How to Bathe a Ragdoll Cat

How to Bathe a Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll cats are quite a new breed, and they are the product of a series of crosses between various breeds of cats. This has resulted in a big and strong cat that can weigh up to 9 kg (19 pounds). Ragdoll cats have semi-long hair, are quiet, extremely gentle and affectionate with their owners, patient with children and very clean, which makes them beloved pets.

Their name comes from a very peculiar trait that sets this breed apart: When you hold a Ragdoll cat, it instantly relaxes its muscles, going limp. In order to take better care of this adorable pet, AnimalWised will teach you how to bathe a Ragdoll cat. Keep reading!

How to get a cat used to water

Ragdoll cats are very clean pets on their own. Therefore, they don't need to be bathed too often. We recommend you first learn how to clean your cat without bathing.

Start bathing your cat, or rather rinsing it, when it is a kitten. It is very important that it gets used to lukewarm water and the bathroom environment. That way, the experience will be a pleasant one. To start with, use lukewarm or warm water for just a couple of minutes without applying any shampoo.

How to get a cat used to drying

Before starting to bathe your Ragdoll cat, always make sure you have a bath towel and dryer ready. When you dry your cat, there are some things you should ensure:

  • Do not burn your cat with too high a temperature.
  • Do not frighten your cat with too much noise. You can find quiet dryers for pets in shops.
  • Don't direct the flow of air towards sensitive areas, such as the eyes, nose and inner ears.

Brushing your a Ragdoll cat

Brushing your Ragdoll cat regularly is the most important element for the health and welfare of your pet. You should brush your cat a couple of times a week. By doing this, you will at least get rid of dead hairs and prevent your cat from ingesting them when they lick themselves for grooming purposes.

This simple action will prevent troublesome trichobezoars (hairballs in the digestive tract), which cause so much fatigue and discomfort for them.

Here you can learn more about the best brushes for long-haired cats.

How to bathe an adult Ragdoll cat

Once your Ragdoll cat is an adult and has gradually become accustomed to having a bath and everything that comes with it, it is time to apply a special shampoo for cats.

In pet shops, there are a number of different brands and prices. Avoid those containing parabens, since they are usually the worst quality and contain the most amount of chemicals. Never use your shampoo on your pet. Try not to get soap in your cat's eyes and inside the ears. After rinsing your cat, dry it thoroughly.

A summer bath

During the summer you can bathe your cat a little more often. You should also brush your cat more, as it will shed more hair than usual to withstand the heat. Brushing can be very brief - 2 to 5 minutes - but it is best to do this every day.

This way, you will be able to check whether your Ragdoll cat has parasites. It is uncommon for Ragdoll cats to catch fleas, since they are not adventurous animals. But sunbathing next to a plant pot or living with a dog may increase the chances of this happening.

For this reason, when you bathe your cat, use shampoos with integrated insect repellents. You can also use pipettes with these products in them. By doing this you will protect your Ragdoll cat from fleas, ticks and dangerous mosquito bites.

Bathing and hygiene are but one aspect of caring for a Ragdoll cat: Make sure their health and diet are as good as they can be!

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