Ragdoll Cat and Kitten Information - By: Mitch Endick

Ragdoll Cats are generally muscular, large and powerful cats with large blue eyes. Males can reach up to twenty pounds of weight. They have medium long hair with Siamese style points. They come in lilac, chocolate, blue and seal. Ragdoll cats have a very relaxed nature which adds to their charm. Ragdolls are often described as docile, affectionate, mild, intelligent, playful, non-aggressive and loving. Their size makes them more of a floor cat and less inclined to jump or seek out a high spot to perch.

Brief History of the Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll comes from California in the 1960s. The breeders name is Ann Baker. This is a cross between the Birman, Siamese and Burmese breeds. The Cat Fanciers Association accepted the breed for registration in 1993.

The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.

Health

Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.

Any vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning if necessary. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of age, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.

Behavioral Considerations

They generally get along well with children
They are very people oriented
Take easily to simple training
Very easy going
Not considered a hunter
They can take three to four years to mature
They tend not to be jumpers
They are not big shedders

Ragdoll Cat Registries and Clubs

Ragdoll International
The Ragdoll Fanciers Club International
Ragdoll Fanciers Club
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association, Inc TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation Inc
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International

Ragdoll Kittens

Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.

Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people.

Every cat and kitten is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your cat or kitten. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular framed picture and panorama site Charlotte Skyline.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing beautiful, high quality framed Charlotte Skyline panoramas and pictures. Shop Charlotte Skyline.com today.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Mitch-Endick/7958

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