Is it possible to discipline your Ragdoll cat?
Most Ragdoll owners experience some form of behavioral problem at one time or another. Many find it difficult to believe that disciplining Ragdoll cats is possible; however, despite a cat’s independent attitude towards life in general, it is possible to train your Ragdoll cat. Training your Ragdoll cat takes a healthy dose of patience and perseverance; but don’t get discouraged, you can correct the worst problems your Ragdoll has to offer.
Remember That Pets Aren’t People
Animals rely heavily on instincts for their behaviors. If you’re experiencing negative behaviors you can correct these by being consistent in your interactions with the cat. Your Ragdoll most likely thinks of you as a big cat and interacts with you based on this perception.
You should never consider hitting or using anger to discipline your Ragdoll cat. Pets do not understand violence and will only teach your cat to fear you. If you need to reprimand your cat for bad behavior, consider one of the following methods.
Use a Squirt Gun
Using a squirt gun filled with water and a touch of vinegar is an excellent training tool for your Ragdoll cat. If you observe your Ragdoll scratching or harassing other pets squirting followed by a verbal “No!” is a very effective behavioral deterrent.
Rattle a Can Filled With Coins
Another method for training your Ragdoll cat is to startle them with a metal can filled with coins and a verbal “No!” when you observe the offending behavior. This method will lose effectiveness as your Ragdoll cat becomes familiar with the sound so use it sparingly.
The “Face Push Method”
The final method for discouraging your Ragdoll is the “Face Push.” This is a good way to deter aggressive play. The face push is a firm but gentle push against your cats face followed by the verbal command, “No!” Most cats hate having their faces pushed in this manner and is an excellent training aid.
Related Articles Other People Have Read:
- Cat Behavior Problems: Can You Discipline Your Ragdoll Cat?
- Training Your Cat Part II
- Correcting Cat Behavior Problems
- How to Change Your Ragdoll Cat’s Behavior
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After doing much research I decided to purchase a Ragdoll. I have made my deposit and expect to receive my male kitten mid July. We have been pet owners for 30 years, but each time we lose one we say never again – the loss is to much to bear. I am 54 years old and have been on medical leave from work for 1.5 yrs. I have severe RA. I am home alone much of the day. We catsit out daughter’s cat from time to time and each time he goes home I feel an emptiness so decided it was time to get a full time companion for myself. I cannot physicially manage a dog and read that the ragdoll was the golden retriever version of cats. Our last pet was a golden. We lost him 1.5 yrs. ago at the age of 13. His temperment was absolutely amazing.
Having read all of the above comments I am now getting nervous. We have never had a pet that has behaved badly or that we have regreted having as part of our family.
I was in touch with the breeder weekly during the entire pregnancy. She sent photos of the birth and continues to send photos weekly. I am getting so excited about this new addition. I believe that I must remain positive. For the most part, readers are using this website for guidance for difficulties that they are experiencing. Petowners of all types experience difficulties from time to time so I am going to continue to be excited and look forward to the homecoming of the new addition to our famil.
Ginny,
No matter what type of pet, there can be issues that a pet owner needs to overcome. I have a male ragdoll that is almost two years old. As with every other pet that I have had, there has been challenges and problems to address; but it all pales in comparison to the joy and fun and campanionship that we get from our Prince Harry. His is adorable, and I would not trade him for anything.
I think I have a ragdoll breed cat. His name is Banana and I got him off a friend in Colorado. I didn’t think of him as a breed specifically. I know his mom is Siamese and I don’t know what kind of cat his dad is. He has all the characteristics that the ragdoll has except he has green eyes and he has orange markings. With that being said does that mean he’s considered a ragdoll cat or just a mut?
has anyone had an agressive ragdoll, my male 7.5month old is becoming very vicious towards people and starting to use the house has is toilet.
which he had never done since i got him very upset about this but love him so much
Teagen, my cat is about a year and he went through some behavior problems in stages. He went to the bathroom on the bed so we got him fixed. When that didn’t work we cleaned out his litter box with hot water and bleach and he stopped going on the bed. He did act a little aggressive towards people but not too much. It seemed like he was just playing a little rough. Give him some time to grow out of it. If that doesn’t work take him to the vet. It could be a medical issue.
