Page 2 | Adopting a rescue ragdoll

Ghostofborleyrectory · 2023-03-19T20:06:06+00:00

My beloved old recue ex feral cat died a few weeks ago at around 14 years ( might have been older due to being feral and vet guessed at age) I loved her so much and didn't want to commit to another cat, unless with time and then another unwanted ex feral cat. I still looked at local animal rescue website and a ragdoll cat was up for adoption. I have had a rescue Persian (severely neglected before she went into shelter), for 12 years so used to the behaviour of Persians and the grooming (although Persian hated it) The ragdoll has big issue with with spraying, hence the reason he is in rescue centre (he wee'd on my handbag when I met him in shelter) He is being neutured whch might help, my last cat was a female and the lovely people at the animal rescue said he might spray because of the scent of my last cat. So I am asking you lovely people, how I can help him adapt to his new environment? Been on the ragdoll websites but they are often American based and recommend washing them twice a month etc which I do not think neccessary after my experience with my Persian. I have purchased some feliway spray, organised Petplan insurance. I am looking at beds, used to cats sleeping on my bed but if he is used to cat bed, would love advice on a good one for a big 12 month old cat. Last thing (honest!) Never had a cat that has not been a cat that goes outside. I have read that ragdolls can't go outside. I live in an semi-urban environment but a quiet one with park opposite. Could I take him to park, even if on lead to sit with me? Can provide pics of cat!

OccasionalHope · 19/03/2023 21:49

Loki is gorgeous, a classic rag doll beauty 😀

DeadOrchid · 19/03/2023 22:10

Our ragdoll likes to be high up and tends to sleep on a storage box on top of a shelf.

She’s not the brightest so we don’t let her out although when she does escape she’s does stay in the garden.

Like others have said they have no sense of danger ours doesn’t even get out of the way of the robot hoover or the dog, luckily they all get on on well.

They do like company and can be quite demanding / get in way!

YesItsMeIDontCare · 19/03/2023 22:24

I have some experience of taking a cat on a lead, my lad has FIV.

Firstly I recommend Mynwood Cat Jackets. They're made to measure and don't put pressure on the chest.
Secondly, if your cat shows no interest in going out don't bother. It really isn't worth the trauma.
Thirdly, I don't walk him like a dog. We go out and I let him mooch, sniff, stalk, stare in to space... just cat things really. It's dull, it's boring, but if you're in a safe place then you can spend your time on Mumsnet 😁
Always look out for dogs and be ready to pick your cat up 😱

Toddlerteaplease · 19/03/2023 22:48

Did you Persians go out? Most don't, due the same reasons that Ragdolls don't. Mine go into an enclosed garden. But that's it.

Toddlerteaplease · 19/03/2023 22:51

I tried harnesses and walking jackets on mine. The walking jacket was ok. Cheddar almost strangled her self trying to go under a car I didn't want her to go under.

qwerty222 · 19/03/2023 22:56

I am just here to say I’ve had a ragdoll rescue for 5.5 years and he’s 10. We let him out from the get go because he was allowed out in his last place. We live in a very quiet safe area. Did have one issue when he didn’t come home because he wasn’t able to scale a very manageable fence 😆but apart from that he’s been fine and wears a tracker. Never goes far. Couldn’t get him to take to a harness unfortunately.

Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 08:03

Thanks so much for messages, can't respond properly as in rush for work. Some great advice and some gorgeous pictures :-) My persian did go out but never went far. We live opposite a park so can be dogs which makes me nervous. Good idea re tracker!

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Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 08:04

So gorgeous! Where is your cat tree from?

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Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 08:04

YesItsMeIDontCare · 19/03/2023 22:24

I have some experience of taking a cat on a lead, my lad has FIV.

Firstly I recommend Mynwood Cat Jackets. They're made to measure and don't put pressure on the chest.
Secondly, if your cat shows no interest in going out don't bother. It really isn't worth the trauma.
Thirdly, I don't walk him like a dog. We go out and I let him mooch, sniff, stalk, stare in to space... just cat things really. It's dull, it's boring, but if you're in a safe place then you can spend your time on Mumsnet 😁
Always look out for dogs and be ready to pick your cat up 😱

He is beautiful. Thanks for advice re harness

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Alargeoneplease89 · 20/03/2023 08:14

Mine has a harness and used to go for the occasional walkies but discovered it caused him cystitis as he wanted to be in that territory, thinking it was his area. Either your cat is out or in - my area has dogs off leads, so he isnt allowed out, he is a house cat but occasionally goes in the garden.

I think if he has weeing issues you really need to think if you can handle it, it could be a forever problem as it becomes a dirty habit. Mine had cystitis for a few months and was weeing outside his litter tray and was close to getting rid of him before working out the issue- he's my baby so it wasn't a light decision.

Stripylittlesocks · 20/03/2023 08:25

He’s gorgeous OP! I think my boy is a rag doll? He was given away for free on Gumtree about 4 years ago in weird circumstances and it all just seemed a bit dodgy so I took him and he has a lovely life now, he does go out into the garden supervised occasionally but not that bothered about going outside, prefers sunbathing in the window.

