Ragdoll Cat
The Ragdoll Cat
Personality
Ragdoll cats are best known for relaxing completely when held by well...just about anyone. They turn into a ragdoll! Very affectionate and loving they will follow their human from room to room just waiting for a chance to jump into a lap or snuggle up in bed. Ragdolls are so eager to interact with those they love that they will even come when called.
Ragdolls are laidback but very intelligent. They can be taught to perform tricks or fetch a toy using treats and love. They love to interact with family members so feather teasers and toys of a similar nature are quite fun..
Ragdolls are great roommates and very easy to live with. They are not climbers or jumpers and prefer to stay on the same level as their humans. While a cat tree is an enjoyable space for them, it does not need to reach the ceiling.
Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
Life Span | 12-17 years |
Size | 10-15 lbs |
Health | |
Playfulness | |
Intelligence | |
Affectionate | |
Shedding | |
Kid-Friendly | |
Pet Friendly | |
Easy To Groom | |
Friendly To Stangers |
Health
Ragdolls are fairly healthy but can be affected by:
- A tendency to contract Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
- Heart disease (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) DNA tests can be done to see if a cat is a carrier for this disease.
- Bladder stones.
Care
Because the Ragdoll does not have an undercoat there is little worry that this breed with shed or become matted. However it is a good idea to comb this cat a few times a week to get rid of dead hair and remove tangles. As the fur on the upper thigh near the hip has a propensity to become matted be sure to comb well in this area. A rubbery curry brush can be used after a combing to make the coat soft and shiny.
Because of their long hair feces can get stuck to their tail. Therefore it is imperative to check the underside of the tail daily. If there is fecal matter remove it gently with a warm west paper towel, Kleenex or baby wipe. Ragdolls should be bathed when their fur looks greasy. Typically bathing should occur as least once a month.
Teeth should be brushed daily or as often as possible. Nails should be trimmed monthly. Discharge from their eyes can be removed gently with a soft wet cloth. Cats with folded ears need special attention. Make sure the ears are clean. If they appear to have dirt wipe gently with a cotton ball. If your Ragdoll’s ears have a yeasty smell or your cat shakes his head persistently seek medical care.
The Ragdoll should be kept indoors unless supervised or contained in an outdoor cat enclosure. They are a rare breed and owner’s risk their cats being stolen if let outside unsupervised. Be sure the litter box is cleaned daily as this breed is a very particular creature when it comes to cleanliness and will go outside the litter box if he considers it to be dirty.
Coat Color
The Ragdoll’s coat comes in six different colors: cream, lilac, red, blue, seal, chocolate and points. There are four patters in the Ragdoll’s coat and these include colorpoint, mitted, bicolor and van. The points can be tortie/lynx, solid, lynx or tortie.
Children and Other Pets
Ragdolls fit in well with any type of family. They love to play with their children and will allow themselves to be dressed up for a tea party or sit quietly as they are pulled in a wagon. Ragdolls will also bond with cat friendly dogs, other cats and small animals in the household.
Rescue Groups
