👉 Coming up with a pet name can be fun but tricky. Search no further! According to PetScreening’s 2024 database, the majority of our users name their male Ragdoll Cats Milo; Leo is the 2nd most popular male name. Meanwhile, most of our users with female Ragdoll Cats love Luna, then Bella.
Ragdolls are calm, floppy cats who love their people. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to greet family members at the door, sleep with you, and follow you around the house. They’re known to be docile, gentle, even-tempered and make for great family pets and companions to other animals, including dogs. Though Ragdolls crave human time like dogs — and leaving them alone frequently for long periods can make them depressed — you probably won’t hear a Ragdoll loudly demanding your attention. Often, just a few of their soft and sweet meows will surely win you over.
One thing to note about these ultra-social and trusting Ragdolls is that they’re likely to make friends with nearly everyone they meet. So if you’re taking them outdoors, keep them on a leash and close by to avoid escapes.
Ragdoll cats are generally healthy, but the breed is prone to a few health conditions you’ll need to monitor with your veterinarian.
🚨 Male neutered cats are susceptible to blockages, which can be fatal if left untreated. Make an appointment with the vet immediately if you notice that your cat is having accidents.
Ragdoll cats are a relatively low-maintenance breed, but it’s important to be aware of the basic costs involved in caring for your cat. Common health issues such as FLUTD, HCM, and obesity range between a few hundred per month to a few thousand to diagnose, treat, and manage.
The average mild UTI costs $100 to $300 with exams, tests, and antibiotics. HCM is more like $500 to $1,000 for diagnostics but the heart meds are relatively inexpensive ($100 to $200 a month, depending on what you need). Obesity is managed with diet or a prescription diet, $70 a month unless you have to feed a bunch of cats!
Dr. Erica Irish
One way pet owners can reduce out-of-pocket expenses is by purchasing health insurance. You may also consider developing a pet budget.
When it comes to buying a purebred Ragdoll from a breeder, you can expect to spend up to $2,000 from a reputable breeder. The average cost of adoption from a rescue is $100-$150 for a kitten.
Ragdolls are believed to have first been bred in the 1960s by Ann Baker, who lived in Riverside, California, and worked in a laundromat. When Baker’s boss introduced her to a group of semi-feral cats living on their farm property, one pregnant white domestic longhaired cat — Josephine — stood out.
When her kittens were born, Baker was moved by their gentle nature, large size, and long, silky fur that didn’t seem to mat easily. She eventually took in three of Josephine’s kittens and began breeding kittens of docile, affectionate temperament — along with the tendency to go limp when picked up. In 1971, Baker set up the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) and patented the name “Ragdoll.” The organization, albeit smaller now since Baker’s death in 1997, still exists today.
Laura and Denny Dayton purchased Baker’s first recorded pair of Ragdoll kittens in 1969. The Daytons would go on to breed Ragdolls for 13 years but eventually cut business ties with Baker, who wanted total control over the breed franchise. The Dayton duo’s Ragdoll standard eventually became the breed standard widely accepted by the world’s major cat registries.
Ragdoll cats are fairly low maintenance, but being a responsible pet owner means being proactive. This begins with vaccinations and should continue with proper health and wellness maintenance throughout your furry friend’s life.
Ragdoll cats are susceptible to many diseases, including distemper (feline panleukopenia ) and parvovirus. Your vet will likely recommend your cat receive the common FVRCP vaccine, which protects against rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), calicivirus, and panleukopenia, which is caused by feline parvovirus. There is no single vaccine for feline parvo. The American Association of Feline Practitioners also recommends vaccinations against rabies and feline leukemia .
Because Ragdoll cats don’t have an undercoat — making them more suitable for those with cat allergies — their long, fur coats don’t require as much grooming attention as you might expect. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on regular grooming habits!
The majestic Ragdoll requires a high-protein diet due to its large size. When it comes to cat foods, canned food tends to have more protein than dry alternatives. Always refer to your vet’s advice when adding to or changing your cat’s nutrition plan. In general, female Ragdolls should eat about 180-300 calories each day versus around 250-400 per day for male Ragdolls. As your Ragdoll ages, your vet may recommend monitoring their diet to prevent obesity.
It’s important to remember that all cats also need proper hydration to stay healthy. However, most cats struggle to get the water they need. To get a cat to drink more water, consider adding wet food to their diet and investing in a clean water fountain.
Ragdolls thrive in small and large environments, but there are a few ways to make their home feel more comfortable.
Not quite sure that a Ragdoll is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
Yes! Purebred Ragdolls keep their icy blues through adulthood, making it a hallmark of the breed.
Because of the Ragdoll’s tendency to follow their humans around the house, people-pleasing behaviors, and general laid-back nature, these cats are often considered to have qualities similar to dogs.
The average cost of a purebred Ragdoll kitten purchased from a reputable breeder ranges from $2000-$2500.
Ragdolls are actually quite low maintenance. In fact, because they don’t have an undercoat, their grooming needs are about average for cat breeds.
Yes, many Ragdoll cats generally like to be picked up, carried, and cuddled.
