Ragdoll cats follow you around the house. This breed is affectionate. Before taking a gentle giant home, you must know several things. Ragdoll cat benefits and cons follow.
Pros of owing a Ragdoll Cat
People love Ragdolls for several reasons. Ragdoll cats are highly sought-after due to their gentle and affectionate personalities, making them one of the most popular cat breeds. There are several reasons why people love ragdolls.
Personality
We have briefly discussed this before, but the personality of the ragdoll is genuinely exceptional. They exhibit remarkable loyalty and affection towards their family members, making them an ideal companion for owners seeking a true friend.
After coming home from work or running errands, they are known to run up and greet you eagerly.
A ragdoll can be an ideal pet if you lead a busy lifestyle. They possess an easygoing nature and do not have excessive demands. They also can be independent.
If you have a busy schedule with work and other responsibilities that keep you away for a significant portion of the day, you can be reassured that your ragdoll cat is not the type to cause any damage to your house while you are away.
During playtime, Ragdolls typically do not extend their claws. This makes them an excellent choice for families with young children who enjoy playing with and cuddling cats.
Cat owners should always make time to exercise and play with their cats. However, it’s important to note that the ragdoll breed differs from other breeds because they don’t require as much playtime to burn off energy.
They possess exceptional intelligence.
Ragdolls are renowned for their intelligence. Cats are generally known for their intelligence, but ragdolls are truly remarkable regarding their cognitive abilities.
Ragdoll cats have been known to be trainable in performing enjoyable tricks by utilizing clickers and treats for positive reinforcement.
Many Ragdoll owners have taken to YouTube to showcase the impressive tricks their cats have learned. One cat named Solo can perform various remarkable tricks, including rolling over, shaking, sitting, lying down, and many others.
Each ragdoll cat is unique, but if you adopt one, you can probably teach them some tricks through patience and positive reinforcement.
Their temperament is Gold.
The name “Ragdoll” originated from the behavior of the original cats in this breed, which would gracefully flop over when lifted. This behavior is a reliable indicator of their relaxed temperament.
These cats will thoroughly enjoy lounging around, either sitting on your lap or next to you as you sleep.
Additionally, they will enjoy socializing with their friends and family when they visit. Moreover, if you adopt another cat, they will probably get along well with their new feline companion.
Ragdolls are an excellent choice for children, as this breed is known for being very patient and gentle with young kids.
Their grooming needs are minimal.
To prevent matting and tangling of your Ragdoll’s fur, it is sufficient to brush them once or twice a week using a high-quality steel comb. This will help prevent the ingestion of loose hairs, which can lead to the formation of hairballs.
The ragdoll’s coat is delightful to pet and touch and relatively resistant to health issues. Proper grooming of your cat will help maintain their coat’s beautiful appearance.
Grooming can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your cat. Ragdolls are known for their enjoyment of spending time with their owners and their easygoing nature, making the task of combing them a hassle-free experience.
It is advisable to start the grooming process when kittens are young, as this helps them become accustomed to it as they grow older. Combing is essential for your cat because it helps them look neat and clean and provides them with a pleasurable experience.
Shedding is Moderate.
The amount of shedding in ragdoll cats is not as severe as in other cat breeds. Naturally, you may observe increased shedding during seasonal transitions. However, your cat should not shed excessively if you maintain regular grooming.
Cons of owing Ragdoll Cat
Now that we have discussed the ragdoll breed’s many positive aspects, it’s also essential to consider some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of.
They shouldn’t go outside.
Allowing your cat to roam outdoors is considered favorable by certain groups. Your cat can enjoy some fresh air, after all. Cats can climb trees, scratch without being scolded, and chase bugs around, which is their natural behavior when they enter a house.
Ultimately, they often gaze out the window, occasionally becoming quite excited when they spot a robin or another small bird. What are the reasons for not allowing these animals to roam freely outdoors and express their instincts?
