ABOUT
The Ragdoll breed was developed in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker in California, USA. The foundation cat was a non-pedigreed white cat named Josephine, who was known for her soft, silky coat and docile temperament.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Coat: Soft, silky, and medium-length.
- Color: Pointed pattern in seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac.
- Eyes: Bright blue.
- Body: Muscular and medium-sized.
- Weight: 12-20 pounds (5.4-9 kg)
PERSONALITY
- Affectionate: Ragdolls love human attention and will follow you around the house
- Docile: They are known for their calm and gentle nature
- Playful: Ragdolls enjoy playing, but they are not overly demanding
- Intelligent: They are highly intelligent and can learn tricks and commands
HEALTH
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A heart condition that can lead to heart failure
- Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility problems
- Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place
GROOMING
- Low maintenance: Ragdolls have a low-maintenance coat that requires occasional brushing
- Nail care: Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth
- Ear care: Clean ears weekly to prevent infections
FUN FACTS
- Name: The breed was named “Ragdoll” because of their tendency to go limp when picked up
- Lap cat: Ragdolls are known for their love of human laps and will often seek out a warm lap to snuggle up in
- Slow maturation: Ragdolls take longer to mature than other breeds, with some not reaching full maturity until 4-5 years old
TRAINING TIPS
BASIC TRAINING :
1. Establish a routine: Set a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and sleep to help your Ragdoll feel secure and develop good habits.
2. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Ragdoll with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit good behavior, such as using the litter box or coming when called.
3. Be consistent: Use consistent commands and hand signals to avoid confusing your Ragdoll.
4. Start with short sessions: Begin with short training sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as your Ragdoll becomes more focused.
LITTER BOX TRAINING:
1. Choose the right litter: Select a litter that your Ragdoll finds comfortable and easy to digest.
2. Place the litter box correctly: Position the litter box in a quiet, private area where your Ragdoll feels safe and secure.
3. Encourage good habits: Place your Ragdoll in the litter box after meals or playtime to create a connection between the box and their waste elimination.
4. Clean the litter box regularly: Scoop out solid waste daily and change the litter completely every 7-10 days.
SOCIALIZATION TRAINING:
1. Handle your Ragdoll gently: Get your Ragdoll accustomed to being handled by gently petting, stroking, and cuddling them.
2. Introduce new environments: Gradually expose your Ragdoll to new environments, such as different rooms or outdoor areas, to help them become confident and calm.
3. Meet new people: Introduce your Ragdoll to new people, starting with those they’ll interact with regularly, to help them become friendly and outgoing.
BEHAVIORAL TRAINING:
1. Scratching post training: Place a scratching post near a window or in a high-traffic area to encourage your Ragdoll to scratch there instead of furniture.
2. Jumping and climbing: Provide your Ragdoll with suitable climbing structures, such as cat trees or shelves, to satisfy their natural instinct to climb.
3. Meowing and vocalization: Ignore your Ragdoll’s meows if they’re demanding attention or food, and reward them with attention and treats when they meow for legitimate reasons.
CLICKER TRAINING:
1. Choose a clicker: Select a clicker that your Ragdoll can easily hear and associate with rewards.
2. Teach basic commands: Use the clicker to teach basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come”.
3. Gradually phase out treats: As your Ragdoll becomes more proficient, gradually reduce the number of treats and use praise and affection as rewards instead.
Remember, patience and consistency are key when training your Ragdoll cat.