If you want to keep a Ragdoll cat, you must first answer the question: how long do Ragdolls live?
A Ragdoll cat’s lifespan is determined by a variety of factors, the most important of which are the cat’s care and health. Ragdoll cats live an average of 12 to 15 years, but some might survive for more than 15 years.
Ragdolls are a very new breed of cat. Ann Baker, a breeder, first produced them in the 1960s.
They are very affectionate, easygoing, friendly, and intelligent cats. It is critical to recognize that cats are not a homogenous animal, and there is tremendous variety within each breed. The genetic differences across breeds explain why their lifespans vary so widely. There is also a significant difference in lifetime within each breed.
What Is the Lifespan of a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdoll cats are huge and affectionate, making them excellent pets to possess. They make excellent lap cats and thoroughly like being touched.
Ragdolls weigh about 20 pounds and can reach 40 inches in length. They are known for their blue eyes and pointed coats. They come in a range of coat patterns and hues, including chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, and cream.
So, what is the lifespan of a Ragdoll cat? Although there is no official lifetime for Ragdoll cats, we may guess that the majority will live between 12 and 15 years. However, it is not uncommon for a ragdoll to live to the age of 17. In some cases, Ragdoll cats have lived into their twenties.
Do Ragdolls get sick easily?
It is difficult to provide a precise estimate of lifespan because it is influenced by environmental factors such as diet, health, and lifestyle, in addition to genetics. There are numerous reasons why indoor cats live longer than humans. Cats have evolved over millions of years, adapted to living with humans, and have been chosen selected to be laid-back and friendly.
They are also extremely active and lively, with excellent hearing, vision, and scent. Cats are bred for a variety of purposes, including companionship, display, and as barn cats to control mouse and rat infestations.
It is crucial to remember that a cat’s lifespan is not a set number. The longevity of a Ragdoll varies depending on the person. Next, we’ll look at all of the elements that directly influence Ragdoll longevity.
What influences the life expectancy of a Ragdoll?
Several factors influence how long an animal lives in our world:
Breed
Needless to say, a pedigree cat from genetically healthy breeders is more likely to live a long life than a street kitten.
This is explained, among other things, by deliberate selection, which prevents cats with genetic defects from breeding. The Ragdoll breed is distinguished by its excellent muscle tone.
Heredity
This factor is frequently linked directly to the breed. Life expectancy is directly affected by heredity. If the animal’s genealogy is extensive and includes champions and long-lived individuals, it is likely that your pet will survive to an old age without losing energy or health.
Castration and spaying.
Longevity is strongly linked to the intensity of lovemaking and the ability to release sex hormones. The latter can drive any adult cat insane if it does not have a sexual partner.
If the animal is not suitable for breeding, it is recommended that it be spayed or neutered to reduce the danger of sexual diseases and hormonal disruptions. Female cats who have not been castrated are more likely to develop mammary gland cancer as well as ovarian and uterine cancers. Male cats that have not been castrated are more likely to develop testicular and prostate gland tumors.
Lifestyle
The life duration is also determined by storage circumstances, which include the temperature of the air in the room, cleanliness, the lack of drafts, open space for games, and other factors.
Important! It is ideal if there is space for a playground where the cat may move about freely. To maintain peak fitness, get out into the fresh air more frequently.
It has been proved that active animals live far longer than those who only leave the couch to use the litter box and eat.
Nutrition
It is absurd to anticipate a record life span from a pet whose food lacks vitamins and minerals. Feeding your Ragdoll a well-balanced, high-quality diet will help him live a long life.
Unsurprisingly, as such a cat ages, a range of diseases will emerge and grow, including:
- Colitis and gastritis.
- diabetes;
- Kidney disease.
- constipation;
- Metabolic diseases
- Allergic manifestations.
And this is by no means an exhaustive list of illnesses caused by improper eating.
Cats benefit from eating twice per day. Use the feeding instructions on your pet’s food to ensure they are getting the proper amount of food for their weight. If you find your cat becoming underweight, you should boost its caloric intake. Make sure to buy a high-quality brand of food, as it will be more nutritious.
Weight
This metric is closely related to the indoor cat’s food and lifestyle. Hypodynamia and imbalanced diets result in excess kilograms, and fat animals do not live long lives.
Diseases and prevention
Regardless of how well you care for your cat, there is no guarantee that it will not contract a virus, parasite, or sustain an unintentional injury. Every serious disease weakens the body and shortens life.
The only thing the owner can do is vaccinate the cat on schedule, deworm it frequently, and take it to the veterinarian.
Psychological comfort
An emotional foundation is a crucial factor that can help the cat live a longer life. Don’t forget to play with your ragdoll; the cat’s emotional background is really crucial.
