A Ragdoll is a large-sized, remarkable, and luxuriously coated cat breed. Beneath multilayer dense, long fur lies a muscular cat with a wider chest, sturdy legs, and short neck. The appealing appearance of this cute breed is due to its triple coat patterns with various colors. However, a Ragdoll is more than just a pretty cat.
Ragdoll History
The origin of a Ragdoll cat is bounded to mysteries and controversies. However, the Ragdoll came into existence in the 1960s in California. The Ragdoll cat was born from an old original breed, Josephine, and a white long-hair cat of unidentified parentage. This cat breed consists of some exceptional genes.
The Ragdoll cat breed gained popularity after many years of existence. In February 2000, the Ragdoll won the CFA championship and got recognized by every Cat Association present in North America. Similar to the spotlight gained by Ragdoll, this furry mate managed to win the hearts of every pet lover worldwide.
The Ragdoll cat breed came into existence by the cat breeder named Ann Baker, whose motive was to produce an attractive cat with loving nature. Initially, the breed was known for its large size, social personality, and thick fur. Later on, the Ragdoll breed was registered by the Cat Fancier Association in 1993.
Ragdoll Key Facts
All the Ragdoll cats have blue eyes; in fact, the pure breed Ragdoll cat is recognized for this trait. The Ragdoll cat falls in the category of the largest domestic cat breed. One of the cute facts about this breed is that its personality resembles a dog’s personality. Their traits like extreme playfulness and loyalty make them similar to dogs.
If you have an introverted personality and require silence around the house. The Ragdoll cat is the best pet to adopt as it is noiseless by nature. In the kittenhood, all Ragdoll cats are pure white; later on, they develop colors and patterns. These cats are known as slow-maturing cats. They are not fully grown until they reach their fourth birthday.
How Big Do Ragdoll Get?
A Ragdoll is a large-sized cat breed. A fully grown Ragdoll cat weighs about eight to twenty pounds, and its height varies from nine to eleven inches. These cats require good nutrition and optimal care during their kittenhood to grow fully.
Ragdoll Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Ragdoll cat includes thirteen to eighteen years. The life expectancy of this breed is much higher than any other domestic cat breed. However, you need to focus on enhancing the quality of life your Ragdoll cat spends with you by providing a good environment, a loving home, adequate food, and affection.
How Much Does A Ragdoll Cost?
The average cost of the Ragdoll breed falls between $800 to $2000. The cost of the Ragdoll cat depends upon the breeder you are getting it from and the type of Ragdoll you desire. Show quality Ragdoll cats are more expensive than breeder quality ones.
Anyhow, adoption from a rescue home or cat shelter is also one of the right ways to get a Ragdoll cat. Adoption will cost you less and, in this way, a homeless cat will get loving parents. You surely need to consider other expenses that will come with owning a Ragdoll cat, including cat beds, cat shampoo, cat litter, etc.
Ragdoll Personality
The Ragdoll is friendly, well-mannered, and docile; it makes the best indoor fella. One of the cutest traits about this breed is its sweet personality. Devotion and loyalty are what they offer to their master. Cuddling is the biggest weakness of this cat breed.
Playfulness is strictly embedded in the roots of the Ragdoll breed. A Ragdoll cat gets along well with adults and children due to its social nature. It is friendly towards other pets and cats. They are less demanding and more giving. They have prominent love for the food, which is fun to watch.
Caring For A Ragdoll
Ragdolls are generally easy to deal with and adjust well with larger families. However, you will need a large space for this breed to adjust well. If you are ready to give them tons of love and affection, the Ragdoll cat will make the best addition to the house. This breed craves human love.
Ragdoll Nutrition
The Ragdoll cat requires a proper diet schedule in order to stay healthy and fit. The wet cat food is better than the dry one, as it provides moisture which prevents urinary issues. You need to develop a proper diet plan recommended by a vet for your Ragdoll cat.
However, keep in mind the food-loving nature of this breed. It will not be beneficial to leave unlimited food in its bowl, as overeating can lead to obesity and diabetes. The cat treats can be used as a trick to train this cute little creature.
How To Groom A Ragdoll?
Grooming of this hairy breed is a little difficult. Due to its thick, shiny fur, the Ragdoll cat requires daily brushing using a metallic cat brush. However, if you don’t have time to brush its fur daily, minimal twice a week brushing is necessary. They don’t shed a lot of hair unless the shedding season comes.
Like other cats, the Ragdoll requires nail trimming and teeth brushing weekly. The eyes and ears need to be properly cleaned once a week. Monthly bathing will be sufficient to keep your Ragdoll cat shiny and spotless throughout.
Ragdoll Activity Levels
The Ragdoll cats are quite energetic and social. They require daily playtime in order to stay happy and healthy. Interactive cat toys, chasing toys, and fish games would be a better way to keep your Ragdoll cat engaged throughout the day. In this way, its weight will stay balanced, and the behavior problems out of boredom will be reduced.
Ragdoll Health Concerns
The Ragdoll is prone to developing weight issues. That’s why special attention is paid to the weight management of this breed. Remember that chubby cats may look cute but are not healthy at all. Secondly, the Ragdoll cats are vulnerable to bladder stones and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Heart diseases can be prevented with proper exercise and balanced feeding.
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