This month’s featured feline is a true beauty and may very well be the most well-rounded cat you’ve ever met! This month we are talking about the Ragdoll, one of the prettiest kitties you will ever see. Something very interesting about this month’s spotlighted breed is that it is a relatively newer breed, actually being bred starting in the 1960s. Keep reading to learn more about this fun feline!
Basic Characteristics of Ragdolls
There is no denying that Ragdolls are gorgeous cats. They are known for their long, silky white fur and sparkling bright, blue eyes. This breed in particular is known as a pointed breed, which means its body is lighter in color than its points, such as the legs, tail, ears, and face. They can come in three different color patterns including, mitted and bi-color or colorpoint, which has no white fur at all. These points can be lynx, tortie, a combination of both, or solid. They have four different color patterns including van, mitted, colorpoint, and bi-color, all of which come in six various colors such as seal, chocolate, lilac, red, blue, and cream. So based on all of these color characteristics, pet parents have quite a selection!
Ragdolls possess a long muscular body with a broad chest and sturdy legs. They have large paws and a long, fluffy tail. Ragdolls tend to be on the larger side with males usually weighing around 15-20 pounds and females weighing slightly less, typically around 10-15 pounds. Because they are slow at maturing, they typically reach their adult size and weight when they are around four years old.
Temperament of Ragdolls
Ragdolls have such an amazing personality that they literally are a cat for anybody! They are more like a dog in a cat’s body when it comes to affection and wanting to cuddle, which makes them a great family cat, even for those with little ones at home, or a best fur-riend for any single person out there. They will greet their pet parents when they come home, follow their family members around the house, and make sure they are touching you at all times. Basically, they are velcro cats! Don’t mistake their clinginess for being extra needy, because while Ragdolls are social butterflies, they can be quite independent.
These laid-back kitties are extremely gentle, calm, and relaxed in most situations. They don’t get the name, Ragdoll, for nothing! In fact, the reason they got their name was because of how they resemble the limp bodies of old ragdoll toy when being held! Just like ol’ Raggedy Ann, your Ragdoll might even let you dress her up in adorable clothes!
Exercise for your Ragdoll
Like any cat, you want to be sure to provide your Ragdoll with toys so that she may play throughout the day. They typically like to spend their time on floors and aren’t very interested in climbing or jumping. Ragdolls are extremely intelligent and have been known to learn tricks, such as playing fetch, walking on a leash, or even coming when called.
As with any living thing, pet parents want to ensure a healthy balance of food and exercise to keep their Ragdoll at an ideal weight. Making sure pet owners provide the appropriate amount of food, occasional treats, and plenty of playtime will help your kitty live a long and healthy life.
While this breed doesn’t need nearly as much exercise as other breeds, if you find yourself working long hours during the day or don’t have time to dedicate daily for your Ragdoll’s physical needs, consider hiring a pet sitter to help ease your mind by playing with your cat when you are unavailable.
Grooming your Ragdoll
Although Ragdolls do have a long, dense coat, they do not shed a whole lot. In fact, they are extremely low maintenance! They aren’t prone to matting mostly because they do not have a thick undercoat like many long-haired breeds. As long as pet parents make sure they brush their cat a few times a week, their coat should remain long, silky, and healthy.
Additionally, pet parents need to be considerate of other grooming needs. This could include trimming nails, checking and cleaning ears on a weekly basis, and checking those pearly whites. Staying up to date on grooming and hygiene for your Ragdoll will keep her healthier and happier in the long run.
Vet/Medical Care for Ragdolls
Pet parents can expect their Ragdolls to live around 15 years. While they are typically a healthy breed with very few health issues, they are prone to a few hereditary medical problems that are important for pet parents to be aware of.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common form of heart disease that can be found in cats, including Ragdolls. It is basically an enlargement of the heart muscle and can be detected by your veterinarian through an echocardiogram. Polycystic kidney disease occurs when fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, typically when the cat is younger and can lead to kidney problems as well as kidney failure, as the cat ages.
It is always a good idea to have a discussion with your vet about any health concerns you may have regarding your pet. Remember to stay up to date with routine vet care and be in tune with your pet and their behavior. If something seems “off” with your pet, make sure you seek veterinary assistance to help treat conditions to prevent them from getting worse. It is no secret that vet bills can escalate quickly, especially when it comes to an emergency or surgery. It is never a bad idea to consider getting your fur baby a pet insurance policy to assist in paying those vet costs.
Bringing a Ragdoll Kitty Home
Ragdolls would be an excellent choice for anyone to bring home. With that said, potential pet parents really need to take into deep consideration all the necessary attributes of owning and caring for a cat before getting one. If one or more of these features do not coincide with your current lifestyle, please choose a different breed. Purchasing a Ragdoll from a reputable breeder can start at a cost of $400 and go up from there. However, please always keep in mind the Adopt, Don’t Shop option! Many purebred animals end up in shelters every single day for reasons that are usually out of their own control.
As always, Space Coast Pet Services is available for all your fur baby needs, including dog sitters, walkers, and even home visits. Contact us or visit our website today for a full list of services.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This small amount allows me to bring you helpful resources that I use or researched and recommend.
- Spotlight On: Shiba Inu - March 17, 2025
- Mastering Apartment Living With Pets in Viera: 7 Essential Tips for Making Pets Work in a Small Space - March 5, 2025
- Spotlight On: Javanese Cats - February 24, 2025
Recent Comments