Ragdoll Cats

Part of the reason your Ragdoll Cat scratches is to mark its territory. In order to insure your cat uses the scratching post and not your sofa, place the scratching post in a prominent area of your home. If you tuck the scratching post away in a back room or a corner there is a good chance your Ragdoll cat will ignore it. If you don’t want to leave the scratching post in a prominent area of your home you can gradually move it once your cat becomes accustom to using it.

In the beginning, it is important to place your scratching post in the area where your cat is currently scratching. This could be your favorite chair or that Italian leather sofa. Your Ragdoll cat has already chosen territory so you may require more than one scratching posts to cover that territory. Purchasing a quality scratching post that is interesting and safe is important. The scratching post should not topple over or wobble. If you purchase more than one scratching post don’t purchase the same kind for each; offering your cat a variety of different posts will encourage use of the scratching posts. The scratching post you see below is an excellent example of a post that will keep your Ragdoll cat’s attention.

You can encourage your Ragdoll cat to use the scratching post by feeding and playing with them near the post. Be sure and have positive interactions with your cat around the scratching post. Offer rewards in the form of praise and treats when your cat uses the scratching post. Play with your cat’s toys around the post or even attach a favorite toy to it. It is also a good idea to have a scratching post near the area your Ragdoll cat sleeps. Cats enjoy a scratch after a good nap so providing a scratching post nearby will encourage the behavior.

If your cat is reluctant to stop scratching the old areas there are steps you can take to discourage them. If you cover the area being scratched with foil your cat will not want to scratch them. Smooth surfaces like aluminum foil do not feel good to your cat. You may also need to remove the scent from the area your Ragdoll cat is scratching. Pet stores offer odor removers from this purpose. Another thing you can try is a lemon scented potpourri spray. Cats hate citrus smells; bitter apple for cats is another product you can use to deter scratching.

Related Articles Other People Have Read:

Cat Scratching Post

Ragdoll Cat Scratching and Spraying

More on Scratching and Your Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll Cat Scratching: Train Your Cat to Scratch the Post

Your Ragdoll Cat and the Scratching Post

 Print This Post

If your Ragdoll cat has stopped using the litter box completely or is having frequent mishaps, there may be a simple solution to the problem. Here is a list of things to check that could be contributing to your litter box problem.

Are you scooping the box out on a daily basis?

Does your Ragdoll cat have easy access to the litter box?

Did you recently bring a new cat into your household?

Is your cat’s food and water bowl near the litter box?

Did you recently switch to a different brand of cat litter?

Did you start using or switch brands of cat litter disinfectant?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, go back to your old way of keeping up a litter box and you may find the problem goes away. If you have multiple cats in your household try setting up a litter box for each one. Some cats can be very picky when it comes to the litter box and they don’t want to share. If you recently moved the box to a different location, make sure the new area is quiet and offers your cat privacy. Another thing you can try is different types of cat litter; some cats prefer sandy cat litters. If your cat is going in one particular area, try moving the litter box to this spot. If your cat is going in different areas outside the litter box, try putting some cat food in these places. Cats don’t like to use the bathroom where their food is. Changing the type of box you use might help also; a litter box with a top could keep your cat inside the litter box. When your cat has an accident, use a strong enzyme cleaner such as uric acid to neutralize the smell. This will help prevent your cat from returning to that location again.

Stress could be contributing to your litter box problems. Don’t yell or punish your cat for this problem. Consider other factors that might be causing your cat stress. These factors could include other pets, children, illness, or new surroundings.

Related Articles Other People Have Read:

Your Litter Box and You

Ragdoll Cat Litter Box Problems

Making Litter Boxes More Comfortable For Your Ragdoll Cat

Correcting Litter Box Problems

Your Cat and the Litterbox

 Print This Post

Caring for your Ragdoll’s teeth and gums is easier than it sounds. Dental problems like periodontal disease are easy to prevent. Crunchy food for example is one thing that will help keep your Ragdoll’s teeth clean. The next thing is daily brushing. It is easiest to start brushing with a kitten. If your Ragdoll is no longer a kitten you may want to visit your veterinarian for a cleaning before you start brushing; this will ensure you are starting with teeth that are clean as possible.

To brush your Ragdoll’s teeth you will need a soft brush and pet toothpaste. Never us baking soda or even regular toothpaste as your cat could have a reaction to it. Your pet supply store can provide you with veterinary grade toothpastes flavored for use with a cat. Petco offers a starter kit that includes toothpaste and two brushes that works very well. When brushing your Ragdoll’s teeth pay special attention to the back teeth as these are most susceptible to periodontal disease. Plaque builds up on teeth every day; this plaque hardens to form tarter. Tarter does not come off with brushing; this has to be scraped off the tooth during a veterinarian cleaning. Because plaque hardens to form tarter you need to brush every day to remove the plaque before it hardens.

To get your cat used to daily brushings it is best to establish a routine. Pick a certain time of day and perform the brushing at the same time each day. Giving your Ragdoll cat a treat after the brushing will help establish the routine. It will take several days to get your cat used to brushing their teeth so be patient and offer lots of praise in the meantime. To brush teeth start by giving your Ragdoll a taste of the toothpaste. While offering this taste, slide your fingers along the gums. Repeat this activity and then do the same with the toothbrush. Gently brush the gum line and be sure to get underneath it. Pay close attention to the upper and lower back teeth. You should spend about one minute brushing the teeth and gums. If you are just getting started don’t try to brush all your Ragdoll’s teeth in one sitting. Start out by brushing your cat’s upper teeth first. It may take time before your cat will let you brush all of the teeth.

Your cat may still need a cleaning from the veterinarian every now and then even with daily brushing. By brushing each day you will ensure your cat needs fewer cleanings at the vet.

Related Articles Other People Have Read:

Your Ragdoll Cat’s Teeth

Pet Dental Health Checklist

Ragdoll Cat Dental Care: Caring for Your Cat’s Teeth

Ragdoll Cat Care

Your Ragdoll Cat’s Teeth

 Print This Post