Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
Are Ragdolls suitable for first time cat owners?
Ragdolls as they are known for being puppy cats :) They are often described as the golden retrievers of cats as they are very easy to handle due to their docile and calm temperament. Hence, they are excellent for first-time cat owners. They are also less demanding than other high-energy breeds like bengals, and are generally relaxed, happy floor cats.
What should I do if I am a cat owner that work long hours?
If you work long hours, you should either have two cats who can enjoy each other’s company when you are not around, or no cats at all. Cats, like any other pets, need human company. You should be able to spend at least half an hour directly interacting with your cat daily.
Do Ragdolls require large living spaces?
Having quality spaces and a variety of spaces are more important than having a large living space. A well crafted room with a variety of accidental interstitial spaces created with human furniture or a window view for instance is better than a large empty space.
Will my cat destroy my furniture?
Ragdolls are not avid scratchers and if given appropriate scratching material, they rarely scratch anything else. It is in a cat’s nature to scratch and it is important to provide appropriate scratching material for them. Scratching posts, cardboard scratching pads, sisal mats etc. would be suitable.
When are your kittens neutered/spayed and why is this done?
They are usually neutered/spayed between 3 to 4 months old. Tomcats (male cats) can become very territorial, aggressive, and start marking their territory with urine while females in heat may continually yelp and howl incessantly. Neutering/spaying cats also decreases the chances of your cat getting testicular/prostate/ovarian cancer.
- What are the physical differences between neutered and unneutered cats of the same breed?
Neutered cats tend to be bigger in size and have longer and fluffier coats.
ABOUT THE BREED
What are the characteristics of Ragdolls??
The Ragdoll is a large, affectionate, semi-longhaired cat that originated from California. The breed was developed focusing firstly on their affectionate, loving temperament followed by their luxurious coat and beautiful markings. As a slow developing breed, the Ragdoll only becomes more beautiful as they grow. Our Ragdolls get along well with children and other pets, including dogs, often living up to their name as Ragdolls and flop in the arms of their humans. Their relaxed, happy and affectionate nature makes them great companions in the busy modern household. Ragdolls simply love human companionship. These loving fluffballs greet their humans at the door and are always following their humans around the home, even to the bathroom, though they require less maintenance than dogs/puppies ;) They are also intelligent and quickly learn to interact with their humans through games like fetch.
How long do Ragdolls live?
The lifespan of a well maintained Ragdoll is about 15 years.
What colours and patterns do Ragdolls come in?
At Playground Ragdolls, our kittens come in two colours - blue and seal, and three patterns - bicolour, mitted and pointed.
What is the average weight of an adult Ragdoll cat?
Male Ragdolls usually weigh between 6 to 9 kg, while female Ragdolls are between 5 to 7 kg. However, there are exceptions from time to time, our heaviest pet girl is 9 kg and still growing!
Is there a difference in personality between male and female Ragdolls?
The main differences between males and females is their size. While males are typically larger, we do sometimes have huge females. There are no distinct personality differences between male and female Ragdolls, our cats are consistently docile and loving, regardless of gender. Their temperaments are dependent on individual personality, every Ragdoll is an individual with their own unique quirks.
How does my cat spend their time at home?
They wake up around 6-7 am in the morning and are playful/active until 10-11 am in the late morning. They then nap till 4-5 pm in the late afternoon, and are playful/active until 7-8 pm in the early evening, before napping again up to 9-10 pm at night. They wake up to play again before finally retiring to bed when their owners go to bed. They will typically follow your schedule if they are the only cat at home and be awake when you are at home.
Are Ragdolls jumpers?
Ragdolls are floor cats. They are not usually motivated to jump unless enticed by toys or buzzing insects.
- Where are your cats from?
Our foundation cats come from Western Europe, the United States and Canada mainly. Our kittens are bred and raised locally.
CAT CARE AND MAINTENANCE
How much does it cost to maintain a cat?
It would cost between $200-300 a month to maintain your cat on commercially prepared raw food (depending on how much your cat eats), this includes the cost for litter as well. It is more economical to prepare raw food on your own. Maintenance costs will vary depending on the type of food you feed. Dry food generally costs less but might mean higher medical cost in the long run, whereas high quality canned food will cost about the same or more than raw food.
How often should I feed my cat?
We prefer to meal feed our cats. If you intend to meal feed as well, you should feed your cat twice a day, young kittens thrice if possible - before work, after work and before bed.
What should I feed my cats?
We recommend feeding raw food. It works best with their tummies from our experience and also ensures that your cat has sufficient water intake.
How often should I shower my cat?
Once every 2-3 months would be sufficient. You can do it at home or bring your cat to the groomer.
How often should I brush my cat’s fur?
A minimum once-a-week brushing will be sufficient but daily brushing will be necessary during the shedding season.
How often should I trim my cat’s nails?
Weekly trimming will be ideal so you can keep their nails short and blunt - they will not damage furniture in that way even if they try to scratch.
Does my Ragdoll need to be kept in an air conditioned environment?
That is not necessary as Ragdolls in our climate are on their summer coat which is a lot thinner than it would be in cold climates. Our own cats live in a naturally ventilated environment mostly and we only switch on the AC during the hotter months. It is more important to ensure that the environment is well ventilated and not stuffy. If you keep the windows closed while you are not at home, it will be a good idea to have a fan switched on.
Should I put a litter box on every floor in a multi-level house?
This is recommended, although it is not necessary.
- Where should I keep my cat if I am travelling?
Having an experienced pet sitter visit daily would be the ideal option. A trusted friend/neighbour/family member to help look after your cat while you are away will also be ok. If you prefer the second option, he or she should ideally be experienced with cats so they are familiar with taking care of your cat safely. Otherwise, you can also board them at a pet hotel. Do visit the facility beforehand to ensure it is adequately equipped to keep your cat happy and healthy while you are away.