Everything You Need to Know About the Ragdoll Cat Breed
Ragdoll cat is a cat breed unarguably ranked among the loveliest and the most demanded cats all over the world. The Ragdolls are famous because of their lovely, lovable personality and good looks. They also are popular because they are very loving and will be suitable to all sorts of families and pet enthusiasts. Are you thinking about adopting a Ragdoll kitten, or have you already provided your home with one? Then you should know how to take care of them, what are their needs, and what temper they have to know how to make their life as good as it can be. Today, we are going to explore the Ragdoll breed of cats, and learn its history, modes of behavior, as well as tips on training it, diet and everything in between!
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Overview of the Ragdoll Cat
| Attribute | Details |
| Coat Colors | Chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, cream |
| Coat Patterns | Colorpoint, bicolor, mitted, lynx point, tortie point |
| Origin | California |
| Lifespan | Up to 17 years |
| Weight | Up to 20 pounds |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Personality | Friendly, easygoing, cuddly, social |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Length | Up to 40 inches |
| Coat Length | Long hair |
The Ragdoll cat comes from a breed which has characterised it with docile behavior, beautiful fur colour and a large and muscular body. It is a relatively new breed developed in California by Ann Baker in the 1960s and later it grew to become one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide. They are called Ragdoll because when they are picked up they tend to go limp thus looking like dolls.
The Ragdolls are very beautiful as well as their temperament is easy-going thus perfect as a family pet. They are not aggressive with other pets and children and their no-nonsense nature makes them perfectly suitable to anyone seeking a particularly relaxed and lovesome housemate. Having a cat as a pet requires knowing about the cat breeds.
Characteristics of Ragdoll Cat
Personality and temperament
Ragdolls are characterized as dog-like in their mannerism. They are so cuddly, live to accompany their owners everywhere, as well as will tend to meet you at the door upon your arrival. Ragdolls are very pleasant to touch and most like being picked up and being held in your arms as well, unlike other cats, they will go weak in your hands, which is one of the reasons why they are called Ragdolls. They are people pleasers who live off human contact and are loyal.
The cats are also very timid, which is what makes them a great companion to families with children or other pets. Although Ragdolls are very large, they are not aggressive or highly independent and hardly show their well-known aloofness that other cats reveal.
Fun Fact: A seal point Ragdoll is likely to be a very affectionate animal who simply adores attention and warm cuddles rather than other members of the breed.
Smartness and Naughtiness
Ragdolls are relaxed and relaxed although they are also stimulating and interactive. They enjoy toys that are interactive and love games in which their minds are stimulated such as the fetch or puzzle toy. They can be taught and even trained to walk on leashes which is not common among most cats.
As kittens and cats, the ragdolls are quite outgoing and playful. They are fairly relaxed as they age though they still love to interact with their human companions.
Physical Appearance
The ragdolls are big, muscular cats of round shaped fully-rounded faces and big expressive blue eyes. One of the most particular features is their coat that is rather long, silky, and fluffy. The breed is characterized by its unique color patterns and the coat.
Variation in Coat and Fur Colours
The coat is one of the most appealing things about Ragdolls, and the color pattern is different as there are a number of colors:
Seal Point Ragdoll: This is the very classic and widespread colour pattern, whose features include dark brown color of the ears, the face, the paws and the tail. But the other parts of the body are creamier.
Ragdoll Pointed Seal: It is a variation of a seal point which has a little bit darker point and there is more difference in the point and the body.
Ragdoll Seal Colourpoint: This pattern has deep rich contrast between the points and the rest of the body.
Blue Point Ragdoll: This modification has the points of the color cooler and bluish-grey, which makes the cat look impressive and elegant.
Black Ragdoll Cat: Although it is less frequent, black Ragdolls are nice with solid black points that are deep in colour. It has a striking contrast of color because it is a black cat.
Every Ragdoll possesses a long silky coat, which needs specific attention in terms of grooming so as to avoid it getting matted and tangled. Though the biggest concern for owners is when does my cat actually stop growing.
Shape and structure
Ragdolls are among the biggest breeds of domestic cats. They are long bodied and muscular. The average weight of the adult male Ragdoll is 15-20 pounds although female Ragdolls are usually a little smaller, weighing a range of 10-15 pounds. They are even more majestic due to their giant size, as well as due to their easy posture. These cat breeds have very big expressive eyes that increase their beauty.
Raising a Ragdoll Cat
A Ragdoll kitten is a good pet, but there are some minor considerations to make, in case you think about getting such an animal home. You must always buy your kitten with a reputable breeder. An excellent breeder will not only guarantee the healthy kitten prone to good socialization, but also breed Ragdolls with healthy line windings.
