Ragdoll Cat Breed

Ragdoll Cats
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Dr. Jennifer Creed is an alumnus of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. A practicing veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Creed has a professional interest in feline medicine and particular experience with the Ragdoll breed.

With captivating blue eyes, ragdolls are large, semi-longhaired cats with a laid-back temperament. The body of the cat is lighter than the tails, legs, ears, and face, meaning they are a pointed breed. Females of this breed typically weigh around 10 to 15 pounds, and males weigh up to 15 or 20 pounds once they mature. Because Ragdolls are slow-maturing, their coats do not show full color until they are at least 2 years old.

Ragdolls have been known to show more interest in humans than other breeds of cats. Ragdolls are known to meet their owners at the door and follow them through the house. As they are on the gentler side, they don’t usually play with their claws, making them a good choice as a family cat.

Training a Cat to Let You Sleep at Night

Cats

An experienced veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Creed has treated many domestic animals, with a special focus on cats. As well as performing ongoing health checkups for pets, Dr. Jennifer Creed advises pet owners on the best approaches to manage cat behavior, such as bothersome nocturnal activity.

Cats often nap during the day and experience periods of wakefulness during the night. This schedule is due in part to their wild ancestors who stayed up during the night. If your cat wakes you up regularly, first make sure that he or she doesn’t have a medical problem that is causing pain or interfering with sleep. If this is not the case, there are a number of things to try to encourage your cat not to bother you during the overnight hours.

For instance, you might play with your cat periodically during the evening. Use interactive cat toys such as dangling items or stuffed animal toys, and use them to help wear him or her out. You might also consider feeding your pet before going to bed, as cats usually fall asleep after a substantial meal.

You may still find that your cat gets hungry at some point in the night and wakes you up for food. An automatic feeder can dispense food for your cat during the night, making it less likely that you will be bothered.

If your cat does wake you to play or otherwise get attention, avoid getting up and interacting with your pet. This will just encourage him or her to continue with the behavior. A vet or a cat training specialist can provide additional guidance and tips for achieving more restful sleep as a cat owner.

Health Concerns for Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll Cats
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An experienced veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Creed offers particular expertise in the health problems of purebred cats. Dr. Jennifer Creed also owns Midwest Ragdolls, a Traditional Cat Association (TCA) Supreme Cattery of Excellence, and has been in two books about ragdoll cats.

Sturdy of build and generally healthy, the lovable and affectionate ragdoll cat can live for 12 to 15 years in the family home. However, the breed is prone to a number of health problems of which owners should be aware, so that they can seek out treatment.

Ragdoll cats can get bladder stones and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the cardiac muscle. As this thickening occurs, the exterior wall of the heart becomes thicker and the muscle cannot contract normally, thus preventing adequate blood flow. There is no cure for HCM, but symptoms are controllable with medication.

Ragdoll cats may also have a higher risk of feline mucopolysaccharidosis, a genetic condition that can lead to joint damage and vision problems. Unlike HCM, this condition is treatable. Therapies include bone marrow transplantation and replacement of the arysulfatase B enzyme, a deficiency of which causes the condition.

Health Challenges in Ragdoll Cats

 

Ragdoll Cats
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Dr. Jennifer Creed, a veterinarian located in Elburn, Illinois, is also a licensed breeder of ragdoll cats. Kittens from Dr. Jennifer Creed’s cattery are well cared for and guaranteed for three years to be free from congenital defects or heart disease.

Ragdolls are healthy cats in general. However, some of them, like other breeds, develop bladder stones or a heart disease known as hypertropic cardiomyopathy. This disease begins with a thickening of the left ventricle wall as the cat grows older. Symptoms include depression, lethargy, low appetite, trouble with breathing or gagging, and fainting. Medications can ease these, but there is no cure.

Less severe problems are associated with the ragdoll’s long hair. If not brushed daily or every other day, the hair can become matted, leading to dirt and oils irritating the skin. Insufficient brushing can also cause hairballs.

Another issue for ragdolls is the lack of a particular enzyme that affects mobility and vision. This condition, called feline mucopolysaccharidosis, makes itself known by causing difficulty in your pet’s walking and seeing.