Cat Care Tips - What You Should Know Before You Get a Cat

Cats are great companions. They can improve human quality of life. So, what are you waiting for? Just get one.

Get a Cat

Not so fast!

There are some rules you should follow when choosing your future pet.

First of all it is important to balance the advantages and disadvantages of having a male or a female, a kitten or a cat, a long or a short-haired cat, purebred or not.

Usually females are more easy to take care of. But males can turn almost like females when they are sterilized.

Kittens have still to be taught to use the litter box. Old cats may already know how to use the litter box but they can also bring bad habits that are not easy to get rid of.

Long-haired cats can be harder to take care of. While these kind of cats must be brushed every day, short-haired cats can take care of their own hair almost without human intervention.

Purebred cats are very expensive. If you only need a cat for companionship you can find a not purebred cat cheap or even for free, so beautiful or even more beautiful than a purebred one.

When you already decided which cat you want you should consider where you can get one. Then, before you actually get the cat, you should examine the cat carefully in order to make sure that you are getting a healthy animal.

The health of the animal is very important. That's why the next step is registering your cat in a veterinarian. There you can get your cat vaccinated. And the veterinarian can give more detailed information about the health of your cat.

by Julia teles

How To Check And Clean Your Cats Ears

An important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy is checking and cleaning their ears. Because the ears are one of the few parts that cats can not reach themselves they need a little help from a loving owner. Keeping your cats ears clean is extremely important because any unremoved dirt, debris, or wax can clog the ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning at home augment’s your cats own natural grooming habits.

1. How to check the ears


During petting, casually check your cats ears for discharge, redness, unpleasant smell, swelling, and even lumps. Also observe your cat’s behaviour, if he often scratches or paws at his ears (and sometimes even shakes his head often), then he might be feeling discomfort in the ear area. If you notice that your cats ears are becoming painful or inflamed, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian has the equipment to look deep into your cat’s ear canal and give an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian will determine if allergies, skin conditions, ear mites, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi are causing ear diseases. Seek early treatment, or your cat’s ear condition may become too late to heal.

2. How to clean the ears


Ask your veterinarian for gentle ear cleaning solutions you can use to keep your cats ears clean. These special solutions are effective in removing excess wax, moisture, and debris from your cat’s outer ear canal. Be sure to use only solutions that are specifically formulated for cats. Avoid medicated solutions, unless your veterinarian advises you to use it.

Different solutions are administered differently, but most of them require you to follow these steps.

* You typically only need a few drops of the ear solution. Squeeze the bottle and let a few drops fall on into your cat’s ear canal.


* Start massaging the base of your cats ear gently. You should hear a ‘squelch’ while you do this. Repeat the same

procedure with the other ear. After both ears have been cleaned, let your cat shake its head, this loosens the waxes.

NOTE: Stop massaging immediately if your cat feels pain, and then take your cat to the veterinarian if you haven't already done so.

* Wipe the solution by wrapping your forefinger with cotton wool, this should clean off wax and debris. Do this gently though and do not poke in too deep, or you might hurt your cats eardrum.

It is recommended not to use cotton buds, which can injure the ear canals’ sensitive lining.

by Drew Pilton

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

Some cat owners make the mistake of preventing their cat from eating grass. There are various reasons for this, one being that they think it makes their cat ill or upsets their stomach. This is an incorrect assumption and in fact the eating of grass followed by regurgitation is a perfectly natural behavior for all cats.

Cats do not possess the ability to separate meat from fur bones or feathers before eating like we do so they have to eat the digestible parts along with the indigestible parts. When the cat has finished digesting what he can the rest has to be removed from the system. To try and pass this through the digestive tract could cause obstruction and severe illness so this is where grass eating comes in.

The habit of eating grass triggers the natural process of regurgitation of indigestible foods including its own fur balls which would otherwise obstruct the system. This can appear to us humans as if the cat is being violently ill but this is not the case and in fact is very beneficial to the cat.

What about other plants and vegetables?

Cats cannot produce the enzymes needed to break down plant matter. Even when pureed or powdered, vegetables simply pass through the digestive tract without leaving any of their nutritional content. This alone is not harmful to your cat, but when undigested plant matter mixes with highly digestible food such as meat, indigestion and other complications may occur. Grass is an exception however; some cats compulsively eat grass when you leave them outdoors. This will cause them to regurgitate the indigestible matter, including raw vegetables.

If your cat is unable to get access to grass he may attempt to eat your house plants instead. This could be dangerous because some house plants and flowers are toxic to cats, so if you have a house cat like a Ragdoll cat for example you should provide a regular supply of potted grass to prevent him looking elsewhere. And most importantly do not punish your cat for regurgitating on to you carpet because he will not know why you are punishing him. Regurgitation is an involuntary action of your cat’s stomach so he could not stop it happening even if he tried. Cleaning up after the occasional regurgitation should be an accepted part of being a loving cat owner as they are only doing what comes naturally.

by Drew Pilton

This Ragdoll Cat Likes to Wear a Hat

After losing our 16-year old beloved but crabby tabby cat to old age we really felt a void in our household. For years we had been attracted to the idea of adopting a Ragdoll cat, but Bunky (our tabby) was not at all receptive to the idea. We longed to fill the void in our lives with a breed of cat which is noted for being very gentle and affectionate.

