What are the bad things about Ragdolls? It is a great thing to find out about Ragdoll before getting one. Ragdolls cat breed has many wonderful traits, it also has bad things, which you should be aware of!
Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. All the things in here! Today we will talk about the 11 bad things about Ragdolls and reveal all the things you need to know.
Let’s dive in.
- Bad Things About Ragdolls
- Ragdoll Cats Are Expensive
- Ragdolls are Indoor Cats
- Ragdolls are Very Vocal
- Ragdolls don’t do Well Alone
- Ragdoll Cats are prone to Genetic Diseases
- Their Calm Manner Can Get Trouble
- Ragdoll is Prone to Obesity
- Ragdolls can Learn Undesirable
- Ragdolls Coats Come at a Cost
- Ragdolls are Prone to a Health issue Called HCM
- Ragdoll Cats Can Cause Allergic Reactions
- Conclusion
- FAQ Section
Bad Things About Ragdolls
Ragdolls are a purebred cat breed that is known for being large and fluffy. The Ragdoll breed has been around since the 1960s and was first recognized as a breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1966.
The Ragdoll is primarily bred to have large bones and an appearance that resembles that of an American Shorthair. They typically have blue eyes, but they can come in other colors as well such as green, orange, chocolate, lilac, silver tabby, and seal point. They are a unique cat breed with lots to offer, but they are certainly not for everyone.
Let’s see what are the bad things about Ragdolls you need to know.
Ragdoll Cats Are Expensive
Ragdolls are an expensive breed of cat. The average cost of getting one is 800 to 2500 dollars. If you want a Ragdoll cat, your best option is to pay full price and make sure it’s from a reputable breeder. Their food bill isn’t exactly cheap either.
They require a high protein diet because of how large they are. Cheap cat food will not provide them with the proper nutrients they need due to the use of cheaper grains as filler calories. High-quality, high-protein foods are crucial for this breed of cat to ensure their health is maintained.
Ragdolls are Indoor Cats
Ragdolls are naive and cannot stay outdoors or survive dangers on their own. Unlike other cats, they should not go outside. They were bred in a way that cat companionship is their main goal, rather than being a hunter. This means that ragdolls have no natural survival instincts and must be cared for by their owners.
Ragdolls are very different from other cat breeds. They’re usually too nice for the outdoors and don’t fight as aggressively as some other animals. These cats aren’t territorial and would therefore let other cats’ approach or pick a fight, potentially leading them to contract a disease or parasites from the newcomers.
Someone might even try to sell one of these pets. You should choose a different breed if you enjoy the outdoors and need a cat that isn’t only an indoor cat.
Ragdolls are Very Vocal
Ragdolls are known to be noisy even when they don’t need to be. Ragdolls are also among the most vocal breeds of cats. But it’s not only when they want attention, they tend to be pretty vocal about their hunger or energy levels too, possibly because if they stay quiet for too long, you forget about them. If you prefer a quiet cat, choose another cat breed.
Ragdolls don’t do Well Alone
Most cats are comfortable being left for a long time. With a continuous feeder and someone to do a quick check-in, they should be dealt with without any trouble. When you come home from being away for a long time, sometimes cats can be offended at the lack of attention you have been giving them.
Luckily this is just a temporary feeling, and all will go back to normal by the end of the day. Not the Ragdoll! Although the Ragdoll is a very independent cat that doesn’t require much maintenance, this is not a good choice for someone who will be away from home for a long time. When left alone for too long, it probably won’t do well without your care.
Granted, a cat needs a lot of care and attention. If the cat is left unattended for too long it might become skittish, moody, and upset, but should return to its usual state if cared for better.
Ragdoll Cats are prone to Genetic Diseases
There are a few genetic diseases that come with being a Ragdoll cat owner, most of which will cost you some money. It’s important to find the right vet early so you can stop these from affecting your cat. To help avoid these, give them a healthy diet and enough breaks from stress or lack of activity. You could also choose a different breed if you are not ready to give your Ragdoll the best care you can provide.
Their Calm Manner Can Get Trouble
Ragdolls are so laid-back that it’s hard for them to detect dangers! Your Ragdoll will most likely have no problem approaching unknown dogs, not to mention humans! For this reason, be extra vigilant, and don’t ever leave your Ragdoll outside unsupervised!
Ragdoll is Prone to Obesity
The adorable but lazy Ragdoll is prone to obesity, a highly dangerous condition that can lead to diabetes and heart disease. It’s therefore mandatory to not overfeed your cat. Also, you will have to entice your Ragdoll to play if he or she gets chubby.
Ragdolls can Learn Undesirable
Since they’re smart, Ragdolls can learn undesirable behaviors, such as finding a way to destroy your plants or opening your drawers and eating all the food they can find! So, if you’re willing to adapt to any situation, then a Ragdoll would be great for you!
But if not, it’s best to look for another, less intelligent kitty.
Ragdolls Coats Come at a Cost
Their beautiful, fluffy coats come at a cost! While some Ragdolls only require weekly brushings, others need daily grooming sessions. The Ragdolls with finer hair need more maintenance, as their coats are prone to forming mats.
I don’t know about you, but brushing a cat every day seems like a burden. But if you don’t mind, that’s awesome! You’ll also have to be ok with cleaning more often, as Ragdolls can shed a lot, especially during spring and autumn!
Ragdolls are Prone to a Health issue Called HCM
Ragdolls are prone to developing a severe health issue called HCM. HCM causes the progressive thickening of the heart’s left ventricle and can lead to sudden death. The condition isn’t curable, but the medicine can prolong the affected cat’s life if it’s detected early enough.
Sadly, the doctors haven’t been able to identify all the genetic mutations that cause this disease. In fact, there are only two identified mutations. One in Maine Coons and the other one in Ragdolls.
The Ragdoll specific mutation is particularly dangerous, as it causes an early onset. It can, however, be identified through genetic tests. Still, even the Ragdolls that don’t test positive can develop the disease, so it’s not an exclusive test, but it’s still something.
Accredited breeders periodically test and screen their cats for many health issues, including HCM. That’s why I highly suggest staying away from backyard breeders.
Ragdoll Cats Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Ragdolls aren’t considered a great choice for people allergic to cats. Unfortunately, there’s no hypoallergenic cat breed out there, but some breeds do better than others. People are actually allergic to a protein found in the cats’ saliva. The protein is spread all over the cat’s fur during grooming, becoming airborne once dried.
Ragdolls aren’t known for producing fewer allergens than other cats, but they don’t have an undercoat and produce less loose hair. Males typically produce more allergens, which is another thing to consider. Still, if you suffer from cat allergies, it’s best to look for a better option.
Conclusion
Now you know 11 bad things about ragdolls. But we must be clear that Ragdoll has more good qualities than bad ones.
However, with this article, you can get a good idea of whether a Ragdoll cat matches you and your family. So, Ragdoll cats are not a bad cat breed. You should consider whether they are matched or not for you.
Considering these things, you can easily make a decision.
FAQ Section
1. Are Ragdoll cats cruel?
No. These cats are so friendly.
2. Is it cruel to keep Ragdoll cats indoors?
No. Ragdolls are indoor pets.
3. Why can’t Ragdoll cats go outside?
Ragdolls could also face danger while interacting with other animals because they aren’t very road-savvy.
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