Ragdoll

• ExerciseLow

  Gentle play sessions and a warm windowsill keep them content.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing a few times a week keeps the coat mat-free.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Appreciates a roomy home with plenty to climb and patrol.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment13–18 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy · Urinary tract disease (FLUTD) · Obesity

The Ragdoll earns its name by going limp and relaxed when picked up, and that laid-back, affectionate nature runs through everything it does. It is a soft-voiced, people-oriented cat that greets you at the door and prefers being with its humans over almost anything, which also means it dislikes being left alone for long stretches. Gentle rather than athletic, Ragdolls still enjoy feather teasers, puzzle feeders and a low, sturdy cat tree, and their trusting, docile temperament means they should be kept safely indoors. They mature slowly, reaching full size and colour only at three to four years. The silky, low-matting coat needs brushing two or three times a week. The breed's key health concern is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), so insist on a breeder who DNA-tests and screens with cardiac ultrasound; also guard against weight gain and keep litter clean and water plentiful to protect the urinary tract.

• How much play does a Ragdoll need?

  Low. Gentle play sessions and a warm windowsill keep them content.

• How much grooming does a Ragdoll need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing a few times a week keeps the coat mat-free.

• Is a Ragdoll suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Appreciates a roomy home with plenty to climb and patrol.

• Is a Ragdoll a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Ragdoll live?

  13–18 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Ragdoll?

  Keep an eye out for Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Urinary tract disease (FLUTD), Obesity. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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