History
Ragdolls are famous and beloved for their extremely calm personalities. They are highly trusting and gentle due to selective breeding. Ann Baker, the founder, established the Ragdoll breed in California during the 1960s. Being an experienced breeder, she deliberately selected cats with relaxed and gentle temperaments. The foundation of the breed, Josephine, was a white Persian like cat with a remarkable personality. Josephine, who had survived being hit by a car, gave birth to kittens that inherited her laid-back nature. These kittens were easy to handle and had a docile demeanor, unlike any other cats Baker had encountered in her breeding career. To preserve this unique trait, she meticulously bred Josephine and her offspring, laying the foundation for the modern Ragdoll breed.
Risk Factors
Ragdolls were intentionally bred for their distinct personality traits, which unfortunately may have diminished their sense of fear. Their laid-back and docile nature can make them oblivious to potential dangers, such as dogs, wild animals, and roadways. Due to this, Ragdolls are best kept indoors to ensure their safety, as they lack the natural instincts other cats possess for hunting, self-defense, and avoiding threats. While their charming personality is a major draw, it also puts them at risk of harm. Allowing any cat to roam freely outdoors poses risks, including exposure to life-threatening diseases and various parasites, both internally and externally. Illnesses like Feline Immunodeficiency, Feline Leukemia, and rabies are serious concerns. Additionally, Ragdolls are known for their social and loyal nature, thriving on affection and attention from their owners. Being outdoors can separate them from their human companions, leading to stress and anxiety, which can weaken their immune systems and make them more susceptible to illnesses.
Safer Outdoor Enrichment
For all indoor cats, it is essential to provide opportunities for fresh air, whether it be by using a catio, taking them on outdoor excursions with a leash and harness, or simply opening a window. Engaging their senses is crucial for their overall well-being. At Shade Mountain Dolls, we offer various ways to enrich our cats' lives with outdoor experiences. Our preferred methods include a catio on our deck, a pet stroller or backpack for walks, and a harness and leash for our more adventurous felines. We always ensure that our kittens and adult cats are supervised during these activities and never left unattended outdoors. While we consider these options safer than allowing them to roam freely, they still come with potential risks. The safety and happiness of our Ragdolls are of utmost importance to us.
With all this information in mind, how do you plan to ensure safe outdoor enrichment for your cat?
If you are interested in any of the products we use for safe outdoor activities, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to us via a message. We will gladly provide you with more information!
*It's worth noting that unexpected issues can arise with cats, leading some owners to believe that the best solution is to make their cats live outdoors. Based on my experience, unspayed or unneutered cats may display undesirable behaviors like urinating outside the litterbox or spraying. Intact cats can be more challenging to manage compared to those that have been sterilized. It's possible for intact males to become aggressive upon reaching sexual maturity if they haven't been able to mate with females. This not only stresses the male cat but also creates avoidable stress for their owners.
These unwanted behaviors can be avoided by sterilizing your household cats and only buying Ragdoll cats/kittens from reputable breeders, that only sell sterilized kittens.
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