The Ragdoll breed of cat has a relatively interesting history. The Ragdoll cat was first developed by a Persian cat breeder named Ann Baker. Ann had a white long-haired cat named Josephine, which was nearly killed by a car. After the accident, Ann noticed a change in her cat’s behavior, which led her to believe her cat had been genetically modified after receiving veterinary care. After the accident, Ann noticed that her cat became completely limp when picked up, and seemed not to feel any pain. This caused her to breed her cat to develop the “Ragdoll” breed of cats, which are said to go completely limp when picked up. Ann’s theory of genetic mutation is largely believed to be an urban legend, especially among veterinary experts. If you wish to adopt a Ragdoll cat, here are some of the most important pet care tips that you can follow.
Spending time with your Ragdoll
Ragdolls are well-known for being a very affectionate breed, and will always be eager to please you. However, it is important that you give your cat enough attention. Since Ragdolls are very owner-oriented, they will thrive off of a relationship that includes a strong bond with their owner. They can become depressed when left alone, or if their attention needs are not being satisfied.
Groom your Ragdoll cat on a regular basis.
Ragdoll cats are classified as a long-haired breed, and do require regular grooming. Try to groom your Ragdoll cat at least twice per week, as this can help the natural oils produced by their skin to keep their coat healthy. Grooming your Ragdoll cat is also very important for helping to prevent hairballs, which can pose a health risk if they result in intestinal blockage.
Most Ragdoll cats do better indoors.
Due to their gentle temperament, most Ragdoll cats are much better suited for being an indoor cat. They are not usually very active cats, however, and will still require regular exercise. The best way to exercise an indoor Ragdoll cat is to purchase interactive cat toys. These toys are sometimes motorized to move (such as mechanical mice), or can include tools which require direct intervention by the owner. If you don’t want to purchase interactive cat toys, you can always make toys from household objects. Tie a piece of scrap cloth to a string, and drag it back and forth in front of your cat. This is a fun way to give your Ragdoll cat exercise, and can also promote a strong bond with your cat.
Tinfoil can help deter scratching.
A common trait shared among most Ragdoll cats is that they love to scratch furniture. To help deter this, you can use tinfoil as a “guard” around the lower parts of your furniture. Cats do not like the surface of tinfoil, and will usually cease scratching furniture after repeated encounters with the tinfoil. It is best if you provide a designated scratching post for your Ragdoll cat, as this can also help prevent furniture scratching.