The Pros and Cons to Owning Ragdoll Cats
Ragdolls love their owners. The attention, affection, and beauty of the ragdoll cat makes this breed a great addition to the family.
Pros of Owning a Ragdoll Pedigreed Cat
Gentle Temperament: Ragdolls are known for their docile and calm nature, making them excellent companions for families, including those with children and other pets.
Affectionate, Social, and Loyal Companions: These cats are typically very affectionate and enjoy human company, often following their owners around the house. Ragdolls often form strong bonds with their owners and can be very loyal pets.
Beautiful Appearance: Ragdolls have striking blue eyes and silky, semi-long fur, making them visually appealing.
Low Aggression: They tend to be less aggressive compared to other breeds, reducing the likelihood of scratching or biting incidents.
Adaptable: Ragdolls generally adapt well to new environments and changes, making them suitable for various living situations.
Playful but Not Hyperactive: While they enjoy playtime, Ragdolls are not overly energetic, balancing playfulness with a relaxed demeanor.
Low Vocalization: Ragdolls are typically not very vocal, which can be a plus for those who prefer a quieter pet.
Good with Other Pets: Their friendly and non-territorial nature means they often get along well with other cats and dogs. Read Danu Ragdoll’s journal entry about how to introduce your new kitten and existing pets here.
Easy to Train: They can be relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Cons of Owning a Ragdoll Pedigreed Cat
High Maintenance Grooming: Their long, silky fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Health Issues Avoided: Ragdolls are prone to certain genetic conditions. Danu Ragdolls genetically screens all breeding stock and ensures that our queens and kings are negative for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and PKD (polycystic kidney disease). Non genetic issues like bladder stones can be avoided by providing your Danu Ragdoll ample supply of fresh drinking water.
Cost: Purchasing a pedigreed Ragdoll will cost between $2,000 USD and $4,000 USD depending on the color, pattern, and lineage the kitten comes from.
Dependency: Their affectionate nature can translate into a high need for attention, which may not suit owners who are frequently away from home. Danu Ragdolls suggests making sure there are other pets (cats or dogs) in the home. If not, we suggest getting two kittens at the time of adoption so these snuggly, soft, and affectionate creatures will have a cuddle and play buddy!
Potential for Weight Gain: Ragdolls have a tendency to become overweight if not properly managed with diet and exercise. Danu Ragdolls will give you practical advice so your ragdoll lives a long and happy life with your family.
Indoor Cats: Ragdolls are best kept indoors due to their trusting nature and lack of street smarts, which can limit their freedom to explore.
Slow Maturation: Ragdolls physically mature slowly. In one year, most ragdolls reach 80-90% of their full size and it is possible that a Ragdoll may take up to three years to be 100% full grown.
