Your 101 Guide to Ragdoll Kittens

With their cuddly nature and loving personalities, Ragdoll kittens are among the most popular and beloved of cat breeds. These blue eyed cats are highly sought after for their docile habits and their tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, thus the ‘ragdoll’ in their name. test

If you’re considering becoming a pet parent to one of these purr-fect specimens, read on for everything you need to know about Ragdoll kittens and cats.

PS: This article is specifically about Ragdoll kittens. If you’d like to know more about adult Ragdolls, read this article: The Ragdoll Cat: Silky, Cuddly and Rare.

Breed characteristics

One of the most enticing things about Ragdoll kittens is their oh so soft fur… How could you not run your fingers through it?

Their medium-long coat that comes in various colours and patterns. Their coats have point colouration, meaning they have a relatively pale body with darker patches on their face, ears, feet and tail. They have an average lifespan of around 12-15 years and are considered to be an intelligent breed and easy to train.

Ragdoll kittens may be tiny when they’re little, but once fully grown they’re one of the largest cat breeds. Males typically weigh between 4-9kg and females typically weigh between 4-6kg. They’re also quite long, with a body length of around 60cm.

They’re generally healthy, but like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues. This includes hip dysplasia, bladder stones, and heart disease. Because they’re low-shedding and low-maintenance cats, they’re a good choice for people with allergies.

FAQ

Here’s a roundup of the most frequently asked questions in Australia about Ragdoll kittens:

Do Ragdoll kittens change colour?

Ragdoll cats have distinctive coat colours including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and flame. Take your pick!

Ragdolls kitten coats typically darken as they mature. Some may be born with a pale coat, but as they grow it may darken, sometimes dramatically. This is particularly true for solid-coloured kittens.

Ragdoll coats are also known to change colour based on the season (just like those of black Siamese cats) and can become thicker in the colder months.

Are they blue eyed cats?

There are several blue eyed cats out there, including the Siamese, Persian, Birman, Balinese, and Angora. The Ragdoll is also known for its distinctive bright blue peepers. While all purebred Ragdoll cats have blue eyes, mixed breed cats might have dark blue, green, or gold-coloured eyes.

All Ragdoll kittens are born with blue eyes, and by the month three their eyes will have developed to their final colour. This may be a lighter or darker blue than with what they were born. If their eyes change to another colour besides blue, they may be  a Mink, Sepia or Solid variant of Ragdoll. By the way, read here if you want to know When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes.

Some cat associations won’t accept these variants for show purposes, as the breed standard requires they have blue eyes. However, they may still issue paperwork to confirm your kitty is a Ragdoll.

By the way, ever wondered how much cat’s sight is similar to ours? Read our Do Cats See Colour article for some insights.

Are Ragdoll kittens hyperactive?

Unlike adult Ragdolls, who are known for their docile and relaxed nature, Ragdoll kittens are quite active. Being social cats, this playfulness amps up when their pet parent or other familiar people are around. Expect a lot of jumping, meowing, pouncing and batting.

There’s no specific timeline of when Ragdoll kittens calm down, but it’s usually around 18 months.

That being said, kittens all have unique personalities. Some may be more active than others and will need more attention and activities to keep them entertained.

Are Ragdoll kittens hypoallergenic?

Ragdoll kittens, like most other cat breeds, produce allergens that can cause a reaction in people who are sensitive to them. They’re not considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not produce less allergens than other cats.

How do allergens occur?

The main source of allergens from cats are proteins found in their skin cells, called Fel d 1. This is present in their saliva, urine and sebaceous glands. It can also be found on the cat’s fur, as well as in their dander (dead skin cells) that’s constantly being shed.

It’s possible that some people may be allergic to cats but be less allergic to certain breeds. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support that one breed of cat is less allergenic than another.

If you have cat allergies and are considering getting a Ragdoll kitten, it’s important to spend some time with one before committing. This can help you to determine whether or not you have a reaction to this blue eyed cat breed.

Also, there are ways to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. Regular grooming and bathing of your cat, vacuuming and dusting, and using air purifiers all help, but at the end of the day it won’t make a cat hypoallergenic.

Are Ragdoll kittens playful?

Ragdoll kittens are known to be quite playful, although they’re considered to be a relatively relaxed and low-activity breed when compared to some other breeds of cats. They’re affectionate and enjoy human companionship, so they’ll often seek out playtime and attention from their pet parents.

These blue eyed cats are usually known for their docile and relaxed nature. So, they can be good companions for people who want a cat that’s low-key and easy-going. They’re not typically as active or curious as many other breeds of cats, but they’re still playful and enjoy spending time with their human family. They may also enjoy being carried around – after all, they’re Ragdolls!

Like all kittens, Ragdoll kittens can be quite energetic and can require a good amount of playtime. But in general, they’re not as high-energy as some other breeds. As they grow up, they tend to maintain their affectionate and playful nature while chilling out on the activity factor.

How much do Ragdoll kittens cost in Australia?

The cost of a Ragdoll kitten in Australia can vary depending on the location, the quality of the kitten, and whether it’s a purebred or a mix. On average, they cost between $1,000 to $2,000, however this price can be higher for kittens with specific colour patterns or champion bloodlines.

When looking for a Ragdoll kitten, it’s important to research and find a reputable breeder. They’ll able to provide health clearances for the parents of the kitten and information about its background and personality.

Due to the profit that can be made off of purebred cats like the Ragdoll, intensive breeding facilities like kitten factories are a problem in Australia. It’s vital to check the facilities your kitten is being sold from to ensure you aren’t giving your money to cruel and unethical breeders. If you suspect a kitten factory, here’s how to report animal abuse properly.

Always remember that you can adopt a cat from a rescue organisation. Check online as shelters and rescue organisations often have cats and kittens of all breeds, including Ragdolls, available for adoption at a lower cost. Also consider all the benefits of adopting an adult cat over a kitten.

Insure your Ragdoll kitten

With regular vet check-ups, good quality food and plenty of affection, Ragdoll kittens are an easy and relatively low maintenance pet. But accidents and illness can still happen. Cat insurance by PD covers accidents and emergencies and lets you focus on what really matters – praising and worshipping your cat.

Why not get a quick quote below?