Your Ragdoll Cat’s Life Stages

by Rob on September 1, 2010

in Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll KittenYour Ragdoll cat’s behaviors may change from one stage of life to the next. Here are behaviors you can expect from your Ragdoll at different stages of his or her life.

From Birth to Age 16 Weeks

When kittens are very young they may be cautiously playful and shy. Early kittenhood is an important time for socialization and it is important that you do not separate your kitten from the litter too early.

Age 16 Weeks to One Year Old

Most kittens are over their shyness by this age. Your Ragdoll will be very playful and curious about everything in their environment. If you are planning to neuter or spay your kitten you should do this around the age of six months.

One Year Old to Eight Years Old

It is important to keep your vaccinations current and make regularly scheduled appointments with your veterinarian. You should also feed your cat a premium cat food formulated for this stage in your cat’s development.

Eight Years and Beyond

After your Ragdoll reaches the age of eight years old they start to slow down a bit. It is important to have regular checkups with the veterinarian to head off any potential health problems. You should switch to a premium cat food formulated for senior cats at this age. As your Ragdoll cat’s metabolism slows, they may gain weight. Consult your veterinarian about the type of food best suited for your cat if weight gain becomes an issue. As your Ragdoll cat ages they will sleep more and may become easily irritated.

Technorati tags:

del.icio.us tags: catsragdoll cat

{ 0 comments }

Your Ragdoll Cat’s Teeth

by Rob on August 29, 2010

in Ragdoll Cats

Your Ragdoll cat will have two sets of teeth over his or her lifetime. Ragdoll kittens have their baby teeth and adult cats have their permanent teeth. Kittens have twenty-six baby or “milk” teeth and do not get molars until their adult teeth turn up. When your Ragdoll cat has adult teeth there will be four additional molars for a total of thirty teeth.

Baby teeth are often called milk teeth and start to show up when your Ragdoll kitten is about four weeks old. By the ripe old age of six weeks all of their baby teeth have come up. Teething during this time may affect their appetites and temperaments because their gums will be sore.

The baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by permanent adult teeth by the age of six months. Your Ragdoll cat has twelve incisors in the front of their mouth suitable ripping and cutting meat. The canines or “fangs” are for holding prey and ripping flesh. There are ten premolars and four molars designed to grind food.

Cats sometimes keep a baby tooth or two after their permanent teeth come in. These baby teeth need to be removed by a veterinarian to prevent them form interfering with your Ragdoll’s permanent teeth. This is also true of any “extra” teeth your Ragdoll cat develops. Caring for your Ragdoll cat’s teeth is an important part of maintaining a healthy cat. Regular checkups and cleanings with the veterinarian will help ensure your Ragdoll cat lives a long, healthy life.

Technorati tags:

del.icio.us tags: catsragdoll cat

{ 0 comments }

Training Your Ragdoll Kitten

August 26, 2010

Now that you have this cute little bundle of fur, teeth, and claws known as a Ragdoll kitten, training him or her not to tear up your home is probably pretty high on your to-do list. Here are tips to help you break in this furry new member of your family. It is important to [...]

Read the full article →

Ragdoll Cat Controversy

August 23, 2010

The Ragdoll cat breed has been shrouded in controversy since Ann Baker started breeding the cats in the 60s. Much of this controversy traces back to Ann Baker herself and the wild stories she told about her cats. The claims range from the ridiculous to the obscure; here is list of common Ragdoll myths. Ragdoll [...]

Read the full article →

Ragdoll Cat Health Problems

August 20, 2010

There are a number of health problems that cats suffer. Some of these conditions can be prevented; however, some are inherited from your cat’s parents and passed down from one generation to the next. Hairballs Hairballs are the most common cat health problem. Your Ragdoll cat grooms itself by licking its fur. By grooming with [...]

Read the full article →

Get Your Ragdoll Cat a Checkup

August 17, 2010

It is important to have your Ragdoll cat checked out by your veterinarian once every year. Even if your cat is not scheduled for a booster shots that year it is a good idea to have your veterinarian examine your cat and check a stool sample. When you go in for the examination take a [...]

Read the full article →
Page 1 of 36


1234510152025...Last»