Many people love cats as a pet because a lot of them are independently spirited and often require less maintenance than a dog (often, but not always). This is especially true for dog breeds that need regular grooming, sometimes every few weeks. People may prefer a cat over taking their dog to the groomer every other month. But there are some cat breeds who require regular grooming as well, such as the Ragdoll. Ragdolls are known for their wonderful, friendly, and playful personalities. But before you run out and get one of these cute, fluffy felines, let’s talk more about what their regular grooming needs are to make sure you are up to the job. As a general answer

What Is a Ragdoll?

A Ragdoll is a breed of cat that has been around since the 1960s. The name comes from the breed’s easy-going temperament and personality to the point that they would go limp, like a ragdoll, when held. Ragdolls are well known for a few things, one being their docile, playful and laid-back personalities, another being that they are larger, stockier cats with thick, strong legs, a broad chest, and thick necks.

But perhaps the most well-known characteristic of the Ragdoll is their beautiful, thick, bushy coat. A purebred Ragdoll will always have blue eyes, a large bushy tail, and a white, cream, and/or tan coat with darker colored ears, face, and tail. Ragdolls will always be either bicolor or tricolor with medium to long hair.

Due to their thick, luxurious coat, Ragdolls require regular grooming year-round. This is not a breed that you can just brush a few times a year and get away with it. Regular grooming is a necessity and should be started from day one.

How Much Do Ragdolls Shed?

Ironically, Ragdolls may not shed as much as your average domestic shorthair or other breeds. This is because Ragdolls do not have a thick, dense undercoat. The majority of their coat is actually medium to longer length guard hairs, which will shed less than an undercoat. However, shedding does occur regularly, though can be more common in the spring.

Many people are afraid to get a long-haired cat if they have feline allergies.¹ However, humans actually react allergically to the dander and saliva of cats more commonly than reacting to the fur. Adapting regular grooming for your cat may actually help to reduce the amount of dander in your home, potentially decreasing symptoms of allergies.

However, it’s always recommended to speak with your regular physician or specialist if you have any feline allergies as they can best recommend what is safest for you and your family. We’re simply here to say that you shouldn’t count out a Ragdoll as a potential pet if your only fear is mild allergies. It may be a safe option for you.

Brushing Know-Hows

It’s always recommended to brush your medium or long-haired cat at minimum a few times a week. This is for a number of reasons. First, it will help prevent matting of either the undercoat or the top coat. Once matted, it’s very uncomfortable for your cat, and each little mat will constantly pull at their skin. In addition, once matted, it can be painful and difficult to remove without appropriate grooming tools. Second, we are all aware that cats groom themselves by licking. By regularly brushing your cat, you are actually decreasing the amount of hair that your cat may ingest while grooming. Some people may not know, but your cat can actually get an intestinal obstruction from a hairball!

Always start by brushing lightly and gently, in areas that your cat already likes to be pet. For many cats, this means going along the top of their body, from the neck to the tail. If your cat tolerates this, then you can gently move to the sides of the body (the flank), the belly, and finally the back of the legs. These are the areas we tend to see a lot of tangles and mats occur. It’s important to go slow and gentle so that your cat does not feel any discomfort. Only do what your cat will allow in one sitting. You can always distract them with a tasty canned food treat, tuna in water, or even a little bit of cheese. Some cats will run to get brushed if they know that food is involved.

If you encounter a mat, hold the mat with your fingers close to the body while gently working it out with the comb. This helps to ensure that you won’t be pulling on the skin while trying to get the mat out. We never recommend cutting the mat away with scissors. I’ve seen far too many accidental injuries at home from owners trying to do a good thing, only to have their cat move at the last second and end up cutting them. This is a good way to ensure your cat will never want to get groomed again. Always try to work mats out with a comb, brush, or a good pair of quiet grooming clippers.

What About Bathing?

Bathing is actually rarely needed in cats, even ones with longer coats. This is partly because healthy cats will constantly groom themselves, and also partly because most cats will not tolerate you putting them into water. Domesticated cats are not known for their natural swimming ability. Many people who attempt to bathe their cat end up with more battle wounds than they were expecting.

Bathing is typically reserved for indoor/outdoor, or outdoor only cats who may get into dirty water, mud, and/or potential chemicals that need to be removed. For the everyday indoor house cat, regular bathing is not needed. If your cat happens to get dirty, has something spilled on them, etc., there are some great waterless shampoo options available. Also, never underestimate the power of a good unscented, sensitive baby wipe to help remove all types of stuff that may have gotten stuck or dripped onto your Ragdoll’s fur.

If your cat will safely tolerate a bath and you wish to do it, never ever use human shampoo. Even baby shampoo is not formulated for the pH and other needs of the feline skin and coat. Always use a hypoallergenic (unscented, undyed) pet shampoo. It’s also never recommended to use conditioners of any kind.

Can I Spray My Cat To Make Them Smell Nice?

No. Many essential oils have now been found to be toxic to cats even in small amounts. Not only can the aerosol sprays irritate the airways, but a simple spray may trigger coughing, bronchitis, or even a life-threatening asthma attack in your cat. Not to mention that cats will groom themselves and one another.

Conclusion

The Ragdoll is a great cat breed if you want a playful, friendly, and relaxed cat. They are wonderful companions. However, before you get one, be prepared to commit to brushing your Ragdoll at least a few times a week. Regular brushing will help prevent any painful matting, and can hopefully decrease your cat’s risk of a hairball obstruction. Although they have longer hair and require regular grooming, Ragdolls may actually shed less than other cats due to a thinner undercoat. However, shedding still occurs regularly and the best way to show your cat you care is with routine preventative measures, ensuring they live a long, happy, pain-free life with you and your family.

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Featured Image Credit: Atmosphere1, Shutterstock