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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Ragdoll or longhaired cat owners

58 replies

Nochangeplease · 12/09/2020 22:22

I have my heart set on a ragdoll cat or kitten but I’ve read some quite frankly, gross stories online about how all longhaired cats regularly get poo stuck in their hair.
Now I understand, taking on a cat entails certain things less than pleasant and am prepared for that but I think regular poo trails across soft furnishings is probably a bit too much for me.
Is it true??

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
NotABeliever · 12/09/2020 22:33

I'd be interested to know too. I'm allergic to cats but I'm fine with pedigree hypoallergenic breeds and was considering a Siberian but friend of mine said he watched her parents brush clumps of poo from long haired moggies for years! I was surprised because cats are such clean animals!

nearlyoldenough · 12/09/2020 22:35

It’s not usual unless they have very long hair or the runs
Persians are the worst as very fluffy plus sensitive digestion’s.
Trust me, I run a cattery, I know about cat pooh!
Ragdolls,birmans, Siberian’s should all be fine

dementedpixie · 12/09/2020 22:36

you can get their hair trimmed at the back end to help prevent dangle berries

catfeets · 12/09/2020 22:38

I have a Ragdoll and it does happen occasionally. It's a case of cutting out a chunk of the 'poo hair' before it touches anything.
It shouldn't happen regularly unless the cat has sensitive digestion or a bad diet.

Jonsnowsghost · 12/09/2020 22:41

I have a ragdoll, it does happen but very infrequently.

His fluffy pantaloons are the best! I could never cut them off Grin

Fifipop185 · 12/09/2020 22:43

Ragdoll owner here. It used to happen more when he was a kitten and didn't / couldn't clean himself properly. I keep the fur on back of his hind legs trimmed a little to avoid most poo incidents. Don't let this put you off getting a ragdoll, they're gentle giants cuddle bugs, and you won't ever get over how they sleep on their backs with their feet up in the air.

Arrivederci · 12/09/2020 22:44

Occasionally, mine will get a nugget stuck in the fur at the back and try to scoot on the rug if we don't catch her to cut it out. But that only really happens if the fur gets too long, can be managed by trimming the top of the legs now and again.

Ragdoll or longhaired cat owners
Original poster
Nochangeplease · 12/09/2020 22:54

I guess similar things could happen with a short hair cat from time to time. But I’ll admit to being a bit squeamish and am not envisaging Poo hiding in the longhair and constantly checking before he/she goes on the beds ect.
Tell me more positive things please Grin

OP posts:
catsarebetterthandogs9 · 12/09/2020 23:00

I had a Ragdoll (sadly passed away) and have a Persian too. Neither have them have ever had this issue. I'd definitely notice!
The Ragdoll was the most gentle, loving cat ever. I miss her very much, her personality was beautiful.
So, no poo fur, best cat, get one Grin

ouch321 · 12/09/2020 23:00

Would put me off too. You could end up with it on bed covers or sofas and it's not like it can be cleaned off with an anti bac wipe on a hard surface

qwerty222 · 12/09/2020 23:04

I have had a ragdoll since his adulthood and never an issue. Very rewarding pets all roundSmile

JacobReesMogadishu · 12/09/2020 23:08

I have a Birman and he gets clagnuts. I trim them out which seems to then stop the issue for a couple of months. He’s worth it.

sofiathe2nd · 12/09/2020 23:10

I have a Siberian and we keep her back end clipped short. She does occasionally get a bit mucky and need a clean up.

Wouldn’t swap her for any other cat though, she’s practically perfect... mostly

madcatladyforever · 12/09/2020 23:16

I had a very long haired fluffy cat now deceased a d he only had poo for twice in the 14 years I had him. That was when he was I'll with diarrhoea after eating wildlife. He was a very clean boy a d groomed regularly. My current short haired cat is a bugger for clinging poo and dragging her tail in it.

MooseBeTimeForSummer · 12/09/2020 23:19

I have a Siberian. We take her to a groomer, who gives her a “sanitary” trim around her bum.
She’s very tolerant of the groomer but won’t let us do it for some unfathomable reason.

But that’s cats for you.

Toddlerteaplease · 13/09/2020 02:20

I had/ have two long haired Persians. The trick is to have regular hygiene trims and keep
Their bum hair and bloomers short. Be careful with their diet and you should have no problems. They will occasionally get cling nuts that can easily be removed. But we've only had two poonamis in 5 years. Both easily sorted by a trip to the vet for a clean up. (My vet does drop in, so really easy)

Toddlerteaplease · 13/09/2020 02:23

Actually my exotic short hair is actually worse for cling nuts. As she's got a very sensitive tummy and you can't just cut it off as her hair is too short.
I am a nurse so not at all squeamish though

Toddlerteaplease · 13/09/2020 02:24

And they are totally worth the odd stinky bum! And Persians are just the most wonderful breed.

Original poster
Nochangeplease · 13/09/2020 07:21

I think I love them that much I might be prepared to deal with it 😂
From what you’ve all said it’s not regular and can potentially happen with any cat anyway. Imagine if I got a short hair car and it happened anyway. I’d be devastated I didn’t just get a ragdoll.
Next question is, how to find a good breeder?

OP posts:
BobbiBabbler · 13/09/2020 07:59

Ive got a 13 year old ragdoll I've had since she was a baby and i have never ever had poo stuck to her. Not once, even if she's had diarrhoea. Her hair is very silky and fine, nothing like a fluffy Persian. Ragdolls are the best. There's a breed club for ragdolls, regulated and approved breeders are listed on there. Think about a male one if you want one that's more affectionate i believe females are known for being more aloof. Mine certainly is. Wouldn't change her for the world though.

KatherineJaneway · 13/09/2020 08:04

I have a Maine Coon and you do get poo stuck to their fur if they've got the runs sometimes. Trick is to keep the hair around their bum reasonably short. I take it as part of having a cat, like fur balls and dead mice.

Toddlerteaplease · 13/09/2020 08:36

Try a breed rescue.

MadamShazam · 13/09/2020 09:04

I have a domestic long hair, a lovely black rescue. He has occasionally had poo stuck to him, but we just cut it off (of DH does) its worth bearing in mind that they get matted quite quickly and need grooming daily. More so if they go out and get covered in leaves and grass like mine does!

Toddlerteaplease · 13/09/2020 11:56

If you get a long haired overlord. You will need a good metal comb/ grooming rake and a kids tangle teaser.
Give them a go over with the tangle teaser most days and a good going over with the metal comb once a week/10 days or so. Avoid furminators as they take the top coat off and don't touch the under coat.
Also try and find a professional groomer to give them a tidy up about every three months.

JonHammIsMyJamm · 13/09/2020 12:00

I have a Norwegian Forest and he does get clinkers every now and again which have to be cut out but mostly it’s things like little twigs/sticks, seeds, slugs (yes really) and leaves that he picks up on a daily basis. Luckily he LOVES the tangle teezer.