We all want our kittens to grow faster, especially if you have a ragdoll cat. If you ever wondered at what age do ragdoll cats become full-grown, this article will help to find that answer.
At what age are Ragdoll cats fully grown?
Normal cats witness full maturity at about one year of age. The Ragdoll retains kitten-like attributes for some time, much longer, and achieves full maturity at a good four years.
You can also track the cycle by gauging the increase of fluffiness of the coat. The older a Ragdoll cat gets, the fluffier its coat becomes. The threshold value is at the age of four when the coat has achieved maximum fluffiness.
Their slow growth makes them the ideal choice for families with young children and the elderly.
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How big can Ragdoll cats get?
Ragdolls are among the giant domestic cat breeds. They have a muscular frame, large-boned and limber.
Some weight and size are also because Ragdoll kittens develop natural padding of fat through childhood and adolescence. The weight regulates but can also lead to obesity.
Average Ragdoll cat weight
A female Ragdoll weighs between 8 to 5 pounds, which indicates a range of between 3.6-6.8 kilograms. Males are significantly larger, weighing between 12 to 20 pounds.
Average Ragdoll cat height
In addition to being quite hefty, Ragdolls also have considerable height. They are between 23 and 28 centimeters tall. Their body length ranges between 43 and 53 centimeters.
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Factors that can affect the size and growth of a Ragdoll cat
Ragdolls, even though a large breed, are relatively tiny until their first year. They start growing post their first year and grow until they reach four years of age.
These three years are critical with regards to the adequate and healthy growth of the cat. A carefully balanced diet is imperative, as is plenty of exercise. Ragdolls are prone to obesity and sluggishness.
The following list has a few of the factors that can help you understand what affects Ragdoll’s growth and need monitoring in case of inconsistencies.
1. Mother’s milk
As with any young mammal, the milk of the mother is necessary for healthy growth. Milk is a natural and powerful source of vitamins, minerals, and antibodies. They shield the kitten from disease, viruses, infections and simultaneously boost growth.
Breeders usually start weaning kittens off after a threshold period of ten weeks. In the case of an orphaned kitten or a reduced feeding time, ensure that the alternative has the requisite nutritional supplements.
In addition, the experience of having access to the milk from the mother makes the kitten stronger, cognitively advanced, and more resilient.
A lack of the same can lead to stunted growth.
2. Diet
A well-charted diet is essential. Ragdolls have an irregular growth trajectory, which is relatively passive until they reach one year of age and shoot up following this. Even then, the growth is not uniform nor smooth and occurs mainly in fits and starts.
It would help if you had a diet for every stage in the process. Consult a vet to chart out a plan, one that helps to get the best results.
3. Exercise
Ragdolls need exercise. Adequate growth needs exercise.
The logic of this is simple- the inertia of rest is analogous with insufficient stimulation. Bring in the element of stimulus, and you witness change.
Ragdolls, being heftier than the average cat, require more than the average exercise you would think a cat requires.
They are intelligent beings, albeit given to occasional laziness. It is wise to keep them on their toes by introducing ingenious toys- a cat tower, laser pointers, etc.
Sluggishness eventually might lead to obesity, an eventuality best avoided.
Furthermore, exercise improves brain function, depth perception and improves the quality of cognitive abilities.
4. Disease
To no one’s surprise, the disease can stunt growth. Several common Ragdoll ailments have drastic weight loss as a common symptom.
Keep an eye out for any sudden weight changes, whether it results in gain or loss. Overfeeding is a bad idea, as is starving your cat or attempting to inhibit their natural hunger.
The thyroid is a common problem that causes weight loss and hair fall, while diabetes is another ailment that wreaks havoc on the system.
Cats might also contract pest infestations( fleas, ticks) that lead to parasitic infections. In a situation such as this, consult a vet with immediacy.
5. Anxiety and other stressors
A happy cat is a healthy cat. One must always abide by this maxim. Your cat could be in perfect physical health and yet face problems with growth if they happen to be unhappy.
As mentioned above, Ragdolls like social revelry and human interaction. When deprived of the same for protracted periods, they grow displeased.
Long-standing displeasure can adversely affect health. The same holds for anxiety.
Ensure the health of your cat by making sure it is happy.
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Conclusion
The growth of a creature is always a fascinating process to observe. It is even more meaningful when the creature in question is a pet cat, an animal you feel responsible for and love.
The rules of cat-care are simple, but only given that you give equal care when executing the steps. To put it briefly, be vigilant and attentive. The rest comes easy.
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.