The Ragdoll is a breed that is best kept indoors. Pet owners have good intentions when they let their cats out, as they aim to provide exercise and prevent boredom. However, it is essential to consider that this may not always be the ideal approach.
The ragdoll cat is distinct from other cats because it tends to be overly friendly and unsuited for outdoor environments. These cats possess gentle attitudes, which sets them apart from other breeds that exhibit a more aggressive fighting spirit.
These cats do not exhibit territorial behavior. If another cat approached them and initiated a fight, it could expose them to diseases or parasites, such as worms, that the other cat may carry. The items could potentially be stolen by someone who intends to sell them.
They are quite expensive.
If you are genuinely interested in owning a ragdoll, you likely considered the price as your initial priority. Indeed, these cats are quite expensive.
When purchasing a ragdoll kitten, the usual price range you can anticipate is between $800 and $2000. Sometimes, you might come across adult cats available for sale at a lower price than kittens.
In addition, it is essential to consider the travel time and expenses required to reach the cattery from which you intend to purchase the kitten.
The pricing of kittens in a cattery tends to remain relatively consistent and does not vary significantly. The excessive discrepancy has the potential to disrupt the market.
If you are interested in showcasing your ragdoll cat, please be aware that additional costs will be involved. This is because you will need to purchase show rights in order to participate in cat shows.
In addition, buying only from a reputable breeder or considering adopting from a shelter is essential. Animals purchased from pet stores typically lack the same documentation and pedigree as those obtained from breeders.
Adopting a ragdoll cat offers them a fresh start and is a more affordable option.
They are susceptible to specific health problems.
In general, ragdolls are known to be quite healthy. If they are properly cared for, they will live a long life. However, like many purebred breeds, ragdoll owners may encounter health issues. Here are the critical conditions that you should be aware of.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a medical condition.
This condition occurs when the heart muscle thickens due to an excessively active thyroid gland. Ragdolls and other breeds of cats tend to conceal their illnesses. The situation may become serious by the time you become aware of it.
This condition is characterized by the formation of blood clots, which can lead to paralysis in the back legs and tail. Additionally, you may observe that your ragdoll cat displays lethargy, reduced appetite, and rapid breathing.
If this is the case, you must call the vet immediately. Please inquire with your breeder about whether either of the parents of your ragdoll cat has a history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease that affects cats.
Most cats do carry the disease known as the coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19. The virus may remain dormant and not pose a threat to your cat.
However, it is essential to exercise caution as the disease can potentially harm cats with weakened immune systems if the appropriate mutations occur.
Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this particular affliction. It is a fatal situation. While blood tests are available, they cannot distinguish between the dormant and deadly versions of the disease.
Hence, it is impossible to ascertain whether the kitten you are interested in is free from FIP.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Examples include urinary conditions such as bladder stones, blockages, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This typically manifests as condensation on cold surfaces, urination discomfort, tears inside the litter box, or loss of bladder control.
It is essential to treat these promptly, as they can deteriorate rapidly. Please contact a veterinarian right once for assistance.
Polycystic kidney disease.
This product results from a defective gene in the Ragdoll DNA—kittens born with this gene exhibit cysts in their kidneys and, in certain instances, their liver.
Over time, these cysts gradually increase in size and cause damage to both the liver and the kidneys. The symptoms of this condition typically appear around the age of 7. Some noticeable signs include weight loss, excessive thirst, and an overall decline in health.
I recommend requesting an ultrasound and a genetic test for your cat. A responsible breeder will refrain from breeding a cat that has this defect.
Cryptococcosis
This trait is common in Siamese and Ragdoll cats, as they tend to be larger. The fungus enters the body through the nose, causing the lungs, brain, and eyes to be affected.
When your cat sneezes, you may observe lethargy, weight loss, and mucus symptoms. The signs of this condition include seizures, difficulty breathing, and the presence of lesions or swelling on the nose. Be sure to get in touch with a veterinarian immediately.
