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Ragdolls are known for being extremely affectionate and friendly. They attach themselves to their families and enjoy being loved. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t deal with being alone for a few hours daily. These gentle giants love to cuddle and be the center of attention. They aren’t best for owners who will be gone for much of the time, as they thrive on lots of human interaction.
While Ragdolls love spending time with their family, most Ragdolls are fine with being left alone for the average workday.
How Long Can a Ragdoll Cat Be Left Alone?
Ragdolls thrive with plenty of interaction with their family. Therefore, they prefer to be with cat parents who spend plenty of time at home, but of course, they can cope with the average workday. If you usually work 8-hour days, then a Ragdoll is a fine choice.
However, if you work at a job requiring longer shifts or days out, you may need to reconsider having a cat.
Is It Okay to Have Just One Ragdoll Cat?
Because Ragdolls are so friendly, many cat owners assume they must adopt more than one. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. A Ragdoll can live a happy and fulfilling life as a solo cat, though they may also bond well with a companion if you choose to adopt another.
With that said, adopting two Ragdolls doesn’t guarantee they will get along perfectly. While some may become best friends, others may not form a close bond. The chances of a positive relationship increase if they are siblings or adopted together as kittens.
How to Keep a Ragdoll Cat Happy While You’re Away
In today’s world, people rarely spend all day at home. Even those who work at home often leave to pick up dinner or run errands. Therefore, even if you try to be home as much as possible, you’ll need to leave your cat alone eventually.
Preparation is key to preventing separation-related problems in ragdolls. You’ll need to let your cat practice being alone, preferably from an early age. Consider this “training”, even if it may not look like traditional training
When you do need to leave your cat (and during this training period), there are many things you can do to keep your cat entertained while you’re gone. Distracting your feline with plenty of activities is key to preventing anxiety.
Here are some of our top tips for keeping your Ragdoll happy when you aren’t home:
- Don’t make a big deal about leaving. If you lavish praise and attention or draw out the leaving process, you could add to your cat’s anxiety. Just put on your shoes and go.
- Provide puzzle toys. We highly recommend investing in some puzzle feeders. These provide your cat with something fun to do while you’re gone. Just consider the added calories when planning your cat’s meals.
- Consider interactive toys. Interactive toys move without any input from your cat. These toys provide additional entertainment and may help Ragdolls get the necessary exercise (as these cats tend to be a bit lazy).
- Consider pheromone diffusers.If your cat is distressed while you’re away, consider investing in a cat phenomenon diffuser. These can help cats feel calmer, as they release synthetic pheromones that resemble those released by mother cats to calm their kittens. Not all cats respond to these, but they can be very helpful for those that do.
- Leave on a TV or radio. Sometimes, the silence of an empty home disturbs cats more than anything. Leaving on a radio can make the feline feel a little less lonely.
- Provide lots of hiding places. Consider investing in a cat tree with lots of hiding places or purchase several covered beds to leave around the house. When stressed, Ragdolls will often hide. Providing them with plenty of hiding places can lower their anxiety and make them feel less exposed.
When to Contact a Vet
Some cats cope less well with being left alone than others. Sometimes, even if you do everything you can, your cat may still be anxious when left alone. If you’ve followed several of the suggestions above and your cat still gets anxious when left alone, we recommend contacting a vet.
There are many things a vet can do. They may recommend behavioral therapy, which can provide training to prevent your cat’s anxiety. Medication is always an option for cats that are particularly stressed out. In the end, it all depends on what your cat needs.
You’ll probably need to try multiple options before one works well for your feline. Many techniques require time to work, so there aren’t many quick fixes. However, speaking with a vet is the first step to handling cats with extreme anxiety.
If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.
Conclusion
Ragdolls are generally more affectionate and people-oriented than other cat breeds, making them a popular choice for those looking for a feline that will be cuddly and attentive.
Despite their loving nature, Ragdolls are not necessarily more prone to separation anxiety. Most can comfortably be left alone for a standard workday.
Luckily, there is plenty that you can do to help your Ragdoll be more comfortable alone. Early training and plenty of toys can go a long way to preventing separation anxiety later on.
See Also:
- Birman vs. Ragdoll: Which Breed is Right for You? (With Pictures)
- Ragdoll Kittens for Sale in the UK: Breeders List
- Do Ragdoll Cats Need a Companion? Will They be Happy Without One?
Featured Image Credit: Imaan Ahmad, Shutterstock
