A ragdoll is the perfect cat doll in most homes. These cats love to cuddle with humans and have traits that are comforting to other pets and children. Their mildness is easy to work with because they tend to be docile and devoted to their owners and household.
These cats are tempting to pick up because they have fluffy and rug like look. Cat fanciers prefer these types for more than just their persona – they love their luxurious and graceful appeal. The beauty of a ragdoll may blind most people to assume that all they need are a little rub and hug throughout the day. Their information is stimulating to know and will keep you ahead of the curve among most owners.
Interesting bits about the Ragdoll cat breed
Origin
The cat breed is relatively new and began in the 1960s. The original breeder is Ann Baker, who lived in California during her time with the cats. Baker bred a random long-haired cat running through her neighborhood with another long-haired cat. The kittens became the progenitors of the Ragdoll cat. They exhibited friendlier personalities and plush fur that maintained the length of their parent’s coat.
Physical traits
Colors
The most baffling bit is that no one knows the original breeds used for the process. It is, therefore, difficult to pinpoint the source of their classic coat and color pattern.
These cats have magnificent blue colored eyes and paint colored coats.
Kittens have a natural pale color that darkens with age to their permanent genetic hue. They have a variety of shades ranging from browns to blues and reds. Their most common patterns are the tabby-like and tortoiseshell markings. They, however, have several other designs, including mitted and bicolor.
The most common color patterns of a Ragdoll fall into the following categories:
- Blue – Cats with this undertone will appear light gray when they are younger. Older cats have extreme shades of grays, which include a variety of other color patterns.
- Chocolate – This color base has a combination of light brown extremes,
- Seal – The body has a creamy white tone with extreme shades of dark brown
- Lilac – The body has a bright creamy color with a gray color base
- Flame – The body has bright tones of the colors orange and red
- Black – This color is a recent development of color variations in the breed. The International Cat Association is yet to accept the color as a standard for the Ragdoll cat
- Cream – The color tone has a mixture of extremes of cream and ivory colors
Weight
The Cat Fanciers’ Association ranges the male cat’s weight between fifteen and twenty pounds, and the female cat’s weight between ten and fifteen pounds. These weight ranges are slightly higher than of other felines, such as the Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest breeds.
Persona
These cats are born as quiet and courteous kitties. Realtor named them as one of the best breeds to keep in shared living setups such as apartments. They may not make a sound when in distress; hence, the owner has to be keener not to cause pain and discomfort to the cat.
The laid back persona of the cat makes it easy to train for dog-like games like fetch. Unlike most cats, this breed will follow you around the house, like a typical pet dog. They are most likely going to greet you at the door and block you from packing your suitcase for vacation. They are, therefore, not convenient for one who prefers the more independent cat breeds.
What is the expected life expectancy of Ragdolls?
These cats have the same amount of life experience as a regular cat. They are, however vulnerable to factors that may shorten the expected life. One particular cat exceeded the expected life expectancy by living beyond the standard length of life.
A Ragdoll cat named Janus was born with two faces and lived to outlast most cats. This cat earned its name from the Roman god, Janus. The mundane names of the cat include Louie and Frank. This cat had two functional noses, mouths, and one blind central eye.
The medical deformity of the cat was by a rare congenital illness known as diprosopia. Practitioners did not expect the cat to live a long time, which did not turn out to be right after a lady by the name Marty Stevens rescued him from an undue put-down. The cat lived for fifteen years and had a natural death in 2014. The cat became the longest living Janus cat in the Guinness Book of Records.
The blood type of Ragdoll cats
One significant bit of understanding cats is their blood type. This critical lifesaving treatment should save your kitten from the worst-case scenarios in a medical emergency.
Most cats share a blood group of type A. Purebred cats like the Ragdoll usually have blood group B or AB. It is, therefore, necessary to get a blood test from the veterinary to know which bracket houses your cat.
How can you get a legit Ragdoll?
Ragdolls are extremely popular. They do not have a breeding season; hence, they can be bred at any time of the year. This condition is favorable for prospective Ragdoll owners and unfortunate to the cats. This case is because some people take advantage of breeding cats back to back with little concern about their wellbeing.
People who breed cats from their home’s backyard are apt to strain the cats’ bodies and minds. Non-stop breeding causes immense physical damage and could lead to health vulnerabilities. It is, therefore, prudent to buy a Ragdoll cat from a verified breeder or animal shelter.
| Qualities | Backyard breeder | Verified breeder |
| Price | Typically low prices | Standard prices |
| Best selling age | Less than 14 weeks | More than 14 weeks |
| Health status | Unguaranteed health certification | Tested for various illnesses |
| Papers | Lack of HICA papers | Has vaccination and TICA papers and a membership |
| Details | Often lack the pedigree’s features | Have a report of the pedigree |
The standard health information of a Ragdoll cat
Anyone who cares about their cat will want to take great care of their health. We have a summary of all health concerns that should have you ready for any sudden mishaps. It is essential to have the knowledge that will help you tailor a perfect medical solution.
