Who We Are
I have had a lifelong love of cats as far back as I can remember. Summers on the farm were spent catching feral kittens—taming, bathing, and turning them into pets. I had never owned a purebred cat until one of my daughters read about the Ragdoll cat and the amazing qualities they possess. We searched and found an eight month old male in need of a home. He was so sweet and was the most loving cat we had ever seen. Although he was not the best representative of the breed, we loved him in spite of his flaws. Sadly he developed kidney problems and after many visits to the vet and our best efforts, he passed away. I waited several years, and my desire to get another Ragdoll cat kept getting stronger. I searched for a breeder and found a kitten I just had to have. The breeder said we had to agree to show him. I thought it might be kind of fun…and the rest is history. I instantly loved bathing and primping my cat, readying him for the show ring. He quickly became a Regional Winner Supreme Grand Champion in TICA. I decided I wanted to raise these amazing cats for others to enjoy—thus, the beginning of Holmestead Ragdolls.
I am a pet groomer recently retired after 20 plus years of owning my own shop. Now I can dedicate most of my time to my Ragdolls.
My wife and I are both fourth generation farmer/ranchers. Our ranch has been in my family for over 100 years. We raise registered Red Angus cattle for replacement bulls and heifers, and also have a herd of commercial Black Angus beef cattle.
Animal husbandry seems to be in our DNA.
HEALTH GUARANTEE
HISTORY
The Ragdoll line began in the 1960's by a woman named Ann Baker, in Riverside, California. She discovered a white Angora/Persian type of cat who was birthing unique and beautiful kittens. Some of those kittens were kept and bred with a Burmese type and a Birman type sire. The kittens with the look, size, and temperament that Ann wanted were kept and carefully bred to keep the line pure. Only the descendants of these cats are true Ragdolls.
TEMPERAMENT
~ The Ragdoll is docile and peaceful in nature.
~ The Ragdoll "flop" is not just an adjective, but a factor that we breed for. The reason they are called "Ragdolls" is because when you hold them, they go limp like a ragdoll.
~ They do not have a self-preservation instinct (they will likely approach strange animals), and usually will not fight to defend themselves. This is why Ragdolls are meant to be indoor pets -- making them great for houses and apartments.
~ Ragdolls are playful and each has his/her favorite game to play. They also have spurts of high energy like all other felines.
~ Contrary to popular belief, the Ragdoll does have an innate hunting instinct like all other cats. If it's moving, a cat's instinct is to chase it. The question in a Ragdoll's mind is, "What do I do now that I've caught you?"
~ Ragdolls are known for their high level of trainability and can easily be voice or sound trained. It is easy to train them to use scratch posts, and not your living room furniture. We love to teach our Ragdolls to fetch!
~ As people lovers, the Ragdoll loves to be a part of the family, and will generally be in the same room as a family member. We call them "cat dogs" because of the way they loyally follow us around.
~ Because of their peaceful, loyal, and non-aggressive nature, Ragdolls are the perfect, huggable companion animals for homes with children and other pets.
SIZE
~ Ragdolls are the largest breed of cat. They reach their mature size and depth of color at the age of three years.
~ An average weight estimate for females is 8-12 pounds.
~ An average weight estimate for males is 10-20 pounds.
I have had a lifelong love of cats as far back as I can remember. Summers on the farm were spent catching feral kittens—taming, bathing, and turning them into pets. I had never owned a purebred cat until one of my daughters read about the Ragdoll cat and the amazing qualities they possess. We searched and found an eight month old male in need of a home. He was so sweet and was the most loving cat we had ever seen. Although he was not the best representative of the breed, we loved him in spite of his flaws. Sadly he developed kidney problems and after many visits to the vet and our best efforts, he passed away. I waited several years, and my desire to get another Ragdoll cat kept getting stronger. I searched for a breeder and found a kitten I just had to have. The breeder said we had to agree to show him. I thought it might be kind of fun…and the rest is history. I instantly loved bathing and primping my cat, readying him for the show ring. He quickly became a Regional Winner Supreme Grand Champion in TICA. I decided I wanted to raise these amazing cats for others to enjoy—thus, the beginning of Holmestead Ragdolls.
I am a pet groomer recently retired after 20 plus years of owning my own shop. Now I can dedicate most of my time to my Ragdolls.
My wife and I are both fourth generation farmer/ranchers. Our ranch has been in my family for over 100 years. We raise registered Red Angus cattle for replacement bulls and heifers, and also have a herd of commercial Black Angus beef cattle.
Animal husbandry seems to be in our DNA.
HEALTH GUARANTEE
- 5 year Guarantee for Ragdoll Only HCM, (Once very common among some show cats pedigreed lines but now almost eliminated by 2018) (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), (early cardiac death ) For HCM genes discovered by DNA, currently tested through UC Davis.
- 5 Year Guarantee Against Death caused by PKD (Very Rare) in Ragdolls (Poly-cystic Kidney Disease) discovered by DNA most likely attributed to early Persian out-crosses, currently tested through UC Davis.
- 5 Year Guarantee For major health Issues related to Mucopolysaccharidosis VI. This can effect cats with mild issues, but some cats have had seizures, or neurological issues. DNA testing is available but the understanding of the results are unreliable at best.
- 5 Year Guarantee For Very Rare Progressive Retinal Atrophy ) -(PRA) Vision loss progresses slowly and is variable, with most cats becoming blind by usually 3-5 years of age.2 different DNA tests are available, (+/+) is required to cause blindness. Most common in early Abyssinian and Somali ragdoll out-crosses.
- 2 year replacement related to death caused by FPI. May be mutation of gene (Non Hereditary), but some lines of cats have a higher incidence. This is void if there are any other cats in house hold at time or ever kenneled.
HISTORY
The Ragdoll line began in the 1960's by a woman named Ann Baker, in Riverside, California. She discovered a white Angora/Persian type of cat who was birthing unique and beautiful kittens. Some of those kittens were kept and bred with a Burmese type and a Birman type sire. The kittens with the look, size, and temperament that Ann wanted were kept and carefully bred to keep the line pure. Only the descendants of these cats are true Ragdolls.
TEMPERAMENT
~ The Ragdoll is docile and peaceful in nature.
~ The Ragdoll "flop" is not just an adjective, but a factor that we breed for. The reason they are called "Ragdolls" is because when you hold them, they go limp like a ragdoll.
~ They do not have a self-preservation instinct (they will likely approach strange animals), and usually will not fight to defend themselves. This is why Ragdolls are meant to be indoor pets -- making them great for houses and apartments.
~ Ragdolls are playful and each has his/her favorite game to play. They also have spurts of high energy like all other felines.
~ Contrary to popular belief, the Ragdoll does have an innate hunting instinct like all other cats. If it's moving, a cat's instinct is to chase it. The question in a Ragdoll's mind is, "What do I do now that I've caught you?"
~ Ragdolls are known for their high level of trainability and can easily be voice or sound trained. It is easy to train them to use scratch posts, and not your living room furniture. We love to teach our Ragdolls to fetch!
~ As people lovers, the Ragdoll loves to be a part of the family, and will generally be in the same room as a family member. We call them "cat dogs" because of the way they loyally follow us around.
~ Because of their peaceful, loyal, and non-aggressive nature, Ragdolls are the perfect, huggable companion animals for homes with children and other pets.
SIZE
~ Ragdolls are the largest breed of cat. They reach their mature size and depth of color at the age of three years.
~ An average weight estimate for females is 8-12 pounds.
~ An average weight estimate for males is 10-20 pounds.