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Would a Ragdoll cat be right for our family?

7 replies

chuffingalong · 23/02/2012 21:00

Hi, we love the look and temprement of the ragdolls. We also live on a busy road, and couldn't have a cat unless it was a house cat. We have a nice big garden but it's not compleatly fenced off. He could fit through the bushes and escape.
We have a 7 year old daughter who's a really gentle soul and loves animals. The problem is, 2 days a week, we go out for the whole day. Would the cat mind being on it's own for that long? We'd leave out food, maybe leave the radio on too.
If anyone knows more about this breed, please let me know. Smile

OP posts:
chuffingalong · 23/02/2012 21:03

Also, I'm not really happy with the idea that the cat wold never go out. Could we put a harness on and take it for a walk in the garden or outside? I think it'd be sad to keep it in the house perminently.

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PandaNot · 23/02/2012 21:04

I don't have a Ragdoll (we have exotic persians) but I have a friend who has one. He is quite happy being a housecat and doesn't seem to be lonely. They are a fantastic breed for young families as they are so placid - so are my lovely boys, would also recommend them!

chuffingalong · 23/02/2012 21:08

We would buy him lots of toys to keep him occupied. He would be very spoiled.

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PandaNot · 23/02/2012 21:19

He will be fine! Go for it, it's one of the best things we've done as a family, our two boys have given us all so much pleasure. They love our dd (4) in particular, they always come purring around her as soon as she sits down.

LittleJennyRobyn · 24/02/2012 09:29

We had a Ragdoll, and we got him because of the breed profile...seemed perfect.

But he was anything but a typical ragdoll, he was very unsociable and didn't like to be picked up at all. He used to swipe at my DD whilst she was eating dinner, would swipe at you if you dared to walk past him. Would not let you brush him without attacking you so would end up a huge matted mess and have to be de-matted at the vet every march.

Whoever said ragdolls dont tend to matt...are so wrong...it was a nightmare.

He hated the other cats and would growl if any of them came within spitting distance. It was quite stressful all round

We had him for 5 years (from a kitten) and he died suddenly last august. It turns out he had cardiomyopathy (sp) which i later found out is a common heart condition in Ragdolls. But very often goes undetected until death.

But having said that i loved him to bits, he did used to come to bed with me and this was the only time we could have a cuddle. I used to let him out but it took him years to master getting over the 6ft gate and he never managed the fences, In fact neighbour has a ragdoll that cant get over the fences/gate so is confined to the garden.

Not all Ragdolls are typical of the profile, so do your research and meet the breeder and kitten several times before buying it. I would make sure it doesn't mind being picked up and get it used to being brushed.

Of course there are some lovely ones so just make sure you find one that is exactly what you want in a cat.

chuffingalong · 24/02/2012 09:54

Thank you. That's very handy to know! We will definatly make sure we do our reaserch, meet the parents etc.

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notpodd · 25/02/2012 20:57

I have a Blue point Birman - they look so similar to ragdolls most people can't tell them apart. He has a fantastic personality, is extremely relaxed, super socialable and is extremely good with the kids. He's the best cat I've ever had.

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