I have many ragdoll cats ranging in age from 3 years to 6 months old. Male and female.
They are all well mannered and well behaved.
There is an occassional squabble which requires a firm no.
During some of the adjustment periods of newcomers entering our family,
I have had to throw a towel over an offending aggressor.
With each new addition to the family the aggression towards newcomers lessened.
All the kitties use the litter boxes (cleaned 2-3 times daily) and the scratching posts.
I have multiple boxes , some higher on the sides and multiple litter types and deapths.
Cats have their preferences.
We also have multiple kinds of scratching posts and combo toy and scratcher apparatus.
Something for everyone.
It works.
They play nicely 98% of the time.
Jealousy over Mom or a toy can sometimes lead to an unfriendly hissing match.
Keep them entertained and supplied with what they need and bad behavior will be minimal.
Is the aggressive cat in the above email declawed?
We picked up our Radgoll Kitten on Saturday, June 13/09. He is a 7 week old male blue point. He is gorgeous. We did not expect to receive him until July 22, but his mother became ill and the breeder felt that due to the separation from his mother he could start bonding with us. The breeder did an amazing job socializing this little guy. His first night went very well and we continue to enjoy him. The breeder recommended I purchase a TurboScratcher by Hagen. I was amazed that he not only new the game, but has also used the scratch pad. He had access to one in the breeder’s home. I am so happy we followed through. I know that there will be challenges of one type or another, but you are correct in that the joy that an animal brings into your home outweighs any issues that can ultimately be corrected.
I will keep you posted.
Sheena
I have always been told that there are certain characteristics that are required for the Ragdoll breed, the chief among them “blue eyes”. If your cat does not have “blue eyes”, I would suspect that he/she is not a Ragdoll
Ginny
I am glad that you have your new “baby” There is a lot of information online about cats in general and about Ragdoll’s in particular. Follow your breeder’s advice and gradually learn more about the car of cats and Ragdoll’s in particular.
Just happened upon this site. Teagen – I had the same problem with my female ragdoll. I rescued her at about 6 months old and she became very hostile towards me even visciously bitting me (but onone else in the house). I left her alone and eventually (about 6 weeks) she realized I was no threat and now is closest to me.
Anyone have a Ragdoll with a water fetish? My cat jumps in the shower with me!
I am having a problem with my 10 month old male ragdoll. I recently bought a harness and allowed him into the garden. Now he is constantly sitting at the door crying to get out. He is driving us all nuts! Can anyone advise me on how to address this????
My partner and I purchased a ragdoll whom is now just over a year old. However we have noticed recently that she now tends to stay in a different room rather then follow us about like she used to. Is this normal or are we doing something wrong.? Any advise would be appreciated.
I have a four month old ragdoll female. She does not seem as affectionate as I thought she would. Before I got her I read a lot about this type of cat and everything I read said how affectionate they are. Sometimes she seems like she doesn’t even want me to pet her. When the grandkids come over she runs for cover but I think this is normal. I just wanted her to like me more. She seems to like my husband mor than me and I am the one who really takes care of her. Any advice.
Dear Alex
Sounds like the little girl is not feeling well or is depressed.
Is she eating and drinking normally?
I give my cats wet food every morning to make sure all are happily eating.
It is hard to tell if cats are off their dry food if the bowl is always filled.
Are her urine and bowel habits unchanged.
She could be under the weather-watch for signs of illness and monitor her food and water intake.
Do you play interactively with her for 15 minutes twice a day?
If she is a single pet she may be depressed and lonely.
Are you away most of the day?
Does she have a window she can look out of and plenty of toys she can play with?
Wand toys are great for you two to play together as are balls.
My cats love fetch!
Hope this helps.
Patricia
Dear Sheena,
If your cat has Ragdoll like markings, the saddle and the pointed or bicolor face but green eyes, she could be a Ragamuffin or just a mix.
Patricia
Thanks for your comments Patricia,
She eats normally, we give her 2 pouches of wet food a day and occasionally some biscuits, however she doesn’t really eat the biscuits. She does not drink much at all tho and this has been the same since she was a kitten.
