With a Ragdoll´s semi-long fur coat also comes the huge responsibility of taking appropriate care of their hygiene. One of the most important concerns being “Will they need a bath anytime soon?”
Do Ragdoll Cats Need Baths? Bathing may not be a regular chore with Ragdoll cats since they are naturally very clean animals. They need to be bathed only once in 30 days, but you will also have to make sure that you dry them immediately to limit the chances of catching the flu. Regular brushing and grooming would suffice throughout the non-bathing period.
Hygiene is as important for animals as it is for humans, and seeing a Ragdoll coated in dirt is not a pleasing sight at all. At some point, you will find them looking at you with a dimmed twinkle in their eyes asking, “Why you not bathe me Hooman!”
Before you rush your cat to take their long-awaited shower, you need to learn a few things that will make the job less traumatic for your beloved companion.
Why is it Important to Bathe Your Ragdoll Once a Month?
Even though Ragdolls have a medium-length fur coat, the undercoat is extremely thin with rabbit-like fur, which keeps their fur coat clean.
However, the atmospheric pollution around us, not to mention the dirt and germ buildup in most households can reduce the shine of their fur coat.
As mentioned earlier, since the quality of their fur protects them from dust and dirt particles, you might not need to bathe them very often but grooming them regularly and giving them occasional baths will help you maintain their fur quality and shine.
Here is what you can do according to your arrangement with your pet:
Indoor Ragdoll Cats
If you are not an outgoing person, your Ragdoll will develop the same traits too. Now, the question of whether you should bathe your Ragdoll depends on whether you take them out for a nice walk to the park or their main activity involves roaming around the house.
In the latter case, your fur ball may rarely need a bath. If you do take your companion for an occasional walk in the park, then it would be ideal to give them a nice bath once a month.
Outdoor Ragdoll Cats
On the other hand, if your weekends often involve having a “jog” around the neighborhood with your Ragdoll on the leash, you will have to take a bit more care about where their paws have been.
So a bath given more frequently, in this case, will do, and by this, we mean twice, but not too often! However, do take extra care that they do not catch a cold by drying them immediately after the shower.
Ragdoll Kittens
With ragdoll kittens, you will have to take extra care and avoiding baths may be the best practice. Although, you should get them used to the bathing process so that when the need arises, they do not create a whole scene out of it.
In general, a bath once a month will help your Ragdoll feel nurtured and cared for. It will help remove oil accumulation and reduce the shedding of fur, which you will come across during the spring season, i.e., if you do not groom your Ragdoll more often.
Another benefit of bathing your cat once a month with regular grooming is that you will keep all sorts of fleas and parasites at bay, which will contribute to their overall health and increase their life expectancy.
However, before you give them a bath, here are a few important things that you must know:
How to Bathe a Ragdoll?
When it comes to an adult Ragdoll, it will be easier for you to give them a bath since they will be accustomed to the water and the shampooing process. Here is a step-by-step process:
- Turn on the warm tap water (make sure that it is not too warm).
- Fill the tub with warm water but only to a height that does not reach the face of your cat – approximately 4 to 5 inches.
- Place your Ragdoll into the tub and gently rinse their body with water. Avoid bathing the head area and only stick to the body.
- Once their body is thoroughly wet, rub some shampoo gently all over their fur coat and create enough lather. Make sure to reach all the fiddly places like the underarms.
- Keep the shampoo out of their eyes, nose and other sensitive parts of the body.
- Rinse again to remove all traces of shampoo.
- Once the bath is over, take a dry towel and wrap your cat up to remove excess water.
- Very Important: Blow dry on the lowest heat setting to avoid a chill. Make sure the dryer is farther away from their skin and do not aim at the face.
- Last but not least, don’t forget to give them a treat for being patient throughout the bathing ordeal!
If you have a Ragdoll kitten:
- Start off with lukewarm water (do not give them a full-fledged bath)
- Rinse the fur coat gently
- Baby shampoo can be used if you want to clean their fur coat (Although, we advise using none since kittens can develop skin conditions)
- Once the bath is over, dry with a towel thoroughly.
