Ragdoll cat

• Ragdoll Cat Origin: California, United States
• Size:  Up to 40 cm shoulder height
• Look: Large, strong with broad head, short neck and long body, large paws, long, bushy tail
• Life expectancy: 13-18 years
• Weight: 6.5-12 kg
• Color: Grey-blue, black, lilac and cream, red and cream
• Grooming: Easy to care for, brush once a week
• Health problems:Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease
• Characteristics: Very quiet, extremely sociable, gentle and cuddly. Also well suited as a family cat or second cat.

Ragdoll Cat Story

Ragdoll cat breed was bred in the 1960s by Ann Baker in California, USA. It was created from a series of crosses betweenPersian cats,Birman cats, as well as Burmese-like andBurmese cats. All of these breeds share certain traits such as short fur and a gentle personality that make them very popular among cat lovers. This Ragdoll breed has since become a popular choice for cat lovers.

The most important characteristics

The gentle and loving nature of the Ragdoll cat as well as its impressive size are two of its most striking characteristics. With its balanced temperament and devoted affection for its owners, this breed is proving to be an extremely popular pet – not least because of its tendency to relax and fall into the arms of its owner when picked up.

Physical characteristics of the Ragdoll breed

The size of the Ragdoll cat alone gives it an almost majestic appearance. It is one of the larger cat breeds and has a powerful build. Adult Ragdolls can reach a weight of up to 5 to 9 kilograms, with the males tending to be larger and heavier.

The breed’s characteristic coat is long and silky, which means that the Ragdoll cat is not a shorthair. There are various colors and patterns and this breed often has darker spots on the ears, face, paws and tail, while the body has a lighter base color. Their striking blue eyes are particularly noticeable.

Care and hygiene needs of the Ragdoll

Since the Ragdoll cat is not a short-haired cat but has long fur, it needs to be cared for accordingly. A weekly brushing routine helps to prevent matting and remove loose hair. 

In addition to grooming, the ears, eyes and nails should be checked and cared for regularly. Important grooming tools are a soft brush or comb and a mild cat shampoo for absolute emergencies when bathing is really necessary. This can be the case if the cat would ingest dangerous substances while grooming. You will also need an ear cleaner, an eye cleaning solution and nail scissors or nail clippers. 

Behavior and Training Needs of the Ragdoll

As already mentioned, the Ragdoll cat’s character is gentle and friendly, which is why they are generally easy to train. Here are some tips for training a Ragdoll:

Scratching behavior and meowing: If your cat exhibits unwanted behavior. ?t is important to explore the reason behind it, remain patient, and offer alternative behaviors. Scratching posts and toys can help satisfy scratching needs, while attention and affection can reduce excessive meowing.

Positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise and petting to reward good behavior. First, make sure your Ragdoll cat has no allergies or intolerances.

Basic cues: Start with simple cues like ‘no’ and ‘come’ to establish basic communication. 

Socialization: Let your Ragdoll get to know different people, animals and environments to avoid behavioral problems.