She is a single pet and she has plenty of toys which she plays with regularly. During the day when we are not in and over night we tend to leave her in the kitchen with the door shut as she tends to chew on cables elsewhere in the house. It is a large kitchen with a window, scratching post and her toys. Would it be best to let her roam the house?
Thanks Alex
Alex:
We have a 2 year old male seal colorpoint Ragdoll. We have had him since he was 12 weeks old.
I would make the following suggestions:
1. Vary her food. Give wet once in the morning or night and give dry at the other feeding. DO NOT put out a lot of dry in a bowl. Only give her what you think she will eat through the next feeding. This way you can tell exactly how much she is eating. For the dry we use a mix of 1/3 Iams Original, 1/3 Iams Hairball and 1/3 Royal Canin Indoor Adult 27. USE ONLY a stainless steel bowl and CLEAN throughly at least once per day
2. She is probably drinking a small amount because you have been giving wet food, You should notice a pickup in quantity of water if you give some dry food. Again ONLY in a stainless steel bowl, make sure it is CLEANED at least once per day. Fill it full in the morning and again at night. You will then be able to judge accurately how much she drinks.
3. I do not think that Ragdolls like to be confined to a single room. They are VERY curious and like variety. If she must be in one single room, try to make it a room with a windowsill that she can sit on and look outside. When ours was younger, we limited him to just three rooms in the house. He now has full access to the house when we are home and when we are asleep. When we are gone, we limit him to three rooms that does not include the room where we enter the house. They love to RUN through opening doors, and when you come in she may want to run toward and out the door.
Wherever you keep her, you must CATPROOF the area. Nothing glass or metal that she could pull over onto herself. No small objects she could try to eat and swallow. Make sure she has a scratching pad and a scrathing post, food and water and litter box wherever she is confined. If you confine her, try to make it as large an area as possible. They are very curious so be very careful with what is out. I have a friend that was not careful and her 16 week old kitten pulled a glass vase off of a table. The vase fell on the kitty’s tale and severed the tail. It had to be amputated.
4. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. They love to play with YOU! It is expecially important to do this in the MORNING and in the EVENING. Cats are crepuscular!. It is natural for them to be active the hours around sunrise and the hours around sunset. Wand toys are good and so are balls. Do not give them anything that is small or has small parts. Or you do not even need a toy to be able to play with her. My ragdoll, Prince Harry, LOVES to play hide and seek. He will play this with me forever. I tire out before he does
Thanks for your advise J, I will be sure to put them into practice. Just one question tho if i may; why a stainless steal bowl?
Alex
Alex:
Stainless steel bowls do not react with the water. Many plastic bowls leach material into the water and/or the cats can have an allergic reaction from having their chin touch the edge of the plastic bowl. Some cats develop small lesions in their mouths from using plastic bowls. The ceramic bowls can be good; however, many are made in China and have the potential of containing lead.
Cats love water that is moving/flowing, and because of the number of dogs I have and the cat, I purchased a Drinkwell, and the dogs and cat drink from it.
Even when she was a tiny kitten, she would find a way to climb up so that she could drink from the flowing fountain.
I am planning to get my first ragdoll kitten tomorrow and I am getting really freaked out by all of these comments! I am getting a female blue linx that is about 4 1/2 months for $400. Everything that I read before said how docile and friendly they were, how they lack a fighting instinct, how they are not very vocal except at mealtimes, that they can live like 20 years, that they are generally healthy cats… I know that any animal can potentially have SOME issues but sheesh! I have ordered a perch with scratching post, and plan on a self-cleaning litter box. Plus my 6 year old son is so excited! I plan good vet care but I’m wondering if I shouldn’t just get a domestic short hair for free!
Kelly,
I have had a domestic short haired tabby and now I have a seal color point male Ragdoll.
