Ragdoll FAQ ...

In this section we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this breed. The Internet can be a wonderful source of information, as is the advice of family and friends who may have cats of their own. Unfortuantely not all the advice you will recieve, or the things that you will read, or hear about the Ragdoll breed, will be correct. It is in this section of my website that I will endeavour to set the record straight about this wonderful breed.

Q: Is it true that Ragdolls do not shed or matt? Or are a good cat for those with allergies?

A: Ragdolls have a fine, silky coat, much like an angora rabbit, they are a low shedding breed with minimal upkeep but they DO shed. A simple brushing twice a week is enough to keep any shedding to a bare minimum and keep your Ragdolls coat soft and supple. This breed is not supposed to matt, if your Ragdoll has matts it has incorrect coat texture, which is a serious fault in this breed. Ragdolls are not a hypoallergenic cat, most people with allergies WILL have a reaction. Please, if you or a family member has allergies, do not contact me for a kitten. It is simply too hard on the cat to be adopted out and then rehomed agian just a short time later.

Q: Is it true that Ragdolls will grow to be 20 lbs or more?

A: No, most Ragdolls will not reach weights of 20 lbs or more and still be considered to be at a healthy weight. Ragdolls are a large breed, but you must consider that the average domestic house cat weighs 6-8 lbs at maturity. The size of a Ragdoll at maturity will depend on things such as genetic predisposition, whether the cat is altered and at what age, if the cat is male or female, housing and nutrition. The average for a healthy, neutered, male Ragdoll is often 14-18 lbs, femles 5-8 lbs smaller. However, there are some Ragdolls who are 20+ lbs and are not obese, and there are some who are in the 10 lbs or less range.

Q: Is it true that Ragdolls feel no pain, or that they will not defend themselves and this is why they should not be let outside?

A: Absolutely wrong, and one of the most ridiculous things I have heard to date. Anyone who has ever stepped on a Ragdoll's tail will tell you they absolutely, unequivocally feel pain. A Ragdoll is a placid, laid back breed who is very sociable and trusting. Unlike many other cats, a Ragdoll is highly approachable and will often be friendly towards strangers, dogs, and the like without recognizing there might be a danger. Do not mistake this for an inability to defend itself. If confronted they absolutely will fight back, just visit our home when we have Moms with young kittens, you'll see a defensive Mom in action when she feels she needs to protect her babies from the nosey "others" in the household.

Q: I heard that Ragdolls are more senstive than other breeds and will have reactions to vaccinations and should not be given certain vaccines, should I avoid vaccinating my Ragdoll?

A: A healthy immune system deals with routine vaccinations without trouble, it's what the immune system was designed to do, its it's job. If your Ragdoll is healthy and from sound, healthy breeding stock, from a reputatable breeder who does not perpetuate poor immune systems or other various GENETIC disorders through poor breeding practices, your Ragdoll should have no problem with routine vaccinations. Ragdolls are no more susceptible to vaccine reactions than any other breed.

Often breeders, including myself, will caution you not to vaccinate for Feline Leukemia. A reaction to this vaccine is possible, in ALL cats, and the risk of a reaction outweighs the benifits of the vaccine in an indoor only cat. If your Ragdoll is from FeLv/FIV free breeding stock, and is an indoor only cat, it is impossible for your Ragdoll to contract the virus and therefore vaccinating against this disease is pointless.

Q: I like to spend my evenings watching tv and I want a lapcat. I have heard that Ragdolls are very cuddly cats, is this true?

A: While there are exceptions to every rule, most Ragdolls are not usually lap cats. They are friendly, loving, sociable creatures who take delight in being in your very presence. They will follow you from room to room, greet you at the door, delight in being with you constantly, lay beside you on the couch, or at your feet, or across the back of your couch or lazy-boy chair, but they are not, for the most part, lap cats. A Ragdoll's body temperature is 101 degrees or higher, and your's is 98.6 on average, add the thick fur coat they wear to that equation and you'll soon figure out why they become uncomfortable after being held for long periods of time.

Q: I want a Ragdoll because I heard that they will flop in your arms and be completely limp when you pick them up. Also I heard they are very laid back cats and they do not need a lot of attention, is this true?

A: First, you might want to consider buying a stuffed cat, a Ragdoll is not an inanimate object. Not all Ragdolls become limp when held. Like any other cat, not all Ragdolls love to be held to start with. Going "limp" often depends on a strong trust or comfort level, the age of the cat, as kittens tend to be far more active and "squirmy", and the personality of the Ragdoll in question. Your cat may, or may not, ever feel comfortable in a prone position. The Ragdoll personality is more about being a laid back, gentle, sociable creature who adores his humans than it is about being a limp sack of cat fur. Ragdolls love to play, a quality they tend to retain throughout life; perpetual kittenhood. They are goofy, intelligent, moderately active, and they thrive on attention. If you are looking for an ornament, please, do not buy a Ragdoll, both you and the Ragdoll will be very unhappy with the end result.