Ragdoll is known for its beautiful blue eyes, set-back soft coats that you can lose within days. The kind, gentle person who needs to be touched and overflowing like a rag doll in your hands when touched. Read our ragdoll cat guide to find out more about this floppy breed and understand if you might be eligible for ragdoll.
What is a ragdoll cat? Breed Basics
Average Life: Ragdolls grow slowly, reaching their weight and size at 4 years and have an average life span of 15 years
Average Weight: Female = 4.5 – 6.8kg, Male = 5.4 – 9kg
What a cat ragdoll looks like: Ragdoll is a pointed tribe with a light body color and dark spots (legs, tail, face and ears). They have four patterns that can come in six colors, each amazingly similar to the visible colors by eight 12 weeks. Good habits come out fully in two years. Colors include Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, Seal and Mink.
History of Ragdoll Cat
The origins of Ragdoll date back to the 1960s in California. The long-haired cat named Josephine created loving kittens, a soft-spoken character that is completely free when picked up (hence the name Ragdoll). Impressed by the unique character, the Persian cat breeder, Ann Baker, began designing the Ragdoll, deciding to breed her existing cats with Josephine’s cats.
Ann traded the nickname “Ragdoll” and set up the International Cat Association (IRCA) with strict rules preventing anyone from registering Ragdoll which had not been registered through the IRCA until 2005 when the ban expired.
Did you know that? Regardless of the color they are, all Ragdoll kittens are born pure white!
Ragdoll Cat Temperament & Character
Ragdoll’s character is described as sleepy, playful and devoted to his human slaves and is like the Sphynx cat which is often described as having a ‘dog-like’ character. They are a quiet, calm race that happily relaxes the sun at your feet. Ragdoll cats love to socialize and often follow you around the house, yes that includes the toilet, and they are there to greet you at the door.
For those who enjoy a hug, most Ragdolls love to be treated like a baby. If you have a dog or small children and are looking to introduce cats to your home, Ragdoll may be the preferred option. Ragdolls have proven to be easy to associate with dogs, tolerating active young children and many who enjoy the game of Taking.
How Does a Ragdoll Cat Grow?
Ragdoll is a large breed of cat with the same length as the Maine Coons, though shorter in length.
- Average height = 23-28cm
- Average Length = 43-53cm
Tips for fixing Ragdolls
As long as you have long hair, you will want to keep your Ragdoll coat at its best. At the heart of the Ragdoll has a low profile and a single coat, no undercoat. The daily groom should be adequate and prevent matting from occurring. Ragdoll will only shed more coats in spring and autumn, depending on climate change. During this time, it is important to wash frequently to prevent your kitty from watering too much hair which can lead to hair loss.
Also by keeping your cat’s coat in the upper lip, looking after your cat’s ragdoll teeth is important. We know how difficult it can be to do daily stimulants to brush with cats but you can instead use your fingers to rub a real enzymatic pet toothpaste on their teeth and gums, as well as introduce them to cat cats.
Is Ragdoll Cat Indoor Cat?
Ragdollas are known for their confidence, gentle nature and for this reason they are kept indoors and not allowed to go out unattended. Their paths can follow back to the streets but they are not smart on the roads. External exposure is essential for a cat’s mental health and well-being. Getting your kit applied to the harness and direction, or having a catio installed in your garden ensures that your Ragdoll never misses and lives their high quality!
Are Ragdolls hypoallergenic?
A common myth is that Ragdoll is hypoallergenic. But Ragdoll Cats do not have an undercoat, which could reduce the chances of allergies for those against dander.
Ragdoll Cat Health Watch
Ragdoll cats are healthy but there are a few common health checks you should know, some of which you can try.
Weight Increase
Ragdolls may describe themselves as predatory and global floofs can cleverly hide at lunch. Keep a check on the food items to prevent your Ragdoll cat from gaining weight and choose a diet low in grains and sugar. If your Ragdoll is fat, take advantage of their play habits and introduce active play to help eliminate some calories.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is a common heart disease in large cats of the species resulting in a decrease in the amount of blood pumping during cardiac arrest; which can cause weakness and fatigue.
Push the Stones
If you see blood in your cat’s urine or find your kitty struggling to do it, it may be that they have developed bladder stones. This can be painful and requires a cystotomy (surgical removal of stones) or sometimes vets using a catheter. A number of factors can cause your cat to develop stones, such as food and hydration.
- Giving Birth To Predisposition
- Unbalanced Diet
- Drought
- Urinary Tract Infections
What to feed Ragdoll Cat
Like all cats, Ragdoll binds carnivores and needs more meat and animal protein in their diet to be successful. Cats cannot produce all the essential amino acids like Taurine and can only get these from proteins. Animal proteins are not plant proteins many cat food brands boast protein levels but use plant protein as a high component that is difficult to digest. Choose foods that are high in animal protein. Have you ever tried our whole grain cereal?