Ragdoll cats are a hearty breed that has very few health problems. A healthy Ragdoll with proper diet and exercise can live to be twenty years old. One common problem with Ragdoll cats is they tend to have sensitive stomachs. This can result in frequent vomiting when eating their food too fast or dealing with a hairball.
If you observe frequent vomiting with your Ragdoll cat, it is not necessarily cause for alarm; however, you should contact your veterinarian to rule out any other medical reasons for frequent vomiting. It is important to have a check up with your veterinarian at least once every year. Your veterinarian will keep your Ragdoll’s vaccinations current and test for parasites.
During the exam your veterinarian will listen to your Ragdoll’s heart, check his or her eyes, listen to your cat’s lungs and check the ears. Your cat’s eyes should be clear and bright, the ears should be free of parasites, and your cat should have a strong and regular heart beat. Your veterinarian should examine and clean your Ragdoll’s teeth if necessary.
Infections of the upper respiratory tack are common in cats; when a cat has a cold they often shun their food because they cannot smell. If you suspect your cat has a cold you should contact your veterinarian immediately. If your cat is having sneezing fits you should isolate him or her from your other pets as respiratory infections can be highly contagious.
Another common health problem for cats is urinary tract infections. If your cat cries or howls when using the litter box this is a strong indication of an infection. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box it could indicate a bladder infection. If you suspect an infection or observe a sudden change in behavior it is best to contact your veterinarian.
Related Articles Other People Have Read:
- Is Your Ragdoll Cat Sick?
- Ragdoll Cat Health Problems
- Preventing Feline Urinary Tract Infections
- Your Ragdoll Cat and Ringworm
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I have had two ragdoll cats. They were brother and sister. We lost the little bot when he was two years and three months old to Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Then in November 2006 we lost his sister (four years and four and a half months old) to the same disease.
Have I been unlucky or are Ragdoll Cats susceptible to FIP?
Julien Dixoon
I have a beautiful 8 year old male ragdoll who has never been really sick. Every time I take him to the vet for his vaccinations, he goes wild. He bit the vet’s assistant, and then he bit me until I calmly held his head in both hands and talked to him. I can’t figure out why such a gentle animal suddenly freaks out just walking into the vet’s office.
I have seen a litter of solid blue ragdoll kittens, but I’m not convinced they are ‘real’ full rag dolls as it states. I have only read that they come in shades of white/cream with brown tips etc. Any thoughts?
I also have a ragdoll chocolate point. We got him about a year before my 2nd child was born. He has never been anything other than relaxed and long-suffering with my young children, yet when I take him to the vet he does the same thing that Robin mentioned. He bit the vet, then the vet assistant and wouldn’t let me calm him down. Must just be a feature of the breed (there had to one negative with all these positives)….
I have an adorable male Ragdoll who turned two this summer and he’s only had one infection so far.. so hopefully he stays that way. He had this “Cat Acne” on his face.. it still comes back often enough.. the only reason why we got meds for it was because he scratched it and it got infected.. I’m not sure if this is common with Ragdolls.. or if it’s just possibly a teenager thing. Some of these bumps get really huge and make his lip look lop-sided.. I feel sorry for him! But I don’t think it hurts him much. Also .. is there any other way of telling if your cat has Urinary Tract Infections? Because my cat howls in the basement all the time and the basement is where his litter box is.. We always thought it was because he was lonely since my dog likes to attack my cat and keeps him away from us.. But i don’t know. I mean.. now I’m concerned..
I have a two year old ragdoll male I took him for his yearly jab . The vet said he has lost apound in weight in twelve months.The fact that he is moulting is a sure sign he is loosing weight. Should I be worried.To me he seems healthy enough and he passed check up. The vet wants to see him again in three months. Regards Pamela Gyles
We recently found a ragdoll cat, and when we located the owner he gave the cat to us noting he didn’t have enough time for him so we gladly accepted. “Trouble” is a one year old male that is very cute and friendly. We have noticed his eyes are watery, and doesn’t have much of a cry and were wondering if this is normal in this breed. We have another cat, and they have become great friends, and to dog which trouble couldn’t be bothered by. He last saw the vet 4/11 and is updated on all his shots, just having concerns that this may be a respiratory infection???