They both have characteristics of cats in general. In general, the way Ragdolls have been described to you is all true; however, they are still cats and they will have “cat issues” just like any other cat. I have also learned that in spite of each cat’s “catness”, they each have their own personality based upon their genes and their upbringing. In general, I think that the Ragdoll is a much better house pet than a domestic short haired tabby. However, my tabby was raised by me personally from the time he was 1 week old. This made him the most loving and gentle of any cat that I have ever known. But if he had been raised by his mother, he would have been wild and afraid of people. Unfortunately, his breeding was not controlled and therefore had major health issues. He died only after two years of a congentital heart defect. All in all, you will have much better luck with your little Ragdoll. Just remember, it is just a kitten and just like a little human, he will grow up well or poorly based upon how his/she is treated and cared for. You cannot control the genes, but generally, Ragdolls have few genetic health problems. Some have personality issues, which is hard to tell if it is genetic or caused by upbringing. In order to protect the kitty, most breeders will not release a kittle to an owner until the kitten is between 12 & 14 weeks. Unfortunately, most breeders do not have the time to spend a lot of time with each kitten, so they do not turn out to be as gentle and loving as they could have been. But there is always the exception either based upon genes or based upon the individual breeder. Just be aware, it is not entirely the breeders fault, they generally want the kitten to be feed by the mother to protect the health of the cat. This causes the cat to bond with a cat as its mother rather than a human. The more cuddling and handling by humans in the early weeks, the more pleasing the personality of the kitten, but also the more potential danger for harm to the kitten. It is a delicate balance.
Hey everyone,
wow ragdolls sound like such a great breed!
Im moving out of home next year for university, and plan on getting a ragdoll kitten.
Im just so excited, I’ve planned everything from the name down to the food they’ll eat. (It’s endorsed by Dr Harry!)
I understand that every cat will have it problems, and im even excited about that!
Thanks for putting up such an informative website. Its favourited for further use
Emily.
I just got a ragdoll Two weeks ago. I have a nine yearold maltease poodle. The kitten runs and hides from the dog. He also runs from us and does not like to be picked up. I am worried he will grow up and not be affectionate. I would appreciate any advice.
Liz
Hi Liz
it sounds like you got a kitten from a bad breeder. Kittens should be socialized before they go to the new home, and obviously yours was not socialized.
I would get a harness for the kitten and put it on him. I would keep him close by, reaching down and petting him, talking nicely to him, and when he responds positively, I would give him a treat. I would also recommend using a clicker to mark the good behaviour and then treat it. Look up clicker training and go to Karen Pryor’s site for more information.
I would also bring the cat over to friends houses, exposing him to more people and experiences, and also getting the dog to play nice with the cat. I would also get them both to sit, click and treat both of them at the same time.
I have an almost 11 month old female ragdoll who has been toilet trained since she was 15 weeks old, and she is clicker trained to sit, stay, down and give a paw, using a clicker. When I practice with my dogs and take out the clicker, she runs to be part of it. She shares the house every day with 3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and right now, her best buddy is the 17 month old male Cavalier I am babysitting.
A properly socialized Ragdoll gets along very well with dogs of all sizes, and other cats too.
Males, be they cat, dog or the 2 legged versions are not as easy to manage as the females.
Liz,
Gale’s advice is “right on”. Follow it and you and your Ragdoll with do fine. The only thing that I could add is “be patient” with you kitten. My two-year-old male ragdoll did not like to be picked up when he was little either. However, I persisted, but never forced, with attention and picking him up, even for just a few seconds, until he gradually got used to it and now he will let me pick him up and carry him around the house
Hi there,
I hope you can help me. My mother has a rag doll which is a little under 2yrs old. From the beginning it has not been an affectionate cat at all and more inclined to want to be alone than enjoying cuddles or pats. Over time it has also become more and more aggressive, to the point where he has attacked my mother a couple of times.
He will crouch down and mum describes his eyes as turning black when he does this (they are normally blue), he will then leap forward and attack her with his claws. This morning he did it whilst she was getting dressed and got her legs.
He has Hills Science food and plenty of fresh water, he is desexed and an indoor cat. There are no other pets other than a bird and mum does go our about 3 out of 5 days for a few hours to bingo, where he is left at home alone.
This seems more than just kitten playfulness… any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated.
Try a squirt bottle with a little vinegar. Shoot him when he misbehaves and with a firm NO! Also you can cover his face with your hand and push him backwards, with a firm NO!
