Caring
The name ragdoll is just cute itself, but these are an extra adorable breed of cat that have a beautiful coat, and beautiful disposition; very docile and sweet natured cats. If you are considering getting a Ragdoll kitten or you already have a Ragdoll you will want to know what to do to care for it, so here are couple tips for for taking care of Ragdolls.
1. Attention
Ragdolls love their humans and are big attention seekers. While many cat breeds are independent and want their alone time, Ragdoll wants your attention and can actually become quite upset if he doesn’t get it. Playing with your Ragdoll, grooming him, petting and loving on him will keep him happy and not neglected.
2. Grooming
Ragdolls have longer, beautiful fur than many cats and although they do a good job of keeping themselves clean, you will want to groom your cat at least once a week. This not only helps with shedding, but it helps to keep fur balls to a minimum. Grooming also plays a big part in connecting with your cat. The most essential tools in grooming a Ragdoll's coat are a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush. The importance of grooming frequently is that your cat does not develop mats and that you are able to keep grooming sessions short and enjoyable!
Clipping your cats nails is an essential part of grooming your Ragdoll. This should be done every couple of weeks to ensure that their nails don't get too long.
3. Feeding
Unlike many breeds, the Ragdoll continues to grow, all the way up to age four. During your cat’s growth spurts you will want to make sure he gets extra food. High protein foods are important for your cat, which are easier to get with canned food as opposed to dry. Stay away from foods with a high grain content, and always be sure to have fresh, cool water kept out for your kitty. Some brands that we recommend: Orijen (Chicken Formula), Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Chicken, Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Real Chicken, Halo Chicken Recipe Grain-Free.
4. Toys
Your Ragdoll will be happy with a lot of toys to play with. These are cats that love to play and have fun with toys. Toys they can chase, bat at, and bat around are favorites, so be sure to keep your kitty stocked in fun, safe toys that will give him hours of entertainment. If you play with your Ragdoll often, you may even be able to get your kitty to fetch a ball, one of their favorite games.
5. Cat trees
Cat tree isn’t just an extravagant purchase for a cat owner, it’s actually a beneficial addition to the indoor environment. Humans live in a horizontal world but cats live in a vertical one and they depend on elevated areas for safety, comfort, exercise and fun. If you’ve ever had to retrieve your kitty from the top of the refrigerator or bookcase you know how much she enjoys being on the tallest perch in the room.
In order to make your cat as comfortable as he can be, whether you live in an apartment or family home you will need to consider on buying a cat tree. Cats need some of their own furniture that they can enjoy because it has only their smell on it. 4 foot tall or shorter condos are best for young kittens.
6. Litter
We use Feline Pine or Fresh Step scoop for our babies. We will gradually change litters to Fresh Step scoop if we feel the kittens are mature enough. A large high-sided litter box and a low-sided one are suggested. It is a good idea to have some litter that your breeder uses on hand when your kitten first arrives home. A sudden change in litter can confuse your kitten and make them unsure where they are supposed to go to the bathroom.
The location of your cat's litter box matters. Some points to consider:
Set up the litter box in an area of the house that is free of clutter or obstacles, as well as loud noises or other distractions. When it's time for a bathroom break, cats prefer some quiet and privacy.
Never place the litter box near your cat's food and water. Cats do not like to eliminate anywhere near these things, and they may serve as a deterrent to your cat using the box.
Once cats know a litter box is available they will be more likely to use it than any other surface in the house – except, perhaps, for houseplants. Your cat may try to eliminate in a plant's soil, so during litter box training keep houseplants out of reach or cover the soil with rocks or tin foil.
7. Vet checks
Your Ragdoll cat needs regular vet checks to make sure he is growing healthy and appropriately for his age. It’s also important to make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and that he gets all of the vaccinations they need, including rabies. Ragdolls are prone to breed specific diseases that with regular vet checks, early detection is more likely and treatment can begin sooner rather than later. Kidney and bladder issues are common among the ragdoll breed and these issues can be checked with blood work.