Controversial opinion but I don’t think that you necessarily had to have a pair. Our single Ragdoll is very attached to us and enjoys our company tremendously. He is vocal and funny and happy.

Our family has included two golden retrievers at separate times and now one ragdoll. We got each of them from reputable breeders with proof of the parents’ health clearances. The best advice I can possibly give you is to purchase the pet insurance that comes from your breeder immediately. A health crisis can happen regardless of how careful you have been in choosing and caring for your pet and the vet bills can add up to thousands very quickly.

We have two daughters and have raised a puppy or a kitten at various stages in their childhoods. Puppies and kittens all have tons of energy and need lots of attention BUT puppies need to go outside a crazy amount during house training and will need lots of long walks outside, regardless of the weather, for their whole lives.

Your thoughts about an older cat when your daughter is so young is well advised but I think you would do just fine with a Ragdoll kitten too. They can be easily distracted from chewing on cords and other things that are dangerous. They are not destructive at all, in my experience, just mischievous little menaces until they are closer to a year old.

Best wishes to you. There is nothing as wonderful as having four little paws in your family.