Living With the Ragdoll

Let us take a closer look at what a Ragdoll is really like to live with. They are large, semi-longhaired cats, with a strong muscular feel to them. Their coat is said to be non-matting, but rest assured, if you neglect it, knots will appear, especially under the front and hind legs. Make grooming fun for your pet and he will look forward to this special time with you each day. A thorough grooming is recommended at least twice a week. Their coats are soft and silky with beautiful ruffs and knickerbockers, often look their best in the winter months as with many of the other semi-longhair breeds. Coat length varies with the individual, with neuters usually having a longer, more luxurious look to them. This is because, as we all know, neuters haven’t the hormones that play havoc with their systems!

They come in the universally accepted colours of Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Cream, in Solid Points, Tortie Points, Tabby Points and Tortie Tabby Points, which may be transposed over each of the 3 accepted patterns of Colourpointed, Mitted and Bicolour. Chocolate & Lilac are a little more difficult to acquire.

The Ragdoll should have a good length to his body, with a long tail to balance and with good strong bone and large round tufted paws to support his frame. With their broad head and width between their medium sized well furnished ears, medium length nose with its retrousse tip, and of course their most outstanding feature, their eyes. From the deepest Sapphire to the most delicate China Blue, they have an expression like no other cat.

The Ragdoll is a perfectly balanced cat, with no extreme abnormalities and it remains the policy of the The British Ragdoll Cat Club to maintain this original type, so that the Ragdoll of today still appears similar to those Ragdolls that founded the breed.

When all is said and done, the vast majority of Ragdoll kittens, as in any other breed, are sold as pets. Those who buy them don’t really mind if the ear set is a little high, the nose is a little straight, the eyes aren’t the deepest blue or the markings a little off centre. They want the TEMPERAMENT. For this, is what the Ragdoll is most famous.

Ragdolls have a wonderfully gentle, laid back temperament and their popularity as the ideal house pet who are totally devoted to their owners has become legendary. As kittens they are full of life and inquisitive and as they mature they become very loving, trusting cats who follow their owners everywhere. They love human company and are super with children, but since the boys grow to be such large cats, often tipping the scales at around 15lbs, children do need to be shown how to hold them correctly by supporting them with both hands. Ragdolls have many puppy-like characteristics that are most endearing. They get to know their names and will come when called. They also love to play and any amount of love and affection given to a Ragdoll will be repaid over and over again.

When introduced to the Ragdoll for the first time, you will be overwhelmed at just how beautiful they are. But the big difference with this breed is that, although the kittens are pretty, soft and fluffy, the adults are STUNNING. They are one of the few breeds that actually get better with age. How a kitten looks when first seen, bears no resemblance to how it will look when taken home at 13 weeks. He will look different again at 1 year old and that same kitten will look even more beautiful at 2 years old, developing into a magnificent 4 year old adult.

So, what DO you get when you buy a Ragdoll? Certainly NOT a dim witted creature who sits around all day doing nothing. Certainly NOT the cushion cat which it was once portrayed to be, but a stunningly beautiful individual, with almost a sense of humour all of it’s own. A cat who will meet you at the door when you return home, who will chatter to you when the mood takes them, who will rely on you to give them all the love so that they will be able to return it to you ten fold. Certainly NOT a cat that can be ignored. Just one small word of warning…. ONE is usually not enough!…….. It has been said before. It has to be said once more………. RAGDOLLS ARE ADDICTIVE……………

Excerpt from an article written by Lorna Wallace

Co Author of The Definitive Guide To Ragdolls

and a very dear friend of ours.

Ragdolls are fun loving felines and are often described as the gentle giants of the cat world. The males have a look of subdued power and are reflectively pensive, whilst in contrast the females have an irresistible charisma and are graciously spirited.

Ragdolls, especially the males usually grow to be very large cats. Neutered males usually weigh between 13 and 15lbs some as much as 20lbs. Females tend to be a good bit smaller, and weigh around 9 - 12lbs.

The Ragdoll is a large, muscular cat with a long body. The head is a broad wedge shape, set with medium sized ears and large, expressive blue eyes . The limbs are medium in length, but of substantial bone to support this large cat. The tail is long and tapering.The Ragdoll is a Semi Longhaired cat and their fur is soft and silky. In winter the coat is usually at its fullest and the Ragdoll looks particularly striking at this time with a full ruff and knickerbockers In the warmer summer months most Ragdolls have a shorter coat. When the time comes for you to choose your Ragdoll kitten it is wise to have read all the literature available on the breed to ensure that the kitten will fit in with your lifestyle.

It is particularly important that you view adult Ragdolls in their home environment and that the mature cat appeals to you. Kittenhood lasts such a short time and it is to be hoped that the pet you choose will live a long and happy life as part of your family.

If you are out at work for long periods of time during the day, it is kinder to consider buying two kittens for companionship. It is such a lonely life for a little kitten to be left for long periods on its own and Ragdolls, especially when young, benefit from having a playmate. The ideal situation is to buy two kittens from the same litter. Two kittens are far less destructive as they will happily amuse one another and then snuggle up close when they have exhausted their energy. They are also less likely to pine if they have to be boarded at a cattery whilst you go on holiday.

