In California, Ann Baker bred Ragdoll cat in the 1960s. It is a large, semi-longhaired, laid-back feline with fascinating blue eyes. It is a pointed breed, where the body is lighter than its face, legs, ears, and tails. It got its name Ragdoll because of the way it can floppily collapse in your arms.
Vital Stats
| Weight | Length | Lifespan | Orign | Coat Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male more than 20 Lbs Female 10 to 20 Lbs | 17” to 21” excluding tail | 12 – 17 years | California, USA | 4 Patterns: Bi-color, Mitted, Colorpoint, and Van 6 colors: Chocolate, Seal, Blue, Cream, Red, and Lilac |
Personality
- Good with kids and other pets
- They follow you around the house
- They are quick to learn tricks and good behavior
- They purr and ask for petting or their meals
- Nicely mannered and easy to stay with
- The cats prefer to stay with you on the same level in a room
Health
- Ragdolls are prone to genetic heart diseases like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Susceptible to Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- Can suffer from Calcium Oxalate Bladder Stones
Nutrition
Ragdoll cats need more food than other felines. They vocally tell you, if they need more. It means the food quality is not satisfying, which may want it to eat more. Eating more can end up in the accumulation of additives and grains that are unhealthy down the road. The furs of Ragdoll cats get matted and dirty with ease, so pet owners keep them exclusively indoors.
The cat does not get a chance to balance their bad diet with juicy critters, so they depend on their owners for the moisture needs. The wild they catch hydrate them up to 90%, so they hardly drink any water. Therefore it is crucial to choose Ragdoll cat food that comprises sufficient moisture.
Check the labels for turkey breast, duck liver, or beef. Grain-packed food is cheap, which is unhealthy for your feline. The diet needs to contain –
- 60% protein
- 30% fat
- 2% – 5% Carbs
- Organ meats
- Raw food like minced beef
- High-moisture [dry food can get moistened before feeding]
- Healthy treats like unsalted canned fish or steamed white fish
Things to avoid in Ragdolls diet includes highly processed meat, grains, high-sodium, milk, non-chewable food, and even say no to dry food-only.
Grooming & Care
The Ragdolls fur has little undercoat but needs regular grooming. Comb its fur, using stainless steel comb twice a week. The dead hair entangled and matt gets removed. Even comb the leg fur where it joins the body thoroughly because mats occur there more. After combing the fur, use a rubber curry brush to smooth and remove the remaining loose hair. Be gentle, when you pull its hair. Ragdolls adore the attention, during the grooming session.
Unlike unaltered cats, Ragdolls coat does not get affected all across the year because they are neutered or spayed and lack hormonal fluctuations. Check their tail fur for bits of poop that get stuck and if any clan with baby wipes. Bathe your Ragdoll twice a month but if you feel their coat to be stringy or greasy, it is bath time.
Weekly brushing is great to avoid periodontal disease. Nail trimming every 15 days is recommended. Wipe their eye corners to remove the discharge but use a different damp cloth for each eye. Weekly ear checks and wipe the dirt with soft damp cloth or cotton ball [No ear buds]. Regular cleaning of the cat’s litter box helps to keep your pet’s coat clean.
Ensure that your Ragdoll gets sufficient food to help them grow. It takes a maximum of 4 years to get matured. Never get deceived with the pad on the pet’s belly because it is their breed trait.