Ragdoll Cats

Aggressive behavior is a common for many cats. This aggression can take the mild form of biting your hand when petting or the more severe form of destroying your household furnishings. Aggressive behavior is not limited to kittens; you can have sudden and inexplicable problems with adult cats as well.

Cats often use aggressive behavior to get their way. This behavior can be demonstrated on you, members of your family, and even other pets. Cats become aggressive over personal space, attention, jealousy, food, and toys. Aggressive behavior is often used to stop an unpleasant experience such as bathing or nail clipping. This behavior is a common way for your Ragdoll cat to try and demonstrate that they are in charge.

If you have a new Ragdoll kitten play aggression and roughhousing is a very common kitten trait. Most kittens simply grow out of their play aggression. When dealing with your Ragdoll cat’s aggression it is important to be firm and consistent in dealing with this behavior. Never yell or hit your Ragdoll cat; violent reaction to your cat’s behavior will do more damage than good.

You can reinforce correction for a negative behavior using a squirt gun or a metal can filled with coins and a stern “No!” The most important aspect of training your Ragdoll cat is to be consistent. If you neglect consistency in your reaction you are sending mixed messages to your Ragdoll and chances are your training will be ineffective.