The Ragdoll cat breed

Facts & advice

  • Lively temperament
  • Intelligent
  • Clever & friendly
  • Affectionate
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Top 6 vital stats about the Ragdoll...


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Social

Very friendly and affectionate

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Exercise

15 minutes intervals a few times a day

3
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Grooming

Weekly brushing

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Feeding

2 to 3 times a day

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Training

Do not require extensive training

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Shedding

Moderate shedding

How do Ragdoll’s interact?

Good with other pets?

Yes, they get along really well with other pets. This is because Ragdolls have excellent compatibility with other cats and dogs which makes them a great choice for multi-pet households.

Good with people?

Yes, Ragdolls are great family pets since they are empathetic and are in-tune with human emotions.

Good with children?

Yes, they are excellent companions for children, making them a popular choice for families. These gentle giants are known for their calm and patient demeanour, which allows them to tolerate the sometimes clumsy handling of young kids.

Interaction rating

5/5 stars

Caring for your Ragdoll

Do Ragdolls need a lot of grooming?

No, they don't require excessive grooming, they do benefit from regular care. Their semi-long fur is relatively tangle-resistant, thanks to a lack of undercoat, but weekly brushing helps prevent matting and reduces shedding.

Do Ragdoll cats have common health issues?

Yes, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease, is one of the most significant concerns for Ragdolls, with some lines having a genetic predisposition to this condition. Additionally, these cats may be susceptible to polycystic kidney disease and bladder stones.

How many times do they eat a day?

Adult Ragdolls generally thrive on two meals a day, spaced about 12 hours apart, which helps regulate their metabolism and prevent overeating. However, kittens and younger Ragdolls may need more frequent feedings, up to three or four times daily, to support their rapid growth and development.

Care rating

Lower maintenance cat

Ragdoll personality traits

Do Ragdoll’s need a lot of training?

Ragdolls can quickly learn basic commands like "come" and "sit," and they often enjoy playing fetch or walking on a leash with proper introduction. Litter box training is usually a breeze, as they naturally prefer cleanliness. However, their laid-back personality can sometimes be mistaken for laziness, and they may require consistent, patient reinforcement.

What energy levels do Ragdoll’s have?

Ragdolls are renowned for their gentle and sociable nature, making them a popular choice among cat lovers. While not as hyperactive as some breeds, Ragdolls exhibit a moderate level of playfulness that keeps them engaged without being overly demanding.

Are Ragdoll cats sociable?

These charming felines are indeed social butterflies, craving human interaction and often following their owners from room to room like loyal companions. Their desire for companionship is evident in the way they greet family members at the door or curl up in laps during relaxation time.

Personality rating

Loving cat!

Did You Know?

All pedigree Ragdolls are born with blue eyes.

All pedigree Ragdolls are born with blue eyes.

Celebrity owners of Ragdolls include Taylor Swift, Seth Green, Sylvester Stallone and Dannii Minogue.

Celebrity owners of Ragdolls include Taylor Swift, Seth Green, Sylvester Stallone and Dannii Minogue.

Ragdolls take longer to fully grow into adult cats at around four years of age.

Ragdolls take longer to fully grow into adult cats at around four years of age.

Cat Insurance Quote

  • 97% claims paid *
  • 24/7 vet video consultations
  • Claims paid directly to your vet
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Package available for your Ragdoll includes

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Complementary treatment

Up to
£500
per illness/injury

Up to
£750
per illness/injury

Up to
£1000
per illness/injury

3rd Party Liability (dogs only)

Up to
£1M
per illness/injury

Up to
£2M
per illness/injury

Up to
£2M
per illness/injury

Death from Illness

£1,000

£1,500

£2,000

Death from accident *

*Death from illness does not apply to dogs aged 9 and over & cats aged 11 and over

£1,000

£1,500

£2,000

Ragdoll Training & Exercise

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Training tips
  • Training your Ragdoll cat, playing fun games with them and giving them lots of interactive toys to play with helps them to exercise and manage their weight.
  • Ragdolls are often described as "puppy-like" in their behaviour, following family members around and even learning to play fetch.
Keeping them happy
  • Ragdolls are a larger cat breed so they tend to have bigger appetites. Feeding them high quality meals is one way in which you can keep them happy.
  • You could also give them lots of toys to keep them entertained.
Exercise
  • Ragdolls love to play so it's not difficult to get them to do some exercise. Playing with your cat for 15 minutes a couple of times a day is all they need to keep them fit and happy.
Game ideas
  • Ragdolls are also known to get along well with other pets, making them an excellent choice for multi-pet households.
  • Their friendly disposition extends to strangers as well, as they usually exhibit a welcoming attitude rather than a reserved one.

Ragdoll Cat Maintenance

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Feeding
  • Ragdoll cats require carefully portioned meals to maintain their health and luxurious coats.As a general guideline, adult Ragdolls should be fed 250 - 350 calories a day.

Bathing
  • Ragdolls only need to be bathed when they are visibly dirty or greasy. Otherwise, they don’t need to be given a bath.

Other maintenance
  • Soft bristle brushes are good for spreading the natural oils through your Ragdoll’s fur. You may also use silicone or rubber bristle brushes to reach further into your Ragdoll’s coat.

  • These brushes are still soft enough for kittens and cats with sensitive skin but might not have the strength to detangle tough mats.

Your grooming routine
  • Helping out long-haired cats like the Ragdoll, can help reduce hairballs and tangled knots. However, for the most part, your cat can handle their grooming requirements themselves.

Ragdoll Common Health Conditions

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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • This heart condition causes the thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
  • Symptoms may include lethargy, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, sudden collapse.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
  • This inherited disorder causes multiple cysts to form in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure over time. While less common than in some other breeds, PKD can still affect Ragdolls.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
  • This is a viral disease that can be fatal. While not exclusive to Ragdolls, some studies suggest they may have a higher susceptibility. FIP can manifest in various ways, including weight loss, fever, and abdominal swelling.
Regular health check-ups
  • Regular veterinary check-ups, balanced diet and a stress free environment are key to maintaining your Ragdoll’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

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