Any Ragdoll Owners?

**Ilithyia** · November 13th, 2012, 12:52 PM

How do you groom them?

We're about to move back to Townsville, North QLD and I'm worried about our Ragdoll getting over heated.

I've tried finding info on the net but no where does it say its safe to clipper them.

Help??

**Caz_88** · November 13th, 2012, 12:59 PM

I clip my boys

We got to approximately a number 4 human style in November lol. When clipping though I only do it ruff to tail. They look cute with their lions mane still lol. Never ever ever ever clip their tails though. They take over 12 months to grow back and just look stupid. Also be aware that any colour patches you clip will grow back a lot darker. My blue bicolour boy had two faint spots on his back fromg his "saddle" that are now just as dark as his face colourings. My red boy also had a line appear between his shoulder blades that wasn't there before clipping. I don't think it gives new colour spots though, only what would have developed as they got older ITMS?
As a bonus it cuts down the ridiculous amount of shedding lmao.

**Ilithyia** · November 13th, 2012, 01:20 PM

Thanks heaps.

So do you think we should start longer than a 4?

Any tips for actually clipping?

**Caz_88** · November 13th, 2012, 01:49 PM

I did start longer but around the 4 to be best

It doesn't look as stupid as what you would think but maybe try 6 first if you are nervous. I tend to do it outside to prevent the inevitable snowstorm lol. Also because the fur is so fine I find you constantly need to unclog the blades with a brush. Depending on how ragdoll like and tolerant kitty is, it can help if they are damp lol

Also, my pattern for clip is tummy to ruff, inside and back of rear legs, under front legs, then clip their back. I can do everything except his back by myself on my more docile boy but need DH help to keep him still for his back and my little red head, just in general lol

**~ Mylitta ~** · November 13th, 2012, 04:01 PM

I would try to avoid shaving/clipping a ragdoll if possible. They have such a lovely coat and it often doesn't grow back quite the same after a clip (sometimes coarser hair, and often much darker). I'm a former vet nurse and have groomed a few ragdolls in my time. Cats generally need sedating if they are going to be clipped, or if they are going to be intensely groomed due to matting. If your ragdoll isn't matted though I'd just get a good wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush. If you can afford it you could also try a Furminator. They are great at removing loose hair.

Also, a good thing to remember is that their coat is actually helpful at keeping them cool as well as warm. And if you have the cat clipped you may have to think about sunscreen if the cat goes outside because a lot more sunlight will penetrate through the fur that's remaining.

PS. I looooove ragdolls. They are so beautiful to look at and generally have such a lovely temperament

I talked about getting a ragdoll one day so much that my best friend ended up getting one! Haha

**Caz_88** · November 13th, 2012, 04:22 PM

That's actually good to know mylitta. I haven't noticed any fur changes except for the colour, but my boys are only a couple of years old. I was actually recommended to clip by my vet, for heat spots in their first QLD summer. He said he saw alot of Persians and raggies for rashes. Something to do with the humidity.
You do need to be wary about the sun with them (quite a few pink noses) but a good raggie breeder usually sell on the proviso they are indoor cats. A true desexed raggie would never be trouble to clip unsedated.... they just squiggle a bit lol.

They truly are amazing animals. My sooky blue boy actually "cuddles". When I pick him up he will put a paw over each of my shoulders and cuddle into the nape of my neck. My other boy "headbuts" and otherwise seeks attention whenever he can get it. It's quite hard to work with him all over me constantly lmao.
Can anyone tell I'm a raggie addict? Lol. I've got a pic of my red boys one and only litter printed on canvas. It's so gorgeous! And one of his daughters is now a breeders queen <3

**~me~** · November 13th, 2012, 05:14 PM

I have a rag doll. She is now 15yrs old

I never clip her. I brush her regularly. I have 4 different brushes I use on her depending on if I have left her too long between brushings. With regular brushing, she hardly sheds hair at all.
She loves it. I flip her and brush her tummy and she rolls over for me too when I need to get to her sides. She is beautiful.