Many gravitate to the Ragdoll cat breed when they search for a cat that behaves or bonds with people the most like a dog. Ragdoll cats are known for their people-oriented nature (sometimes to the point of being clingy). Some Ragdoll cats and kittens also exhibit a defining trait of the breed: going limp like a ragdoll when picked up, which highlights their relaxed nature.
Whether you have a special Ragdoll cat at home or you’re looking to adopt one, this Sploot Vets guide covers Ragdoll cat care tips and common Ragdoll cat health issues so that you can keep your affectionate feline friend as healthy as can be.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hard to Take Care Of?
In terms of grooming needs, Ragdoll cats are considered only relatively low maintenance. While they do have a long coat, they do NOT have a dense undercoat. They tend to shed a bit all year round, with the majority of shedding occurring seasonally.
As for general Ragdoll cat care needs, they are NOT a particularly high-maintenance breed. However, there are a few Ragdoll cat health issues that pet parents need to be aware of.
Last but not least, the people-oriented nature of some Ragdoll cats makes them prone to being clingy or having separation anxiety. In this aspect, Ragdoll cats can be high-maintenance. They typically need plenty of attention from their favorite person—and for some Ragdolls, the companionship of other cats may not fully compensate during times when their pet parent is away.
Do Ragdoll Cats Have a Lot of Health Issues
Most cat breeds have a set of predispositions. Awareness of common Ragdoll cat health issues helps pet parents navigate them through preventive measures or early intervention.
Some examples of Ragdoll health issues include:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – An inherited Ragdoll cat health issue that leads to thickened heart muscles and can progress to heart failure if untreated.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – A medical condition where fluid-filled cysts can form in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. PKD is inherited through breeding lines, including those within the Ragdoll breed.
- Weight & Joint Problems – Ragdoll cats tend to be docile and inactive if not encouraged to exercise through play. This can make them susceptible to weight gain and joint problems that result from excess weight.
- Food & Seasonal Allergies – Allergic reactions to certain foods and environmental substances (e.g. pollen during spring or fall) are another common Ragdoll cat health issue.
- Cat Ear Infections – Ragdolls have tufted ears, which can trap dirt, moisture, and excess ear wax, potentially leading to ear infections. In addition, Ragdolls with untreated allergies are prone to having excess earwax production, leading to an added risk of ear infections among Ragdolls.
How to Take Care of Ragdoll Cats for Beginners {Ragdoll Cat Care Tips]
1. Health & Veterinary Care for Ragdoll Cats
Just like any cat breed, Ragdoll cats benefit from consistent preventative care. This includes yearly or bi-yearly pet wellness exams, cat vaccines, heartworm preventives, dietary optimizations, enrichment tips, and more.
Note: Pet wellness exams with vets help you get personalized Ragdoll cat care, addressing both breed predispositions and individual health needs. In addition, these exams allow for early intervention for Ragdoll cat health issues, which in most cases can improve the prognosis.
2. Dental Care for Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll cats benefit from regular dental care, which prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar—and thus also helps prevent other dental issues in cats.
Here are ways to care for your Ragdoll’s dental health:
- Schedule yearly dental exams and anesthetized complete oral health evaluation, dental radiographs, and cleaning with a vet
- Brush your Ragdoll’s teeth a few times a week, at least.
- Provide dental treats or water additives for cats (this can be especially helpful for cats that are resistant to brushing)
3. Ragdoll Cat Nutrition & Diet
By choosing high-quality cat food that meets AAFCO’s standards, you can provide your Ragdoll with the daily nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
A few additional features to look for in your Ragdoll cat’s food include:
- High-quality protein – This boosts your Ragdoll’s muscular health, helping support their large frame and organ functions.
- Hydration or urinary support – Certain foods are formulated to provide hydration and support urinary health. This helps prevent dehydration (which can speed up or worsen PKD, a common Ragdoll cat health issue).
- Omega-3 – These support the heart and joints, thus helping slow down Ragdoll cat health issues (i.e. HCM and joint problems from excess weight)
- Indoor Cat Formulation – Many Ragdoll cats are indoor cats. By opting for indoor cat food with an optimized calorie content, you can help your Ragdoll cat avoid excessive weight gain, which is one of the breed’s predispositions.
4. Ragdoll Cat Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Even though Ragdoll cats are typically docile and sedentary, you can provide them exercise and mental stimulation by working with their people-oriented nature.
These cats can benefit greatly from playing cat games like hide-and-seek (most Ragdolls will be very eager to find you). Other games like chasing wand toys and laser pointers can be enjoyable for them too—as long as they are given plenty of positive reinforcement.
Training is another unique opportunity for a Ragdoll’s exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please their pet parent. Some Ragdolls can be taught to play fetch, a skill that’s been documented in various online videos and forums about Ragdolls. Some Ragdolls can also be taught to walk on a harness.
5. Ragdoll Cat Grooming Tips
A Ragdoll’s long coat benefits from fur brushing three times a week or daily. Cat baths every few months (or as needed) also help keep their coat clean and vibrant. We recommend using a gentle, moisturizing cat shampoo.
Note: Allergies, a common Ragdoll cat health issue, can cause increased shedding. Therefore, optimizing their diet helps improve their coat health from within.
In addition, since Ragdolls are prone to ear infections, they can benefit from cat ear cleaning as needed (i.e., if you observe wax or dirt buildup on their ears). Make sure to always use a mild vet-approved cat ear cleaner.
→ Learn more - Cat Care Routine For a Healthy & Happy Cat [Vet-Approved Guide]
How Do I Take Care Of My Ragdoll Kitten?
The first step to providing great care for your Ragdoll kitten is to bring them to a Fear Free vet for a kitten exam and kitten vaccines. The vet will also provide recommendations on age-appropriate kitten food.
Note: Vets may recommend breed-specific kitten food (or the best alternative) for your Ragdoll kitten since they grow in spurts until 4 years of age, which is slower than most cat breeds. Therefore, they need the best formulation to support them through their prolonged growth.
In addition, we recommend early training and kitten socialization so that your Ragdoll kitten grows up calm and well-adjusted.
→ Learn More - How to Take Care of a New Kitten 101: The 1st Year [Vet-Approved]
Personalized Ragdoll Cat Care at Sploot Vets
At Sploot Vets, your Ragdoll cat will get the personalized care they need to stay at their healthiest and happiest. We provide primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one roof.
In addition, our Fear Free Certified medical team prioritizes your Ragdoll’s comfort and well-being, ensuring stress-free vet visits that your cat will love. We will pamper them with positive interactions and free treats from our treat bar.
Experience next-level vet care today! Our vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs are open 365 days a year, accepting same-day appointments and urgent intakes!
Book an appointment here or through the Sploot Vets app.
