A warm and fuzzy friend that you just can’t resist cuddling up with. Ragdolls are kind and sweet, and their fluffy coats and blue eyes make them seem like lovable stuffed animals. Because of their trusting nature and fondness for human companionship (the term derives from the way they calm down when handled), these animals make wonderful friends. Keep reading to learn more about their habits, traits, and maintenance requirements.
Vital Facts
Size:
Ragdoll adults typically range in size from 23 to 28 centimetres (9.1 to 11.1 inches) in height and 3.6 to 9.1 kilogrammes (9.5 to 20.2 pounds) in mass.
Coat:
The breed needs frequent brushing to maintain its semi-long-haired, “plush,” silky coat (similar to rabbit’s fur), which may get tangled or knotted if not taken care of.
Life span:
Adulthood doesn’t begin until age four, and lifespans may extend to 15 years or more.
Fun Facts
White fur is the default colour for a newborn Ragdoll kitten. When they are 8-10 weeks old, their fur has already taken on its mature colour. The metamorphosis is finished after enough time has elapsed.
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Ragdoll Traits That Make Them Unique
Ragdolls are huge, placid cats with luminous, light-blue eyes. One unique trait is that when picked up, a Ragdoll cat would collapse like a ragdoll. This is the origin of the term.
Characteristics of a Ragdoll Personality and Mood
The Ragdoll cat is one of the few felines that enjoy trips away from home. That’s quite exceptional, especially for a feline. Therefore, a Ragdoll cat is ideal if you often travel yet don’t want to leave your pet behind.
Ragdolls are very well-mannered cats, and while they never get too attached, they do like being in close proximity to their human companions. They are friendly and eager to please, always waiting to jump into your lap when you get home.
Keeping Them Satisfied
As domesticated felines, Ragdolls enjoy lounging in a soft spot near the window. They like cosy evenings together on the couch or in bed as well. They are not as interested in climbing as, say, a Norwegian Forest Cat or a Bengal, so you won’t find them perched atop a cat tree or perched precariously on a high shelf.
A Ragdoll’s mild demeanour is the first thing most people notice about them, but that doesn’t imply they’re couch potatoes. They’re quick to pick up new skills and like performing tricks like “coming when called” and “fetching” their toys. Ragdolls are friendly with canine and feline companions.
A Popular Cat Breed
The Ragdoll falls on the list of the most common kind of cats in the United States. The Cat Fanciers’ Association keeps a yearly tally of how many of each breed of cat is registered in the United States. Ragdoll cats are the most popular breed this year. This is, however, not the first time it has ranked so well; in fact, it has regularly been in the top 5 in prior years.
Ragdoll Appearance
The Ragdoll is, along with the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, one of the biggest and heaviest cat breeds. One of their best features is their huge blue eyes. They have short fur (but they don’t shed much!) It is available in black, blue, grey, brown, red, lilac (lavender), and white. A variety of patterns, including van, bicolour, colour point, and mitted, may be found in their fur.
Roots of the Ragdoll Cat Breed
The ragdoll cat is a modern hybrid breed. Its creation may be traced back to the ’60s in California. Ann Baker, a cat breeder, set out to develop a stunning cat with a kind disposition. She began by crossing a white domestic cat she called Josephine with numerous Burmese-type cats. Baker ultimately had the first cats she named ragdolls, but it took many generations. Large in stature, with friendly dispositions, and resistant to matting, these cats have much sought after.
In 1993, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) started accepting registrations for ragdoll cats. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) lists Ragdolls as one of the top 10 most common cat breeds.
Their Daily Caring Routine
There is no underfur on a ragdoll, therefore the cat just has a single coat of silky fur. It’s cut shorter in the back and longer in the front so it won’t mat as much as other medium-haired cat jackets. If you want to keep this breed from becoming tangled up, brush it at least twice a week.
