Ragdoll
Ragdoll
- Lifespan: up to 15 years
- Other names: Daughters of Josephine, Dog-like cats
- Scientific name Felis catus
- Higher classification: Cat
- Cat Rank: Breed
Ragdoll Cat Breed Information
Ragdolls are the largest domestic cats with muscular bodies and gorgeous blue eyes. The breed came into existence from the mating of 3 cats of unknown heritage. These muscular cats with semi-long hair are known for their placid temperament and affectionate nature.
It is named so because the Ragdoll breed is considered as easy to manage, and a flopping breed. They are known to be more chilled out and friendly than other domestic cats. This United Nations’ popular breed is also known as Dog-like Cats for their tendency to follow people.
Different Colours
- Red
- Seal
- Cream
- Chocolate
- Blue
- Lilac
Characteristics
Ragdoll cats are thick and heavier cats with blue eyes. The V-shaped head aligns well with his fearless personality. The cat is long with a muscular chest, short neck, and sturdy legs. The paws are large and round and have a bushy tail. The silky and dense fur makes the cat adorable among pet owners.
The Ragdoll cat’s coat can be found in 3 colors – colourpoint, bi-color and mitted. These cats are known to be socially able and emotional and share the most dog-like devotion for their owners.
Average Weight
Being one of the largest domestic cats with a sturdy figure and disproportionate legs, weigh around 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg) (females) while the Male Ragdoll is relatively larger and weighs around 12- 20 pounds (5.4kg to 9.1kg).
Personality
If you like cuddling with your pet, then a Ragdoll cat is all you need. Having emotional perseverance for the owner, the cat loves to be in arms for an elongated period. These are affectionate cats without being demanding; it is this thing that makes it a perfect companion.
Easily adaptable to most of the environment, Ragdoll cats are playful and respond eagerly to training. The cat is a gentle feline known for its devotion and intelligence.
When it comes to noise, you can relax as they aren’t “talkative”. Ragdolls don’t tend to make noise unless something becomes extremely intolerable. When they do speak, they make sweet gestures and noises to let you know they are hungry or want to cuddle. Ragdolls are famous for their melodious voice.
As opposed to other cats, they prefer to be in your lap or by your foot instead of loitering around the shelves and refrigerators. He enjoys the good fetch game and is willing to learn new things like walking on the leash.
It retains his playful trait until adulthood and old age. The breed is good company for children, adults, and seniors. If you have a large space in your home, then Ragdoll is going nowhere. Don’t be surprised if you find the cat waiting patiently for you at the doors.
Health Issues
Being a mixed cat, Ragdolls are vulnerable to catching serious diseases. Ragdoll breed is associated with an inherited form of heart disease (cardiomyopathy) that can eventually result in heart failure in severe cases. Moreover, the phenomenon happens at an early age.
You should always seek a health certificate for the breed before taking one home.
Akin to other breeds, the Ragdolls may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime when their tooth-supporting structures inflame. The small space that gets formed between the gums creates an opportunity for bacteria to grow and leads to periodontal disease.
The condition can be prevented by ensuring dental hygiene and feeding your ragdoll dry food.
Apart from this, like other feline members, Ragdoll also suffers from the flu that affects the respiratory system. Though it is an incurable viral condition, it can be prevented with proper vaccination.
There are two categories of heart disease - congenital and acquired. Ragdolls are prone to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. This condition is not curable but can be treated with lifelong medication.
The conditions like Gastrointestinal disorders can lead to diarrhoea and prompt prevention can reverse the impact.
Diet
The precious and shiny fur can lose its charm easily if neglected for long. This is the reason why cat owners do not allow the Ragdoll to wander freely outside the home.
For retaining the fur’s luster, they are completely reliant on you for their hydration needs. 90% of their diet should contain hydration.
Your Ragdoll’s diet should comprise 60% protein, 30% fats, and (2-5%) carbohydrates. The ideal diet can include canned fish, meat, white fish, minced beef, pork liver, chicken and turkey organs, and pork chunks.
In short, you should look for food with zero cereal content. Avoid highly processed meat, milk, filler ingredients, hard to chew food items.
Eye Color
Ragdoll’s big, bright blue eyes are one of the defining characteristics. All purebred Ragdolls have blue eyes while mixed-bred ones have dark blue, green, or golden eyes. You can witness a change in the eye color after 3 months of age, they get their permanent eye color after attaining that age.
That’s all about the Ragdolls. Hope you like the information. Stay tuned for more.
Shedding
Ragdoll cats don’t shed much. This is because they don’t have much undercoat. Undercoats are one of the most significant things that determine the intensity of shedding.
If you will ask me how much do Ragdolls shed, it entirely depends on the environment they inhabit, the diet they follow, the change in season, grooming, and lifestyle they follow. Ragdolls tend to shed in mild climates.
Frequently brushing your Ragdoll will help in getting rid of the loose hair. Aside from brushing the hair, focus on maintaining the shiny fur and ensuring it is free from knots.
Apart from this, it is imperative to trim the nails of your furball every two weeks. Long nails can grow into their pads, which can be distressing for your cat.
Ensuring dental hygiene is also important as said above they are prone to develop dental diseases which could eventually become a threat to their life. It is advised to brush their teeth every day to have wonderfully and healthy smiling Ragdolls.