Guide to Ragdolls

Key Stats

Life expectancy: 10-15 years

Height: 23- 53 cm

Weight: 4- 9 kg

About Ragdolls

Ragdolls are known for their large blue eyes, beautifully soft coats and their lovely placid nature, this is where the name originated from! It is a common misconception that Ragdolls got their name because when you pick them up, they go limp. This is not entirely true as most cats will go limp when they are comfortable with the person picking them up. Raggies, as they are affectionately known, love attention and will feel comfortable with most people which is why they will most likely go limp when picked up. The more attention you show them, the more attention you will get in return.

What to consider when owning a Ragdoll

Most Ragdolls are house-cats and do not go outside unless they are under supervision. Ragdolls suffer from separation anxiety they do not do well when left alone for extended periods of time alone. Ragdolls are a very intelligent breed that require stimulation and entertainment throughout the day. They are a great cat breed to have around children. It is widely believed that Ragdolls can sense the personality of a child. If the child is calm or very playful the Ragdoll will react appropriately to them. If a Ragdoll does not want to play, they will remove themselves from the situation. It is important to teach children to allow a cat to leave a situation if they are trying to. This means that both the children and cat are safe.

Cost

Where possible, we should adopt rather than shop. If buying is the intention then Ragdoll kittens can cost anywhere between £500 to £1, 800 depending on their lineage. This is just the purchase price, pets come with many more added charges.

Some of these include:

• Microchipping
• Food
• Vaccinations
• Flea treatments
• Leash and collar
• Treats and food bowls
• Toys
• Beds
• Grooming
• Insurance

Exercise

Ragdolls love to play; this is a great way to get them to exercise. They are a small cat and do not need hours of exercise to keep fit, 20 minutes per day will serve them well. This is a great way to get quality time in with your pets while keeping them fit and healthy. Ragdolls intelligence means they are able to learn some tricks, if they have the right training. They can learn how to roll over and might even play fetch with you.

Grooming

Like most animals with long-haired coats, Ragdolls need to be brushed at least once a week. When brushing your Ragdoll special attention needs to be made to their underbelly to avoid the coat from matting.

Ragdoll health concerns

Like most pedigree animals they do have some health concerns that need to be taken into consideration

1. Heart conditions

Ragdolls carry a gene that can lead to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (also known as HCM). It is a condition that is caused by the thickening of the heart muscle. This means that the ventricles of the heart can’t hold as much blood and therefore reduces the volume of blood the heart can pump with each contraction. This, in turn, can cause heart failure, thromboembolism and sudden death. Diagnosis is from clinical signs and an ultrasound of the heart

2. Kidney disease

Ragdolls also carry a gene that can lead to Polycystic Kidney Disease (also known as PKD). This is an inherited condition that allows multiple fluid filled cysts to grow on the kidneys. These cysts are present from birth but over time they grow bigger causing a disruption in kidney function and eventually kidney failure. Diagnosis is made from clinical signs, urine and blood analysis as well as an ultrasound of the kidneys.

It is recommended that any cat diagnosed or showing symptoms of HCM or PKD are not bred from.

If you have any concerns about your Ragdoll’s health do not hesitate to get in touch with our Careline. They will be able to answer any questions that you may have.

Pet insurance for Ragdolls

Ragdolls have unique health problems that your pet may or may not be exposed to. These conditions may show up when your Ragdoll is a kitten or later on in their lives. You never know what might happen as they get older. Find out how we can cover your pet from accidents as well as illnesses they may suffer from.

It’s normally best to insure your Ragdoll from a young age, before any conditions arise. Insuring your Ragdoll from a young age will tend to be cheaper but this being said you can also get insurance for older cats (link) too.

See how we can help you by getting a quote today.