Ragdoll Cats | Care, Feeding, & Grooming Tips

Really? Cat training in ten minutes? You are kidding right? Cat training is crucial to the proper development of your cat and in order to maintain control of your own home. While you may have a wild kitty, thinking that you are going to be able to complete cat training in ten minutes is simply not a reality. Cat training in 10 minutes just isn’t going to happen. Learning how to cat care and to guide your cat into the behavior you want takes practice and consistency.

Proper cat training requires consistent work with your cat and continual reinforcement. Without these two components, teaching your cat the fundamentals of good behavior, simply will not happen. There aren’t any magic tricks or training in ten minutes. There are however ways to speed up good training. These are known as training aids and are like the yellow lines on the road or the sidewalks in the park. They keep your cat on the right path to grade-A behavior! These training aids are as followed.

It is vital to curb your cat’s wild and hyper behavior and one of the key ways to do so, is to make sure that they are getting enough exercise. Most cats adore items like soft balls of yarn. Cats are playful by nature and kittens like to play with just anything, so make sure you accommodate them. Be smart and avoid having them play with fragile or especially small items. This makes yarns or soft balls the perfect solution. You might even find that your older cats enjoy playing with similar items.

Cat are great at tricks! So take the time to teach your cat a few. Many cats can learn to fetch and even shake hands. If you are going to teach your cat some tricks, be sure to be consistent in training and to reinforce them with lost of positive encouragement. Treats are a great way to make this happen. Remember to reward your cat for a positive action. Cat treats are wonderful rewards and will make your cat much more willing to participate in cat training.

Much like kids, cats will occasionally get into a fight. So what should you do? Well, a little spray of water is an easy solution. Spraying the battling cats with water when they act out with undesired behavior will eventually reinforce your message of “knock it off”. The light water spay is a harmless way to train your cat; after all, have you ever known a cat that loved water?

Your local pet store will have a well thought out selection of cat training aids and even though none of them can guarantee cat training in ten minutes, they certainly can be a part of your care care training box. So whether you decide to pick up a scratching post, a fancy litter box, a toilet training tool, or a variety of other cat toys, make a trip to the pet store so that you have items on hand that can help you with cat training.

Over night cat training is not going to happen. It takes consistency and patience to make training a daily part of your routine cat care. Remember, you are the boss…so teaching your cat how you want her to behave will take some time, but whether this cat training takes 10 minutes or 10 weeks, it is most definitely worth your time.

Cats have an amazing and specially designed tongue that they use to keep their fur looking their best, along with removing, and digesting lose hair. Sometimes the cats own effort isn’t quite enough to keep tangles and mats at bay. This is especially true in the spring when cats tend to shed quite a bit, and if the cat is long haired. Sending your cat to a groomer can help to untangle mats, remove large quantities of lose hair while shampooing the cat to make her look and feel her best.

You’re going to pay a good amount of money in order to send your cat to the groomers, and your cat will probably not be very pleased about the whole process. There is a variety of services a groomer can do for your cat. Some groomers offer fur trims while other will shave the cats completely with the exception of the head and tail. Most groomers will give cats baths and condition their fur.

Getting the claws trimmed its a great idea, especially if you do not trim the claws on your own. You may even opt for some nail polish on those talons…

Needless to say, most cats do not enjoy this process whatsoever and will put up a fight every step of the way. After all, cats aren’t really sure what is happening when a groomer starts coming at them with water and soap, and so it’s only natural that the cats would react with fear and sometimes even with aggression.

You’ll need to find a groomer who is well versed in dealing with cats, because a dog groomer may not have the talent needed in order to finagle a cat into accepting this type of treatment. Before taking your cat to a groomer, ask about the groomer’s experience with cats and make sure that this won’t turn into a disaster. A groomer who is well versed in dealing with cats will know exactly what needs to be done and how a cat should be restrained in order to get the job done.

After you get your soft, sweet smelling cat back home she may be a bit miffed and feeling insecure. Don’t be surprised if she hides out for awhile. The beauty parlor experience can be a frightening experience for a cat.

You should also keep in mind that most cats can go their entire lives without a single visit to the groomers. Cats are usually clean creatures and do an effective job of keeping themselves tidy. If you insist on sending your cat to the groomers, however, be ready to pay quite a bit for the experience and to deal with an angry cat when it’s all over.

Here is a general overview of popular dog foods based on price for some brands marketed as suitable for dogs with food allergies.

At the cheaper end of the market Chicken Soup dog food has a higher level of fruit and vegetable in their recipe including potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries and spinach.

Avoderm is formulated with avocados to encourage healthy skin and coat. Recipes that are vegetarian based are also made by them.