Someone please help me! I took in my sisters ragdoll cat in while she’s working in Europe … then eventually moved the cat and I back into her small apartment in the city. She goes to the bathroom all over the apartment every time I leave! It’s disgusting …I’ve had cats all of my life and I have never dealt with one like this before. She has had me in tears on at least 4 occasions. The last one being tonight when I was sitting on the couch, she went rite underneath the couch (both pee and poop). I then tried to get her from underneath the bed and noticed there were two more pee spots on the hardwood floors. What is wrong with this cat!??
She eats normally and drinks water. Bought her a new HUGE cat litter box and clean it every time I see that’s she’s gone in it when I’m home. I know part of the problem lies with me working long hours and leaving sometimes for a couple of days but really? I can’t live like this and have been looking online for no-kill shelters to give her away to. I really don’t want it to come down to that but I really can’t live like this especially from a cat. It’s like having a new puppy.
She is currently locked up in the bathroom and I feel terrible.
p.s. I’ve had her for almost 1 1/2 years and this is the worst it’s ever been. Horrible.
Hi, I will be purchasing a ragdoll kitten in a couple of weeks. I have the pick of the litter and can get a male or female. Not having any pets at all want to know if I should get a male or female? I want to have a pet that is loving and one that is clingy or cuddly. Can anyone tell me which is more affectionate with adults, males or females????? Thank you for any advice you can give me as I have to make a choice of girl or boy soon…
Kelsea
Male cats can mark, and are more likely to than females. Females, whether canine or feline, are easier to train.
I have a very independent female Ragdoll who is toilet trained and clicker trained. Males can be more headstrong and less trainable, but that is not to say all are.
I prefer female animals; I have 2 male dogs and a female one, and the females are much easier, but if you want a challenge, get a male.
Hi,
I just got my ragdoll a few days ago, her owners had to move and could not keep her so I took her in. Im not sure if she is just adjusting to her new surroundings or what, but she prefers to stay in my basement where her litter box is. I take her upstairs and for a while she will stay and then run back downstairs. I dont have any other pets and Im wondering if she may be lonely. I recently noticed that she threw up her dry cat food. I give her plenty of food and water, and I bought her catnip toys as well as a scratching post. I go down there and make sure everything is ok and play with her for a bit. I want to know if this is normal for her or if I need to change anything.
Dear Shane,
You do not say how old the cat/kitten is?
Perhaps you could try putting her in a small room upstairs closer to you with her litter, food, water and a box or bed for comfort.
Remember a few toys too: A ball that jingles, catnip mouse or bag, the scratching post rubbed with catnip, and maybe a shirt you have worn.
This will be the cat’s new safe place to retreat.
You can always move the litter box to it’s permanent location later.
Close the door to the basement or anywhere else she can hide.
Make sure she gets used to you and the household sounds. sights and smells.
When she is anxious, you can place her is her new spot and close the door for a while to let her chill.
Play with her in her safe room and then coax her out or walk her around in your arms speaking softly to her. Let her know it is safe to be with you. The older she is, the longer this will take.
I have one cat, my first one that took several months of reassurance until she felt comfortable. She is now the Alpha cat of a household of 5 and far from the shy timid girl she was upon arrival.
Good luck, and remember patience really does work a whole lot better than trying to rush it. Each cat is individual, and I have had many for the past 40 years, but they are worth the wait!
Shane,
Patricia’s advice is good. Generally, any time you bring a new cat to a home or move a cat from one home to another, you should:
1. Bring something from the cat’s previous environment.
2. Put the item and the cat in ONE closed room along with its food and litter box.
3. Keep the cat their for a week or so until it calms down.
4. Make sure you visit the room often and let the cat come to you if it wants. If it comes, play with it a little.
5. After a week or so, open the rooms door and let the cat gradually explore other parts of the house.
6. Dont open up too much of the house to the cat all at one time. Especially, avoid opening gagrages, porches or utility rooms to the cat at first.
Cats are territorial and when they are moves to strange places, they can get stressed, confused, and nervous. A gentle introduction to the new place with something from the previous environment (like a blanket, mat, or toy) helps the transition.
It is nature for the first week or so that the cat is going to avoid you while it gets used to its new surroundings.
