Ragdolls: Everything you need to know about the breed
A brief guide to the Ragdoll cat breed
Weight: Males 6 - 9 kg, females 4 - 6 kg
Wither height: Up to 40 cm
Energy level: Calm
Lifespan: 7 - 12 years
Social need: Great
Colours:Ragdolls are typically masked and can have various patterns, including colourpoint, mitted, and bicolor. Common colours include frost white, brown, chocolate, blue, seal grey, lilac, and red.Health problems:Generally healthy, but they can be prone to hereditary conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition, and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
Ragdoll personality
The Ragdoll cat breed is known for its placid, loving, and affectionate nature. Their name comes from their tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, much like a rag doll. Ragdolls enjoy cuddling, often follow their humans around the house, and usually get along well with other pets. While they appreciate gentle play and stimulation for their health and wellbeing, vigorous activity isn't their main focus. Ragdolls are best suited as indoor cats and benefit from opportunities to climb and observe their surroundings, such as with a cat tree.
Ragdoll appearance and grooming
Ragdoll is a large, muscular and powerful cat breed with long and soft fur. It develops slowly and it can take several years for a ragdoll to fully grow - but eventually it can weigh up to 9 kg. Distinctive for the breed's appearance is also that it is masked and has blue eyes. The fur lies close to the body and sheds a little when the cat moves. Ragdolls also shed a lot and require some fur care, but the fur is also easy to care for because it has almost no underhair. Brush the coat a couple of times a week to detangle any tangles and keep it well maintained.
Ragdoll health considerations
Ragdolls are generally robust cats, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain hereditary diseases. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited heart condition that can lead to thickening of the heart muscle, potentially impairing its pumping function. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is another inherited condition affecting the kidneys, which can compromise kidney function and, if unmanaged, lead to kidney failure.
Ragdolls also have a tendency to gain weight.Ragdolls also have a tendency to become overweight.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Obesity is a common issue in cats today, and Ragdolls, being naturally calm and fond of food, can be particularly prone to putting on excess weight. Being overweight increases the risk of numerous health problems. It's important to help your Ragdoll maintain a healthy weight. You can find out more about thishere.
Dental health
Did you know regular dental care is essential for your cat? Daily teeth brushing is the most effective way to prevent gum disease. You can learn more about dental healthhere. The dental disease FORLis common in cats and often occurs alongside gum disease. Brushing your cat's teeth can be challenging, but with patience and positive reinforcement (like treats!), most cats can get used to it. Discover tips on how to brush your cat's teeth in thiscourse.
Toxic substances
Many common household items and plants can be toxic to cats. For example, certain plants can be poisonous – find out morehere. Additional examples of what is poisonous to cats are chocolate and mouse and rat poison. It is important to store things that are dangerous to cats in a place that they cannot access.
