- Share this post...
While cats make perfect pets for most, all breeds have their foibles. Find out some of the bad things about Ragdolls you should know before becoming an owner?
Who doesn’t love a cuddly, fluffy Ragdoll cat? They’re freindly, loving and extremely relaxed. But before you take one home as your new housemate, let’s chat about a few not-so-perfect things about our feline friends.
Table of Contents
- The Bad Things to Know About Ragdolls
- Shedding
- Clinginess
- Tummy Troubles
- Allergies
- Exercise
- Size
- Expense
- Summary – 7 Bad Things About Ragdolls
- Related Posts
The Bad Things to Know About Ragdolls
Bear in mind that every cat is unique and these points might not apply to every single Ragdoll out there.
Shedding
There’s no doubt that Ragdolls achieve much of their charm thanks to their luxurious coats. But with such fluffy coats comes lots of shedding! Potential pet owners should be ready to see their lovely Ragdoll’s fur just about everywhere.
Be prepared to make grooming a regular occurrence in your household. It’s worth noting that many pet owners don’t consider the extra grooming effort to be a “bad thing”. Kitty grooming sessions can be wonderfully relaxing, and they’re a great bonding experience.
You may need to invest in a decent vacuum cleaner and some washable furniture covers that can handle all the shedding. Every now and then, you’ll need to treat your Ragdoll to a gentle bath with a feline-friendly shampoo. This can help loosen up any dead hair and reduce shedding. It might be seen as a hassle, but seeing your kitty looking extra soapy and wet is sure to entertain you.
Find out more about how much a Ragdoll cat sheds.
Clinginess
Ragdoll personalities can be both endearing and, at times, a teeny bit overwhelming. Clinginess is a prime example. These lovely feline companions simply can’t get enough of their humans!
Picture yourself sitting on the couch after a long day at work. There comes your Ragdoll kitty, ready to snuggle up and shower you with affection. They’ll purr as they nuzzle against you, whether you’re up for it or not.
Ragdolls will often follow you around the house like a fluffy little shadow. They’ll watch your every move and offer their “help” whenever they can. So, be prepared for that type of companionship if you’re considering adopting one. Even during moments when you crave privacy, like visiting the bathroom, you might find a pair of curious blue eyes peeking under the door, reminding you that you’re never truly alone.
Tummy Troubles
Sadly, some Ragdolls experience delicate tummy issues that require a touch of extra care. With a sensitive tummy, it’s crucial to give your Ragdoll a diet that’s gentle on her digestive system. A chat with your vet will probably be necessary to help you find the perfect food for your baby.
Generally, Ragdolls are prone to food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, pancreatitis, hairballs, constipation or diarrhea, and overeating. It sure sounds like a lot, and it can be overwhelming. They’re not known for being hardy eaters.
So, like your fellow cat parents, you’ll need to monitor your Ragdoll’s eating habits and watch for signs of tummy trouble. With a little extra attention and a carefully selected diet, your Ragdoll’s tummy issues can be managed.
Allergies
Ragdolls are not 100% hypoallergenic kitties, so beware if you have cat allergies! Although perhaps not the most allergy-causing cats, they can produce significant amounts of pet dander. As you may know, these are the primary allergens for people with cat allergies.
However, it’s important to note that individual reactions to cats can vary. Some people with mild allergies might tolerate living with a Ragdoll better than others. As a result, you may want to spend some time around a Ragdoll before adopting one to ensure you’re comfortable.
There’s more to the story when it comes to Ragdoll allergies, though. Ragdolls themselves tend to be allergic to lots of things. These fluffy companions can be sensitive to pollen, dust, or other environmental allergens. If your Ragdoll has sensitivity issues you’ll have to work hard to create an allergen-free haven for your feline friend.
Furthermore, your Ragdoll’s luxurious fur might also hide itchy, irritated skin becasue of the allergies it has. You might have to spend time giving your cat a gentle, soothing bath with a hypoallergenic shampoo.
Embracing the journey of caring for a Ragdoll with allergies might seem daunting, but many pet parents believe it’s worthwhile.
Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?
Exercise
Ragdolls love eating. And they love lounging. It’s not the healthiest combination of traits! So, as a pet parent, you’ll need to spend extra time exercising your kitty. Daily playtime is necessary to keep her in tip-top shape to avoid unnecessary health issues.
You may need to invest in different toys before you find one or two that she really loves. That means more trips to the pet store and more time and money spent.
Of course, caring at this level for your Ragdoll is a fulfilling experience for many pet parents. And when you play with your furry friend, you nurture that loving bond between the two of you.
Find out more about caring for Ragdoll cats
Size
While their big, cuddly bodies are perfect for snuggling, Ragdolls’ larger-than-life presence sometimes gets in the way.
Be ready to commit to these hefty kitties! Imagine settling in for a relaxing evening on the couch, only to find your Ragdoll stretched out like a regal queen, leaving little room for you to squeeze in. With Ragdolls, you’ll share more space than you may have originally thought.
Life with a large Ragdoll cat might come with a few extra challenges, like finding the perfect cat tree to accommodate her size or searching for a litter box that offers ample space to do her business. But the love they bring into your life is worth any inconveniences their size might cause.
Expense
As with all precious things, acquiring and caring for a Ragdoll has a slightly hefty price tag. Purchasing a pedigreed Ragdoll can be quite the investment. However, from the very first cuddle to a lifetime of fluffy adventures, the value of her companionship will outweigh the initial cost.
So, what are some of the expenses?
First, their luxurious fur requires regular grooming. That means purchasing a high-quality brush or booking kitty salon visits.
Next, your Ragdoll’s health is a top priority. That means regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments as needed. As with any pet, you never really know what emergency expenses you may run into along the way. The good news is you can get pet insurance to mitigate some of the risks, but that’s yet another bill to add to the list!
Summary – 7 Bad Things About Ragdolls
All pets have things that make them slightly less than perfect. Many of these “bad things” are not really bad though and really equate to the fact that we have a responsibility to our pets.
Regardless, don’t let these bad things dampen your enthusiasm for Ragdolls!
They’re still adorable, loving, and beautiful cats that can bring joy and cuddles to your life. Just be prepared for the realities that come along with them!
Do you own a Ragdoll? What are the bad things you’ve found about the Ragdoll breed? Please let me know in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
Related Posts
- Why Is My Cat Peeing All Over the House?
- A Guide to the Siamese Ragdoll Mix
- Can Cats Eat Raspberries?
- A Guide to the Maine Coon Ragdoll Mix
- Why Has My Cat’s Fur Gone Lumpy?
- Is Wet Food Better for Cats than Dry Food?
- A Guide to the Seal point Ragdoll Cat
- Why Do Cats Bite When You Pet Them?
- An Introduction to Ragdoll Cat Mixes
- Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp When You Pick Them Up?
- Share this post...
Leave a Reply