Ragdoll cats: what is this feline breed like?

Among the different cat breedsthere is one that is especially cute and affectionate, perfect for sharing space if you live in an apartment. We refer to the ragdoll catsa great choice if you are thinking of adding a kitten to the family and there are also children or elderly people.

We tell you what this is like feline breed and everything you need to know about ragdoll cats to be able to care for them and pamper them as they deserve. Surely when you meet them you will find them as adorable as we do.

History of the ragdoll

The ragdoll cat story dates back to the sixties of the 20th century, when a breeder from the United States, named Ann Baker, crossed a Burmese sacred cat with a persian cat of angora. This is how one of the most popular cat breeds in the North American country emerged: the ragdoll.

Ragdoll’s name can be translated as rag dolland it was named so because of a very particular characteristic, since it is capable of relaxing its muscles when held in your arms, as if it were made of rag. These cats are also known as Josephine’s children, since the first ragdoll cat that was credited as the original was a cat and had that name: Josephine.

Ragdoll Features

Ragdolls are big catsmuscular and robust, and weigh around six kilos, although males can reach 10 kilos. Its fur is semi-long and its eyes are blue, and its long tail also stands out. Additionally, it is not a breed that grows very quickly, so it will not be fully developed until it is two years old. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 16 years.

Regarding its dense and silky coat, the ragdoll is classified into three types because of its color pattern. Thus, the colorpoint It stands out for the different tone of its legs; he bicolor Features a two-tone mix on hooves and chin; and the committed It is unmistakable due to its white legs, which look like it is wearing socks or gloves.

Ragdoll character

The ragdoll is a cat that is as docile as it is affectionate, making it perfect for families with children and for older people. They even coexist without a problem with other pets in the house. It is about calm animals who don’t like being alone too much, and it is common for them to follow you around the house. Furthermore, they do not have a bad temper or are aggressive, and they are very sociable and cuddly.

He also loves to play and will have a great time with his scratching post, a play tunnel or a cat tree. With all of these personality traits, the ragdoll has earned the reputation of being more dog-like than cat-like.

Ragdoll care

Although it has semi-long hair, it won’t give you much work, as it doesn’t have much of a tendency to get tangled. In this way, it will be enough for the fur brushing you do it regularly each one or two days. Remember that it is not a hypoallergenic breed and suitable for allergic people, since it has a tendency to lose hair.

Also, do not forget to trim their nails and clean their ears often to avoid health problems. You should also not stop clean teeth of the ragdoll, since they tend to accumulate tartar. Daily teeth cleaning is essential, as well as check-ups at the veterinarian. It is also necessary to be careful with his diet and not give him more than he should, since he is not very active and has a tendency to gain weight.

Ragdoll Cat Health

Although it is not a delicate breed of cat, the ragdoll can suffer from some health problems such as kidney and heart diseases, as well as hip dysplasia. Likewise, they are also at risk of suffering from urinary problems, such as inflammation, cysts and stones. For this reason, it is very important to take care of your feeding and ensure that they drink enough water for each person to stay hydrated and promote the proper functioning of the urinary system.

However, in the case of the heart diseasesit is worth remembering that, specifically, feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or cardiomyopathy (HCM) is usually hereditary. Thus it is possible to make a genetic test to detect if your ragdoll is likely to suffer from this disease to take the necessary measures to take care of its health and minimize the risks.

Likewise, remember that all health problems in your ragdoll, as with other breeds, can be prevented with proper nutrition and an active life, as well as carrying out check-ups and consultations with the veterinarian whenever necessary. .