All About Ragdoll Cats

Cat food can be classified into dry, moist and semi-moist foods. Each one has its advantages and Ragdolls need different types of food at different stages. Kittens need mostly breast milk and moist food, while adults require more protein and dry food. Pregnant Ragdolls have special dietary needs that change throughout the pregnancy as well.

A. Feeding Ragdoll Kittens

1. Introductory food

Ragdoll kittens should be exclusively breastfed for the first four to five weeks. Cat milk contains all the nutrients necessary for the kitten's growth including antibodies that help prevent disease. Breast milk also passes on other antibodies that the mother produced to fight previous diseases.

Extra food should be provided after four to five weeks as the kitten needs more nutrients to support its rapid growth. Introductory food should be easy to digest. Mix canned food with warm water or kitten replacement milk until it forms a loose paste. Do NOT use regular cow's milk - this is too heavy for kittens and may result in indigestion.

2. Switching to dry food

After another four to five weeks, your kitten should be ready for dry food. To make the transition easier, moisten dry food with a little warm water in the first few feedings. It's also important to choose high-quality supplements to dry food - some of the good brands are Iams®, Science Diet®, and Nutro Kitten®. Science Diet Feline Growth® is popular among Ragdoll kitten breeders. Supplements can be given twice a day with morning and evening feedings. You can switch to adult food after about 12 months.

3. Choosing and preparing kitten food

Ragdoll kittens have delicate stomachs so take extra care in choosing kitten food. Food should always be warm or slightly above room temperature. Discard any food that has been left out for more than 30 minutes, especially in the summer. Bacteria grows fast in warm, wet foods and may upset your kitten's stomach or even cause food poisoning. To keep from wasting food, just observe how much your kitten eats at a time so you know how much to prepare per feeding.

House flies can easily contaminate kitten food so keep your feeding area as fly-proof as possible. Wash the feeding bowl everyday with hot, soapy water and replace water in the drinking bowl several times a day. Wash the drinking bowl at the same time and refill with fresh water.

Table scraps can be given occasionally but don't make regular meals out of them. Cooked human foods lack the nut

Common Ragdoll cat diseases

1. Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common concern among Ragdoll owners. Although there are no recorded cases, the possibility is high because of the Ragdoll's bulk and weight distribution. It's important to get a written health guarantee from your breeder to make sure your cat is safe.

2. Feline hypertrophic myopathy

A more serious condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle common in many cat breeds. Feline HCM is potentially life-threatening, and in many cases the disease is only discovered when the cat dies at a young age. Studies have shown that HCM is inherited, and runs along several Ragdoll lines. Although it can occur at any age, it is more likely to occur in older cats who would otherwise have passed the disease on to offspring.

3. Constipation

Ragdoll cats normally pass waste one to two times a day. Less frequent or difficult bowel movements are usually a sign of constipation. A constipated cat will frequently run to the litter box but strain to pass stools, sometimes crying or licking the anal area. Lethargy and loss of appetite are also common symptoms. Advanced constipation can cause your cat to vomit liquid faeces.

Although occasional constipation is not a cause for concern, frequent constipation may require medical attention. Chronic constipation may be caused by underlying problems, such as digestive obstruction. This can be as simple as string or hairballs, or something more serious such as a tumour. In either case, the blockage can harden and enlarge the colon, which leads to painful bowel movements.

If your cat is chronically constipated, have him or her checked by your vet immediately. Surgery may be necessary to remove tumours and blockages. These can easily be removed when detected early, but they can be fatal if allowed to develop or spread.

4. Dental problems

A cat's mouth creates a warm, moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. Bacteria and tartar can build up on your cat's teeth, and without occasional brushing, this can lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Usually, the only symptoms are toothache and exposed roots, which are hard to detect.

Further Reading:

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