Healthy cats have bright eyes, a shiny coat, a healthy appetite, maintain a good weight, and are playful.
Cats are also very good at hiding when they are sick. It is up to you to know when your Ragdoll cat is not feeling well. There are a number of warning signs you need to be on the lookout for. These behaviors are clues that tell you when your Ragdoll cat is sick. If you think your Ragdoll is ill contact your veterinarian immediately.
Watch for Lack of Appetite
If your cat stops eating suddenly this is a probable sign that your Ragdoll is sick. Keep an eye on your cat’s food; if you feed dry food throughout the day it can be difficult to gauge how much your cat is eating.
It is a good idea to feed your cat canned food at night in addition to the dry food available throughout the day. If you observe sudden weight loss in your Ragdoll cat, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your Ragdoll cat seems bonier or you can feel the ribs where you could not before, this is a sign of weight loss.
Periods of Inactivity, Weak or Lethargic Behavior, Excessive Sleeping Cats are less active when they aren’t feeling well. If your cat is suddenly less active, is not interested in playing, and seems lethargic, consult your veterinarian.
If your Ragdoll cat suddenly starts drinking excessive amounts of water this could indicate a kidney problem or feline diabetes. If you observe this behavior, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your Ragdoll cat suddenly develops foul breath, this could indicate dental or even metabolic problems.
Litter Box Problems
Going outside the box is often a sign that something is wrong. This could be a behavioral problem; however, it is best to have your veterinarian rule out a medical condition first when addressing the cause of litter box problems.
Drooling or Vomiting
Excessive drooling could be an indication of dental problems. Vomiting or gagging more frequently than the occasional hairball could indicate a problem. If your cat vomits frequently enough to lose weight this is a reason to see your veterinarian.
Related Articles Other People Have Read:
- Ragdoll Cat Health Warning Signs
- Ragdoll Cat Health – Monitor Warning Signs
- Seven Steps to a Healthy Ragdoll Cat
- Has Your Ragdoll Outgrown Kitten Food?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, we have had our ragdoll for 2 months. He seems not able to make sure all his poopies are wipe off. We are have to always check his bottom to make sure their isn’t any poopy on his coat. We have done some cutting hair & clipping the area. Is this common problem?
Comment from: Valerie Morris [Visitor]
Hi, we have had our ragdoll for 2 months. He seems not able to make sure all his poopies are wipe off. We are have to always check his bottom to make sure their isn’t any poopy on his coat. We have done some cutting hair & clipping the area. Is this common problem?
Hi,
my ragdoll always has what i call eye bugers. I have only had her 2 weeks the breeder i bought her from says it is normal. she is almost 4 years old. any info would be great!
Thanks,
Gina & Pheobe
My ragdoll is 10 yrs old, she was just at the vet and shows some weight loss, she weighs 8.8pds. Id like to talk to some cat owners of the older Ragdoll population. She had full blood workup,results tommorrow and her heart sounds good:) Is this about the age they start to get OLD:( ? I’m sad.
Best regards, Mary
Hello,
I took in this stray about a year ago. She is the prettiest thing in the world. I’ve been told that she may be Ragdoll. I’m uncertain about it though! If you could help me figure this out that would be great. Also she recently got infested with fleas and I’ve been trying so hard to get rid of them. I just purchased Advantage off the internet and I’m expecting it to arrive soon. She’s loosing hair from scartching so much and that worries me. Also I don’t know if maybe I should change her food or not because her skin looks dry. I fed her meow mix and I’m guessing that I should up grade to a better brand of food. She is the sweetest cat I’ve ever seen… i just love her and just want to make sure she will have a great life. please help me. Also i’ve add a URL link to a picture of her. Thank you for your time. http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/caspersdanika/100_2684.jpg
☺She IS A Ragdoll Looks Just Like Pheobe Their coats are so thick when I bathed Pheobe sometimes I thought I rinsed out all the shampoo when I had not & caused her to dry out put A very little Olive oil in her/his Dry food mix it around to cover all the food it will help!!
Gina/Pheobe