We began to research catteries on the internet and we were lucky enough to find a male, blue color-point Ragdoll kitten which would be available in just a few weeks. The breeder arranged to ship the kitten to us via Continental Airlines. We were a little leery about having a tiny kitten taking a plane trip, but Continental is renowned for their care in transporting animals in temperature-controlled cargo holds.

When we picked up our kitty, Andy, he was just a little 2-pound ball of fluff. He was happy to come out of the pet carrier and he slept, purring in my wife’s lap on the 90 minute drive home from the airport.

Ragdolls are noted for their sweet temperament and Andy fits the bill. Now that he is 18 months old he is almost 14 pounds with a long, muscular solid body and dense, silky hair which is non-matting.
Even with his large physique (and he won’t be full-grown until he’s 3 years old) Andy lives up to the Ragdoll reputation of relaxing all his muscles when we pick him up. He is a big, blue-eyed bundle of fur that enjoys being pushed along the tile floor where he lays waiting in front of the pantry door for a treat. One of his favorite things is being brushed. He actually begs for it so of course we have to comply at least once a day!

He follows me around the house like a puppy dog and is fascinated by water to the point where he will join me or my wife in the shower.
He stays next to where the water is splashing and laps up a long drink while his silky hair becomes dotted with the sparkling drops of water. Andy also likes to wear a hat! If I leave my baseball cap where he can get to it, he ducks his head underneath the hat until just his nose and eyes are sticking out from under the bill. He seems to enjoy wearing the hat as he relaxes beneath it.

The Ragdoll breed is so docile that their claws rarely come out when their humans are playing with them. Andy uses his paws like hands to let us know he isn’t done being petted. When we are asleep he is most comfortable with one of his big soft paws resting on my face or arm.

I can’t say enough about the virtues of this wonderful breed of cat.
Andy and our new little Ragdoll cat, Molly, have certainly enhanced our lives. If you like cats, you will LOVE Ragdoll cats!

by Robert Henie

6 Things To Look Out For When Buying A Ragdoll Kitten

What you are about to read may save you a lot of
heartache. Buying a Ragdoll Kitten, even from a breeder, can
be a minefield. Here are 6 things you should look for when
going to a breeder for a Ragdoll kitten.

Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds at the
moment. There's good reason for that. The Ragdoll cat is
affectionate and a pleasure to have around. But you really
have to be careful about where you buy your kitten from
because not all breeders are created equal, and you don't
want to end up with a kitten that has health problems.

1. Ask your breeder if the kitten is a full-bred Ragdoll.

It may seem like a silly question to ask, but it's something
you really need to know. Some breeders are cross-breeding
the Ragdoll with other breeds in order to get new colours
and patterns. A Ragdoll cat is only considered to be a
fullbreed when its four generations out from any cross.

2. If a breeder is asking a much lower price than most
others in the area, ask why.

It's possible that the breeder is cutting corners and not
telling you the full story. It's a shame, but you have to be
on the lookout. It could be something as simple as they are
trying to attract more customers, or they have more kittens
this year than expected, but you should ask the question all
the same.

3. Is the kitten 12 weeks old or more?

If you want a well-adjusted kitten then its essential that
you wait until the kitten is at least 12 weeks old. This
gives the chance for the breeder to socialise the kitten, as
all good breeders will know how to do. In addition to this
the kitten's immune system will be much stronger. Make sure
that the kitten has had at least one of its shots. Steer
clear of any breeder offering kittens up at 8 weeks. If they
are doing this it is to save costs, since a kitten grows
especially fast in the time between 8-12 weeks. You're much
better waiting to get your Ragdoll. It will be easier on
you, and easier on them.

4. Get a health guarantee and contract.

Never buy a kitten without a health guarantee and contract.
This protects both you and the breeder. Remember to read the
contract carefully. Don't just take their word for it. A
breeder will be more than happy to sign a contract if they
are certain that their breeding stock is disease-free. Make
sure it's at least a two year guarantee, as some defects
don't show up until a cat is fully grown.

5. Visit the cattery.

If it's at all possible you should visit the cattery and see
the conditions the cats are bred under. There are several
things to look for: overall cleanliness; whether the males
and females are separated to prevent inbreeding; are the
cats with kittens kept separate from the other cats? Just
make sure that the cats aren't too separate. If they
look like they are getting by with a minimum of human
contact this can be just as bad. They'll be nervous around
strangers and you don't want that.

6. Make sure the kitten is socialised.

If the kitten runs away from humans, then there is a good
chance it hasn't been socialised. This will make for a
nervous kitten and maybe even a nervous or neurotic cat when
the Ragdoll cat grows up. If you buy a kitten that isn't
socialised it's going to be hard on them to move...and even
harder on you.

A Ragdoll cat is one of the most beautiful and loving cats
you can buy. When going to a breeder for a cat, you need to
be aware of the pitfalls, so that you and your new kitten
will be happy.

Trudy McDonald

Choosing a Ragdoll Cat

When I was growing up, our family always had indoor-only cats. I grew up with at least one pair of cats (Siamese) around all the time, and there became my love of cats.

When I got married, both my husband and I decided to choose a cat for our new life together. Our criteria was, a family friendly cat which we could keep indoors, a cat which got along well with young children (as we were expecting a child), and a cat which was easy to groom and had a great temperament. Oh, and my husband liked large cats too.

After extensive research over several months and several cat shows, we finally decided that the Ragdoll cat was our perfect pet, and purchased a Mitted Seal Point male who we now call Bijou.

