, I'd have to adopt it tonight!

My first question: the breeder wants $250 for the cat. Is it polite to try and talk her down, or is that a pretty low price for a ragdoll?

My second question: I'm going to the breeder's at around 9 tonight, then I have to be at work tomorrow. If I do get the cat, will she be ok being alone while I'm at work?

Answer 1

I don't like the pressure the breeder is putting on you to make a quick decision and I would definitely pass on that cat. She is too eager to "unload" a cat on you and you should have time to meet the cat and then go home and consider your decision before taking the cat into your home.

The right cat will come your way in due time and I think you should have a weekend or something at least when you bring a new cat home though it is not absolutely necessary to do that.

When a new cat comes into a home they usually want to hide out for a day or two under a bed or something while they adjust to the new living situation.

Answer 2

I think that you should 'adopt' this cat for 'however much it costs' because I don't think that this is a 'good, reliable' breeder and you will be doing at least one cat a 'favor' by giving it a 'good place to live.' The 'price' of $250 actually sounds a bit 'high' if you are adopting a 'retired mother cat' (presumably it has been spayed, and can NOT get pregnant again) and that may be why this 'breeder' came up with the 'outrageous story' she told you when she said you could see her at 9:00 p.m. So I think it is 'up to you' to either 'adopt' this kitty because it 'needs a good home' or to not adopt it because the 'price is too high and this may not be a good, reliable breeder.' Either one is 'fine' but if you adopt then you'll have 'a kitty to love' and if you don't you'll have to 'keep looking' ... as for the cat being okay while you are at work ... yes, it will be FINE ... although I'd put it into a 'smaller room' with a box and food and water until you 'know it better' because the cat may turn 'destructive' when it is left alone in a 'strange place' ... but you should also 'let it roam the whole place' as long as you are 'at home' because that's the only way it can 'get used to the place' enough to 'feel comfortable' when it's alone as well as when you are home.

Answer 3

According to a couple of different websites that I checked out... kittens start at about $600.00, so if that's the case, I would say $250.00 is a pretty good price.
When you go to check out the new cat, look for signs of poor health (goopy eyes, slow moving, lethargic) also evaluate how friendly she is. If she was used for breeding, ask to see where she was kept. If it was a cage, then there is a real possibility that she has not been socialized. The cat should let you handle her and should purr when petted. If she is skiddish and does not want to be handled then I would turn her down. Don't let the breeder pressure you into making a decision tonight. The whole story about "I might not come back" sounds bogus. Is she packing everything up and taking it with her tomorrow? If not, then she has to come back some time to get her furniture, clothes, pots and pans etc...
If you do take her home with you tonight, I think she'll be fine by herself. I always recommend limiting new cats to small areas at a time. Keep her shut in a bathroom tomorrow with food, water, a soft blanket and her litter box. If you do this for a few days, it will help her feel safe and at home.
Good luck!

Answer 4

The cat should be fine tomorrow by itself. As an adult cat it is likely used to being left alone during the day already. I would suggest putting her in a room overnight and while you are gone until you know that she is comfortable in her new house. Cats acclimate better when introduced to small bits of territory at a time.

I have been checking into Maine Coon rescues lately. I have seen $250 for the adoption fee, though that is the highest I have seen. Most are in the $90 - $125 range. I recommend doing a search on petfinder.com for ragdolls to see what the average adoption fee is, especially in your area (if possible). Since this is a breeder who is selling her cats and not a rescue organization who is placing unwanted cats, you might be able to negotiate price. I've never worked with a breeder before, though, so don't quote me on that!

Answer 5

Your cat should be fine while your at work but when you get home expect her to me hiding. She will most likely hide under the bed and 250 is a great price for a full grown full bred cat. But if you are on a low income then it is not really that bad of a idea to talk the breeder down. Good Luck with your new cat.

Answer 6

It is fine to offer them less money for the cat! After all it's not a kitten and they do wan't to get rid of it. They have made money off of her after breeding her. So symply explain you want the cat and don't plan to breed her and if you wan't the cat tell them you will give them $150.00. They are going out of town and wan't to get rid of the cat then they will take the money, if not then they will waite and ask more. If you really like the cat offer them $200.00, and go from there. The cat will be getting used to the new home and getting the feeling of it's new environment it is in when you are at work tomorrow so it will be fine! Just leave food, water and a litter box handy and he will be all set. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Cats are really self sufficient and like to be left alone most of the time, until they come to you for attention. Kittens will be scared mostly when you bring them home, because they are in a new place. I would try to pick up the kitten on a weekend, if possible...if not, just put the kitten in a small room and it will probably sleep most of the time and not even know you are gone. The retired mom cat would be an awesome choice too. She should be lovey and you won't have to sit there and play with her as much.

Answer 8

Dont worry about being alone in your house, that will give the cat time to explore its new home.
As for your first question "Talk them down" Heck yes!! Older cats are cheaper. Remeber one thng, Its always an "asking price".... Of course you have to see the cat first... If you fall in love with it when seeing it, STILL barter the price down!!! Don't let your emontions buy the cat.

Answer 9

The cat will be ok while your at work we are gone from 6:00 in the morning until 5:00 at night sometimes and my cat roams around the house.

Answer 10

nicely in the beginning get rid of the milk! Cat's are lactose illiberal. i be attentive to your allergic, yet once you have a spare room, or a basement, then it does not be a undesirable theory to permit it interior the abode. As for nutrition, cooked hen or hamburger is superb yet canned ham, tuna, or salmon is probable extra sensible simply by fact it has a extra physically powerful protein point then pork or hen which might benefit a stray cat extra. maximum exterior cats have been as quickly as indoor, or a minimum of owned by somebody so in case you rather had to get it out of how out of your storage to get nutrition then get a ziploc bag and positioned some canines nutrition in it and shake it to entice the cat ( do not feed it the canines nutrition!!! ) Do what considered one of the different answerer's suggested and positioned some signs and indications around the section, even nevertheless your turning the cat right into a safeguard, shelters do not often take the stairs to assist discover the owner till the cat grew to become into suggested lacking ( very uncommon simply by foxes, coyotes and motor vehicle mishaps). I desire you success and bless you for attempting to assist this creature! :)