Are you thinking about buying a Ragdoll kitten? These cats are renowned for their laid-back character and they are pretty to look at, but before you acquire one you should know a few things about them.
Breed Characteristics
Ragdoll cats belong to the larger cat breeds with their body weight ranging from 8 to 20 pounds. The breed came into existence in California in the 1960's by crossbreeding Persian, Birman and Burmese cats. Kittens are born with a white coat that later develops into various colors: seal, chocolate, lilac, blue and less common lynx, tortoiseshell and flame. Their coat is thick, semi-long and does not require any “special” grooming care, as it doesn't tend to form mats.
Ragdoll cats are very affectionate and good-natured pets. They are so placid that you can manipulate and pull them into almost any position. When picked up, they go floppy and their body sags.
Their trusting and easygoing nature makes them an ideal family pet. They are great companions with almost dog-like affection. They are very gentle with children. However, their lack of aggression works against them, as they seldom defend themselves. They simply lack fighting instincts. The means that Ragdolls, when left to go outside, will become victims of any aggressive cat or dog that they encounter. Your cat could suffer severe injuries or even become a fatality if left unattended outdoors. I recommend that you keep your Ragdoll cats indoors!
Actually, it is a good idea to keep all cats indoors as there are a lot of dangers outside. In addition, your cat could become annoying to your neighbors. Cats love to do their “business” in gardens and as a result, your cat could get into the neighbor’s yard where its presence is not appreciated. Having your cat messing in a neighbor’s yard has created many neighborhood squabbles. When mom and dad lived in an Ottawa, Ontario suburb, they had a cat that loved to go outdoors and particularly loved to go camping. When he had to remain indoors, he became very depressed. Mom and dad were continually getting complaints from the neighbors and the board of directors of the condominium development that they lived in. They decided that they would give the cat to an older couple who had a summer cottage at a lake where mom and dad kept their trailer. The cat loved it there. Interestingly enough mom and dad continued to get complaints from the neighbors and the board of directors. It turned out that the cat in question wasn’t their's at all. However, since the old boy loved his new family and living at the lake, they left him to finish out his years in happiness.
As stated, cats need some stimulation so they don't become bored and depressed. Just like dogs, they need exercise to prevent them from becoming obese and sickly. Therefore, to keep her fit and happy you should get your Ragdoll used to walking on a leash. Just remember to keep your ragdoll away from other cats and dogs while it is walking on a leash.
Ragdoll cats are intelligent and can be easily trained. They love human company and respond well to rewards, so it is quite easy to teach them many tricks.
It is not always a good idea to acquire a Ragdoll kitten if you already have other cats and especially cats displaying aggressive behavior. In this case you would need to keep them separated. However, the Ragdoll will not look for conflicts, so if your other cats have an amicable nature it may not be a problem bringing a Ragdoll into the family.
Ragdoll Care
They don't require any special care or intensive maintenance. The breed doesn't suffer from any special medical conditions and they live to a good age. Many people are hesitant to acquire a Ragdoll because of its long haired thick coat. Compared to Persians and other long haired breeds, they are easy to care for because their coat can be easily maintained by brushing it once a week to remove dead hair.
In conclusion, this blue-eyed beauty will make a perfect pet if you have nothing against keeping cats indoors. Give it enough attention, an occasional brush, a walk on a leash and your Ragdoll will be a happy pet that will give you all the affection you can handle.
Until next time,
Teia
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