The following information should help you when choosing a ragdoll cat:

The Breed

The Ragdoll was first bred in the 1960's in the USA. It was a cross between a Birman and a Persian-type cat. The breed was found to be so relaxed and laid back that it could be easily compared to a child's ragdoll when picked up. Ragdolls are slow to mature and reach full maturity in 3-4 years. Neutered males can weigh between 13-20 lbs, females about 5 lbs less. It's important to note that these are indoor only cats and should never be let outdoors unless supervised. This breed is so sociable, they can easily be taken by strangers. The coat of this cat is more like rabbit fur than standard cat fur. Although these animals are long hared, they are easy to groom and shed very little with no matting in the fur. A mystery to us indeed, but we like the low maintenance.

Personality

When choosing a Ragdoll cat, you want to take into account that Ragdolls are gentle and affectionate cats.They are sociable and loving and get along with children, other cats and dogs without problems. Although you may read that Ragdolls are quiet cats, that's not the case with ours. Bijou is very vocal and will let you know when he wants to be fed as well as "singing" for us sometimes at night when the lights go out. Although our 7 year old is quite rough with him, he tolerates the squeezing and tugging well. Our ragdoll has never once bitten anyone and probably never will as he is so laid back. One other thing: the ragdoll will frequently follow you around the house like a dog and is quick to come to you when called, and ours is no exception. He also loves to lay down with you on the bed and seems to be with you wherever you are.

Colors

Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns. There are only four colors accepted by the Cat Fancier's Association: Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac. The colors come in pointed, mitted, or bicolor patters, so when choosing a Ragdoll cat, you will need to do your research to determine which you like.

When choosing a ragdoll cat, you will want to determine if you want a sweet tempered, family oriented cat. If so, then the big ragdoll might be the ideal cat for you.

If you are looking for more information about the Ragdoll cat, I can highly recommend a guide which will provide you with Ragdoll cat specific tips for every stage of your cat's life. Click on the Authors website below if you want the best advice to make your ragdoll happy, healthy, and well behaved

by Mary Freeman

The Right Food to Feed Ragdoll Cats And Kittens

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

Ragdoll kittens ought to be only breastfed for the first four to five weeks. Cat milk includes 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.

More food ought to be supplied after four to five weeks, as the kitten requires more nutrients to support its fast growth. Introductory food ought to be easy to digest. Mix canned food with warm water or kitten replacement milk until it constitutes a loose paste. Do NOT use regular cow's milk this is too heavy for kittens and could cause in indigestion.

Dry food

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

Choosing and preparing kitten food

Ragdoll kittens have fragile stomachs, so take extra care in choosing kitten food. Food should always be warm or slightly above room temperature. Discard all food that has been left out for more than 30 minutes, especially in the summer. Bacteria grows fast in warm, wet foods and may possibly upset your kitten's stomach, or even lead to food poisoning. To stop 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 daily 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 do not contain the nutrients necessary for your kitten's growth. Generic cat food from groceries are better, but Stellarhart recommends high-quality foods from specialty pet stores. Also, cats don't like the smell of plastic and metal containers, so use only glass drinking bowls.

Dry vs wet foods

Dry foods are generally better for your Ragdoll, except in the breastfeeding and introductory stage. They work your kitten's chewing muscles and help keep the teeth white. Dry food consists in the main of meat and vegetables, and can be moistened or served dry. Serving them dry allows your cat to nibble throughout the day, rather than eating one large meal at a time. Dry food ought to contain about 9 to 10% moisture, 8% fat, and 30% protein.

Moist food contains about 75% moisture and equal amounts of fat and protein. Not all moist foods are the same some are all-meat or all-fish, while others are a mix of meat and vegetables. The former should not be used for regular meals, as your cat can get addicted and refuse to eat other foods. The small treat cans of variety foods are usually all-meat or all-fish. As with kitten food, moist foods ought to be warmed to room temperature before serving.

Semi-moist food has about 35% water, 27% protein, and 7% fat. Most of them are nutritionally balanced, very tasty, and can be left out for nibbling, but they spoil quicker than dry food.

Kitten treats

Occasional kitten treats will not harm your kitten, but take care not to fill them up so they can still eat regular meals. Treats ought to not provide any more than 10% of your kitten's daily caloric intake. Look for hard chew treats to help improve your kitten's dental health

B. Feeding Ragdoll Adults

Ragdolls are not very active, so they gain weight faster than other cats. Do not let them become obese provide them only 70 calories per kilogram of body weight. A lot of what people believe to be cats’ favourite foods are actually harmful. Here are some of the most common cat food myths:

Fish

Fish may be good for cats, but it can’t cover all their nutritional needs, and too much of the same nutrients can be harmful. Tuna is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which need vitamin E to break them down. too much tuna in your cat’s diet can cause yellow fat disease (steatitis).

Milk

Milk is rich in water and carbohydrates, but many cats are lactose intolerant and get digestive problems a few hours after drinking milk. Regular cow’s milk can cause diarrhoea and loose stools, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. If your cat likes milk, use replacement cat milk instead.

Catnip

Cats love the smell of catnip leaves, but it can cause short-term behavioural changes. Catnip is a hallucinogen and may possibly put your cat in a state of near delirium. Some effects include rolling, rubbing, chasing phantom mice, or simply staring into space. Although it’s not addictive, catnip has no place in your cat’s diet.

