Ragdoll cats

[Sparkle331]

Does anyone own a ragdoll cat? What are they like? Only I have been reading up on them and just wanted to hear some owner views? We are looking to get a cat and these seem to be what will suit our family with their temperament and human loving ways.

I have a beautiful female Ragdoll, she's three now and I got her as a kitten from a reputable breeder. She is stunning to look at but it's her nature that makes her special, she is so gentle, sweet and affectionate. She adores me and follows me around all day, cuddles up on my lap or near my feet and sleeps on the end of my bed at night. I love her so much. She has never caused any damage to anything and is very obedient and intelligent, she can be quite timid and shows no interest in going outside.

What I would say though is that Ragdolls don't like being alone so if you get one you need to get them a playmate - that can be another cat or dog - so that when you are out they have company. I have a British Shorthair as well and they are both such placid cats that they get on well. I would also warn against letting them roam. They are far too gentle and friendly so will go up to dogs, other cats etc without being aware of the danger. They are also so pretty that people notice them and I would be afraid of mine being stolen if I let her wander.

Aww toddlertea how beautiful 😍

Do they meow alot then I didnt know that was a trait?

Your cat sounds perfect dontmentionthe war, How lovely :)

Look at the Ragdoll cat club there may be some up for rehoming. Another similar in temperament breed are Abyssinian and Somali's - adore people, sweet natures and never been hugely popular so not overbred. Again they have catclubs that may have ones up for rehoming.

ILs bred rag dolls for years, a few were lovely, one was vile!!! She hated sharing her human and visitors were not well tolerated...

Thanks for the advice randomMess.

I think one of my recent rescues (adopted 2 in July) is mostly ragdoll and she is absolutely beautiful.

She does scratch a bit but I think it's mostly over-enthusiastic play - and actually she has not done it for a few weeks so I think she's learning.

She curls up on the sofa behind my head, carries toys (and pieces of random paper) around like a little dog. She sleeps beside me and the minute I put my hand on her she purrs like a train. She also has the trait of going floppy when picked up.

However unlike Fruitcocktail's two, she has a silent meow, which she does only about once a day, so the meow's might be personality related not breed related.

How sweet littlewoolly.
I am keen on getting a pedigree purely because of the personality traits they seem to have.

I have a seal mitt rag doll, his 13 now and had him nearly 10 years. He is the most affectionate loving cat you will get

Have had several ragdolls over the years and some of the sweetest animals I've ever known. However, as several other people have said, they have also been some of the thickest animals I've ever met!

Sparkle there is a brilliant group called the Neutered Pedigree Cat Rehome Group on Facebook. They often have young Ragdolls, recently there were eight rescued Ragdoll kittens. 😊 If, on the other hand, you want the name of a very good, ethical breeder then just message me and I’ll give you the name of the one I got my Ragdoll from, she is fantastic.

They sound lovely saz and thehodge,
Thank you dont mentionthewar yes I am looking to buy one from a breeder but not just yet, I am waiting to buy a new home first then I will get the cats.
Would be happy for you to recommend a breeder though even if I am not getting one just yet. 😊

You really must make sure the kittens have been tested for HCM and PKD if you’re having them from a breeder. Any reputable breeder would do so. A backyard breeder would not. They should also be registered with the GCCF and the breeder should provide paperwork for the kittens not just the parents. Even if you have them from a rescue/ rehome them it’s still well worth having these tests done before taking them on. I had the tests done on two cats we rehomed and it was dead easy (done at home with a sterile cotton bud) and affordable.

Ragdolls have become popular and consequently many people are breeding them with no regards for health or temperament so be cautious.

Apart from that they are very docile and would absolutely not be safe to let outside alone. Mine flop in front of dogs and I’m certain they would be killed by a dog or car if let out. You’d also need to make sure children weren’t rough with them as they don’t stand up for themselves and tolerate more than they really should.

They need grooming at least a couple of times a week and best to start early so they get used to it. Mine are not the smartest tools in the box but not completely thick either.

May be the temperament of mine but they aren’t people obsessed like some people find, took a couple of years for them to really come out their shells and now one is quite friendly on her terms and the other is still very independent.

Thanks for the advice msmims,

I have a Ragdoll kitten - we've only had him for 3 weeks and he is fantastic! We also have a year-old Burmese and it's been really interesting seeing the differences between two breeds with very unusual personalities.

Ragdoll is thick as a brick. Seriously quite quite stupid, but so sweet and innocent. I love how undignified and clumsy he is. When he lies down he doesn't curl up slowly like a proper cat, he just flops to the side like a cartoon of someone keeling over. Like he's heard a description of how to lie down but has never seen it.

Ooh I love the flopping! My two do that and they're 7 years old. Literally just tip to the side, we couldn't stop laughing the first time we saw it.