Should I Let My Ragdoll Outside?
If you’re a Ragdoll cat owner or considering Adopting a Ragdoll, then you may be wondering whether it's okay for your furry companion to venture into the great outdoors. These gentle, affectionate cats are known for their very laid-back and docile personalities. So when it comes to letting them roam outside, the answer is a definitive no — Ragdoll cats should not be let outdoors. In this article, we'll explore why keeping your Ragdoll inside and cuddled up with you on the couch is the safest choice for their health, happiness, and safety.
Risks to Letting Your Ragdoll Outside
The Ragdoll’s affectionate nature makes them particularly vulnerable to a variety of dangers, such as exposure to diseases, parasites, accidents and predators. Unlike more independent cat breeds, Ragdolls are better suited to a safe, indoor environment where they won’t face these unnecessary risks.
Not Bred for Outdoor Survival: Over many decades, Ragdolls have been selectively bred to be tolerant, gentle and submissive. They generally lack the survival instincts needed to navigate outdoor dangers. Their laid-back temperament, while endearing, doesn't equip them for unpredictable outdoor hazards.
Major Health Risks: Going outside exposes your Ragdoll to a wide range of potential health risks. For example, outdoor cats are far more likely to come into contact with dangerous illnesses and situations. Keeping your Ragdoll indoors minimizes these risks.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): These terrible viruses are transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat, often through bites or scratches. Outdoor cats are at risk of encountering stray or feral cats that may carry these diseases. Since Ragdolls are not accustomed to defending themselves from other felines, they are particularly vulnerable to these diseases.
Parasites: Outdoor cats are more likely to pick up parasites like fleas, ticks and worms. These can cause significant discomfort for your Ragdoll, and some parasites even carry diseases that can affect their overall health.
Infections: Open wounds from fights with other animals or injuries sustained from outdoor activities are common among outdoor cats, leading to infections. These infections can be difficult to treat and might lead to serious health complications.
Predators: Outdoor felines are at risk from a variety of other animals, including larger cats, dogs and wild animals. These encounters can be life-threatening, and since Ragdolls are not typically territorial or aggressive, they can easily become victims of an attack.
Poisoning: Ragdolls with outdoor access are at risk of ingesting harmful substances like antifreeze, spoiled food or toxic plants. They might also be exposed to poisons set out for pests by neighbors. Even something as simple as chewing on a plant or licking a contaminated surface could result in poisoning.
Injury and Accidents: Cats that roam outside are prone to accidents such as getting hit by cars or falling from high places. The risk of injury is much higher outdoors compared to the safety of an indoor environment, where your Ragdoll can enjoy their life without facing these dangers.
Getting Lost or Stolen: Ragdoll cats are known for being affectionate and trusting, which means they may follow strangers or wander off. Outdoor adventures could result in your cat becoming lost, making it difficult or impossible to bring them home. Additionally, because of their beautiful appearance, Ragdolls are often targeted by cat-nappers.
Climate Considerations
When choosing whether or not to let your Ragdoll outdoors, climate is definitely something that should be taken into consideration. Because most Ragdolls have been bred for indoor living, they may not be able to survive unregulated weather conditions.
Harsh Weather: Depending on where you live, outdoor cats may struggle with extreme weather conditions. In cold climates, they could suffer from hypothermia, and in hot climates, they may struggle to regulate their temperature and suffer from heat exhaustion, particularly because of their thick fur.
Ragdoll Coat Issues: Ragdolls have a gorgeous semi-long coat with Minimal Shedding that is not well suited to a rough outdoor life. Unlike other cat breeds, they lack an undercoat and their coat is not waterproof.
Indoor Cats Live Longer, Healthier Lives
Cats living inside generally enjoy longer, healthier lives compared to outdoor cats. This is thanks to a safer environment free from many of the dangers that outdoor cats face, such as accidents, predators, diseases and harsh climate.
Life Expectancy: Indoor cats tend to live much longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats live to be 8-16 years old, while outdoor cats are only predicted to reach 2-5 years old. Keeping your Ragdoll indoors significantly increases their chances of reaching a ripe old age, allowing them to enjoy a long and fulfilling life. We should try to do everything we can to expand the Average Ragdoll Lifespan.