Of course, as always, this is general advice. Every cat can have its own personality and can react differently.
I am getting a male ragdoll in two weeks time.I am worried that he will spray everywhere.If he is desexed at 6 months will it stop that behaviour before it starts. Or should I get a female instead.Please help.
Hi All
My partner and I have had a ragdoll for over a year called Misty. She is now almost a year an a half old. We though it would be nice for her to have a friend as sometimes we are at work all day so she has no attention. We have now purchased another ragdoll who is a year old who we called Chloe. Its only been a few days but we have introduced them slowly as advised, but Misty seems to be very wary off Chloe hissing at her and she didn’t even eat for the first day. Im under the impression that it could take a week or so for them to become friends but would be very appreciative for any advice anyone could give.
Many Thanks
Alex
Hi Alex — You may scan back through this thread and see that I left a message about a year to 1.5 ago. When my mother died, I took in her 3 year old Ragdoll, and brought her home across country to my house with an 18 yr old and a 17 yr old cats. It took literally a year for them to become brotherly/sisterly. At first, the new resident was friendly to the older, but the older would not accept her. She started to not use her litter box. It took time to bring them together, but is has been so well worth it. After the slow introduction, and 9 months of separation of their litter boxes (I have 5 boxes for 3 cats), I now have a peaceful (and loving) house. In my case, they worked it out on their own… but the newbie did have urineary problems, which took a while to resolve medically [ the emotional turmoil created medical problems/infections – loosing her parent (and mine), changing homes, and being forced into a home with other kits). Keep at it. Like me, one day you will find them all sleeping together.
hi, i have a 2 year old desexed male ragdoll. i got him at a very young age, (5wks), and he was the big bully of his litter. whilst he is fine with me (95% of the time), he is extremely aggressive towards visitors, and is very possessive or jealous when i have people over. its to the point that if i open the door to a guest, he will attack me! at my wits end – i love him to bits, but its not ideal not being able to socialise at home because of my pyschotic cat! any ideas??
We have a 9 month old male Ragdoll. We have always tried to keep our kitten indoors after reading about the Ragdoll breed extensively. However, lately our kitten has been trying to escape outdoors and when we keep him inside he cries and cries at us to let him out. We are at a loss as to how to resolve this and we are at the stage where we want to just let him outside for a short period but we know this will only encourage him. How do we stop our kitten wanting to go outside?
Re Message 39, your cat wanting to go out.
Put a harness on him with a leash. My Ragdoll HATES her harness, and she knows that that is the only way she goes outside. I did this last summer, harness on but no leash, and the gate to the deck stairs closed, telling her she has to stay on the deck. Now, I don’t have to put the harness on, and even now, she stays on the deck without her harness. When the dogs go out, sometimes she asks to go out, and I let her and she goes to the non gated edge of the deck, and puts her head between the ballusters to look out at the yard, and when I call her, she comes in. She knows that listening to me is better than wearing the harness, so she does. I am a dog trainer, and she is my first cat, but I have trained her like I do the dogs. She sits, goes down, gives a paw and then the other, stays and goes on a release word, all on command. We practice every night. She is also toilet trained, so no litter box! Yippee!
Hello I have a year old Rag Doll and he has become some what of a problem. Louie drinks out of the fishbowl Ive covered it but he still gets into it anyways. He gets into the garbage and up on counters. He plays with the wires in the back of my computer. H knocks things down anywhere he thinks hes found a toy. He has stopped responding to the word no or my loud claps I have even tried shaking pennies in a jar but hes non responsive to that as well. He comes when I call him but if he can see me and I call his name he ignores me. What can I do to correct these problems?
I have a one year old female ragdoll. I originally purchased her because of all the positive things I read about this breed. Mine is not very affectionate and doesn’t like my grand children. Could she be jealous of the kids? They are afraid of her. She doesn’t disappear when they come over. She stands her ground as if to say this is my house. She kind of growls when they go near her. I am very disappointed as I always had dogs and was looking for another pet that did not involve as much work as a dog. But she is not as affectionate as I would have liked. Her parents, whom I have seen and petted are both very affectionate.
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