Ragdoll

Close by, with a mind of their own

Many Ragdolls like being wherever their people are. They may watch dinner being made, follow someone through the house or make a soft sound to join in. Some settle on a lap, while others prefer the seat beside you. Being picked up does not suit every cat equally. If the breed’s cuddly reputation appeals to you, it is worth getting to know the individual cat’s temperament too.

A silky coat that can tangle

The silky, semi-long coat has relatively little undercoat, the shorter hairs beneath the longer outer coat. For many Ragdolls, a thorough weekly combing is enough. You should work through small sections with a metal comb, reaching the full depth of the coat to remove loose hair and find developing tangles. It is worth checking behind the ears, under the front legs and in the longer fur on the hind legs, where mats can form. More frequent grooming may be needed during shedding or if knots appear between sessions.

If the comb catches, you should avoid pulling. A small, loose tangle can be gently teased apart with your fingers. Tight mats or knots close to the skin should be removed by a veterinary professional. Pulling them out or cutting them with scissors can injure the skin.

Extra weight can be hard to spot beneath a dense coat. Your vet can show you how to feel your cat’s ribs and assess its body shape.

HCM, teeth and weight

Ragdolls can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, usually shortened to HCM. It causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to fill with blood. Many affected cats show no obvious signs at first. A heart ultrasound, also called an echocardiogram, can reveal these changes.

A DNA test is also available for a known variant in the MYBPC3 gene that increases the risk of HCM in Ragdolls. When choosing a kitten from a breeder, you should ask to see and discuss both parents’ DNA results and their most recent heart scan reports. The tests answer different questions. A positive DNA result means the variant is present, but does not mean the cat already has heart disease or will definitely develop it. Ragdolls without this variant can also develop HCM. The disease may appear after an earlier heart scan looked normal too.

If your cat struggles to breathe, breathes with its mouth open or suddenly cannot move its hind legs, you should contact an emergency vet immediately. These signs need urgent assessment.

A UK study of veterinary records documented periodontal disease, diarrhoea and excess weight in Ragdolls, among other problems. Periodontal disease affects the gums and other tissues that support the teeth. It is worth discussing dental health and body weight at routine check-ups. Persistent diarrhoea should be investigated by a vet.

Would a Ragdoll suit your home?