Dog food

It could be more convenient to feed your cat and dog from the same dish, but it’s not very healthy for either pet. Cats require more protein, taurine, preformed vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and arachidonic acids, which they can get from a meat-heavy diet. A shortage of these nutrients can make your cat seriously ill, and an overdose can have the same effect in dogs.

Low ash diets

A popular belief among cat owners is that diets low in ash can help discourage urinary tract infection. But that’s only partly true. Ash is not a single nutrient, but is actually a group of minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Lower levels of magnesium keep urine at its normal, slightly acidic state, but reducing other minerals will have no effect.

Other foods to avoid

Alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol can be toxic and cause fatal complications.

Baby food.

Many baby foods contain onion powder, which can be harmful to the blood.

Fish and meat bones.

Small splinters can cut into the digestive tract and lead to bleeding.

Caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate).

Caffeine can affect the cat’s heart and nervous system.

Citrus oil extracts.

This can lead to stomach upsets and vomiting.

Fat.

Animal fats can lead to pancreatitis.

Don’t feed your cat fatty cooked meats, or at least trim the fat off first.

Grapes and raisins.

These contain a toxin that can harm the kidneys.

Human vitamin and iron supplements.

Excessive iron can damage the liver, kidneys, and the lining of the digestive tract.

Liver.

Liver is safe in limited amounts, but an excess can cause vitamin A toxicity.

Macadamia nuts.

Unknown toxins in macadamia can damage the muscles, digestive system, and nervous system.

Marijuana.

Marijuana can lead to vomiting, depression, and irregular heart rate.

Mushrooms.

Some mushrooms contain highly toxic substances that can affect multiple systems and even cause death.

Onion and garlic (powdered, cooked or raw).

These contain disulfides and sulfoxides, which can cause anaemia. They are harmful to both cats and dogs, but cats are more vulnerable.

Persimmons.

Persimmons seeds can obstruct the intestines.

Potato, tomato and rhubarb.

These can be harmful to the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems. The leaves and stems could possibly also be toxic.

Raw eggs.

Raw eggs can damage your cat’s hair and coat.

Salt.

Salt and salty foods can cause electrolyte imbalance, a potentially fatal condition affecting the heart and nervous system.

String.

Strings from beans and other vegetables may possibly not be digested, which can cause blockages.

Sugar.

Sweets are high in empty calories, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Yeast dough.

Yeast can expand in the stomach during digestion, causing it to rupture.

Once you have educated yourself as to the unique requirements of ragdoll cats you will instinctively know what is good or bad for your cat.

by Drew Pilton

Where Did Ragdoll Cats Come From?

Let me share a short story with you about the Ragdoll
breed and how they came into being. When I first read about
this I was drinking a can of Diet Coke and almost ended up
with it all over the monitor. I have a feeling you'll find
it as amazing and amusing as I did.

I'm going to break the story up into stages, even though it
is interwoven. The reason I am doing this is that the story
of the creation of the Ragdoll breed is convoluted to say
the least. It took me a few reads to really understand what
happened. So here it is...a short history of the Ragdoll
Cat, and how they came into being.

There once was a woman named Ann Baker and she lived in
California. She had two cats, Josephine and Daddy Warbucks.
These two cats were to become the sires of a great breed of
cats. Without going into excruciating details about it,
Daddy Warbucks lived up to his name and eventually with
Joesphine's kittens and his genes a new breed of cat was
born.

Ann Baker called them Ragdoll cats and then trademarked the
name, demanding royalites from other breeders using the name
"Ragdoll" for cats.

She started a cat registry in 1971, after breeding more
Ragdoll cats from Daddy Warbucks, called The International
Ragdoll Cat Association and claimed that the breed differed
in 5 ways from other breeds of cats:

1) They were relatively large;

2) They are less sensitive to pain;

3) They lack skills for self preservation;

4) Their fur does not mat together; and

5) Their bodies go limp when you hold them.

This was all very sane, but it didn't stay that way for
long.

It's an X-File!

In a move worthy of Fox Mulder she started
making very, very unlikely claims about the reason for the
Ragdoll's traits. Some were out of this world. Literally.
The Ragdoll Cat is not what you think it is, according to Ann Baker, who
claimed that the genetics of the Ragdoll cat were from part
of a secret government experiment in genetics...and that
aliens gave her the breed. There were even more claims than
this, but I don't know how you can possibly top that.

Despite her eccentricities Ann Baker was credited with
setting the standard look and temprement of the breed. She
was not the breeder that brought the Ragdoll cat
international recognition, though. Denny and Laura Dayton
are responsible for that happening.

While Ann Baker was taking a walk on the wild side they were
setting up the Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International, and it
was they that managed to get the breed registered with the
NCFA, making the breed a recognised purebred.

You can think what you like. Maybe Daddy Warbucks was
kidnapped by aliens and then became the father of a whole
new breed of cats. Maybe it was hard work and careful
breeding. I'm leaning toward the latter, personally. But if
you see a flying saucer above your house, and are wondering
why it is there, it could just be aliens wanting the return
of their genetic cousin. You never know...

By Trudy McDonald

Ragdoll Cat Care - How Much Do You Know About Ragdolls? Quiz Yourself and Find Out

If you know anything about Ragdoll cats, you know just how easy it is to fall in love with them. Ragdoll cats require care that other breeds of cat may not. When you are considering ownership of a Ragdoll, it's important to think about what breed specific care your kitty will need.

I've created a short True or False quiz about Ragdoll cats and how to care for them.

