Ragdoll cats can make amazing pets for anybody thinking about adding a new bundle of fluff to the family. Not only are these floofy rascals adorable to look at with their huge blue eyes and snow-white fur, but they are also really affectionate, so much so that people often call them “puppy cats”.
What are Ragdoll cats like?
Ragdoll cats are affectionate and playful in nature. As one of the more laid-back cat breeds, they make a great pet for all the family. Like their namesake, a Ragdoll cat will let you pick them up and cuddle them, usually going floppy like a doll when you do so.
These playful puppy-cats are lots of fun to have around and can even be taught to play fetch. Ragdoll cats are very sociable creatures and will follow you around the house and keep you company.
However, they aren’t the most agile breed, and you probably won’t find them climbing trees or jumping on kitchen counters. They are happy to hop onto the sofa to sit beside you but that is about all you can expect in terms of their parkour skills.
Are Ragdoll cats good with children and other pets?
Ragdoll cats are a great family pet because of their laid-back attitude and affectionate nature. They are a good choice for those with children because they are usually more tolerant than some other cat breeds.
Even so, this doesn’t mean you should let your child be more playful or rough with a Ragdoll than another cat breed. Children should respect your kitty’s boundaries and never pull their tails, hug them too tightly or torment them during play.
Ragdoll cats have been observed to get along great with dogs too, unlike many other cat breeds.
Because Ragdoll cats have such a trusting nature, you should always make sure young children and other pets are supervised when interacting with your Ragdoll cat or kitten.
Do Ragdoll cats suffer with any health problems?
Ragdoll cats are a generally healthy breed but can suffer with some health problems. One of the more serious health issues with Ragdoll cats is a condition called Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a form of heart disease. If you are thinking of buying a Ragdoll kitten, check with the breeder to make sure the parent cats do not suffer from any hereditary health conditions.
To ensure your Ragdoll cat stays healthy, provide them with a nutritional and balanced diet, with regular health visits to your vet. A healthy Ragdoll cat that is well looked after can live up to 15 years or even longer.
How do I care for a Ragdoll kitten?
Ragdoll kittens are normally ready for a new home after 12 weeks old and are not fully grown until they are about 4 years old. It’s important that you spend lots of time playing with and cuddling your Ragdoll kitten early on to earn their trust and grow a strong bond.
Ragdoll cats love stimulation and can be easily trained to use their litter tray, using treats as a reward.
Award-winning Ragdoll cat breeders, Kimura Dolls approves of the Loo Litter Box as a great starting tray for your Ragdoll kitten, but suggests this may have to be upgraded once your kitten gets bigger!
Ragdoll cats are creatures of habit and prefer the same food on a regular feeding schedule.
If you want to change their food, then we recommend doing this gradually as kittens can get upset tummies from sudden changes to their diet.
How do you keep a Ragdoll cat happy?
As Ragdoll cats are long-haired, they will need to be brushed and groomed frequently with a soft-bristled brush to prevent their fur from developing knots and tangles. This will also help to prevent your fluffy kitty from coughing up hairballs.
Ragdoll cats are playful and intelligent creatures and need lots of stimulation to keep them occupied.
Make sure they have lots of toys and a good quality cat scratcher for them to sink their claws into!
Ragdoll cats are often kept indoors because their docile nature means they are not suited for the fast-paced outside world. Ragdoll cats can live a happy relaxed life indoors as they don’t have the same need to hunt and climb like other breeds.
Is a Ragdoll cat right for me?
Ragdoll cats are sociable and do not like to be left alone for too long. If you work long hours, then consider whether a Ragdoll cat is the right breed for your lifestyle.
Even though Ragdoll cats are generally laid-back and easy to care for, they still have needs like other cats and you should carefully consider whether you are able to accommodate to their needs before deciding on bringing a new pet into the home.
Our modern kitty loo pictured above with adorable Ragdoll Kimura Doll kittens can be purchased here.
