All You Need To Know

Owning a Ragdoll cat in Malaysia

Ragdoll cats are named after their ability to go limp; just like a Ragdoll. As big softies, their big bright eyes, bushy tails and fluffy build paired with their friendly demeanour makes them a cat that’s popular among cat lovers.

At Petchef, we believe that it is the parents’ responsibility to prepare the best living conditions for their cats. Read on to know more about the history, physical traits, personality, care requirements, and reasons why the Ragdoll cat may be the cat for you.

Breed overview

Personality

Gentle, affectionate, sociable, friendly and “puppy-like”

Weight

5.4 to 9.1 kg (12 to 20 pounds), Females: 4.5 to 6.8 kg (10 to 15 pounds)

Size

Large

Coat length

Semi-longhaired

Coat color

Chocolate, red, seal, blue, lilac, and cream

Coat patterns

Colourpoint, Mitted, Bi-coloured

Eye color

Striking blue

Lifespan

12-15 years

Hypoallergenic

No

Origin

California, United States

Personality & Characteristics

Ragdolls are known for their gentle, calm, and social nature. Owners often describe them as perpetual kittens or “puppy-like” — playful, easily trainable, and capable of learning to fetch or respond to calls. They tend to greet you at the door, stay by your side, and often sleep with their owners. Many also believe Ragdolls are sensitive to their owners’ emotions, offering not just companionship but emotional support.

Affection level

High

Friendliness

High

Kid-Friendly

High

Pet-Friendly

High

Exercise needs

Medium

Playfullness

Medium

Energy level

Low to Medium

Trainability

Medium

Intelligence

Medium

Tendency to Vocalize

Low

History & Origin

The Ragdoll breed was developed in the 1960s in California, USA, by a breeder named Ann Baker. She bred a white longhaired cat with a calm temperament to create this gentle, affectionate breed. They are believed to be a mix of various longhaired breeds, including Ragdolls, Birmans, and Burmese. Their unique traits and striking blue eyes quickly gained popularity, making Ragdolls one of the most beloved cat breeds today.

Grooming & Care

Despite their semi-longhaired fur, Ragdoll cats are considered relatively low maintenance. Here are some grooming and care tips to keep them clean and happy:

  • Brushing:

    Ragdolls have a semi-longhaired coat that requires regular brushing, ideally 2-3 times a week, to prevent matting and reduce shedding. A steel comb or slicker brush works well.

  • Bathing:

    Ragdolls generally do not require frequent bathing unless they get dirty, feel greasy or look stringy. Use a mild cat shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing or bring them to a professional groomer for a proper clean.

  • Nail Trimming

    Every 2-4 weeks helps prevent overgrowth and potential injury from sharp claws. Scratching posts also help them sharpen their claws in between trims.

  • Ear Cleaning:

    Check their ears weekly for dirt or wax buildup. Clean with a damp cloth or a vet-recommended ear cleaner, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.

  • Dental Care:

    Use a cat-specific toothbrush (or finger) and toothpaste to brush every 2-3 weeks, ideally everyday.

Common Health Issues

Ragdolls are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions like:

  • Weight and Joint Issues:

    As a larger sized cat, they are prone to gaining excess weight which adds on more load onto their joints leading to arthritis and mobility issues as they age.

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):

    A health condition that's caused by the thickening of their heart muscles, making it harder to pump blood effectively. However, some breeders do conduct DNA tests to eliminate or make it less likely for their Ragdoll kittens to have the condition.

  • Bladder Stones:

    If you notice your cat straining to urinate, peeing more frequently in small amounts, peeing outside the litter box, crying out while peeing and showing signs of pain, they might be having bladder stones. Immediate medical attention should be given as it can be serious or life-threatening if it develops into complete urinary blockage

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and maintaining a stress-free environment can help mitigate these health risks and ensure a Ragdoll’s overall well-being.

Diet and Nutrition

Ragdoll cats require a balanced diet to maintain their large size and overall health. Here are some dietary considerations:

  • High-Quality Protein:

    Being obligate carnivores (meaning their diet primarily consists of meat), Ragdoll cats need a diet rich in high-quality animal protein.

