This article looks at why Ragdolls make ideal pets for humans of all ages. And reveals the health conditions owners or prospective owners should look out for.

7 reasons why Ragdolls make good pets

Cats vary in temperament just the same way humans do. But a recent study identified 5 ‘Key Personality Traits’ in cats:

• Neuroticism: Insecurity, anxiety, fear of people, suspicion, shyness.  
• Extraversion: Energetic, watchful, curious, inquisitive, creative, smart.
• Dominance:  Bullying; dominance and aggression toward other cats.
• Impulsive:  Unpredictability and recklessness.
• Agreeable: Affection, friendliness to people, gentleness.  

Ragdolls have a gentle, affectionate personality

What more could you ask for in a family pet than: 

• Just the right amount of inquisitiveness and playfulness to make them great fun to be around
• Being among the most affectionate and friendly breeds you can find

Ragdolls aren’t going to be as standoffish as other breeds. They’re easy to bond with and predisposed to be affectionate and loving towards their humans.

Ragdolls love human company

Sometimes Ragdolls are described as ‘puppy-like’ in their behaviour. And while most cats would feel insulted by such a comparison to a ‘lesser’ species, Ragdolls seem to be the exception: 

• Following their human around the house
• Cuddling up next to them at any opportunity
• Coming to greet humans when they get home
• Playing fetch or hide and seek

So if you’re looking for a devoted and playful companion. And one who’ll offer you constant, unconditional affection, a Ragdoll may be just the right cat for you. Especially where an actual puppy is out of the question!

Ragdolls go limp when they’re picked up

Ragdolls are unique in the way they go limp when picked up. Just like a rag doll toy. No surprise, that’s how they got their name. Ann Barker was the cat enthusiast who developed the Ragdoll breed. She selected this trait in the cats she bred (and some stunning good looks – more of that later). Having this trait arguably makes Ragdolls an ideal family pet cat.

• Going limp when picked up – however inexpertly
• Accepting being carried around the house like a rag doll toy by their small humans
• Being genuinely unconcerned by this treatment
• Going limp may be retained kitten behaviour or a reflex to prevent injury, or both

Ragdolls aren’t impulsive or unpredictable

Ragdolls tend not to have the traits of fear or impulsivity that can make most cats unpredictable companions at times. This results in Ragdolls:

• Being unlikely to lash out suddenly.
• Accepting new housemates (4-legged or 2) more readily.
• Being generally even-tempered and calm.

Ragdolls are large cats

This can be a big plus in a busy household or family environment. Benefits include

• Being easier to pick up and cuddle.
• Having less chance of being stepped on or trapped in a door.
• Being more visible if they’re up to mischief – especially the kind likely to harm them, like eating houseplants.

Ragdolls live happily as indoor cats

Many cats still have a strong prey drive or want outside to explore their territory. But since many of us live in flats or by busy roads, this isn’t always an option. Ragdoll cats are best suited to living indoors, which means:

• Having less chance of getting lost.
• Avoiding fights and bite injuries from other cats, dogs or foxes: painful, unpleasant and often expensive to treat.
• Avoiding road accidents, falls or getting locked in sheds.
• Not encountering common outdoor poisons: garden plants, antifreeze, rodenticides
• Being less likely to pick up tapeworms, fleas, lungworms or ticks. But it’s not impossible – preventives are still essential.

Ragdolls are beautiful!

OK, looks aren’t everything. But when combined with sweet, affectionate personalities, it’s the icing on the cake. 

• Distinctive and gorgeous bright blue eyes
• A luxurious soft and silky semi-long to long coat
• Attractive contrasting colour points
• Low to medium grooming requirements
• Low shedding 

Despite their lovely long coats, Ragdolls don’t shed much hair. This is because they don’t have the dense undercoat that other breeds have. The undercoat is responsible for most shedding. So there’s not even a price to pay in every-day grooming and vacuuming for those iconic good looks!

