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How Much Do Ragdoll Cats Shed? Brushing & Bathing Tips

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

ragdoll cat lying on balcony corner egde

How Much Do Ragdoll Cats Shed? Brushing & Bathing Tips

The Ragdoll cat is a beautiful and unique cat breed, with its long fur and unique fur patterns. If you’re looking for a new cat companion that stands out, the Ragdoll is definitely a great option. But do these beautiful furry cats shed a lot? Yes, the Ragdoll is a particularly high-shedding breed, so it’s important to understand how to care for their gorgeous and dense coats properly. They’ll require regular grooming to keep their fur healthy and prevent matting.

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Ragdoll Cats and Shedding

Ragdolls are known for their long, dense fur and the fact that they shed considerably more than some other breeds. This is largely due to their mixed heritage: Ragdolls were actually bred with Persian and Siamese kittens to create a new breed, and part of that Persian heritage includes a thick, long coat.

If you’re not used to a cat with a lot of shedding, it helps to understand exactly what you’re getting into with a Ragdoll. That said, there are some steps you can take to minimize the shedding (and the mess) of a Ragdoll. First, make sure to brush your Ragdoll regularly, at least once a week with a good brush. This will help prevent matting, skin issues, and knots. They’ll also need grooming at least once a month with a special grooming rake.

Ragdolls are also known to be sensitive to certain types of clippers, so you may want to find a groomer who understands the needs of your cat. Finally, keep in mind that Ragdolls are known to be particularly sensitive to water, so you may want to avoid bathing your cat too often; every 5–6 weeks should suffice.

young woman with ragdoll cat on couch
Image Credit: rock-the-stock, Shutterstock

Brushing and Combing Tips

When brushing your Ragdoll, start at the head and work your way down the body. Make sure to go slowly so you do not scare or hurt your cat. You’ll want to brush your Ragdoll’s fur in the direction it grows. Next, use a comb to go through the fur, making sure to remove any mats or tangles that may have formed.

If you find any mats, gently use your fingers to unknot them (and grooming shears if needed), then use the comb to finish removing them. Again, be careful not to hurt your cat while doing this, and take your time. In addition to brushing and combing your Ragdoll regularly, be sure to check your cat’s coat for any fleas, too. This is particularly important if you live in an area where fleas are a problem.

woman combing ragdoll cat
Image Credit: VeronArt16, Shutterstock

Bathing Your Ragdoll Cat

As we mentioned above, Ragdolls are particularly sensitive to water, and therefore, many owners avoid bathing their cats entirely and instead take them to a groomer. If you do decide to bathe your Ragdoll, however, use mild, warm water. And be sure to use a very mild shampoo since a stronger shampoo can irritate a Ragdoll’s skin.

You may want to even consider using a hypoallergenic cat shampoo instead. Also, use a very gentle washing technique, and avoid getting water into your Ragdoll’s ears or eyes. Let your Ragdoll’s coat air-dry, and then simply brush it out gently, paying close attention to the tail, hind legs, and belly.

bathing cat
Image Credit: ilmarinfoto, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

So yes, Ragdoll cats do tend to shed a lot, something that can be cumbersome if you have never owned a high-shedding cat breed before. However, with weekly brushing and monthly raking, you can keep its dander in check and prevent your home from becoming a hotbed of fur. You’ll also need to keep your cat’s skin and fur healthy and free of common issues like fleas, dryness, balding, and matting.


Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

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