Making the Choice to Have Pets

Ragdoll cats have a unique appearance and can make really lovely pets. When you visit a ragdoll breeder and meet a litter of adorable kittens, it's impossible not to get drawn in. But is a ragdoll cat really right for you? It is important to consider more than appearance when making this decision. Take a look at these pros and cons before you purchase a kitten of this breed.

Pro: Ragdoll cats are friendly and social.

You've probably known someone with a cat who rarely came out and spent most of its time hiding under a bed or in another room. Maybe you've even had this type of shy kitty yourself. However, this is not typical behavior for a ragdoll cat. They are one of the friendliest cat breeds. You can expect your cat to usually be in the room with you, wanting attention, and rubbing up against you. They are not skittish or shy.

Pro: They do not have a lot of health issues.

When you buy any purebred animal, there is usually some concern that it might have health issues related to inbreeding. For instance, German shepherd dogs are known for having hip dysplasia. Thankfully, this is not a major concern with ragdoll cats. In spite of being an established and unique breed, they are not any more prone to health troubles than your average cat.

Con: Ragdoll cats are not very independent.

If you are looking for a cat that you can leave alone for a weekend or for 16 hours a day while you're at a demanding job, a ragdoll may not be the best choice. They are not very independent cats and may grow depressed if you're not home enough to spend time with them. Of course, this is only a problem for some people. If you're home a lot or have family members to help care for the cat, the lack of independence may be a non-issue.

Con: Ragdoll cats shed a lot.

They are known for their soft, lush, voluminous hair. The price you pay for this beauty is having hair all over your house. They shed heavily in the spring and fall, and they even shed a bit between shedding seasons. You may need to upgrade your vacuum cleaner or spend more time cleaning to keep your home hair-free.

Talk to the breeder to learn more about these points and other factors that come into play when buying a ragdoll cat.