Ragdoll

Like every breed, the Ragdoll is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other cats

  Usually enjoys the company of other cats.

• Indoors and outdoors

  Benefits from some safe outdoor space.

• First-time owners

  Often suits first-time cat owners.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

  A heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick and cannot pump effectively, and which can lead to heart failure at an early age. A DNA test for the known Ragdoll HCM gene is available, and GCCF requires it for all Ragdolls registered for breeding. Ask the breeder for copies of the parents' test results.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

  An inherited condition in which cysts form in the kidneys and can eventually lead to kidney failure. Purina notes the risk in Ragdolls is lower than in some other breeds. A DNA test is available.

• Weight gain

  Ragdolls are large and prone to laziness, so without regular play they can easily become overweight.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Ragdoll home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Ragdoll home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 12–17 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Ragdoll suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Ragdolls do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.