Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Ragdoll Cats Affectionate? The Surprising Answer!

Seal Tabby Ragdoll kitten

Ragdoll cats are beautiful and intriguing. Their intelligence and docile behavior make them the perfect pet for those looking to maintain a calm and relaxing environment at home. Also, the Ragdoll cat’s luxurious fur is soft to the touch and makes most people want to cuddle up them on the couch. Like most cat breeds, though, Ragdoll cats have a sense of independence. So, if you’re wondering whether a Ragdoll would be affectionate with you and your family members, you aren’t alone. The good news is that Ragdolls are known for showing affection for their human companions. Here’s the lowdown.

divider 3 paws

The Affection of a Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll cats are considered extremely affectionate by most people who have spent any amount of time with them. These cats are naturally kind and caring, so they tend to be mindful of their companion’s moods. These cats don’t like to spend much time at home alone, so if humans aren’t around during the day, they would be happiest with another cat in the house for companionship.

When humans are at home, they can expect to be followed around intently by their Ragdoll family members. Their laps will likely always be filled with a furry kitty when sitting down, and their beds can easily become cat beds if barriers aren’t in place. This isn’t to say that Ragdoll cats are clingy or overly affectionate, though. They do like their alone time like any other living being, and they aren’t so much clingy as they are loyal.

flame point ragdoll cat
Image Credit: Carolyn R, Shutterstock

How Ragdoll Cats Show Their Affection

One obvious way that Ragdoll cats show their affection is by sitting in their companion’s lap or lying against them. They might also follow a family member around the house.

Other ways that a Ragdoll cat might show affection include:
  • Rubbing against your legs, head, arms, or hands
  • Purring while rolling around near you
  • Maintaining eye contact with you
  • Lying on or near your feet
  • Kneading your legs or arms
  • Bringing you toys or other small objects as “gifts”

Each Ragdoll cat shows affection in their own unique way depending on their personality and history. However, the affection that they show, no matter how, is hard for owners to miss! Most also notice that their furry friends only get more affectionate as they age.

Affection on Their Own Terms

While Ragdoll cats are known for being affectionate, they do have an independent streak and like to retreat for alone time. They do not enjoy being pressured to socialize and show affection, and the more they are pressed, the less likely they are to initiate affection on their own. Let them come to you for cuddles instead of chasing them around.

divider 3 paws

A Quick Recap

Ragdoll cats are amazingly affectionate, and their soft furry coats make them a joy to cuddle with. Most handily show their affection daily, while others might be more reserved. No matter what, owners can count on their furry family members to make them feel loved and appreciated.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: cath5, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Does My Cat Grab My Hand and Bite Me? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats are well-loved family members and can provide endless hours of entertainment, delight, and companionship. However, cats can also bite and grab your...

Cat Anatomy: 10 Vet-Reviewed Facts Pet Parents Should Know

You love your cat’s cute face and tiny paws, but how much do you know about the rest of their body? When taking...

Social Pets CBD Hemp Oil Review (2025): Pros, Cons & Verdict

Social CBD manufactures a variety of products containing cannabidiol (CBD), a natural plant compound that’s been in the news a lot in the...

How to Give Cats Catnip: 4 Vet-Approved Ways & FAQ

Many cats love catnip and their reactions are usually quite entertaining. If you’re new to giving catnip to your cat, though, you may...

More related

Ask Dr. Paola – Laptops, Drama Queens & Furniture Scratching (December 16, 2024)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Can Cats Eat Paprika? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Paprika is a commonly used spice that is made from dried peppers. The peppers used in paprika can be sweet or spicy peppers...

How to Care For a Three-Legged Cat: Expert Tips & Advice

Tripawd, tripod, trilimb—whatever you call them, a three-legged cat is just a different kind of pet. They might need a bit of help...

Bengal Cat Health Problems: 9 Common Issues

Bengal cats are outgoing, social, and love to talk and interact with their owners. This breed is also incredibly intelligent and can easily...

Keep reading

Authority Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you’ve ever stepped inside a PetSmart to pick up some food for your feline companion, there’s a good chance you’ve run across Authority brand cat food. At first glance, you’ll notice the conservative infographic labels that make...

Authority Cat Food Review Featured Image Catster

Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Recommendations & Alternatives

Dish soap as a grooming tool is not new to the world of at-home pet grooming. It’s often touted as a quick at-home fix for fleas and a gentle option for regularly bathing your pet. Most of us are familiar...

Catster_Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats

How to Syringe Feed a Kitten: 5 Vet-Approved Steps & Safety Guide

In some cases, syringe feeding a kitten may be necessary, and while this form of feeding isn’t the best, it is the only way to nourish some kittens. Syringe feeding is best done under the direction of a veterinarian, as...

Kitten wrapped in a towel drinks medicine from a syringe

Is Prescription Cat Food Necessary? Vet-Verified Health & Nutrition Facts

There are so many types of cat food on the market, and a glance at the cat food section in a pet store proves this. With so many options, you might be confused as to which foods are truly good...

close up doctor filling up a prescription form

How to Tell if My Cat Needs Their Glands Expressed? 6 Vet-Verified Signs

As a cat owner, you need to make sure your beloved friend is healthy, and sometimes that means dealing with bodily functions that aren’t so pleasant. Cats have two anal sacs that help them mark their territory. The sacs are...

Cat sitting on a vet metal table

Can Cats Eat Raw Fish? Vet Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

While cats are often associated with eating fish, fish may not actually be a major part of their diets. Domestic cats descended from African wildcats, meaning their natural diets would mostly consist of small birds and mammals including small livestock...

Can Cats Eat Raw Fish

Siamese Cat Health Problems: 7 Vet-Reviewed Issues

Siamese cats are among the most popular cat breeds in the United States. They are intelligent, vocal, affectionate, and have dog-like personalities. They are also strikingly beautiful with piercing blue, almond-shaped eyes. With these amazing characteristics, it’s no wonder they...

Catster_Health Problems of Siamese Cat

Can Cats Eat Animal Crackers? Vet Reviewed Facts

Picture the scene: You’ve stolen a few minutes to enjoy some animal crackers, and your cat comes over, settles at your feet, and gives you the “eyes” or a swipe at your hand if you’ve got a feisty feline. We...

Can Cats Eat Animal Crackers