The middle of the price range contains Eagle Pack’s Holistic Select, high protein meals with extra prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants. The chicken used in this food is all natural and the fruits and vegetables are good enough for humans. The meal used for feeding the chickens is free from vegetables and fruits and of human grade.

Blue dog food or rather Blue Buffalo dog food contains high protein, whole grains, veggies and fruit formulated based on what humans eat. Dogs are less likely to be allergic to foods they have not eaten often, like sweet potatoes and brown rice. There are dry and canned options but in 2007, some of their products were recalled.

Similarly, Pinnacle’s Canine Holistic Allergen-Free Formulas for dogs use foods in recipes such as trout and oats to which dogs are less likely to be intolerant. Nature’s Recipe dog food contains no beef, wheat or corn products as these often are allergy-promoting ingredients. The makers of Inova dog food also make a protein rich food with fruits and vegetables, called Evo.

Life’s Abundance dog food does not contain by-products, corn or wheat, chemical preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Typical ingredients include chicken meal, fish meal, carrots, apples, spinach, celery, alfalfa meal, ground brown rice, antioxidants, live probiotics and chelated minerals.

For the luxury alternative, Abady dog food company make meals which contain less of these problem foods for your dog, such as soybeans or beet pulp. They formulate dry, canned and raw foods with a sizable cost.

The IVD dog food brand, now known as Royal Canin, makes breed specific recipes and special need recipes like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Hypoallergenic HP 19, which is a lactose and wheat gluten free recipe.

Simply using these recipes might solve the problem quickly, but if you think your dog has food allergies, it is best to find the culprit and remove it.

If your dog is displaying symptoms of food allergies, schedule a visit with your vet as soon as possible.

Dogs can have similar problems as humans have, with allergies to some types of food. It’s possible that it could be an intolerance to specific ingredients such as wheat or corn, or a general complaint which is provoked my many types of food, such as colitis.

Some symptoms of dog food allergies include: Vomiting bile or blood, bad appetite, diarrhea and blood in the stool, itching, dry coat and skin, chronic ear infections, loss of fur, lots of scratching, hot spots and skin infections, increased bowel movements and anything else out of the ordinary.

If you suspect your dog is allergic or intolerant to a certain food, you will need to do some testing to ascertain that it is indeed food which is causing the problem, as other medical complaints can also cause similar symptoms, such as parasites & skin infections etc.

It may mean that you avoid all commercial brands and stick to a homemade style dog food recipe of protein and carbohydrate, of which you can control exactly what goes into it.

Further complicating the issue, there are many additives in dog food, and it may be one of these instead of a certain kind of meat or grain, which is causing the allergy.

Dairy products, wheat, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, corn, and beef are the common culprits found in a dog’s diet that cause allergies. “But aren’t these the most common ingredients in dog food?”, you might ask.

Correct, and there is a correlation here. Just as many humans are lactose intolerant, over-exposure to these foodstuffs may be what has caused the problem.

An intolerance has not been built against lamb or rice, so many of the pet foods now are including these in their recipe varieties.

These can really not be the solution to treat an intolerance nevertheless, as much of these trade names contains soybean, egg etc., so verify the ingredients.

As more and more dogs are diagnosed with allergic reactions, many pet foods are marketed as hypoallergenic. Keep in mind that like any other thing, some dog food recipes may work well for you dog, and others may not be right for him at all. Take these only as guidelines.

Be prepared to compare dog food brands extensively, since one thing to consider is that many “healthy” dog foods may still cause allergies in your dog if they contain that trigger ingredient. Even human grade dog food might still be causing your dog stomach problems.

Just as in humans, an intolerance to wheat or dairy contained in dog foods, natural and high quality though they may be, will still cause the end result. Canine skin allergies are another sign that your dog may have an allergy.

Dogs can have similar problems as humans have, with allergies to some types of food. It’s possible that it could be an intolerance to specific ingredients such as wheat or corn, or a general complaint which is provoked my many types of food, such as colitis.

An animal with dog food allergies may experience any of the following symptoms: Vomiting bile or blood, poor appetite, diarrhea and blood in the stools, itching, dry coat and skin, chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots and skin infections, increased bowel movements and other unpleasant conditions.

If you’re worried that your dog may have a food allergy or intolerance to a particular food, you should test to ensure that the food is what’s causing the problem. Other issues, such as parasites or infections, can cause similar symptoms.

It may mean that you avoid all commercial brands and stick to a homemade style dog food recipe of protein and carbohydrate, of which you can control exactly what goes into it.

Further complicating the issue, there are many additives in dog food, and it may be one of these instead of a certain kind of meat or grain, which is causing the allergy.

Common allergy-causing foods for dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn, and soy. But these are the most common ingredients in dog foods!

Yes, and there is a reason for that. Just like people who cannot tolerate lactose, being overexposed to these ingredients could be the root of the problem.