InvincibleInvisibility · 20/03/2023 10:30

Agree with PP about freezing with cars. Fortunately we live on a very quiet road (end of a lane so only 7ish cars ever go past to their houses). He loves sitting UNDER our cars which causes problems as we have to check even visitor's cars.

qwerty222 · 20/03/2023 11:40

@Ghostofborleyrectory thank you. Pets at home in Scotland

Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 17:33

Alargeoneplease89 · 20/03/2023 08:14

Mine has a harness and used to go for the occasional walkies but discovered it caused him cystitis as he wanted to be in that territory, thinking it was his area. Either your cat is out or in - my area has dogs off leads, so he isnt allowed out, he is a house cat but occasionally goes in the garden.

I think if he has weeing issues you really need to think if you can handle it, it could be a forever problem as it becomes a dirty habit. Mine had cystitis for a few months and was weeing outside his litter tray and was close to getting rid of him before working out the issue- he's my baby so it wasn't a light decision.

Thanks, the weeing is a concern, seems to be more spaying, saw him use his litter tray last time I went to visit him at cat shelter to introduce him to my child. It is the reason he is in shelter but do hope neuturing will make a difference. Looked up sprays, etc. He was trying to another female cat in his last house aparently but obviously was still doing it in shelter. I will try and erase all smells of old cat. Weirdly, it made me want him more- was planning to get the most borked old broken moggy that no-one wanted. Then thought Loki might be taken by someone who wanted him for his looks and breed but would not be able to cope if he continued weeing and then might mistreat him. Not sure whether to spray house with feliway first or wait and see how he goes. I know how horrid cat wee can be.

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Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 17:35

Stripylittlesocks · 20/03/2023 08:25

He’s gorgeous OP! I think my boy is a rag doll? He was given away for free on Gumtree about 4 years ago in weird circumstances and it all just seemed a bit dodgy so I took him and he has a lovely life now, he does go out into the garden supervised occasionally but not that bothered about going outside, prefers sunbathing in the window.

He certainly looks like one. Beautiful boy, how sad to give away a cat on Gumtree.

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Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 17:37

DeadOrchid · 19/03/2023 22:10

Our ragdoll likes to be high up and tends to sleep on a storage box on top of a shelf.

She’s not the brightest so we don’t let her out although when she does escape she’s does stay in the garden.

Like others have said they have no sense of danger ours doesn’t even get out of the way of the robot hoover or the dog, luckily they all get on on well.

They do like company and can be quite demanding / get in way!

She knows what she's doing there. My old cat used to roll in the middle of half-completed scrabble games and loved batting monopoly houses.

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Doyouthinktheyknow · 20/03/2023 19:21

Ragdoll’s are beautiful cats.

Our ragdoll was a rescue and she does go out because the rescue stipulated that for some reason. She doesn’t go far though, 3 gardens, ours and the ones either side.

She loves going out but thankfully stays in the back of our house away from the road. She also loves cardboard boxes and sleeps in one or on our bed. She doesn’t do shut doors, gets most upset by them and she loves to watch me wee🤣

I won’t have another ragdoll because I wouldn’t want to get a cat knowing they need to be indoors as most breeders do stipulate but I feel so fortunate to have Dcat. She is amazing and a real character.

ArcticBells · 20/03/2023 20:04

I have a third ragdoll. I have netting around my fence so they can safely go outside- although one hasn't ventured out all winter as he doesn't like the cold!

Ludo19 · 20/03/2023 20:07

Stripylittlesocks · 20/03/2023 08:25

He’s gorgeous OP! I think my boy is a rag doll? He was given away for free on Gumtree about 4 years ago in weird circumstances and it all just seemed a bit dodgy so I took him and he has a lovely life now, he does go out into the garden supervised occasionally but not that bothered about going outside, prefers sunbathing in the window.

He is indeed he's is a magnificent blue ragdoll 🥰

Ludo19 · 20/03/2023 20:10

OP Loli is gorgeous. I've two flames, a lilac and a seal point raggies. They're a fantastic breed.

Ludo19 · 20/03/2023 20:11

*Loki

Original poster

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 20:32

Stunning coluring on yours, Ludo!

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whirlyhead · 20/03/2023 20:37

I have birmans who are very similar to rag dolls. They all go outside but never far - mostly stay in the garden. I do love watching them chasing leaves and sniffing the breeze.

Ludo19 · 20/03/2023 20:38

Ghostofborleyrectory · 20/03/2023 20:32

Stunning coluring on yours, Ludo!

Thank you. You've landed one handsome chap yourself. Also love your username, that's a great story!

brokenarmabroad · 20/03/2023 20:47

whirlyhead · 20/03/2023 20:37

I have birmans who are very similar to rag dolls. They all go outside but never far - mostly stay in the garden. I do love watching them chasing leaves and sniffing the breeze.

Omg the ear furnishings!