The Ragdoll is a furry and social cat breed with a gentle nature. Are you wondering if a Ragdoll cat is the right breed for you? Read more about its personality characteristics, attention needs and health, as well as what you should consider in everyday life if a Ragdoll moves into your home.
race facts
Child-friendly
Attention needs
Energy level
Talkativeness
Fur care
shedding
Facts about the breed
It's impossible not to fall in love with the beautiful blue eyes of the Ragdoll cat. It all started when a California woman named Ann Baker wanted to breed a large, calm cat with silky, angora fur. She named them Ragdolls after their incredible docility when held. Like a rag doll, the cat could be lifted without any resistance and sleep in positions as if they were stuffed with cotton wool! The Ragdoll is one of the largest cat breeds we have, after the Maine Coon .
What can you expect as an owner of a ragdoll cat?
Personality
Personality
Especially for the ragdoll cat, the high cuddly factor is. Many describe their ragdoll as gentle and loving, with a good temperament. It is considered a great first-time cat and is often kept as an indoor cat. As a family member, it is social and gets along well with children and other pets. Because they have a docile nature, and a high threshold for speaking up - even when they are uncomfortable being handled - it is important to teach the children in the household that animals are not toys, but should be treated with care and respect. Ragdolls appreciate cuddling and attention, but will also be happy to just be with you to observe what you are doing.
Energy and attention needs
Energy and attention needs
Ragdoll cats are social and will enjoy sharing space with another like-minded feline companion in the home. However, it is not a must. Make sure that the cat gets enough stimulation both physically and mentally, otherwise it can quickly become fussy!Cat toys , scratching furniture and a safe balcony will always be appreciated by the Ragdoll. The Ragdoll does not have a pronounced hunting instinct, so if you teach the cat to walk outside in a cat harness , there is a relatively small chance that it will hunt for small "gifts" in the form of mice and birds.
Health
Health
Size and appearance
Ragdolls are large cat breeds with characteristic colorpoints in their fur. Cats with colorpoints, such as the Siamese cat breed, have a different, often darker color on the outer parts of their bodies. Ragdolls come in many colors and pattern variations such as black, brown, red, tortoiseshell and cream with darker colors on the face, ears, paws or tail.
Weight
Male cats can weigh up to 9.5 kg, while female cats are slightly lighter at 4 - 6 kg.
Lifespan
12 - 15 years
Hereditary diseases
Ragdolls have some known hereditary diseases, such as the heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and urinary stones .
Fur care
Fur care
Ragdolls are a long-haired breed that can easily get tangled and tangled. Although they have a short undercoat, you should brush their silky coat weekly with a cat brush , and more often when they shed their fur in the spring and fall months. As they need regular grooming, you should get your cat used to being brushed when they are a kitten, especially around the belly and legs.
Food and nutrition
Food and nutrition
When choosing cat food for a Ragdoll, you should choose a type of food that is adapted to the cat's specific age, health and lifestyle. Although this is a large breed of cat, it is important not to overfeed them so that they become overweight as they get older. On the other hand, if you have a Ragdoll kitten, they can eat pretty much as they want in order to grow. It is a good idea to choose a quality food that is specifically formulated for hairballs. You can also plant some cat grass indoors for them to nibble on, which can help your Ragdoll get rid of hairballs in their digestive system. As with all cats, your Ragdoll should have access to clean, fresh water 24/7.
If you want to own a Ragdoll, you should make sure to find a reputable breeder. How much a kitten costs will vary, but you can expect a price of between 10,000 - 15,000 NOK for a Ragdoll kitten.
Having purebred cats as pets has become very popular, but unfortunately this has resulted in many unscrupulous breeders who engage in unethical breeding for profit. Therefore, it is important for you as a buyer to get information about how the cat was bred so that you do not contribute to cats with hereditary and serious diseases being born. If a purebred cat is sold without a pedigree, you will never know whether the kitten has been stolen, or whether illegal trade has taken place.
A serious breeder in a federation must follow strict requirements for animal welfare and health. Good breeders will also demand something from you to ensure that the cat has a good life. Remember to check if the breeder is registered through the Norwegian Cat Breeders' Association (NRR) / FIFe / TICA and that the pedigree, health certificate (and possibly the purchase contract and vaccination card/veterinary passport) are included.