Seeking out Ragdoll kittens for sale, it is also important to inquire about the parents health history, their vaccinations status as well as of the kitten itself. Good breeders also give good documentation and health insurance. Buy kittens with care when buying it in the pet shop or via the Internet marketplace, since not all sellers care about the lives and well-being of the cats, they think about profit only.
Home Preparation
You will have to get your place ready for living before you take your Ragdoll kitten home. Ensure you have a safe and calm spot that your kitten feels safe and secure. Ensure that you give necessities such as litter boxes, food and water bowls, scratching posts and toys. Ragdolls are sociable animals and therefore ensure that your house is highly pet-friendly with lots of space to enable your cat to be free.
Bonding and Socialization
Ragdolls are quite affectionate, and very sociable. To enhance the connection you have with your Ragdoll kitten, spend some time together with them at an early age. Play, cuddle and ensure that they feel to be home within the new home. Good experiences will ensure that your Ragdoll becomes an all rounded, loving cat.
Ragdoll Cat Advice and Training
Ragdolls are also long haired, silky cats that need to be groomed frequently to make them beautiful. You should brush your Ragdoll two-three times a week, to avoid matting and tangling. They do shed moderately so a quick brush inside your home will keep the rattling hair at minimal.
Ragdolls do not require much bathing since they can remain clean unless they become very dirty. During bath, treat their sensitive skin using a mild cat shampoo.
Training Litter Box
Ragdolls are normally easy to train for litter. Put your black Ragdoll or any other version in the litter box soon after taking them home and the animal should learn how to use the litter box in a short time. Make sure that your litter box is always clean because Ragdolls do not appreciate smell and cleanliness.
Routine general care
To maintain a healthy Ragdoll you have to do a routine veterinary checkup. They will be kept healthy through regular vaccinations, antiflea treatment and dental care. Ragdolls are rather healthy cats, yet there is a set of illnesses, which they may have, including heart disease and kidney problems, therefore, it is important to visit a veterinary clinic regularly.
Feeding and Nutrition of Ragdoll Cats
Ragdolls require a good diet that is balanced to keep them of their large size and in a healthy coat. Maintain cat food which has a high quantity of protein and essential fatty acids. In case you need advice in food choice, contact your veterinarian to advise you on the most convenient food to feed your Ragdoll kittens or adult Ragdolls.
It is imperative that they have fresh water at all times because Ragdolls are more susceptible to health problems that develop in the urinary tract because of inadequate hydration.
Special Diets and Treats
Sometimes, it is possible to treat your Ragdoll with sweeties, yet, they should not exceed 10-percent of a portion in a day. Seek proteinous yet healthy treats of Ragdoll kittens and cats. Also, Ragdolls might be subjected to special foods especially when they have particular health problems, like kidney ailments or food allergies.
Ragdoll Cat Life expectancy
An average of 12 to 15 years, or maximum 17 years is what a Ragdoll cat can live and with proper care some of them have managed to live to late teens. Like any other cat, they live on average according to such factors as genetics, health condition and their feeding habits. They are in a position to live longer when regularly checked by veterinarians and as well as lead a healthy lifestyle.
The Ragdoll Cat Rearing Tips
Friendliness: Ragdolls are social and love to be around people. The owner should play and spend as much time as possible with it.
Comfort: Provide your Ragdoll with some comfortable, as well as safe, sleeping place. They prefer soft and cuddly places and since they are very big they need some space to flatten down.
Play: Spend some time playing games with your Ragdoll to keep them mentally and physically active. The toys which make them work or think are good.
If you want to know more about this cat breed you may read The Spruce Pets.
FAQs
- What is the difference between Seal Point Ragdoll and Blue Point Ragdoll?
Their main distinction is the color of their points. A Seal Point Ragdoll shows dark brown points on ears, face, paws and tail as compared to Blue Point Ragdoll where the same areas are cooler and bluish grey.
- Do Ragdoll cats like children and other pets?
Yes! Ragdolls are really quiet and sweet; hence, children and other pets get along with them very well. They are highly sociable and like being with the human members of the family.
- Do Ragdolls shed?
The ragdolls are shedding animals, though, the long coat does not tangle and mat as much as it would in case of a lack of grooming. They moderate their shedding with a lot of it occurring during seasons.
- What are the prices of Ragdoll kittens?
The prices of the Ragdoll kitten may be different in accordance with the breeder and the pedigree of the cat. The cost of the Ragdoll kitten ranges between 800 to 2,000 dollars depending on the quality breeder.
There can be more detailed information about this cat breed on PetMD. These are the guidelines, you can ensure that your Ragdoll cat lives a happy, healthy, and long life. These cats have an affectionate nature and stunning appearance. This is what makes them one of the best breeds to share your home with.
