Ragdoll
RAG-dahl
Docile, Calm, Affectionate, Follows you everywhere. Origin: United States (California, 1960s).
An adult Ragdoll weighs 15-20 lbs (male) or 10-15 lbs (female), needs 170-480 calories daily, and lives 12-17 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Ragdoll needs 170 to 480 calories per day. An average male (18 lbs / 7.9 kg) needs around 350 kcal; a female (12 lbs / 5.7 kg) roughly 270 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Ragdoll. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Ragdolls are large, gentle cats famous for going limp when held. Their docile nature and striking blue eyes have made them one of the most popular breeds. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most significant health concern, with a DNA test available for a common mutation. Bladder stones occur more frequently in Ragdolls than in most breeds. Their semi-long coat is less prone to matting than Persian coats but still needs regular grooming. Life expectancy is 12 to 17 years.
Exercise and activity
Ragdolls are moderately active cats that enjoy play without being demanding about it. They are known for following their owners from room to room rather than engaging in independent exploration. Interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes once or twice daily keep them healthy. Their calm, gentle nature makes them poor candidates for leash walking or agility, but they enjoy fetching soft toys.
Care and traits
Ragdoll cats have a long, silky, pointed pattern (colorpoint, bicolor, or mitted) coat. Origin: United States (California, 1960s).
Named for their tendency to go limp like a ragdoll when picked up. One of the largest domestic cat breeds. They're often described as 'puppy cats' because they follow their owners from room to room, greet them at the door, and sometimes play fetch. Their pointed coat darkens at the extremities (ears, face, paws, tail) due to temperature-sensitive enzymes.
The Ragdoll is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Tools for Ragdoll owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Ragdoll cats typically need 170 to 480 calories daily. An average individual at 18 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males: 15-20 lbs (6.8–9.1 kg). Females: 10-15 lbs (4.5–6.8 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the primary health concern for Ragdoll cats. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include bladder stones. Not every Ragdoll will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026