Ragdolls are a small breed of cat and reach maturity at about 18-months-old. True or False?

The answer is false. Ragdolls are large cats at maturity. A normal weight for a male Ragdoll is around 15-20 pounds and females tend to be a few pounds less. It takes Ragdolls three to four years to reach full maturity.

Ragdoll cats are easy-going and don't require any maintenance. True or False?

False again. This is sort of a trick question because Ragdoll cats do tend to be easy-going and are not high-maintenance cats. Still, it is best to brush your Ragdoll at least weekly. Ragdolls have beautiful, soft, rabbit-like fur. Matting is not likely to be an issue with Ragdolls, but brushing will help to remove dead hair and prevent shedding.

Ragdoll cats do not feel pain. True or False?

False. There is no question that Ragdolls feel pain. They absolutely do. This myth came from Ann Baker, the creator of the Ragdoll breed herself. Fortunately this myth has been thoroughly refuted.

Ragdoll lovers probably instantly knew the answers to the quiz, but if you're new to the world of Ragdolls, maybe you learned something. There is a lot of information out there about the breed. If you continue studying these amazing cats, I'm sure you will be as much in love with them as I am.

By Marie Sampson

Do Cats Talk?

Of course they do, they talk to each other and they talk to you.. You just have to learn to be a good listener. It's sort of like a dog's training class, the trainer isn't training the dog, he's training you.

For instance, my oldest cat, an eight and a half year old Ragdoll, is a whiner. I often ask her if she wants whine with dinner. But, apparently, her whining has gotten her what she wants and she's not about to change.



So, when she comes into my bedroom at 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning, I first know she wants me to get up. But I've come to understand there is probably a good reason she wants me up. She has become the ‘spokesman' for an empty food dish. But then, she has four other felines depending on her to make sure the food and water fountain are filled and, believe me, she is very good at it because she is persistent.



Then there is Smokey, our seven year old Russian Blue. He is responsible for getting the pet door to their outdoor kennel opened, first thing in the morning. That's why he is uncharacteristically loud early in the morning. He also takes responsibility for reporting back in, to us and his housemates, if the weather is cold or if it is raining. On cold, wet mornings, he wastes no time with his report. I can tell he wants us to do something about it. I just comfort and sympathize with him until he calms down and finds another spot inside to relax.



Our third vocal kitty is Little Bit, a two and a half year old Manx with a stub of a tail. It has fallen to her to scold the others, chasing them while she does it. She's the most mischievous one in the family. It has also befallen her to be the beggar of treats, starting about 5:00 in the afternoon. Since I like to wait until dusk to bring them in, with the shaking of the treat container like the pied piper, she sometimes has to wait but continues to make her impatience known. After all, she has four others depending on her for their daily treats, so, she continues improving her vocal demands and I know exactly what she is saying.



Then, there is Precious, sister to Little Bit. Precious was given her name before we discovered her personality. Now, when I speak of her, I often say "Precious...NOT." Don't get me wrong. She is very lovable. She is also very vocal. She can be loud when she paces the house calling for her sister. She gets cross, like a sleepy baby, when she wants me to take a nap with her and I'm too busy. She will sometimes spend an hour or more following me every step I make, asking me to take a nap(I swear she says mama, over and over), until finally she gives up and finds a place to nap by herself. She also is like a little girl, watching my every move when I'm folding clothes or some other task, as if she's trying to learn how, in order to help me.



Last, but certainly not least, is Squeaky, a three and a half year old gray Tabby . She got her name when she was a ‘stray' living outside and only showing up for meals twice a day. I would call her for her food and not realize she was there until she was right next to me because of her faint meow. She is still quiet and shy with other humans, basically, only trusting me. She has become friends with Precious and they snuggle together at night. Even though she is shy, Squeaky does talk, mostly to tell me when Little Bit or Smokey are bullying her or when she needs a little love from me, often demanding it quietly by jumping into my chair if I'm working at the computer.



So, you see, they all talk, some more than others. Once you understand the personality of each cat and you learn to listen to them, their communication will become much clearer to you.

by Pat Lemmons

What Are the Top 10 Most Popular Pedigreed Cat Breeds?

Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the "Domestic Shorthair," came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.

7 Characteristics of a Ragdoll Cat

Did you know that Ragdoll cats are most sought after for
their personalities? I'm going to list 7 traits
that make the Ragdoll cat a pleasure to own.

If you've ever wondered if a Ragdoll cat is the one for you,
then these points may clear it up for you. Onto number 1...

1. They go limp when held.

This is actually a little bit of a myth. Not all Ragdoll
cats will go limp when held. Most do, though. They are a
very relaxed breed of cat, and most love to be held. It sets
them apart from many other breeds.

2. The breed is people orientated.

Ragdoll cats become very attached to their owners. By nature
they are a very social animal and simply love interaction
with the people around them. If you don't like a cat that
hovers around a Ragdoll cat may not be the cat for you.

3. As a breed they are calm yet love to play.

The breed retains a lot of kitten in them as they grow up.
Overall they are a calm cat, but if you put a toy in front
of them watch out! There's nothing more fun than watching a
cat kick a ball around the house. The good news is that they
won't be rough while they are doing it. Gentleness is part
of the breed.

4. They adapt to living in small spaces well.

A Ragdoll cat is perfect for a small apartment, and as long
as you don't introduce them to the great outdoor, they will
willingly stay inside. It's part of their relaxed nature to
adapt easily to living in an apartment.