An intolerance has not been built against lamb or rice, so many of the pet foods now are including these in their recipe varieties.

These may not actually be the solution to treating an intolerance though, as many of these brands contain soy, egg etc., so check the ingredients.

There are many hypoallergenic dog foods on the market to address the increasing numbers of dogs with allergies. As with any comparison, dog food recipes may or may not be suitable or palatable for your individual pet, so these are just general guidelines.

One thing to consider is that many “healthy” dog foods may still cause allergies in your dog if they contain that trigger ingredient, and even human grade dog food might still be causing your dog stomach problems, so be prepared to compare dog food brands extensively.

An intolerance to wheat or dairy contained in dog foods, natural and high quality though they may be, will still cause the end result, just as it does in humans. Canine skin problems are another sign that your dog may have an allergy.

The Ragdoll trait came from Josephine and her kittens and became the breeds name. Ragdoll cats go limp when you pick them up and hold them, just like a rag doll toy. Ann Baker applied for and was awarded a trademark for the breeds name. She wanted anyone that bred Ragdoll cats to be required to pay royalties for the use of the Ragdoll name. Ann Baker went on to found the first registry for Ragdoll cat breeders; however, many of the breeders left her registry due to her strange behavior and wild claims.

This characteristic of going limp when held is where Ann Baker’s wild stories come from. It all started when her cat Josephine was hit by car. On one account Ann Baker said she rushed Josephine to a nearby University to be treated for the accident. Ann Baker’s story goes to to say that Josephine’s DNA was altered and this is where the characteristic limpness comes from.

Ann baker made other wild claims, telling people for instance that her cats did not feel pain. She claimed the cats had been altered genetically and their DNA was actually a hybrid of aliens and cats. Look out x-files; alien cat hybrids have been hiding out in California since the 60s. Baker made other wild claims telling people the cats did not have fear and were hypoallergenic. She claimed that Ragdoll cats were the ideal pet for anyone suffering from allergies. When it comes to Ann Baker and the history of her cat breed, the stories she told are stranger than science fiction.

It is a common statement to say that you’re leaving your Ragdoll cats for the whole of summer on the purpose of spending your vacation, but it couldn’t easily be accomplished in most times. A lot of cases happened when people tried to board their Ragdoll cats for the mere purpose of vacation; and while they were out on a trip, they couldn’t simply take their minds off the little kitty.

To be able to find a good boarding place for cats means you wouldn’t be worried sick of thinking about the little cat’s condition. Inch by inch, you have to do the research plus the canvassing of cat homes so you’ll be able to find one that best suits your cat and your pockets too. The main concerns are the facility should be convenient, the cost within the budget, the staff well-trained and tuned in to cat behavior, and the surroundings clean and appropriate for groups of cats running together. Always keep in mind you will be transferring your pet in a home that is much like yours and it would be easier leaving him behind.

Boarding Places for Cats: looking a Place Like Home -

Similar to humans, cats also have the capacity to recognize and feel whether they’re in or out of their homes. They try to find for their own familiar place and be terrified when they’re being boarded on another strange territory. This is the most important basis why the owners should select a type of kennel that almost looks like their sleeping place at home. In this way, the cats are going to feel more relaxed and happy in his new but temporary surrounding.

Boarding for Cats: Choosing the Fancy Frills -

We want our loved pet to be as comfortable as possible and If you’d want to leave your cats behind and make it appear to them like their also out on a vacation, you can add some extra benefits in the boarding for cats. Some day care facilities allow cats out of their kennels for fifteen minutes of play with an employee, some has extra special compensation such as grooming, toys for the cats and a lounge area. Others even have exceptional amenities such as gift and supply shops, free examination from the vet upon entrance, and a play all day” atmosphere your Ragdoll cats would surely enjoy.

In choosing the best boarding for cats, do not limit yourselves to what the “normal” kennel has to offer. When you widen your search, you’d definitely find more interesting and exceptionally lavish benefits for your cat’s second home.

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained they still rely on you for regular veterinary care, safe shelter, water, food and etc. By taking care of there essential needs you’ll be in a much better place to develop a rewarding and mutual relationship.

It’s important that your cat’s ID and collar tag include your name, address and telephone number. You should make sure they have one for the simple reason that if they do find themselves outside and lost then having the ID tag and collar will help them return home.

Your cat should be kept indoors when possible. This is best for the community, your cat and you when you keep your cat safely confined at all times.

Make it a point to get your cat neutered or spayed. This will assist in reducing the problem of cat overpopulation and will keep them healthier.

It is up to you to train your cat from doing things you don’t like like jumping on counter tops and scratching furniture. They can be trained like any other pet if you also keep in mind a bit of understanding, effort and patience when doing so.

