If you’ve ever met a ragdoll cat before, you’ll know why they’re quickly growing to be one of the most popular breeds for animal companionship. With their quiet, laid back, and seemingly polite demeanor, they fit in with a vast variety of lifestyles. While they may not be the most energetic, they make up for it with affectionate personalities. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to care for a ragdoll.
Grooming
Like any medium to long-coated cat, ragdolls need a little help to keep their coats free from mats and tangles. Using a grooming brush once a day will keep their coats free from debris and mats, which can become painful and require a groomer to properly remove if they become severe enough.
Unlike dogs, cats do not need bathing — barring specialized care, such as medical conditions or if their fur becomes contaminated with a toxin.
Brushing their teeth with a toothbrush designed for cats is another way to ensure that they experience a happier and healthy life. That does not mean they will not need routine dental with their vet, however. Such routine care will help them keep their teeth and prevent possible infections and reduce tooth decay.
Mental Stimulation
While ragdolls are mellow as adults, they are still sentient beings that have mental and emotional needs. Making sure to give them mental stimulation through toys and one-on-one playtime is a great way to make sure their needs are being met. This also serves to prevent them from developing negative habits which are oftentimes the result of boredom or emotional dissatisfaction.
As ragdolls are a very relaxed breed, physical activity may not always be their preferred source of stimulation. Try offering a seat where they may view the outdoors and activity – whether it’s city streets or nature, they’ll likely find it to be an interesting show (with no commercials!)
Proper Diet
When it comes to feeding our feline friends, unfortunately, we can’t always give them everything they want. When it comes to the ragdoll, it pays to make sure their weight is well managed. Otherwise, they may face joint, diabetes, and kidney issues. Their low activity nature tends to result in a few extra pounds which can be significant on such a small frame.
The quality of the food they are provided as well is very important. A reputable brand will have its third-party quality checks available online for your review as you make your choice. Your veterinarian will also be a good source in helping you determine what diets may suit your cat based on their health status and activity levels. While we’re on that topic…
Regular Healthcare
Routine healthcare is one of the best ways to make sure that your pet is kept happy and in great health. Through physical examination and lab work, your veterinarian can help see issues before they become a visible problem – not only can this save you money down the road, it can be life-saving.
Word of mouth is a great way to get in touch with a veterinarian that would be a purrfect fit for your family. Online reviews may need to be taken with a grain of salt, but when a recommendation comes from a trusted individual they should be considered.
To help make routine care easier, and to lend a layer of protection in the event of emergencies, you may want to consider pet insurance to help meet any unexpected costs.
While these may be the routine points to keep in mind when caring for a ragdoll cat, there will always be those special friends who break the mold and may need extra care or special needs. The best thing you can do is be attentive to their behavior and understand what they may be trying to ‘tell you’. Most importantly, however, listen to the veterinary professionals.
See also: Why You Should Get A Snowshoe Cat Breed
