Last Updated on August 31, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
It’s no surprise that cats are—by far—the most sought pets in the world, after their canine counterparts. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, roughly 25 percent of American households have one of these adorable, furry kitties as one of their family members.
However, even though they are loved and adored by many, there is still stereotyping and negative press about cats (read more). Some people would say they’re selfish and aloof, and they’re making the worst pets, which are all erroneous assumptions.
Although certain breeds of cats can be standoffish, many breeds thrive on human interaction. In fact, a recent study conducted by scientists at Oregon State University reported that cats like social interaction with humans over foods, toys, and scents. With that being said, they’re also social creatures, after all!
Let the Ragdoll prove it for you.
The Ragdoll Cat Breed
If you’re considering a pet, you might want to learn more about Ragdolls.
They are extremely popular recently, as they’re one of the most affectionate cats you can own. When I say the most—I mean, they’ll follow you around from dawn till dusk! Unofficially, they are considered the most cuddly cat breed you can own.
You’ll even likely see a resemblance of a dog in ragdolls. They are loyal, adaptable, and highly trainable. Many of them would just stick with you all the time and will get your attention actively. If you want to simply cuddle and adore a cat, a Ragdoll cat is the ideal companion!
This feline has a luxurious pointed coat and bright blue eyes that catch the eye. Their build is large and muscular, and they have a semi-long-haired silky coat. She’s a 15-pound furry feline that can be either your lap cat or playmate. If you need a BFF, a ragdoll can also be your buddy with dressing up styles in doll clothes.
Furthermore, what makes them popular, most of all is their friendly personality. At the same time, they make excellent household pets with their adaptability to almost all homes. She’s fantastic with kids and her owner— and even with dogs! Also, they give the same energy towards your guests, like greeting them the same way she does for you.
Like A Limp
Aside from wanting to cuddle, these cats will frequently become limp like a ragdoll when placed in your arms, just like her name implies. When you gain her trust, she’ll most likely surrender complete control to you and will become limp in your arms.
A ragdoll may think everything’s trustworthy. So, she should be indoors at all times. The ragdoll temperament is laid-back and submissive. Additionally, she lacks the desire to defend herself.
She can’t also bear being alone as she’s a type of cat breed dependent on her owner. Leaving her alone for a few hours can make her sad and even worse for many days. She might develop separation anxiety or any serious issues in the future.
Health
A popular belief among ragdolls is that they are immune to pain. While they have a history with that, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t prone to certain health diseases. Or they do deserve neglect. To be clear, this old-wives tale is not accurate! Just like any other cat breed, they also experience pain.
And despite being very social and affectionate, your Ragdoll requires proper pet care, too. Ragdolls can be very prone to bacterial and viral infections. Still, it can be preventable through regular veterinary checkups and vaccination.
But the Ragdoll breed is generally considered a healthy breed, with only a few health issues such as obesity and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy being observed.
Shedding
By definition, all cats do shed, the same way with ragdoll cat breeds.
Cats’ undercoats are typically the source of allergens. One of the reasons why many people believe that ragdolls are hypoallergenic is because they do not have undercoats. But unfortunately, they aren’t.
For those sensitive to dander, their lack of an undercoat can undoubtedly help alleviate your signs.
But we must remember that people are allergic to cats for various reasons and that it is not just their coat that causes the allergies. For people who are allergic to cat saliva, this allergen is to blame, too (link: https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/cats). So if you’re going to adopt a feline companion, make sure to know your allergies. But generally, many people easily tolerate the Ragdoll.
Maintenance
Combing the Ragdoll’s hair once or twice a week will help keep the Ragdoll free of mats and knots. Also, she might require regular grooming like bathing and trimming to make sure she’s clean and fresh. This would not be too difficult with Ragdolls.
They usually enjoy this as they get your attention. Make sure to see every time you groom her any signs of abnormalities or lumps that require early medication.
Training
Ragdolls are doggy cats that you can quickly train because of their affectionate demeanor and high intelligence. You can play fetch with them without much difficulty in a reasonably quick time.
But unlike other cats, their maturity is slower. But repetition is the key, and you must be persistent and patient when training her. Generally, cats learn new tricks because they are rewarded and appreciated for their efforts. You can do positive reinforcements as a method in teaching your ragdolls through the use of a reward or treat.
But do not pressure her. Give her enough time to learn new tricks.