Ragdoll
Originating from California in the 1960s, the Ragdoll cat breed is known for its stunning blue eyes and soft, silky coats. As one of the most docile cats with an affectionate nature, the Ragdoll is a popular household companion who thrives on human affection and will happily follow you around the house to stay close by. While they are a healthy breed, you must understand their unique needs to give them the proper care they deserve. Having adequate cat insurance can help towards veterinary care for your ragdoll.
Ragdoll At A Glance
| Lifespan | Ragdoll cats live from 13-18 years, with 17 being the average |
| Temperament | Docile, affectionate, cuddly and very social |
| Suitable | A loving companion for adults or families with children and will get along well with other household pets |
| Health | A relatively healthy breed but may be prone to genetic health conditions affecting their heart, kidneys or gastrointestinal tract |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
The Ragdoll cat breed is known for its high intelligence levels, making it easy to train. Ragdoll kittens should be taught early, using lots of positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and affection. They quickly pick up basic commands like using their scratching post (instead of your furniture) and litter tray (which should be large to accommodate their size!). Ragdolls are known as ‘dog-like’, so they will learn to come when called, along with fun tricks like fetching their toys. By making training a fun time where your Ragdoll kitten receives an abundance of praise, you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving and well-behaved adult cat.
Grooming
Ragdolls like to keep themselves clean, so they groom themselves. However, their soft, single-layered coat needs regular grooming and bathing to help them look their best and stay fluffy. Ragdoll cats will shed when the seasons change (spring and fall) but are relatively low-shedding despite their fluffy appearance.
It’s best to start the routine as a Ragdoll kitten to get them used to the experience.
Here’s the grooming needs for a Ragdoll:
- Bathing, using a specialized cat shampoo, is needed when your Ragdoll’s coat is looking greasy or they’ve found become dirty from being outside
- Although they are pretty low-matting for a medium-haired cat, they will still need brushing twice a week with a wide-tooth cat comb or brush to prevent their coat from tangling
- Indoor Ragdoll cats will need their nails trimmed when they get too long, and a local groomer or your vet will be able to help you with this task
- Clean their ears regularly and brush their teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste (ideally each day) to keep up their oral hygiene and prevent dental diseases
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Common Health Complaints - Ragdoll Cat
Ragdolls are generally a healthy cat breed with a lifespan averaging 17 years. They may be prone to certain feline diseases and inherited genetic conditions known in this breed. Having cat insurance for your ragdoll can help towards the costs of unexpected vet bills.
Common Ragdoll health complaints include:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A common genetic heart disease found in the Ragdoll cat breed, causing the heart muscles to thicken, resulting in congestive heart failure, blood clots or sudden death
- Bladder Stones: This breed (particularly males) is prone to developing bladder stones (hard rocks of crystalline) that form in the bladder, causing irritation and blockages requiring urgent vet attention
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): The Ragdoll cat is at higher risk of FIP, a viral infection known as feline coronavirus, which causes a fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest that requires an emergency vet visit for treatment
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic condition where multiple cysts form in the kidneys and continually grow, resulting in kidney dysfunction and eventual failure
- Gastrointestinal Issues: A Ragdoll’s sensitive digestive tract and stomach may cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or weight loss
- Obesity: As a larger, docile cat, Ragdoll cats may be prone to obesity when not given the proper balanced diet or stimulated to exercise out their energy during the day
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A common complaint for the Ragdoll cat breed (particularly in females) that causes frequent, painful urination, which can be successfully treated with antibiotics from your local vet
- Hairballs: Due to the Ragdoll’s constant grooming of their lush coat, they are prone to developing swallowing hairballs, which can accumulate in their stomach and cause gastrointestinal problems
- Periodontal Disease: A Ragdoll may develop periodontal disease, which occurs when plaque builds up, leading to gum inflammation, infections and tooth loss, which is painful and requires veterinary care
- Joint Issues: Due to their larger size and tendency to become overweight, the Ragdoll cat may experience joint issues like arthritis, which can lead to mobility issues if not addressed
Exercise Requirements
The Ragdoll cat breed is on the larger side, so they must receive enough exercise to prevent weight issues. Luckily, they’re playful cats, so they often exercise by playing with interactive toys during the day. They’ll also benefit from having at least 15 minutes of play with you twice daily. Not only will they lap up the attention, but you can use this time for training and playing games like fetch. As a docile cat, they’ll love nothing better than to curl up with you after a busy day involved in all the household activities.
Intelligence
The Ragdoll cat breed is known for its high intelligence, which makes it easy to train. They need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, so providing lots of interactive toys during the day is necessary to avoid unwanted boredom behaviours. Food snuffle mats work well for feeding, providing mental stimulation while slowing their eating. However, despite their high intelligence levels, Ragdolls don’t have a natural hunting instinct, so you won’t find unwanted presents left for you when you arrive home.
Family Friendly
The easy-going and friendly nature of a Ragdoll makes them ideal furry family members. They are incredibly loyal and are known to be empathetic, tuning into human emotions and making them perfect companions. As sociable cats, they crave human attention and love households where family members are home during the day. They can be left alone for short periods, but will let you know about it when you get home! Ragdolls are good with children and will tolerate other pets. However, a slow introduction as a kitten is needed to make it a calm time for all involved.
Indoor/outdoor?
Ragdoll cats are best kept as indoor pets due to their docile nature and need to be around humans. Although they have a low hunting instinct and won’t venture far, they are highly human-orientated and may follow or be picked up willingly by another person. If you want your Ragdoll to explore the outside world, you should be with them to ensure they are kept safe. You could make this part of your training routine, teaching them to return inside when you call their name. Your Ragdoll cat will be quickly house and litter-trained and love nothing more than being involved in family activities and cuddling up with anyone willing.
Responsible Breeding
When buying a Ragdoll kitten, it’s highly recommended that you find a reputable, responsible breeder. With Ragdoll cats being prone to certain health conditions, an ethical breeder will have performed genetic testing and use screened parents to ensure your kitten is as healthy as possible. A responsible breeder will also have vaccinated your kitten and started socializing them to help them transition away from their mother and siblings into a safe home with you. Before you get swept away with adorable bundles of fluff with bright blue eyes, it pays to do some research to ensure you receive a healthy Ragdoll kitten who’ll be a part of your family for many years.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Ragdoll Cats
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Ragdoll Cats. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