5. You can train a Ragdoll cat to do tricks.

You've heard the saying that dogs have masters and cats have
staff? They are one of the few breeds who will put that aside and allow you to
teach them tricks. They are an intelligent breed and all it
takes is a little encouragement and you are off and running.
They will retrieve toys, fetch, and shake hands among other
things. You can have hours of enjoyment teaching your cat
new tricks.

6. They are not destructive in the home.

Most cats prefer to climb, jump on surfaces and generally
get into tight spaces. Not so, the Ragdoll cat. They are one
of the few breeds that actually prefer floor level to
jumping up on the kitchen bench. This makes them ideal if
you have a lot of breakables.

7. Their plush coat does not require excessive grooming.

Despite having a long coat they are one cat that does not
require you to brush them every other day. One of the
characteristics of the breed is that their coat does not mat
easily, and is so fine and light it doesn't tend to get
caught in the fibres of furniture, either. This is yet
another reason they are a great indoor cat.

If you are thinking of getting a Ragdoll cat, then these are
7 good reasons to look more closely at the breed. Just
remember that each cat is an individual, and not every
characteristic will apply.

Ragdoll Cat History is Stranger Than Fiction

The origins of Ragdoll cats are full of myth and controversy. This cat’s history is often contradictory and confusing; some of the Ragdoll story is just not possible. Other parts we know to be factual. First things first: the Ragdoll cat breed started in California back in the 1960s.

It was founded by a woman named Ann Baker. The very first cat of this breed was for all intensive purposes a regular cat named Josephine. Ann Baker noticed something special about Josephine and her offspring. She decided to breed for this characteristic. Ragdoll cats get their name from the fact that they go limp like a Ragdoll when held. Ann Baker went so far to trademark the term Ragdoll; anyone who bred Ragdoll cats had to pay her royalties to use the name.

It is for this characteristic of the Ragdoll cat breed that Ann Baker made her unusual claims. Josephine was once hit by a car. On one account Ann Baker claimed she had taken the injured cat to a local University to have her patched up; she asked the University to give her cat new DNA and this is why Ragdoll cats came to be.

Another claim the breed's founder made was that Ragdoll cats feel no pain whatsoever. The reason she gave for this followed suite with her previous claims that the cats were genetically altered and that they were in fact, alien hybrids. Move over x-files, there have been alien-feline hybrids on earth since the 60s.

Other claims made about this breed of cat are that they felt no fear, they are the ideal cat for people with cat allergies, and they do not have cat instincts due to the fact they are alien hybrids.

When it comes to myths about Ragdoll cats, ragdoll history is truly stranger than fiction.

How to teach your ragdoll lie down

To teach your cat lie down, you will need. your ragdoll cat mealtime, a quiet room where your cat fell comfort, your spesific command (down) You say down to your cat, the reward ( your cat favorite food or special treats)

Gently sit the cat on the table at the edge nearest to you, and pet him so he is comfortable.

You hold the food reward in one hand slightly below and in front of the table (but not close enough that he can grab it), give the command "Your dog name, down."

When the cat lowers himself to reach for the food, hit the clicker (or use your positive sound) and say "down, good down." Immediately give him his food reward.

Eventually your cat should respond to the command "down" and a downward gesturing of your hand, without the food being held below the table's edge.

Once your cat has learned this behavior consistently, you no longer need to place him on a table.

Ragdoll – What are They?

Anyone looking for a cat that is laid back and gentle should look at the catbreed "Ragdoll." The breed was developed during the mid-nineteen hundreds by a cat breeder in the US. He bred a cat that when people held it, it would be limp like a Raggedy Ann doll.

The breed was a cross between a Birman cat and another type of longhair cat from an unknown ancestry. The Ragdoll had a calm, relaxed nature, and although the Cat Fancier's Association did not initially acknowledge the Ragdoll, their descendants became the gentle Ragdolls we know today.

This breed is one of the largest of the cat breeds, weighing between ten and twenty pounds. It is no surprise that such heavy cats have big, muscular bodies. Their heads are slightly round, their ears are small and rounded, and a Ragdoll cat's large eyes are bright blue. This breed's tail is slightly bushy and tapers at the end.

The Ragdoll comes only in a few colors and patterns. Truly, there are actually only 4 colors accepted by the Cat Fancier's Association, Seal, Chocolate, Blue, and Lilac. You can find these colors in pointed, mitted, or bicolor patterns, but occasionally breeders avoid mitted cats because they look too much to the breed's Birman ancestors.

The Ragdoll's calm demeanor makes it the perfect choice for families. These cats are almost dog-like in their behavior, greeting relatives at the door, following them through the house, and snuggling down beside them on the couch. If you do not believe in de-clawing your cat, but are concerned about having your furniture ruined, you may want to consider this breed also. Some Ragdoll breeders say their cats have learned to use a scratching post instead of furniture arms to sharpen their claws much faster than their other cat breeds. Because these cats seem to make an effort to keep from scratching people, as well, they may be less likely to scratch furniture as a choice.

While this cat breed does not particularly want the company of other pets and seems to prefer to spend time with family members over cats, it does not mind habituating with other pets. Perhaps this preference is because this breed is so much larger than other cats, but it is more likely because the Ragdoll is just so mellow.

