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When you’re looking at getting a cat, you want to ensure that you have enough time and energy to care for them and give them everything that they need. Basically, you need to know just how much work they are!
Ragdoll cats are beautiful and make great pets, but they also have a reputation for being high maintenance. However, while this is true in some areas, they’re easier to care for in others. You need to know exactly what they need, so we highlighted both aspects for you here.
The 4 Areas Where Ragdoll Cats Are Challenging to Care For
While a Ragdoll isn’t high maintenance in every way, they certainly have their areas where it takes a bit more work to care for them. Wee highlighted four areas where Ragdolls need a little extra love to give them all the care and attention they need.
1. Brushing
Ragdolls have thick, beautiful coats. But while these look great, they also require a lot of maintenance. To keep your cat’s coat from matting, you need to brush it out at least once a day. It doesn’t take long to brush it out as long as you keep up with the daily brushings, but if you don’t, it can quickly get out of hand.
2. Companionship
Ragdolls need time with their owners. They’re going to follow you around the house and demand your attention. They also don’t do well with extended amounts of time in the home alone, so keep this in mind before getting one.
3. Digestive Problems
Compared to many other cats, a Ragdoll has a more sensitive digestive tract. You’ll likely need to find them a sensitive stomach diet, and when they don’t stick with it, you might notice they’re making a few messes.
4. Diet
Ragdolls are larger cats, so you need to keep in mind that they’re going to eat more than most other cat breeds. When you pair this with the digestive problems that many Ragdolls have, feeding them can quickly get expensive.
The 3 Areas Where Ragdoll Cats Are Easy to Care For
While Ragdolls can be high maintenance in some ways, they’re low maintenance in others. Here, we highlighted a few areas where a Ragdoll is easier to care for than other breeds.
1. Bathing
Like most cats, the Ragdoll is an extremely clean animal, so you really don’t need to bathe them all that often. Some owners choose to bathe them once every 4 to 6 weeks, but often, you don’t even need to bathe them this much. It all depends on your cat’s temperament, what they get into, and if you have any pet allergies.
2. Temperament
Compared to many other cat breeds, the Ragdoll is one of the easiest cats to get along with. They love people, and they’re less likely to cause any problems for you or anyone else visiting your home.
3. Family
Since Ragdolls have a mild temperament, they tend to get along great with other family members and pets. Just keep in mind that while a Ragdoll gets along great with other cats and dogs, trying to pair them up with a ferret, mouse, or another similar small animal is likely asking a bit too much from them.
Final Thoughts
While Ragdoll cats might be a bit high maintenance in some areas, they are outstanding companions that you’ll quickly start to love. Do not let the little extra work keep you from getting one; just know what you’re signing up for beforehand so you can ensure that you have the time and energy to properly care for them.
Related Reads:
- Can a Ragdoll Cat Be Left Alone?
- Ragdoll Kittens for Sale in Arkansas
- Do Ragdoll Cats All Have a Primordial Pouch?
Featured Image Credit: Bianka Kovacs, Shutterstock
