Ragdoll cat has round, crystal clear, sapphire-like big eyes, and their silky soft hair makes them look as delicate and cute as dolls. But with such a lovely appearance, they have large bodies that are different from ordinary cat breeds and have been considered to be the most dog-like cat. As a pet expert for years, Rabbitgoo is here to introduce everything you want to know about Ragdoll cats.
The Origin of Ragdoll Cats
Ragdolls are new (at least compared to other breeds) to the world. Their story is all about going from stray to slay cats. Today, the world loves them thanks to Ann Baker, a US-based citizen and one of the Ragdoll kitten breeders who introduced such a beautiful breed.
Ann bred them in the early 1960s. Her neighbor's family adopted about forty to fifty cats, and she bred Josephine, a white long-haired female, several times with other cats. She ended up with a cat with dark gloves, a nose and a pale torso, the Ragdoll. The Cat Fanciers' Association later recognized the cat in the 1980s.
Why a dog-like cat: Ragdoll personality
You may be wondering why all the people who have owned a Ragdoll cat would consider him a dog-like cat? What is their magic that makes every pet lover fall in love with them? Then we will introduce you an overview of the personality of the Ragdoll cat and answer your questions!
1. They are easy on humans
Ragdoll cats are very close to people, and they are fond of pampering and earning petting and companionship from their owners. This is different from many other breeds of cats. When you're sitting in a chair surrounded by a bunch of cats, they're definitely going to be the first ones to jump up on your lap and make a show of affection.
2. They are smart and playful
According to studies, the Ragdoll cat is a very intelligent cat. Their IQ is equivalent to that of a two to three year old child. You would never guess that they love to play fetch as much as dogs. Some cats can even fetch things back to their owners.
In addition, they will wait for their owners to come home from work and welcome them home just like a dog, quickly pouncing on them and asking to be petted. When you at home, they also follow you around and follow you wherever you go.
3. They are calm and quiet
While Ragdoll cats are playful and love to engage in different activities, they are quiet. They prefer to remain calm and stay inside the house mostly. They don’t howl like other breeds of cats or throw tantrums. Their gentle nature makes them definitely a suitable breed for families with children to adopt.
3 Special Facts About Ragdoll Cats
Does the cute, gentle and lively character of the Ragdoll cat make you fall in love? Before you decide to adopt a Ragdoll kitten, follow Rabbitgoo to learn more about them!
1. About Ragdoll Lifespan
The lifespan of a Ragdoll cat is affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, living environment, and medical care. In the case that the cat can get good nutrition, proper exercise, regular medical checkups and timely treatment, the life expectancy of Ragdoll cats can reach 15 to 20 years or even longer, which is higher than normal cat breeds.
2. About Ragdoll Weight
The large size makes Ragdoll cats much heavier compared to other breeds. Ragdolls enter adulthood after reaching one year of age. A male Ragdoll cats can weigh 8 to 10 kilograms, while females can reach 6 to 8 kilograms.
However, the Ragdoll cat is a late-maturing breed, usually until 3 to 4 years of age to be fully stereotyped. Therefore their weight will also vary greatly due to diet and so on. During the growing process, reasonable diet control and proper exercise are needed to avoid problems such as obesity or wasting.
3. About Ragdoll Hair
Ragdoll cats are a long haired cats,and their soft, silky gives them an aristocratic feel. They come in a wide variety of coat colors, including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, light red and white. These colors create beautiful patterns and contrasts on the cat's body, making the Ragdoll cat even more attractive.
Moreover, another interesting fact is that the color of their coating grows darker in pointed areas, such as mittens and noses, as they age. Where most of the cat breed’s coating turns white as they age, the Ragdoll's coat grows darker with time.
Ragdoll Cat Health Care
Ragdoll cats, as a hybrid breed of pet cat, have delicate bodies and need to be well cared for. Knowing the common types of Ragdoll cat illnesses will help owners treat their cats quickly when they are sick.
Common health problem
Rabbitgoo lists 2 common diseases in Ragdoll cats.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
This disease is a common hereditary disease in Ragdoll cats, which in layman's terms means that the heart is too large, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the heart and unable to support the functions required by the body. Generally speaking, the fatter the more likely to attack, and the onset of sudden, basically incurable.
Therefore it is very important to control the cat's diet and allow them to have enough exercise. For domesticated cats, owners can buy some toys to play with them, or buy taller cat trees for them to jump and run.
• Intestinal sensitivity
Ragdoll have fragile intestinal tracts. They can suffer from diarrhea or vomiting due to licking too much hair, sudden drops in temperature, changes in the environment, and more.
Owners can groom them regularly to avoid them ingesting too much hair. During the change of season, you can feed your cat probiotics to protect its intestinal health. And remember don't change cat food too often, which will make him feel very uncomfortable!
Conclusion
Ragdoll cats are a unique blend of playful and calm (dog-like) traits. They are known for their striking blue eyes, calm behavior, and loyal companionship. With their friendly personality, longer lifespan, and attractive colors, Ragdoll kittens make wonderful pets.
Rabbitgoo suggests that before adopting a Ragdoll cat, make sure you understand their habits and prepare the right household items for them in advance.
Next：What do I need to prepare for Bringing Home New Kitten?