Since the Ragdoll is a longhair animal, many prospective cat owners are a little bit hesitant about choosing this breed. They are afraid they won't have time for the frequent grooming most longhairs have to have. However, this breed's silky coat texture makes it a very low care cat. Combing through your cat's hair weekly to remove stray hairs or debris is all that is necessary to keep his coat looking fantastic. One thing you may want to remember is that although most longhairs are prone to hairballs, Ragdoll cats rarely develop them.

If you want a sweet-tempered, family oriented animal, then the big Ragdoll may be the best breed for you.

Are You Considering Buying A Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls are large cats with pretty blue eyes and soft bushy tails. They do not have extreme features. A male ragdoll cat may reach over 20 pounds and a female cat reaches as high as 15 pounds. Their coats are soft and feel much like cashmere.

Ragdolls have four different types of coat patterns: van, bicolor, mitted, and pointed. Each of these patterns come in six different colors: blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and seal.

Pointed ragdoll cats have siamese type markings with dark ears, legs, and tails with a creamy colored body.

Mitted ragdoll cats look like pointed ragdolls except they have mittens and boots are soft, fluffy white, and so are their chins.

Bicolor ragdoll cats have white legs, a white underbelly, a white chest and an upside down V marking on their face are white. Only the tail, ears, and the outer part of their masks show darker markings.

Vans ragdoll cats have crystal white bodies that contrast with their point markings and blue eyes. Only the top of the maks, ears, and tail, and sometimes some spots on the body show darker markings.

Ragdoll cats are gentle cats which are careful not to scratch people and they are good with children, older people, and with dogs. They usually will not scratch or bite even when frightened or in pain. They are usually not jumpers. They like to stay on the floor. They do not speak very often and when they do speak they have a soft voice. They are people oriented cats that will often greet you when you get home from work. They will follow you around, sleep with you, and generally keep you company wherever you go in the house (even the bathroom!) Ragdolls love attention.

Ragdoll cats are calmer cats compared to some. They are less likely to be knocking stuff off your table or knocking a cup out of your hand than some other cats!

Ragdolls need little help when it comes to grooming. They groom and bath themselves. They rarely shed, have hairballs, or need any grooming at all unless they are a show cat. While Ragdolls do not normally need to be combed they actually do enjoy it!

Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. They are a friendly calm breed of cat. If you are on the look out for a new cat then a ragdoll is definitely a great choice!

The Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll is one of the highly prized cat breeds around the world. The beautiful cat dates its origin back to the nineteen sixties when it was first developed in California, United States. Since then it has undergone a few changes but it still remains one of the best varieties among domestic cats as far as temperament and looks are concerned. A relatively big cat, the average Ragdoll weighs in the range of ten to twenty pounds, with males being larger than average females.

With its deep chested muscular physique the Ragdoll is an impressive physical specimen amongst house cats. Its long silky coat comes in four patterns, namely mitted, van, bicolor and colorpoint. Established fur colors are six. These include blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, red and seal. Points exist on face, ears, tail and legs like the Siamese, in various patterns including lynx, tortie and solid. Ragdolls are slow in development and do not reach their full size with a well developed coat until three to four years of age. When fully grown they have a curved profile with large hindquarters. They have big beautiful blue eyes and a very sweet facial expression.

Ragdolls are the most laid back of all cats. They almost never get into fights and don't known how to defend themselves. Therefore they must never be left outdoors. It is often reported that they go limp when picked up though this may not be true in all cases.

Owing to their loving and sweet nature, Ragdolls make excellent pets for a household. They are playful though they keep their claws sheathed during play. They are gentle and affectionate animals and are also considered often to be the most loving of all cats. They follow their humans around everywhere, displaying a tender attitude towards them. The single layered coat doesn't shed or tangle easily and therefore does not require as through grooming as that of the Persian.

Ragdoll - the Facts Every Owner of This Cat Breed Should Know

The Ragdoll breed of cat was developed by a breeder in California, Ann Baker, in the 1960s. She bred a white female Persian that carried Siamese markings to a male Birman. She introduced those offspring to a female Burmese, resulting in today's Ragdoll, a medium sized breed with oval blue eyes and a medium length coat with Siamese markings.

Mature Ragdolls (considered adult around age three), are heavier than other breeds; males will weigh anywhere from twelve to twenty pounds and females ten to fifteen pounds. They will live an average of twelve to twenty years. Their fur does not tend to mat or shed excessively, all though regular grooming is a must (something this breed does not mind).

A Ragdoll's coat will start all white at birth then develop into four colors: seal, which has dark seal brown points with a light tan body; chocolate, which has milk chocolate points with an ivory body; blue, which has dark gray points with a pale gray body; and, lilac, which has pinkish gray points with a frosty white body. In addition to these colors, Ragdolls have three patterns: colorpoint, which has dark points (ears, tail, face, and feet) with a body of a lighter shade and no white markings; mitted, which has dark points and lighter body, but also has white 'mitts' on the front paws, white 'boots' on the back legs and feet, a white chin, a white strip on the stomach, and a white ruff; and, bi-color, which has the dark points (ears and tail), but the mask is interrupted by a 'V' running between the eyes and expanding into the muzzle.

Ragdolls make good family pets for several reasons. They like their human company and try to be 'considerate' of their family. Ragdolls take care not to scratch children and are gentle around them, and will follow their family around the house to be in their company. They are not noisy and talkative, and tend to keep their purring at a low volume.