Take time when choosing your kitten. Ragdoll kittens should be lively, alert and bouncing with energy. Their coats should look healthy. Their eyes should be clear and bright. Their ears should be clean. As a guide a kitten at 13 weeks old should weigh between 3lbs ~ 4lbs. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions that are worrying you, the breeder will be happy to answer all your queries. If you should be in any doubt, it is best to go home and think it over. You are not under any obligation to buy a kitten just because you have visited. You must be 100% sure that the kitten has the personality that would fit in with your family's lifestyle as hopefully he is going to be a member of your family for many years to come. Leaving his sibblings and the security of the only home he has known since he was born is the most stressful time for a kitten. The most confident kitten can become a nervous wreck if its introduction to its new home is too traumatic.

Initially it is wise to keep the kitten in the room that you are in so that he feels safe. Reassure him with lots of cuddles and his confidence will grow rapidly. In the evening when perhaps you settle down to watch television you can then introduce any exisiting cats in the household and the kitten under supervision. Patience and gentle integration usually pays dividends. Do remember to make a special fuss of your other cat/s too so that they doesn’t feel neglected. Once he is confident of his new surroundings and his new playmate/s, your kitten will be happy to explore and they will soon become the best of friends. Remember to let the breeder know how the kitten has settled in and keep in touch. All breeders enjoy getting photographs of their progeny to see how they develop.

All pet kittens are on the ‘non-active’ register and should not be bred from. He/she should be neutered or spayed at or around 6 months of age. Males if left entire will spray, as will females who may ‘call’ frequently and run the risk of getting pyometra. Your veterinary surgeon will advise what age is best to perform the operation.

Ragdolls are available in three patterns: Colourpointed, Mitted and Bicolour. All Ragdolls are basically a Colourpointed pattern which can be overlaid with a varying degree of white patterning, the size and distribution of which dictates whether the Ragdoll is Mitted or Bicolour.

The Colourpointed Ragdoll is by far the most popular pattern and is affectionately known as ‘puss in boots’. Who could fail to be captivated by the stunningly attractive dense points of the mask,ears, paws and tail contrasting with a luxurious silky light body

With all the attributes of a Colourpointed, yet further enhanced by a sparkling white chin, chest and underbody, the Mitted Ragdoll proudly steps out sporting white mittens and boots. It has several distinctive features; the most obvious being the dominant white chin, chest and entire underbody. Another distinguishing feature, though not common to all Mitteds, is an attractive white blaze on the nose.

The aesthetic appeal of a well marked Bicolour is akin to a work of art and is often quoted as being the most unique of the patterns. The Bicolour is also Colourpointed in pattern, but this is further enhanced by an inverted white ‘V’ that covers the muzzle and extends upwards towards the forehead. The legs and complete underbody are white and there is often an asymmetrical area of white to be found on the shoulders and back, though for show standards this should fall below one-third of the total back area.

This Bi Colour has too much White on his back which would prevent him from being shown in competition.

Most breeders will supply a diet sheet detailing what food the kitten has been reared on. It is always wise to continue your kitten on this diet as certain foods can be too rich. Your kitten’s diet should include both wet and dry food and always ensure that fresh water is freely available. It is not recommended to give Ragdolls milk.

If you decide to change his food at a later date, it is best to keep him on one variety for a day or two just in case it disagrees with him. If your kitten should become a bit loose, a diet of boiled rice and chicken should be given, but always consult your veterinary surgeon if the problem persists for more than 24/48 hours as cats can become dehydrated very quickly.

It is sensible practice to give your Ragdoll a thorough grooming at least twice weekly and most owners will find their pets enjoy a daily light grooming that will maintain their coat in top condition. If neglected a Ragdoll’s coat will matt and form knots. If his coat should become greasy, groom with a little talcum powder. During the moulting season it is necessary to groom more often to prevent him digesting loose hair and getting fur balls. Make grooming fun for your pet and he will look forward to having this special time with you each day. Check his ears once a week and gently clean with cotton buds if dust should gather in the outer ear. It is also wise to clip the tips of his claws regularly as they can get very sharp.

Most vets recommend that you clean your cats teeth daily with toothpaste specially prepared for the purpose. It is neccessary to go to the expense of buying a toothbrush as most cats won’t let you near their mouths with it, instead put a small amount of toothpaste on a paper tissue and gently rub it along the cat’s gums and teeth. It has a pleasant taste and does not require to be rinsed off. If your cat should get tartar on his teeth, a trip to the vet may be necessary. It is a wise precaution to check your cat’s teeth and gums regularly.

Initially it is wise to use the cat litter used by the breeder. Until the kitten is familiar with his new surroundings keep his litter tray in whichever room he is in. When you get home with your kitten show him the tray by putting him in it and gently move his front paws in a scraping motion.

A word of caution ~ some kittens can be fussy about using their tray if it is not scrupulously clean, especially if there is more than one cat using the tray, therefore it is essential that you remove any soiling regularly, and it might be best to invest in a second tray. If you should have a problem with your kitten using the litter tray, then it may be necessary to restrict him to one room until you are confident that he knows where the tray is kept.

All kittens love to play either with their owner or with another cat or dog. Do give him lots of love and attention and he will repay you with lots of affection. Remember he needs plenty of rest whilst he is growing, so try not to let him get overtired especially during the first few weeks.

Ragdolls enjoy playing their version of ‘football’ and they will happily tap a table tennis ball around the room. Be prepared to be kept busy retrieving it from under the furniture where it inevitably ends up. There are lots of interesting toys available to stimulate your cat, the popular cat track being a much loved favourite, but they also get just as much fun from simple things like rolled up paper, a wine bottle cork, or an empty toilet roll holder.