Is it reasonable to expect longevity from a cat who is continually reprimanded and punished, does not play much, and does not talk at all? Such an animal feels unloved and superfluous in your household. It is understandable that he will develop symptoms of chronic stress and neurosis over time, potentially leading to severe somatic disorders.
A loving cat has no cause to be disheartened, therefore it will try to stay with you as long as possible.
Health Issues for Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll cats are known for being beautiful, docile, and well-behaved, but a variety of health issues can shorten their lifespan.
Several health issues can shorten the typical lifespan of your Ragdoll. While Ragdolls are generally healthy, they can suffer from a variety of health conditions, including obesity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a type of heart disease), and urinary tract disorders (including bladder stones). Because of the length of their coat, they are more likely to get hairballs.
Other common reasons of mortality in Ragdoll cats include heart disease, kidney illness, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory problems. If you observe any strange symptoms in your pet, please call your veterinarian immediately. Please keep in mind that there are numerous health issues that can affect your cat, and your veterinarian will be able to assist you in determining the best treatment option for your pet.
It is critical to take your cat to the veterinarian on a regular basis and ensure that it is up to date on its immunizations. Furthermore, veterinarians can assist diagnose and treat health issues in your cat.
Ragdoll Developmental Stages: From Kitten to Adult Cat
At birth, kittens are blind, deaf, and helpless, with basic reflexes and the capacity to purr.
Week 1: the umbilical chord slips off, leaving the kittens entirely defenseless and dependent on their mother.
Week 2: ears open, kittens increase around twice their weight, and the socialization process begins.
Week 3: kittens are attempting to gain independence by crawling and learning to walk without the assistance of their mother.
Week 4: eyes fully open, newborns start walking, tumbling, and playing with siblings, and they learn to wash their teeth.
Week 5: Balance improves; milk teeth are extracted. During this time, you should start to introduce newborns to the toilet litter box.
Week 6: the play phase, during which the babies engage all of their strength in inventive and vigorous games. The weaning process starts.
Week 7: At this point, the kittens are seven times their birth weight. The weaning process continues. The talent of using the restroom has been consolidated.
Week 8: Every milk tooth has emerged. Kittens can fully control and release their claws.
Week 9: The majority of the kittens in the litter are weaned. The scene for fiercer, more aggressive play begins.
Week 10: Playing gets more serious, with kittens attempting to exhibit their strength and ability.
At 3 months, the mature animal’s eye color begins to show. Kittens have entirely weaned from the breast. However, in certain circumstances, regdolls will continue to nurse the cat for another 4-5 months (if given the opportunity). The process of converting milk teeth into permanent teeth begins.
They start marking their territory at 5 months old. All milk teeth have already been replaced with permanent teeth.
At 6 months, kittens are entirely autonomous. Some females may exhibit indicators of puberty.
7-12 months: kittens continue to grow; cats enter adolescence. Ragdolls gradually develop accustomed to their household routine.
One year and older: permanent eye color is established.
Three years old: the coloring has finally settled in and reached its height of beauty.
8 years and older: activity level slows and ability to groom independently declines. From now on, health and coat should be closely examined. It is also recommended that you check the state of your teeth on a regular basis. With proper care and diet, Ragdoll cats can live for 16-19 years, with an average life expectancy of 11-15.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking for a beautiful, sweet, and playful feline companion, you’ve found it. The devoted and trustworthy ragdoll may be the perfect cat for you. One of the world’s most popular cat breeds, these gentle giants are easy to care for and will provide you a lot of happiness. Ragdolls are not quiet and disinterested cats; they are obedient and peaceful, and they love people and desire their attention. However, these indoor cats will captivate you and earn your affection and trust right away!
Ragdoll cats can live for 16-19 years if they are properly cared for and fed. The average lifespan is 11–15 years. Despite their poor muscular tone, Ragdolls do not have any severe health issues.
It is critical to understand the life expectancy of a Ragdoll cat before adopting one so that you can make an informed decision about choosing the proper pet.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Do Ragdoll cats have health issues?
Ragdolls are recognized for their gentle, amiable personalities. However, like any other cat, they are prone to specific health issues. They may be prone to obesity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a type of cardiac disease), and urinary tract problems (such as bladder stones).
Is 14 elderly for a ragdoll cat?
Ragdolls are long-lived cats. Some have lived into their teens or early twenties. However, the usual Ragdoll lifespan is between 12 and 15 years, so 14 would be considered elder.
Can Ragdolls become sick easily?
Ragdolls are known to be a generally healthy breed. To reduce the risk of illness, keep Ragdolls up to date on vaccines and eat a balanced diet.
Do Ragdolls make good outdoor cats?
Many people love having an outdoor cat; as long as it is carefully cared for and maintained in a safe environment, Ragdolls can spend time outside.