  • Balanced Nutrition:

    Ensure the cat food provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

  • Portion Control:

    Ragdoll cats are prone to obesity, so it's important to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding. Follow the feeding guidelines on the cat food packaging and adjust based on your cat's activity level and weight.

  • Fresh Water:

    Always provide access to fresh, clean water. Consider using a cat water fountain to encourage hydration.

Starting from only RM75 a month (or RM2.50 a day), Petchef’s team of vets and chefs can curate the perfect meal plan for your furkid! Each meal contains quality meat (chicken, beef, buffalo) or fish (salmon, tuna) and vegetables to ensure your furkid fulfils all their nutritional needs. No preservatives, no additives, no fillers or grains; only food they were born to eat.

Lifestyle and Living

Living with Ragdolls is relatively easy because they are highly adaptable cats that can easily make themselves at home. Here are some tips for your cat to live their best life:

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor:

    Cats are generally inquisitive and curious beings. It’s great to allow them to explore the outdoors under close supervision like being on a leash or tagged/microchipped if allowed to free roam. Otherwise, a catio (or a window bird feeder) would be a safe option that also lets them “experience” the outdoors from the safety of being indoors.

  • Enrichment:

    Ragdolls thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Provide toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and cat trees to keep them entertained. Interactive playtime with their owners is especially important, as they enjoy bonding through play.

  • Social Interaction:

    Ragdolls are highly social and enjoy being around people. They crave companionship and can become lonely if left alone for long periods. They do well in households where they receive plenty of attention and affection.

  • Exercise:

    While not overly energetic, Ragdolls need regular exercise to stay healthy. Daily play sessions with wand toys, laser pointers, or fetch games help keep them active and prevent obesity.

Adopt or Buy Ragdoll Cats

In Malaysia, there are several options for adopting or purchasing a Ragdoll cat:

  1. Animal Shelters and Rescues: Check local animal shelters and rescue organisations. While Ragdolls might not be as common in shelters as domestic shorthairs, there’s still a chance of finding one in need of a loving home.
  2. Breeders: Look for reputable Ragdoll breeders in Malaysia like Caramelladolls, Cookies Ragdoll Cattery- Malaysia, or Meowme Ragdoll Cattery. Ensure they are registered with a recognized cat breeding association, follow ethical breeding practices and have done the necessary tests to screen for genetics-related health concerns. You can find breeders through online directories, cat shows, or recommendations from local veterinarians.
  3. Online Platforms: Websites and online forums (like mudah.my) dedicated to pets often have listings for Ragdoll kittens or cats available for adoption or purchase. Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any commitments.
  4. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram may have local groups or pages where breeders or individuals post about Ragdolls available for adoption or sale.

Use Diligence

When adopting or purchasing a Ragdoll, always prioritise the health and well-being of the cat. Ensure the seller provides health records, vaccinations, and proper documentation. It’s also essential to visit the cat in person, if possible, to assess its temperament and living conditions.

Conclusion

A Ragdoll cat makes an ideal companion with its affectionate, gentle nature and social personality. Their easy going temperament, beautiful appearance, and strong bond with their owners offer both emotional support and joy. If you seek a loving, loyal, and low-maintenance feline friend, a Ragdoll is an excellent choice.

Pros of Ragdoll Cats Cons of Ragdoll Cats
Affectionate, gentle, social and great for families
Craves attention and can’t be left alone for long periods
Low energy and chill
Expensive
Beautiful appearance
Prone to social anxiety

FAQs

Most common questions about Ragdoll Cats asked and possibly not covered by the above sections.

Starts from RM2,000 to RM5,000 or more depending on factors such as the breeder, lineage, and overall quality of the cat​.

Their friendly, gentle, and sociable personalities makes them good with kids and even dogs.

Ragdoll Cats seem attuned to their owners’ emotions, providing comfort and support in times of need.

Ragdolls are not high maintenance; they require regular brushing and social interaction but are otherwise low-maintenance and adaptable.

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