Thinking about a Ragdolls - any tips?

[Nios]

We are thinking about getting a Ragdoll, and wondering if anyone has any tips or experiences to share.

We have had rescue cats in the past, which have been indoor cats due to FIV & other health issues. Not had a cat for several years though.

We have an 11 DS, who loves looking after my friend’s cats, and who I think would really benefit from a cuddly companion (he has had a hard time with bereavement & illness in the family over the past couple of years).

Just looking for more info really.

No idea about Ragdolks. But I have Persians who are similar. Maintaining the long hair is expensive. But my long haired girl doesn't shed. You could also consider a short haired Persian. Mine is the most gentle and cuddled cat I've ever met. She's never ever used her claws in anger and adores being snuggled.

Thanks @Toddlerteaplease, I don’t know anything about Persians - off to google

My advice is just to get one. They're the best cats ever.

Thanks @Chisandbiscuits do you have a Ragdoll?

There are breed rescues. My Persians are all rescues.

Ragdoll’s are fabulous but need to be housecats.

Hi we had a ragdoll. She was great very loving and docile. Good with kids. She lived until she was around 16. They do need quite a lot of grooming as they can get matted and they shed lots of hair. They should just be indoor cats but ours did like to go outside into the front garden and sunbathe when it was nice she never ventured further.

Watching with interest. I so want one!

@Nios

Thanks *@Chisandbiscuits* do you have a Ragdoll?

I do. I have a female, she’s nearly five and she’s the sweetest cat ever. She barely needs a brush and keeps herself very clean. Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat and the classic Ragdoll coat doesn’t knot or tangle - although some Ragdolls don’t have a classic coat. They do need company though so if you aren’t around during the day you will need another cat or a dog to keep a Ragdoll happy - they pine and get lonely otherwise. They also shouldn’t be allowed out unless you have a cat secure outside space. They have no road sense and are so friendly they don’t sense danger and will go up to dogs, people etc. They’re also very pinchable!

My Ragdoll is very bonded to me (although she loves my husband and he adores her). She follows me round all day, sleeps at my feet and like to sit near me or have me in her eyeline. I would say she’s a little needy but in a nice way. She never really does anything naughty and is very gentle and cuddly.

Love Ragdolls they are the most adorable cats. I got mine from Ragdoll Rescue as I’m older and didn’t want a kitten. Kittens are very expensive but please don’t buy from unregistered breeder, your heart and bank account will be broken.

Sister had RagdollxPersians. Placid and wonderful with the children. Extremely photogenic. Monthly professional grooming and house vacuuming daily. Lovely cats.

Thank you for all the comments so far.

@70Cats do you know the best way to find a registered breeder?

Try Carolyn at Cwtchycats.com for an ethical breeder. I think her list is shut at the moment but she knows other ethical breeders so may be able to advise you. There’s also a good pedigree rescue group on Facebook called Neutered Registered Pedigree Cat Rehome Group UK that quite often has Ragdolls.

I really want one too. Been debating it for over a year but am really worried about the long hair and shedding.

My local rescue has some ragdolls right now... they don't advertise this at all because they would get inundated with calls. Due to a bereavement.

I also met someone who specialised in fostering rescue ragdolls; she had 13 of them!

Just saying there are ragdolls in rescue, if you wanted to look around. Enquire discreetly.

We have a one year old Ragdoll who is the first purebred I’ve ever had after 30 plus years of only having moggies. The raggie is a gentle boy, doesn’t use claws on you, and he is floppy. However he is not an affectionate cat, he will tolerate getting carried around and patted, he will follow you if there’s no one else in the house but he’s not one of those cats who wants cuddles and will go and sleep on your lap, but I think that’s just his personality. He does shed a lot. We have a small dog too and the two of them enjoy rumbling and pouncing and chasing games. He loves toys and likes you to throw them for him so he can chase, sometimes he’ll bring them back which we find amusing as the dog has never understood fetch games. He’s an inside cat too with access to a contained outdoor space.