Ragdoll Cats

Your Ragdoll cat is a cunning and intelligent creature; cats communicate and even manipulate their owners using body language, verbal communication, and aggressive acts. Here are examples of that communication.

Your Ragdoll cat’s tail is a window into their thoughts and feelings. Cats show agitation by broad swishes of their tail. If your Ragdoll has had enough of your petting, it might show this annoyance with wide swishes of the tail. If you persist your Ragdoll cat might growl, scratch, or even bite at your hand. This is a mild act of aggression intended to let you know enough is enough. The more vigourously your cat swishes its tail, the more agitated and impatient it is.

Fear is expressed differently. Cats tend to puff their tails straight up when frightened. This could be to make them appear larger in case attacked or further provoked.

Curiosity is displayed differently from fear or agitation. If your Ragdoll is curious or excited by something it will twitch its tail. A raised, non-bristled tail is also a sign of excitement or affection. The next time you crack open a can of food or treats, watch how your Ragdoll cat’s tail reacts to the situation.

Cats express themselves in other ways as well. Their body stance and ears also indicate their mood. Depending on the orientation of their bodies your cat could be expressing submission, fear, or even anger. Aggression is expressed by puffing up their coats. Submission is the opposite; cats hunker down when they are being submissive.

As for their ears, cats prick their ears up when they are curious or interested in their surroundings. If their ears are back it could be a sign of aggression, remorse, or hurt feelings. One of my cats was squirted with a can of spray air recently; after she realized what happened and her feelings got hurt, she tucked her ears back and ran away. (I don’t recommend the air duster can for use on your cat)

Cats express emotion verbally in different ways. Not all cats purr as a sign of happiness. Tigers are known to purr before attacking their prey; your Ragdoll may purr after having its chin scratched. Whether or not your cat is chatty seems to be dependent on their personality; some Ragdolls talk more than others. Louie, the cat featured on this website, only talks at mealtimes or when he has had a rough go in the litter box.

Ragdoll Cats Owner Guide: Learn How to Easily Train, Feed, Care For & Groom Your Ragdoll Cats