If you're considering adopting a new kitty with a loving disposition, check out the work of some amazing Ragdoll cat rescues before you get in touch with a breeder. These inspiring associations help keep Ragdolls and Ragdoll wannabes out of kill shelters and help them find the right, loving home.
Four Ragdoll Cat and Kitten Rescue Shelters
The following organizations place Ragdoll cats. Two national organizations can refer potential Ragdoll parents to local organizations that may have available Ragdolls.
Ragdoll Rescue USA
Ragdoll Rescue USA is a non-profit organization that takes in Ragdolls and Ragdoll wannabes from all over the US. They are located on the West Coast, but will arrange transport from a home or shelter for the cat to a new foster or permanent home. You can fill out an application online if you are considering adoption, or visit their sister site, Ragdoll Rescue USA Adopters. This Yahoo group marks folders of cats available for adoption and exchanges information between the adopters. If you want to adopt a Ragdoll, or want more information about adopting this breed, this site can assist you. Search by folders or links at the bottom of the site, or sign up to be notified when new postings go up.
Ragdoll International
Ragdoll International is an organization located in Rhode Island dedicated to the rescue and promotion of the Ragdoll breed. They have postings for Ragdolls available for adoption but cannot guarantee whether those listed are true Ragdolls or Ragdoll wannabes. If you want to surrender your cat, or adopt a cat, fill out an application online.
Ragdoll Rescue
Ragdoll Rescue is an organization that is dedicated to keeping Ragdolls out of shelters. They operate in both the US and Canada and do their best to classify the cats as true Ragdolls or as Ragdoll wannabes if the cats are unregistered. Ragdolls may be listed from all over the US or Canada; click on the links of adoptable pets in your country to see if an animal is located near you.
Merlin's Hope Ragdoll Rescue
This group is located in Ennis, Texas and rescues both Ragdolls and Maine Coons. They will adopt only to homes in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Louisiana. All of their cats are kept in private foster homes. They require an adoption application and also that Ragdolls under the age of four years must go to a home with another cat, as social interaction is very important to this breed. If you have a cat that needs a home Merlin's Hope allows courtesy postings on their Facebook page.
Other Ways to Find a Ragdoll Rescue
There are national adoption websites such as Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet that have a searchable database of almost all private rescue groups and public shelters.
- You can type in your zip code and "Ragdoll" to see if there are cats available for adoption at an all-breed rescue or public shelter.
- Rescueme.org is a similar site with a simpler interface. Just go to their site and a U.S. map will display how many Ragdolls there are in states across the U.S.. Make sure you check all three sites as Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet have larger databases than Rescueme.
- Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue is a group located in the Midwest that rescues all types of purebred cats, including Ragdolls. They will adopt across the U.S. providing you come and pick up the cat.
- When doing a search on these websites, look for Himalayan, Birman, and Persian as well as Ragdolls are often mistakenly listed as these breeds, particularly at all-breed shelters that do not have in-depth experience with the breed.
Contact an Organization Near You for Ragdoll Cat and Kitten Adoption
Ragdoll Cat Rescue associations have a common mission of saving lives and finding homes for Ragdoll cats that have been lost, abandoned or placed in "kill" shelters. In addition, they help Ragdoll cat owners who must give up their cats find appropriate homes for their Ragdolls. If you'd like to foster a Ragdoll cat or give one of these mellow cats a permanent home, consider contacting a Ragdoll rescue group.