7 common health conditions of Ragdolls 

Well-cared-for Ragdoll cats generally keep good health. This means 

• Feeding a healthy well-balanced diet
• Keeping them to a healthy weight and body condition
• Ensuring mental stimulation and exercise through play
• Keeping up to date with preventive treatment, like vaccinations and worming
• Cleaning their teeth regularly

But like all pedigree cats, Ragdolls can be prone to some inherited illnesses. And they’re susceptible to common illnesses that affect all cats. It’s best to be aware of these health conditions and the warning signs.

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM in Ragdolls is a serious heart condition, which can result in heart failure and early death. HCM is the most common form of heart disease in all older cats. But Ragdolls can inherit a faulty gene that increases their risk of serious illness early on in life.

Features of HCM in Ragdolls

• 30% of Ragdolls in the UK carry a copy of the gene
• Some cats carry 2 copies of the gene – they’re more likely to get sick and at a younger age (1-2 years)
• HCM causes the heart muscle to become too thick to work as a pump
• Blood doesn’t get pumped around the body, leading to congestive heart failure
• Dangerous blood clots may form in blood vessels as blood flow becomes sluggish.
• Illness is most likely at 6-8 years old
• Not all Ragdolls with HCM will develop illness.
• Not all Ragdolls who develop HCM have the faulty gene

What are the warning signs of HCM in Ragdolls?

The symptoms of HCM develop because of congestive heart failure.

• Having less energy, being less playful and interactive
• Breathing more rapidly and heavily – open mouth breathing may develop
• Drinking more

Symptoms of clots

• Extreme pain, usually in one or both back legs, when a clot forms in the artery supplying blood to the limbs
• Affected feet and legs will be cold to touch

Talk to a vet if your Ragdoll seems less energetic, drinking more or is breathing faster than normal.

Contact your nearest vet immediately if your cat is in severe pain or mouth-breathing.

Treatment

HCM can’t be cured. Cats with HCM are treated for congestive heart failure

• Usually tablets or liquid medicine
• Treated cats may live up to 2 years 
• Cats with clots are unlikely to live more than 6 months 
• Treatment will be costly

How can you prevent your Ragdoll having HCM?

• Ragdoll cats can be tested for the faulty gene before they reach breeding age
• Yearly heart scans help to detect cats who are developing HCM, whether they have the faulty gene or not
• Reputable breeders will have their Ragdolls checked and certified after these tests
• Always buy your new Ragdoll from a reputable breeder and ask to see their certificates.

2. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Ragdolls are susceptible to polycystic kidney disease. This is another inherited illness that results in chronic kidney disease. But Ragdolls are much less at-risk than other breeds, such as Persians.

What are the warning signs of PKD in Ragdolls?

The symptoms of PKD will be those of chronic kidney disease.

• Drinking more
• Losing weight
• Having less energy

Talk to a vet if you think your cat is drinking more or losing weight

What’s the treatment for PKD in Ragdolls?

• There’s no cure for PKD or chronic kidney disease. 
• Treatment aims to help your cat cope with the symptoms. This may succeed for anything between a few weeks to a few years.

How to prevent PKD in cats

• All breeding Ragdolls need to have the genetic test for PKD
• This is another check to make with the breeder when your thinking of buying a Ragdoll

3. Obesity

Obesity in Ragdolls usually results from an inherited risk and an inactive lifestyle. This can include boredom, lack of exercise, and an unsuitable diet. Obesity can trigger or worsen other health problems. For example, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis and heart disease.

What are the warning signs that your Ragdoll cat is overweight or obese? 

Use the body condition score guide to assess whether your cat is in healthy shape or obese. 

What’s the treatment for obesity?

If your Ragdoll is obese, talk to your vet or vet nurse about a weight management programme. This includes diet and lifestyle changes and regular checks.

How to prevent obesity in Ragdolls

• Always feed your Ragdoll a healthy balanced diet, suitable for their age and lifestyle
• Provide opportunities for your cat to exercise with towers, tunnels, cardboard boxes
• Play with your cat to encourage activity and prevent boredom

Talk to a vet or veterinary nurse for advice on feeding your Ragdoll to keep their weight and body condition healthy.