Ragdolls are also intelligent cats and can be trained easily when given rewards. They are described as docile and laid back almost to a fault. Because of this temperament, Ragdolls are less likely to defend themselves in dangerous situations. For this reason, Ragdolls should be kept indoors at all times and away from more dominant animals (whether cat or another family pet). This is a healthy breed of cat and Ragdolls do not have any unusual medical concerns.


by By Robert W. Benjamin

International Ragdoll Cat Association

The International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) is a small cat breeding organization devoted to the Ragdoll and related breeds such as the Honey bear and the Miracle. It was founded in approximately 1971 by Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder, who established the Ragdoll breed from a unique stray cat named Josephine found in California in the early 1960s.

Ann Baker, in an unusual move, spurned traditional cat breeding associations. She trademarked the name "Ragdoll" and enforced stringent standards on anyone who wanted to breed or sell cats under that name. Baker has alienated some breeders by scientifically improbable claims that her cats were genetically combined with skunks, were developed by an undercover Government project, or were related to Extraterrestrials[1].

The IRCA is still in existence today but is quite small, particularly since Baker's death in 1997. IRCA cats are not recognized in any major cat breed organization or cat show, though some IRCA cats have been registered as "Ragamuffin" cats. The Ragamufin history and breed standard remains somewhat confused.

In 1975 a husband and wife team, Denny and Laura Dayton, took a breeding pair of IRCA Ragdolls and began breeding the currently favored Ragdoll standard. The standard they developed was eventually accepted by major cat organizations such as the CFA and the FIFe. The largest international Ragdoll association is the Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI) [2]. At this point in time neither organization recognizes the other as legitimate.



source : wikipedia

A Beginner's Guide to Ragdoll Cats

The original Ragdoll Cat Breeder was Anne Barker who created the breed in the 1960's and they were brought worldwide attention by Denny and Laura Dayton. Anne bred Ragdolls from predominately Persian and Burmese breeds that had desirable traits such as a large size, a placid demeanor and a fondness of being around humans.

Physical Description

Although they are large compared to other breeds (males are between 12-20lbs and females are between 10-15lb, on average), they are very gentle beings and are generally happy to be picked up by people. They have a muscular body with short legs, however because they are docile, they should not be left outside for prolonged periods - or at all - as they will not defend themselves if attacked. For this reason, Ragdoll Cat breeders will tell you it is very much an "indoor" cat. Ragdoll's have large blue eyes and rounded ears that tilt forward slightly.

Coat

The Ragdoll Cat is a medium-long haired cat that are categorized into one of the following colors:

Seal - Fawn and dark brown

Chocolate - Ivory and chocolate brown

Blue - Pale gray and dark gray

Lilac - Frosty white and pinkish gray

They also have different patterns on their fur that Ragdoll cat breeders split into the following categories:

Color point - Dark colored feet, ears, tail and face with a lighter body color and no white markings.
Mitted - Similar to a color point but with white paws, chin, stomach and ruff.
Bi-color - Dark points on the ears and tail and light between the eyes. Dark points also on the back with a pink nose and paw pads.

Although it has a soft medium-long coat, a Ragdoll Cat will not require to be groomed constantly and it's fur will not matt or shed to excess.

Personality

As previously mentioned, Ragdoll Cats are sociable creatures so you must be able to give them attention and not leave them alone for long periods. They are also quiet and not particularly active. They make a loving companion that is easy to train and will got along with other cats.

Summary

I hope you now understand a little more about Ragdoll Cats and if you decide that the Ragdoll is right for you, you will discover it can be a highly rewarding experience.



Daniel Dutton

Guide to Owning a Ragdoll Cat: Top Five Tips for Ragdoll Cat Breeders & Owners

1. Always make time for your Ragdoll. Ragdoll Cats are notoriously sociable creatures and require a lot more attention than other breeds. It is important to make you spend time with your Ragdoll preferably every day. Without your interaction, they could quickly develop behavioural problems. You can give your cat the attention it needs by simply playing with them or grooming them.

2. Groom your Ragdoll at least once a week Although Ragdoll Cat's require less grooming than other long-haired cats, it is important to groom them at least once a week. Not only will your cat have a beautifully groomed coat but it will also prevent the chances of your Ragdoll getting hairballs.

3. Don't let your Ragdoll outdoors alone. Ragdoll Cats should be either be kept indoors or be closely monitored if they are outdoors. Their gentle demeanour means that they will not defend themselves if attacked and they are at risk of contracting parasites.

4. Prevent scratching by covering the affected area with tin foil Many Ragdoll Cat breeders and owners have problems with their cats clawing furniture and other objects around the home. An easy way to stop this is by wrapping tin foil around the object. Cats do not like the texture of the foil and cease scratching it.

5. Make sure your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a Ragdoll Cat is watching it play (and even joining in!). Playing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your Ragdoll. Not only does it provide fantastic exercise but allows cat and owner to bond, so it is important that your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with. Toys can either be bought from a pet store or found around the house. Something as mundane as a cardboard box or a large bottle top can provide hours of entertainment.

I hope these tips have been of use to you and I wish you many happy and enjoyable years with your Ragdoll Cat.

If you want to know more about Ragdoll Cats, I can highly recommend The Complete Ragdoll Cat Keepers Handbook by Drew Pilton. In it you will discover a plethora of "trade secrets" for looking after this amazing breed including training your Ragdoll, feeding your Ragdoll, understanding it's body language and professional grooming techniques. Written by Ragdoll experts, this book is essential reading for all serious Ragdoll cat and kitten breeders.

by Daniel Dutton