What health problems do Ragdoll cats have that affect the quality of their life and overall well-being, causing them to die early?
What should you know before adopting a Ragdoll cat? Like any other breed, these cats face a few health problems.
Ragdolls are a remarkable cat breed with a cute appearance and are very calm. What makes them different is that they are laid back, which means less energy is spent on being playful. They are easy to get along with other pets, humans, and children.
They make great family pets, but not only because of their friendly temperament; they also love attention. What health problems do Ragdoll cats have? What should you know before adopting one? Read on to find out more about the Ragdoll breed.
What Health Problems Do Ragdoll Cats Have?
Generally, Ragdolls are healthy creatures. However, they are faced with several health problems. We have detailed some of the most common health problems ragdoll cats have. What health problems do Ragdoll cats have? Here’s a list of some conditions that may affect them:
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infections are one of the health conditions that Ragdoll cats face. Urinary tract infections affect Ragdoll cats of any age can get a UTI but they are most common in cats 10 years or older. What’s worse is that the condition may often lead to kidney problems.
The bacteria from the UTI can continue to move up the urinary tract up into the kidneys which can result in kidney infection This means that the infection is typically severe, and you must seek treatment immediately.
This type of Ragdoll should be treated with veterinary assistance. Symptoms of urinary tract infections include :
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- Blood in the urine – you may notice bloodstains of blood in your cat’s urine.
- Straining while urinating – when you take your cat out for a potty break and notice it’s straining to urinate, take it to the vet as fast as possible.
- Excessive licking – your cat will lick its genital area more frequently when it has a UTI.
What is more, they also tend to form crystals of struvite or oxalate. It becomes difficult for them to pass these crystals from their bodies resulting in more health complications.
Take care of your cat’s diet by ensuring all its eating habits are normal and healthy (no sudden changes in diet). Ensure that your cat gets enough fresh water daily. Keep the litter box clean at all times. Be hygienic when handling your cat- take extra precautions during feedings or when petting it.
Read more about How Long Does A Ragdoll Cat Live?
Hairballs and digestive problems
Hairballs are common health problems Ragdoll cats have because these felines love grooming themselves constantly to maintain their coat condition. Ragdoll cats often face hairball problems, resulting in a blocked digestive tract.
These hairballs cause significant problems in the digestive tract by creating blockages that may even lead to death. What’s worse is that these cats may often suffer from constipation which can also lead to serious health problems.
Hairballs and digestive problems in Ragdoll cats can be caused by:
- Allergens – an allergy to pollen, grasses, dander, or food ingredients could cause excessive hairball production. This means that you must take extra care of your cat during the pollen season.
- Food allergies – some dietary elements such as dyes, preservatives, and other additives found in commercial cat foods like tuna fish & salmon can cause allergic reactions leading to more hairballs produced by your pet.
Learn more about Do You Know What Do Ragdoll Kittens Eat?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
This disease affects their kidneys and could cause renal failure, which is why owners must keep an eye on their cats’ health by having regular checkups with a vet. The condition causes multiple cysts to form in the kidneys. What makes it worse is that there is no specific treatment for this condition – vets manage the symptoms with medication. Regular checkups by the vet help detect this problem early enough and control the symptoms.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is usually found in middle age to older cats, but it can also affect younger ones (1-5 years). What’s more, it’s characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart wall that doesn’t allow for proper function. What happens is that there is difficulty with the flow of blood throughout the cat’s body which could lead to sudden death if not treated immediately.
This means that you must stay up to date about your cat’s health. What are the symptoms of HCM in Ragdoll cats?
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Unusual respiratory noise
- Sudden hind-limb paralysis
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Collapse
- Inability to tolerate exercise
- Sudden heart failure
Obesity
Ragdolls often enjoy food and are prone to obesity. Because of this, they tend to be overweight easier than other breeds of cats. This may lead to obesity in these pets.
A healthy weight depends on your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle since some cats naturally spend more time active while others are very relaxed at home most of the time. Control their diet and keep them active to protect them from being obese.
Final Thoughts On What Health Problems Do Ragdoll Cats Have?
If your pet is suffering from these problems, keep calm and immediately take it to the vet for medication. Worse, some of these conditions may lead to death if left untreated, so always be vigilant about your health. Check out what you can do to prevent this condition in pets, such as limiting processed food and treats and reducing veterinary visits. Stay vigilant about their health, especially when they sleep or get excited.
Read more about Why Is My Ragdoll Cat So Small?
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FAQ
Do Ragdolls have a lot of health problems?
Ragdoll cats, just like all other cat breeds, have their own unique set of health problems. You need to remember that these common Ragdoll health issues are just some of the most usual out there and may not necessarily apply to everyone. However, overall the breed tends to be healthy.
How long do cats live for Ragdoll?
Ragdoll cats have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years on average. What does this mean? This means that you must be ready to take care of them for a long time to come. You need to remember that pet owners need to provide constant attention and support throughout these Ragdolls' lives, especially when they get older and start developing more health problems.