Safety: Felines living indoors are protected from the many dangers that outdoor cats face. By providing a safe, controlled environment, you can ensure that your Ragdoll stays healthy and happy throughout their life.
Keeping Your Ragdoll Happy Indoors
One of the biggest “arguments” against keeping an indoor-only cat is that they might become bored cooped up inside. However, there are many ways to combat boredom in felines. Providing mental stimulation, physical exercise and a variety of cozy spaces and toys can make them feel engaged and comfortable in their environment.
Provide Enrichment for Your Ragdoll: Indoor life doesn’t have to be boring for your Ragdoll. By offering a variety of engaging activities and experiences, you can keep their minds sharp and their spirits high. Enrichment activities, interactive play and new challenges can help encourage natural hunting instincts in a safe, controlled environment.
Cat Trees: Cat trees provide a space for your cat to engage in natural behaviors, such as climbing and scratching. A good cat tree also helps keep their claws healthy and sharp. If you are worried about your Ragdoll Cat Scratching Furniture, we have written another blog post that includes many tips to prevent this.
Window Perches: Ragdolls are known for their calm and curious nature, so providing a window perch where they can watch the outside world is a great way to keep them entertained. The sights and sounds outside will provide stimulation without having to venture outdoors.
Cat Shelves & Vertical Space: Cats love to perch up high, so adding cat shelves or vertical spaces can mimic the behavior of climbing trees and provide your Ragdoll with an elevated spot to survey their surroundings. These vertical spaces can help them feel more secure and provide an enriching environment that satisfies their need for territory.
Hideaway Spaces: Ragdolls, though friendly, sometimes enjoy having a quiet, private spot to retreat to when they want to relax. Providing hideaway spaces or cozy beds gives them a sense of security and a place where they can recharge when needed.
Rotation of Interactive Toys: Regularly rotating a selection of exciting toys keeps things fresh for your Ragdoll. Whether it’s a feather wand, laser pointer or puzzle feeder, offering a variety of toys encourages your cat to stay active and engaged, reducing the risk of boredom and destructive behavior.
Treats: Offering different treats can be a great way to keep your Ragdoll motivated and happy. You can use treats during training sessions, playtime or simply as a reward for good behavior.
Offer Regular Playtime and Exercise: Just because your Ragdoll is indoors doesn’t mean they don’t need regular exercise. Playtime, using toys like wands or balls, helps your Ragdoll burn off energy, stay healthy and strengthens your bond. Regular physical activity can also help prevent obesity, a Common Health Issue in Ragdolls, and improve overall well-being.
Bring Your Ragdoll Outside Safely
If you want to give your Ragdoll a taste of the outdoors while keeping them safe, there are several ways to ensure they experience nature without the risks associated with full outdoor access.
Build a Catio: A catio is an outdoor enclosure that allows your Ragdoll to experience the outdoors while remaining protected. You can either buy a ready-made catio or build one yourself, depending on your space and budget. Catios come in various styles - from small balcony enclosures to larger free-standing units with multiple levels. If you choose to get a catio, be sure the design you choose doesn’t allow your Ragdoll to be exposed to outdoor cats, which can carry many diseases.
Invest in a Cat Stroller: A cat stroller acts as a barrier between your Ragdoll and potential dangers like traffic, predators or other animals. They can watch birds, people, and other pets without being exposed to any threats. While inside the stroller, your Ragdoll can safely enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, such as watching birds, squirrels or feeling the breeze, which helps stimulate their senses and curiosity.
Ragdoll Cat Going for Walk in Stroller (Safely hooked in on harness)
Home Sweet (Indoor) Home
While the great outdoors may seem tempting, your Ragdoll is safest when curled up in the comfort of your home. By keeping them indoors, you’re not only protecting them from potential risks but also providing them with a world of comfort, love and endless opportunities for play and bonding. With the right enrichment activities and regular playtime, your Ragdoll will thrive. So, embrace the indoor lifestyle and create the purrfect haven for your Ragdoll to live their best life — safe, sound and always surrounded by cuddles!
Seal Bicolor Male Ragdoll Cat-Napping