Make it a point to groom your cat often to keep their coat soft and shiny and healthy. Brush your cat’s hair often to keep it from getting matted. This one action alone will help your cat lower hairball creation. These are created when cats groom themselves and in the process swallow a lot of hair.

Conclusion

In closing just remember to be patient and loyal with your cat. Also remember that the majority of behavior problems can be resolved and make sure you have reasonable expectations of your cat’s behavior. Contact the local animal shelter or veterinarian if you are having major issues with your cat’s behavior.

There are numerous reasons why many people consider the cat to be an ideal family pet. One of those reasons is simply that there is very little potty training involved. Get some cat litter and a litter box and you now have a pet you can keep inside with you all day.

Mother cats are great about teaching their kittens how to use a litter box. Your job is simply to make sure your cat knows where the box is located. Once he learns this, it is unlikely he’ll do his business elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some decisions for you to make. And the first one is deciding what type of litter you want to use.

If you haven’t been to the pet store recently, you may be surprised by, and even a bit overwhelmed with all the choices available to you. So let’s take a quick look at some of the more popular products.

Cost will always come into play, and clay litter is probably the cheapest you can buy. It’s also been around a very long time. But clay does present some problems. It absorbs liquids and odors, which is good, but it will need to be changed more often than most litters. Surely you don’t want your home to have that foul cat waste odor. Clay can also cause problems if your kitten has allergies. When your cat scratches in his box, the dust will fly everywhere.

The most popular litter right now is probably clumping cat litter. That’s because the litter combines with the moisture in the waste to form, as the name suggests, clumps. These clumps are easy to scoop away, meaning there is no need to change out the entire box. Once you scoop the waste, just replace the missing litter with some new litter. And the scents this litter is available in will do a decent job of hiding the smell, although it won’t get rid of the odor all together. The biggest problem with clumping litter is that some cats will actually eat the clumps. Watch your pet carefully.

Silica litters are some of the newest on the market. Silica has been used for years in the small packets you see in pill bottles or in your new pair of shoes. It’s used because it is a great moisture absorber, and silica crystals in your cat litter work much the same way. They are mixed with sand and water to easily absorb any liquids in your cat’s waste. You still have to scoop out the solid waste, and because it does not clump, it can be a bit messy. Another plus is that this litter is biodegradable, and simply returns to a sandy base when it decomposes.

Paper litter is also becoming more popular, especially among those concerned with the environment. It is made from recycled paper or pellets. It’s very absorbent, weighs very little, and of course, is also biodegradable.

Another litter that is generally biodegradable is made from wood. Pine is the preferred choice because of it’s natural odor absorbency, but other woods are used as well. All softwood litters are absorbent with natural odor control capabilities. That means no chemicals need to be added, giving you a more natural product.

Once you decide on the type of litter you want to use, your cat will undoubtedly let you know if he agrees with your selection. Some cats for example don’t like the smell of pine litter. Others won’t use silica because the crystals don’t feel good on their paws. In either case, your cat will tell you whether or not he approves by either going or not going in his box.

The key is to become as informed as possible about all the different options. Then you can make an intelligent selection. Of course you’ll still have to run it by your cat to see if he approves.

Don’t know what your cat’s cat chat is telling you? This could very well be the case if you haven’t been around many cat chats. One of the tricks is to pay attention to the animal’s meow. To figure out what they are trying to talk you need to determine what type of meow it is. The Siamese cat is very vocal with their cat chat discussion.

Its In The Purr

Using their “voices” is something you can expect all cats to do. Communicating what they are thinking is done by this animal’s Cat Chat. Pay attention to their “talk” to find clues about your pet’s feelings. The difference in pitch, intensity,frequency and pace are part of the clues.

A frightened or anxious kitty will have quicker then normal meows. A relaxed and confident kitty will tend to have slower then normal meows. Of course this is only one way they “talk” to you.

The purr is another one of those ways and is specific to the cat animal. Kitty will purr when it’s content. When they are ready to be sociable cats purr according to cat behaviorist.

Be Aware

Make a point to not simplify the purr because it can also mean your kitty is in great pain, feeling uneasy or nervous about something. There are even cat experts that believe the purr is a form of meditation for the cat. The message being a way to seek comfort within if you may.

Their true mood can also be ascertained by how they hold their tails. The way their tail is moving has meaning as well. Of course your kitty isn’t a dog so remember that a dog wagging his tail means one thing and a cat doing the same will mean something different. In fact when your kitty is doing this it signals annoyance or maybe confusion.

Conclusion

Smart but emotional animals would be a great way to describe your cat wouldn’t it? After reading this article you can easily see that your main job is to pay attention and be patient. This will enhance your cat chat with your cat so that it is mutually satisfying and enjoyable.