As in case of most of the other cat breeds, Ragdoll cats too are prone to certain health problems. Go through this article for information about some of the common diseases in Ragdoll cats.
Once you decide to choose a specific animal as a pet, you must also make sure to understand how to take care of it properly. You must try to understand the various aspects of pet care, including the right diet, shelter and health care. It will be better to gain a basic idea about the possible health problems of the animal as well as the specific breed.
For example, if you are planning to adopt a cat as a pet, then, gain some knowledge about the common feline diseases. This will not be enough, as specific breeds are found to be prone to different health problems, apart from the general ones. So, if you want a member of the Siamese breed, understand more about the cat breed, including its health problems. Once you are conversant with such health problems and their symptoms, it will be easier to detect such conditions at the earliest. This article will be useful for those current as well as prospective Ragdoll cat owners, as it will provide you with some information about the diseases that are generally found in Ragdoll cats.
Ragdoll Cat Health Problems
A Ragdoll cat will be perfect for those who want a large cat with a gentle disposition. This breed is relatively new as they were developed during the 1960s. However, soon they got popular and now it is one of the popular domestic cat breeds. They are found to get limp and relaxed, when handled and these cats are so named due to this feature. They are sometimes lazy, but enjoy playing too. Ragdoll cats are among the least aggressive cats and are also calm, loving and friendly. There are certain health problems that are commonly found in this breed.
Heart Problems
Though these cats are prone to certain diseases, the most common and severe one among them is the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There are two other forms of cardiomyopathy – restricted and dilated. Both the conditions are less common in Ragdoll cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition that is characterized by thickening of the certain heart muscles, thereby affecting proper pumping of blood. This results in lesser blood circulation and cell death. Blood clots can develop in the arteries and even the heart may show accumulation of fluids. The common symptoms are faster breathing rate, breathing trouble, depression, loss of appetite, gagging and worsening lethargy. The cat may also faint occasionally.
This condition may develop in Ragdolls of any age and if left undetected and untreated for a long time, it can lead to death too. Though, there is no known cause for this heart disease, it is always better to get the cat screened for this condition. Dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by dilation of heart muscles and can be prevented to some extent by proper diet. Restricted cardiomyopathy is due to the loss of elasticity of certain heart muscles. If diagnosed at the earliest, cardiomyopathy can be controlled with proper medications. Sometimes surgery and oxygen therapy may also be required.
Other Diseases
Gum diseases are among the common Ragdoll cat diseases. You have to make sure that the teeth of the feline is cleaned at regular intervals, so that problems like periodontitis do not develop. Periodontitis may lead to heart and kidney problems, if left untreated. Cats with such dental conditions may develop bad breath, swelling of the gums, tooth loss, etc. As these cats have dense fur with a medium length, regular grooming and brushing is a must. Otherwise hairballs may develop. Hairballs may block the intestine, leading to complications. These cats are also prone to digestive problems, like celiac disease, constipation and diarrhea. Ragdoll cats may develop hip dysplasia, which can be hereditary or due to the abnormal weight gain of the cat. This condition is characterized by abnormal growth of hip tissues and this may sometimes lead to deformity. These cats are also prone to develop eye problems and deafness.
The above said is only a brief overview about some of the common Ragdoll cat diseases. It is better to keep this cat indoors and provide them with a vitamin rich diet. Regular grooming and cleaning along with medical checkup is a must for these cats. Proper care may prove useful in preventing some of the above said health problems. This article is intended to provide you with a general idea about the subject and it will be always better to gain a thorough knowledge about the breed, if you are planning to adopt a Ragdoll cat. You may collect this information from the breeder as well as the vet.
