Pickup day comes fast, and a little preparation makes an enormous difference to how quickly your kitten settles. This ragdoll kitten checklist covers exactly what to buy, how to kitten-proof, and how to plan the first days — the same guidance we hand every family who takes a kitten home from us.
Supplies to have before pickup
Food and water
- The exact food your breeder is feeding (don't switch yet — see best food for ragdoll kittens)
- Shallow, wide food dishes (ceramic or steel, not plastic)
- A water bowl or fountain — ragdolls often drink more from moving water
Litter
- A large litter box — ragdolls get big, so size up. Low sides for a young kitten.
- Low-dust, unscented litter to start (match the breeder's litter if possible)
- A litter scoop and mat
Grooming
- A rotating-tooth comb for the undercoat — this is the essential tool (we use this one)
- A soft slicker brush for finishing
- Quiet nail clippers and a styptic pen
- Start grooming from day one so it becomes routine — details in how to groom a ragdoll
Rest, play, and security
- A sturdy scratching post (tall enough for a big cat to stretch fully) and/or a cat tree
- A carrier — hard-sided, big enough for an adult cat
- A few safe toys (wand toys, crinkle balls) — skip anything with small parts that detach
- A cozy bed, though most ragdolls will simply choose your lap
Health and admin
- A vet appointment booked for within 72 hours of pickup (this protects your health guarantee — see our health guarantee)
- Your kitten's paperwork folder: registration, vaccination records, contract
- Pet insurance quote (optional but worth pricing)
Kitten-proofing your home
Ragdolls are curious and, when young, surprisingly acrobatic despite their laid-back reputation. Before pickup:
- Secure or remove toxic plants (lilies are deadly to cats; also avoid pothos, aloe, and many others).
- Tie up blind and curtain cords — a strangulation risk.
- Block gaps behind appliances and under furniture where a kitten can wedge itself.
- Secure loose electrical cords and small swallowable objects (hair ties, rubber bands, string).
- Check the dryer, dishwasher, and toilet lids — cats explore, then hide.
- Screen your windows and never rely on an open, unscreened window on an upper floor.
The single best settling-in tip: start with one room
Do not give a new kitten the run of the whole house on day one. It is overwhelming. Instead:
- Set up one quiet room with the litter box, food, water, a bed, and a toy.
- Let your kitten explore that room and find its safe spots for a day or two.
- Gradually open up the rest of the house as confidence grows.
If you have other pets, this room also becomes the base for slow, scent-first introductions through a closed door before any face-to-face meeting.
The first 72 hours
- Expect some hiding — it is normal, not a sign of a "shy" cat.
- Keep the food identical to the breeder's to avoid stomach upset.
- Keep noise and visitors low. Resist the urge to invite everyone over immediately.
- Sit quietly on the floor and let the kitten come to you. With a well-socialized ragdoll, that usually happens fast.
- Book and attend that first vet visit.
Print-and-shop summary
Food (breeder's brand) · wide dishes · water fountain · large litter box · low-dust litter · scoop + mat · grooming comb · slicker brush · nail clippers · scratching post · carrier · safe toys · bed · vet appointment · paperwork folder.
Almost ready?
If your kitten is still on the way, this is the perfect time to prepare — and if you are still choosing, our available litters show who is ready now. When you find your match, the application is the first step, and we send every family home with a starter kit and this checklist in hand.
