Cats have more personality than their soft coat and striking eyes. Especially Ragdoll cats that have a big build and muscular frame. These cats have longer hair than most other cat breeds. And their blue eyes and affectionate nature make them even more fetching.
So what is it about Ragdolls cats or cats in general that we love? These facts about Ragdoll cats will blow your mind. And make you fall in love with them even more.
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5 Helpful Facts About Ragdolls
Did you know Ragdolls go limp when you pick them up? That’s why the name “Ragdoll” for these puppy cats! They’re laidback and incredible for family life. So even if your kid wants to play dress-up with a Ragdoll. I don’t think your Ragdoll wouldn’t mind it.
There are more things you probably didn’t know about your cat. Check them out!
1. Ragdolls Are Lap Cats
Ragdolls are lap cats in that they are, in all respects, affectionate and lovable. This is a unique behavioral trait among other felines. Ragdolls love to be loved. They will sit on your lap for hours and hours if you are too.
Having said that, there’s a way to hold Ragdolls once you pick them up. Already said, but Ragdolls tend to go limp when you pick them up. So when they’re in your arms, like a baby, don’t let their hind legs dangle down. Make sure you’re cradling the cat like you would hold the legs and head of a baby.
This brings me to the next important fact about Ragdolls.
How to Hold a Ragdoll Cat – How to Pick Up a Ragdoll Cat
2. Ragdolls Are Heavy Felines
Ragdolls are popular also because they’re heavy. Their large size, medium-long coat, and muscular body stand out. An average male Ragdoll weighs around 20 pounds or so. And unlike some felines, they grow to their full size by the age of 3-4 years.
It’s not that Ragdolls are heavy because they’re fat. Not at all. In fact, Ragdolls are heavy because they have denser bones. This gives them a generous build and height.
In fact, you probably didn’t know this already. But Ragdolls are one of the tallest felines in the world. A male Ragdoll weighs around 15 to 20 pounds. And a female Ragdoll between 10 to 15 pounds.
Compared to large felines like the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat. Ragdolls are next in line with regard to their weight and size.
3. Ragdolls Are A Young Breed
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This means they’re relatively new to the market. A breeder in California, around the 1960s, mated two long-haired cats. One of them was her own domestic, long-haired cat. The other was a cat that happened to run around her neighborhood.
The result is this blue-eyed and strong feline. After a series of trait selections, Ragdoll cats are now enjoyable to have around the house. They’re quiet, peaceful, and docile when taken care of.
4. In Places, They’re Known As “Puppy Cats”
The term “puppy cats” is set aside for Ragdoll cats because they’re large. Also because they have a calm and intelligent nature, these cats are quite puppy-like. They’re extremely playful and affectionate.
Contrary to popular beliefs, they don’t act selfishly or are manipulative. They are the perfect lap puppies you have been wanting. Only that these puppies never grow up. Perhaps Ragdolls are cuter when they’re kittens. But even in adulthood, they retain their ‘puppy cat’ and cuddly nature.
5. Ragdolls Hardly Make A Sound
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This puts Ragdolls on thin ice because you won’t know when they’re in pain. Under a positive light, this trait makes living in a noisy neighborhood convenient. However, their silence is not always welcome.
Contrary to popular opinion, Ragdolls feel pain like any other feline. But it’s highly likely a Ragdoll won’t meow when in pain or anxious or scared. So you need to thread your way through without making any mistake. This puts your cat in distress.
That’s why it’s so important to know everything about your cat. A Ragdoll Cat Tips Blog that talks about their behavior traits, allergies, diseases, etc. So you know when to avoid a certain situation and nourish your cat to his/her optimal health.
This begs the following question.
How Long Do Ragdolls Live?
Ragdolls, like Siamese cats, live for up to 15 years. But the lowest a Ragdoll can live, due to health issues, is 12 years. A recent study describes this as a severe health problem for Ragdolls.
Other common diseases include bladder stones, kidney stones, and other urinary infections.
Heart Disease
The more technical term for a heart condition is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It’s a genetic heart condition in Ragdolls. The heart wall becomes thick which leads to slower pumping. In some extreme cases, it may even lead to sudden death.
However, several blood tests including a DNA test can target this heart disease. You can prevent its progression and impact by early diagnosis.
Photo credit: https://baileysragdolls.net
Dental Care
Cats are sensitive to periodontal diseases and dental cavities. That is if you avoid cleaning their teeth regularly. Daily brushing is the best way to go forward. For more serious dental care, you can go to your most trusted vet for a professional clean-up.
Read more: What Are The Average Vet Visit Costs?
Conclusion
A cat is a cat, of course – except when it’s a Ragdoll! Ragdoll cats are playful, intelligent, and affectionate. A Ragdoll will wait for you to get home, will greet you to the door, and play with stuffed toys. But between them and other felines – you probably need to be more careful.
They don’t make a sound even if they’re sick. In general, they’re more behavioral expressive than verbally communicative. So understanding your cat’s behavior and personality is necessary.
Even if your Ragdoll looks healthy, he/she may be sick or in pain. Make sure you take him/her for regular check-ups, proper vaccinations, etc. You don’t have to wait for the condition to get worse before you take some kind of action.
And especially with Ragdolls, they’re such quiet and docile creatures, you need extra info. Websites that give you more credible information is what you need. And nothing better than to seek advice from someone who has a cat just like you!
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