How long do Ragdoll cats live?
Generally, the lifespan of a Ragdoll cat is 15-25 years as indicated by a study done using Swedish insurance data.
It seems from comments we have read and research we have done to create this article that most who have owned Ragdoll cats have lost them before the age of 20.
Of course, there are so many variations to this based on what you are feeding your cat, the type of health care they are receiving, lifestyle etc. Just like with people – so many elements are factors in the lifespan of a cat.
A Ragdoll Cat Overview
There’s so much to learn about this fascinating cat breed’s history and characteristics so we are going to share some interesting facts as well as life expectancy details.
Considered to be among the most gentle cat breeds, rag dolls are very affectionate towards their family members.
Ragdolls are long haired cats and are generally pretty large and make wonderful pets. Their docile nature makes them super cute and an awesome breed option for families.
Ragdolls happen to be among the most considerate cats that you can own. They are a low maintenance cat in terms of neediness and will do well in active homes where they may be alone more than you would actually want.
Although they have a long coat, the fur is not too dense and the undercoat isn’t too thick so they are not prone to shedding, but will require some help with grooming to avoid matting. While they are a breed that is notorious for their grooming habits – we all need a little help sometimes!
However, this doesn’t mean that you can neglect them. These animals still need your love and affection!
If you are thinking to get a Ragdoll kitten then we highly recommend learning as much as you can about the breed – whether via research or meeting with Ragdoll owners or getting a book or 2 to help you! The Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide is a well-written guide that has everything you need to understand your kitten and help them live a long happy healthy life!
Ragdoll Breeder Claims That the Breed Is a Human-Alien Hybrid
The breeder behind the Ragdoll cat is Anne Baker.
During the 60’s in her home in Riverside, California, Baker crossed Josephine, a cat who seemed to have come from a Persian Angora breed with cats that appear to have Burmese and Birman bloodlines.
The result was the amiable Ragdoll cat.
Baker was keen on letting other cat lovers know about the new breed and news got out fairly quickly.
She received royalties for every kitten she sold although there has been much controversy during that time.
However, over time Anne Baker made ridiculous claims about the new breed of cats. She marketed them as the link between humans and space aliens stating that they had human genes and that the cats were immune to pain.
Other breeders broke off from her because of this and they started to breed ragdolls as faithful human companions not as what Baker advertised.
To stake her claim, Baker obtained a patent for the “Ragdoll” in 1975 and claimed that other cats are all fakes.
The patent was valid until 2005. Despite the controversies involving how she produced the felines, Baker remains to be remembered as the woman behind this fine breed.
How the Ragdoll Toy Represents This Breed’s Personality
For most of us, the ragdoll refers to those dolls that little kids are fond of. However, it is certainly the perfect name for cats under this breed because of their relaxed nature. Unlike other cats, Ragdoll cats adore being held by almost anyone.
These felines are known to collapse on the lap of anyone who happens to be around them; in short they go limp when you touch them.
They are the type of felines who would retrieve what you throw at them and stay close to you while you are in the house. If they see the chance to sit on your lap or cuddle, they would take it without questions asked.
Ragdolls may not be the most active cats but they can learn new tricks quite quickly. You wouldn’t have problems telling them to stay on the sofa or the bed since these cats are not too fond of heights.
They also have a sweet voice and they aren’t too vocal even if they are trying to remind you that it’s mealtime.
Average Life Span of Rag Dolls
If you launch a Google search for the lifespan of ragdolls, you would see that the answers can be a bit different.
On average, however, they tend to live from 15 to 25 years old. This is just the average lifespan for these adorable felines and like we noted above so many factors can influence this range.
Ragdolls, in particular, are prone to a certain type of heart disease known as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. About 30 percent of this breed develop the said condition and lead to heart failure. Since this is genetic, the best thing to do is avoid breeding cats with this condition.
They also have a higher average of urinary problems that result in death as opposed to other breeds.
Ragdolls as the Perfect Human Companions
With the huge contradictions between the size and the nature of this cat, it is certainly among the most intriguing breeds in the today. There’s so much to love about these cats and because they are so loved by so many it makes sense to wonder what the Ragdoll lifespan is since you will actually want them to be with you forever!
For those who are considering an indoor cat who would be with them, ragdolls would be a perfect choice.
Have you ever owned a ragdoll cat? We would love to know how long your kitty lived and about all those cute stories about it.
My rag dolls are 16 years old & very healthy
Wonderful <3
Sadly I have just lost my girl rag doll Sophie but her brother Jack is still going strong and will be 19 at the end of January
I’ve had my ragdoll named Mickey blue eyes since 1997.
only an indoor baby and for the most part only healthy food.
Lost a fang tooth in 2008, and broke his elbow in 2017
Other then that very healthy….
He is getting more slow and sleeps more and more every yrs.
I really hope he never leaves me. Over the yrs he has been the only
consistent unconditional love in my life.
I love this breed and I truly am blessed to have been able
to do life with my baby Mickey ragdoll.
Wow that is a great that he is still with you – sounds like an angel who has had a long healthy life……wishing you many more years together! Thanks for sharing your story with us. Give Mickey a hug from the Tinpaw team!
My daughter has 2 ragdolls ..they r 14 & 15..Vinnie & Sophie
Our Annie , now 13 , wins every heart that enters our home. She has certainly overtaken my husband and he talks to her like a little kid.. Annie flaunts her prettiness and flirts shamelessly!! She has the grandkids under her spell throwing herself like a doll at their feet!
Our beloved Raggy just passed at 18 year 9 mos. He had dental surgery and died 8 days later of an apparent heart attack. We are heartbroken but so glad we had him that long. At our age 78; we won’t be getting any more pets to mourn. Ragdolls make wonderful companion pets and travel easily by vehicle/camper etc.
My raggie is nearly 21 x
Our Darla is 14 and loves to be loved, but only by HER people: husband and myself. She isn’t always fond of visitors. ?. Our household dynamics may contribute to that: we also have an Akita (110 lbs). They aren’t enemies but aren’t snuggle bunnies either.
She’s smart and small (4 1/2 lbs). We love our girl!!
I have three ragdolls. Two are 14 years old. One in a yearling. None of mine have ever been limp. But they are fairly quiet and loving. Except my 14-year-old girl who harassed me all day for more food. Lol.