- Very Important: Blow dry on the lowest heat setting to avoid a chill. Make sure the dryer is farther away from their skin and do not aim at the face.
What Should You Do if Your Ragdoll Hates Water?
If you are a new pet parent, this can be a gruesome task, and unless you familiarize them with a bathroom environment, you will have to get used to the tantrums.
- Start by making small changes to your routine:
Sit out in the garden and leave your Ragdoll in an inflatable pet pool with a decent amount of water. - Give him/her treats in order to bring them into the shower.
- Do not turn on the shower to its full, because the pressure of the water might be scaring them away.
- Arrange a play date where the other pet is used to the water.
What is the Right Shampoo for a Ragdoll?
You will find a huge range of pet shampoos in a supermarket near you, or better yet, shop online and save yourself a trip. Here are some of the top picks:
Espree Silky Show Cat Shampoo
It is a “luxurious” shampoo for longhaired cats with organic Aloe Vera and plant-based cleansers. Moreover, it includes Safflower oil and silk protein to give the coat a silky and shiny appearance.
Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo from Pets Are Kids Too
This all-in-one shampoo (anti-itch shampoo and conditioner) is hypoallergenic and smells amazing. It is tearless, anti-dandruff and prevents dryness as well as allergies, leaving your Ragdoll’s coat smooth and fragrant.
Cat Shampoo by Earthbath
This is yet another popular brand that offers a balanced ph level and the finest blend of ingredients, including natural cleansers to keep the coat of your Ragdoll clean and moisturized. It also helps soothe skin irritations.
What You Should Know
Just make sure that you do not use any human products since they are packed with chemicals and additives that can irritate the cat’s skin, and avoid their eyes, nose and inner part of the ears at all costs.
Avoid shampoos, soaps, and conditioners that contain artificial dyes, sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals.
Your Ragdoll may have skin issues too so make sure your choice of shampoo does not aggravate their current skin condition but helps in soothing their dry, itchy or sensitive skin.
Also, buying a separate conditioner, if not included in the shampoo, will help replace the oils in the fur that may have been washed off during the shower.
Consulting a veterinarian is not a bad idea either if your current selection is resulting in excessive shedding or a change in fur quality.
Is Drying a Ragdoll Cat Mandatory After a Bath?
A big ‘YES’, since cats are unable to cuddle up in a blanket when they feel cold, you will have to care for them to make sure they stay healthy and active. Before you begin bathing your Ragdoll, make sure that you have a dryer and a bath towel handy.
After you are done washing your Ragdoll, wrap her in the bath towel immediately and gently rub to remove excess water. Once you are done, switch on the dryer but keep these three things in mind:
- Do not use too high a temperature that burns your cat.
- Do not frighten your cat with the noise. Cats tend to be scared of sudden loud noises.
- Do not point out the dryer onto the sensitive areas such as the inner part of the ears, nose, and eyes.
Can I Bath My Ragdoll More Often During the Summers?
Yes, in fact, you should also brush your cat more often during the summers. Cats shed more hair than usual during the summers in order to withstand the heat and therefore, showing extra care will only lead to more affection and trusted companionship.
Brushing can be as brief as 2 minutes. This way you will also be able to check your Ragdoll’s fur for parasites.
It is very rare for a Ragdoll to catch fleas since they have a more floppy and relaxed nature as compared to an adventurous one of other breeds, but sitting with them near a plant pot or living with a dog in the house can increase the chances of a flea invasion.
For this very reason, it is beneficial to use a shampoo that has insect repellents as an ingredient.
Related Questions
Do Ragdoll Cats shed a lot of hair?
Although Ragdoll cats are popular due to their long hair and furry coat, they do not shed a lot of hair. In fact, Ragdoll cats shed less hair compared to the other cat breeds.
Are Ragdoll cats great pets?
Ragdoll cats are quite friendly and affectionate by nature. Thus they make for excellent companions!
How long does the Ragdoll cat breed live for?
The average lifespan of a healthy Ragdoll cat is 15 to 20 years (if kept indoors).
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