Because they lack an undercoat, ragdolls produce less dander and shed less often than dogs with thicker fur. Ragdolls aren’t hypoallergenic since they generate allergens that are found in many people’s allergic reactions to cats, including their saliva and skin secretions. Nails on ragdolls need to be trimmed just as they do on other types of cats. After getting its nails clipped, your cat will likely spend even more time than usual sharpening them on scratching posts.
Ragdolls have an average amount of energy and are very sociable. Their favourite way to play is with wands and other interactive cat toys. Most cats also like the cerebral stimulation provided by a feline puzzle feeder. Instead of simply leaving toys out for your cat, try playing with it yourself. As a bonus, this will strengthen family relationships and help maintain your cat at a healthy weight.
Common Ragdoll Health Conditions
If you’re a responsible cat owner, you want what’s best for your feline friend’s well-being so that they may have a long and fulfilling life. Ragdolls, like other breeds, are susceptible to certain diseases. We have compiled information on the most common health problems we find in Ragdolls to better equip you to care for your pet should the need ever arise.
Poor Oral Health
Gum and dental problems are common in dogs of all breeds, including Ragdolls. When any of the tissues and organs deep inside a tooth become inflamed, we call this periodontal disease. Tartar forms at the gum line when food particles, bacteria, and mineral deposits build up. Gingivitis is the inflammation and infection of the gums caused by this.
Periodontal disease develops when bacteria colonise the tiny crevices between the gums and the teeth. It is possible for germs from diseased gums to move to other parts of the body, where they might cause serious harm. Feeding dry food and cleaning a cat’s teeth are simple ways to keep them from developing this ailment and keep them living a happy, pain-free life.
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Diseases of the Respiratory System
The top part of the respiratory system includes the nose, nasal passages, and windpipe; the lower part includes the tiny airways and the lungs. Ragdolls, like other cats, are susceptible to cat flu, which affects the upper respiratory system and manifests with sneezing and a runny nose in infected animals.
Although there is now no cure for this viral illness, it may be avoided with immunisation and its symptoms controlled. Feline asthma is a condition that may afflict Ragdolls and other cats whereby the lower airways (bronchi) and lungs become irritated and sensitive as a result of allergens and irritants. Coughing and wheezing are two of the symptoms. Many diseases of the respiratory system cannot be cured but may be controlled with pills, shots, and inhalers used daily.
Coronary Illness
Cats with heart illness have heart structures that aren’t pumping blood properly. Congenital heart disease is present from birth, but acquired heart disease develops later in life (meaning the disease develops later in life). Malformations of the heart’s valves or blood arteries or flaws in its structure’s walls are all examples of congenital heart problems. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common cause of death in Ragdoll cats and may ultimately result in heart failure. Although this illness cannot be cured, it is manageable with ongoing drug therapy.
Digestion Problems
Like other felines, the Ragdoll is susceptible to gastrointestinal (GI) issues. The digestive system (GI) is a lengthy tube with several bends and turns that extend from the mouth to the anus. Infections (such as feline enteritis), poisoning, and gastrointestinal blockage (from the cat-eating string, for example) are typical causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in cats. Although the best course of treatment is always determined by the underlying reason, most people make a complete recovery if they get care quickly.
Conclusion
The ragdoll cat is the perfect pet if you’ve always wanted a gentle, calm, and affectionate feline companion. Ragdolls may live peacefully with sociable humans of all ages, as well as other pets. They love to run around and play, but they also enjoy quiet time together. Unique among cats, these exceptional felines are as lovely as they are kind.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsJust how much does one typically spend on a ragdoll feline?
Ragdoll cat price falls in the range of $425 (for a high-quality pet) to $2,500 depending on the breed’s quality.
Is it true that ragdolls don’t get along with young children?
Playful and affectionate, Ragdolls are wonderful companions for polite children.
How often should a ragdoll cat be brushed?
Ragdoll cats need less grooming than other long-haired cats since their coats are shorter and lack an undercoat. Coat suppleness and tangle-free living still benefit from the occasional brushing.