4. Hairballs

Ragdolls don’t shed a lot. But they do need regular grooming to untangle their silky coats and remove loose hair. Hairballs can result from poor coat care or from overgrooming. Your Ragdoll may overgroom because of stress or skin disease (allergies, parasites).

What are the warning signs of hairballs in Ragdolls?

• Diarrhoea or constipation with lots of hair in the poo
• Retching or vomiting and bringing up hair (among other things)

What’s the treatment for Hairballs?

• A gentle lubricant such as Katalax will help hair pass through your cat’s stomach and intestines.
• Katalax is a paste that you can smear on your cat’s paws for easy treatment. They soon lick it off.

How to prevent your Ragdoll getting hairballs 

• Regular grooming.
• Removing the ‘cause’ where stress or skin disease are involved.

Talk to a vet if your cat is vomiting or for advice on preventing hairballs.

5. Urinary tract infections 

Ragdolls can suffer from urinary tract infections. Sometimes it’s because they also have kidney disease or urinary tract stones (urolithiasis). Ragdolls are more likely to get urolithiasis compared to non-pedigree cats. But they’re less at-risk than breeds such as British Shorthairs, Burmese or Persians.

What are the warning signs of a urinary tract infection?

• Making repeated trips to the litter tray, possibly yowling when passing urine (pee).
• Peeing outside the litter tray. 
• Passing urine tinged with blood and/or cloudy and/or strongly smelling urine.
• Vomiting, loss of appetite, pain.

What’s the treatment for urinary tract infections in Ragdolls?

• Depends on the cause
• Can include antibiotics, special (prescription) diets to dissolve stones, treating underlying illnesses

Always talk to a vet if your Ragdoll is struggling to pee or their pee looks abnormal.

Contact your nearest vet without delay if your cat is unable to pass any urine at all.

6. Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common problems in adult cats, including Ragdolls. Gingivitis and tooth decay can result from poor diet, poor dental care or other illnesses. Most often it’s a combination of these.

What are the warning signs of dental disease in Ragdoll cats?

• Bad breath
• Pawing at the mouth 
• Eating on one side of the mouth or leaving hard food altogether
• Losing weight and scruffy coat

What’s the treatment for dental disease in Ragdolls cats?

• Usually an operation to remove any decayed or damaged teeth and clean the remainder
• Ongoing regular dental checks and preventive care
• A special diet such as Hills t/d – which includes enzymes and kibble shape to reduce plaque and scale formation.

How to prevent your Ragdoll from getting dental disease

• Brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Start as soon as you bring them home for the first time.
• Consider dental washes, sprays and good-quality dental treats.
• Feed a balanced healthy diet Hill’s t/d or Royal Canin Dental Care.
• Take your cat for regular dental check-ups with a vet.

Talk to a vet for advice and tips on keeping your Ragdoll’s mouth clean and healthy.

7. Separation anxiety

Ragdolls love human company. Even another cat is not a substitute for their preferred humans. The downside to this is that Ragdolls can become anxious, upset and stressed when you are away on holiday. Or even when you’re out at work.

What are the warning signs of separation anxiety in Ragdolls?

Separation anxiety in Ragdolls can show up as either behavioural problems, health problems or both.

• Destructive behaviour.
• Being excessively clingy – or the reverse, avoiding you!
• Overgrooming.
• Peeing outside the litter tray or difficulty passing wee.
• Upset tummies and weight loss.

What’s the treatment for separation anxiety?

• Company and stability.
• Calming treats, diffusers, supplements and even special diets
• Vet treatment for urinary tract problems.

How can you prevent your Ragdoll from suffering separation anxiety?

• Make changes gradually
• Provide lots of opportunity for play with toys and puzzles.
• Keep a calming diffuser on in the house all the time.
• Consider calming supplements like Yumove Calming Care.

Ragdolls make wonderful pets. Nothing can guarantee good health in cats or people. But getting your Ragdoll from a reputable breeder will reduce their inherited risks. A healthy diet, lifestyle and regular preventive care offer the best outlook for all cats.

And once those adoring blue eyes have fixed on you, you’re likely hooked for life!