Many illnesses and health conditions have a genetic root. The disposition does not mean that your cat will inherit the complications. The consensus indicates that the cat may have a higher risk of developing the problems, in comparison to other breeds.
Weight
Obesity is a significant illness that contributes to the development of a considerable number of diseases and deaths. While the information is becoming more common in the years, most people still ignore the dangers of excess weight.
- Problems of excess weight
- Shortened lifespan
- Increased possibility for the onset of arthritis
- Higher chance of developing diabetes
- Possible problems with the liver, such as a fatty liver – hepatic lipidosis can develop in the first two days after abruptly ending the regular diet plan
Understanding your cat’s dietary habits is critical in maintaining optimum health. It is therefore essential to avoid free feeding. A proper feeding habit will include ten to fifteen small meals in a day.
Another solution is including an active exercise lifestyle. There are enough games to can keep both you and the cat entertained. You will have an easy time incorporating games for a cat that enjoys the interaction. Some genius ideas include the following:
- Food puzzles like kibbles
- Catch and fetch games
- Ball games
Dental
The dental health of Ragdoll cats is one of the most common concerns. Felines do not get as much brushing as needed, to balance their regular snacking. The residue soon hardens into tartar that leads to infection of roots and gums.
The owner has to intervene for the cat to maintain a decent dental condition. You can do this by brushing their mouths after a specified duration. Your cat will be pleasant enough to allow dental care because of their naturally relaxed demeanor. The added perk is that your guests will not have to endear the smell of roadkill while playing with the cat.
Genetically predisposed illnesses
Heart disease
Ragdoll cats are adept at developing HCM or arterial thromboembolism, which leads to the formation of clots in the heart and main arteries. You will notice the following symptoms to indicate an underlying heart problem:
- Cold legs
- Lost sense of the tail and legs
- Rapid breathing
- Painful paralysis
- Heart murmur
- Inability to walk
Kidney disease
Polycystic kidney diseases occur due to a defect of genes. It causes the formation of minuscule cysts and liver, which cause the eventual failure of the organ. Most common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Rapid weight loss
- Poor overall health
Scheduling the cat for regular urine and blood tests will reveal the formation of cysts. It is also possible to get a genetic analysis of the disease. Professional cat breeders will test cats for the presence of the PKD gene before breeding.
FIP susceptibility
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a fatal illness that arises from a virus in the corona. All cats carry the dormant version of the virus, whereas the Ragdoll cat has a mutation that affects the specific gene makeup of the virus. The result is that the breed has more risk of developing FIP in comparison to other cat mutations. Symptoms of FIP include the following:
- Damage to the blood vessels
- A buildup of fluid in the chest and abdomen
Cryptococcosis
This is an infection that occurs from a yeast infection of the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus. Cats that are susceptible to the illness include Ragdoll, Siamese, and cats with compromised immune systems.
The fungus affects the nasal passage, eyes, brain, and lungs. The growth causes initial symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, sneezing, and constant nasal discharge. Other signs include:
- Swollen nose
- Superficial skin nodules
- Drained tracts
- Seizures
- Difficulty in breathing
- Eye disease
How often should you take a Ragdoll to the vet?
These cats require the same amount of vet visits as other cats despite their predisposition to genetic illnesses. They may, however, need more frequent visits as kittens until they get to the geriatric stage.
Taking the adult cat for a checkup every six months is a reasonable way of ensuring everything is in excellent working condition. Standard points for checkups will include cardio, dermatological exams, and orthopedics. Acquire a pet health insurance to help cover the necessary costs.
Home care for a Ragdoll cat
Much of what you do at home can keep your cat healthy and happy. There is nothing unusual outside the points mentioned above when you need a proper care system. Here is a synopsis of primary home care:
- Brush their mouth
- Include exercises
- Plan a healthy diet plan
- Trim their nails and fur
- Clean the litter box and feeding plate
- Change their beddings
Guided help for Ragdoll cat
Build your cat’s routine to aim for a longer lifespan. Susan Nelson and Gary Strobel are cat enthusiasts who acknowledge and understand the unique genetic makeup of this breed. They know that these cats are one of the few man-engineered experiments that go against the naturalness of cats in various aspects. Consequentially, they require a different system of care to maintain holistic wellness.
They have a Kindle edition and Amazon paperback issue that delves deep into the exceptional setup of the breed. The guide includes specific and less known details about grooming, health, and feeding. The charm of the book is that you do not have to spend a fortune to gain access to the original gems of early owners of the cats.
The Amazon store has a Kindle read priced at $5.39 and paperback versions, which have prices that vary according to the status of the book – used books are cheaper than new alternatives. You can verify the richness of the book by studying the excellent ratings on the store and reading the comments of verified buyers. Do not miss out on the throwaway prices by waiting for a more favorable time. Shop now to begin your relationship with the fluffy, sweet and gentle giant.
