Domesticated cats' feeding habits differ from their wild counterparts. Cat owners are the ones who regulate the amount of food their pets take in. As a new cat owner, you might be wondering how much food you should give your Ragdoll. We've researched and gotten some answers for you.
The amount of dry or canned food you should feed your Ragdoll cat will depend on their activeness, age, and weight. For example, an average 8-pound cat can eat about 6 ounces of canned food or 8 ounces of dry food per day. These calculations are based on an active and healthy cat.
To avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your Ragdoll cat you should pay attention to them. They are vocal and will let you know when they need more food. Continue reading to understand how to properly regulate a Ragdoll's feeding habits.
Rules For Feeding A Ragdoll Cat
Cat owners and lovers understand that their pets don't go out to hunt to get a balanced diet. Therefore, you must pick the right food for your cat and have it properly rationed. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian at all times.
To avoid being your cat's worst enemy, follow these simple rules:
- Type of food
- Food variety & rotation
- Quantity (portion control)
- Feeding timetable
- Food Temperature
These rules apply to all Ragdolls of all age groups. The activeness and weight of your Ragdoll also come into play.
1. Types Of Food
The type of food that you feed your cat is important. Naturally, cats are not water drinkers. Therefore, their food should contain water or moisture.
To save the kidneys of your Ragdoll, ensure that your pet's food is wet. The types of food that you should have in your pet's food chart must be:
- Raw food: Ragdolls, like any other cats, must consume lots of animal tissue. Veggies and fruits aren't meant for a cat's digestive system.
- Canned food: These foods are the best alternative to raw food because they contain essential water and nutrients necessary for your pet.
- Dry Food: Ragdolls should seldom be fed with dry cat food. Whenever you give them dry cat food, ensure that they have plenty of drinking water.
2. Food Variety
Be sure to change your pet's food often. Ragdolls tend to get bored or develop allergies when they have the same diet for over a long period.
Interchanging or rotating your pet's food will not make them picky eaters! Despite not being highly recommended, dry cat food can be included in your Ragdoll's diet.
3. Quantity (Portion Control)
Too much cat food for your Ragdoll is a no-no! Felines don't shed off extra fat easily. Therefore, avoid overfeeding your cat.
Use the manufacturer's suggested portions on the cat feed to portion food for your pet according to their age. Consult a veterinary doctor to give your Ragdoll a properly balanced diet daily.
4. Feeding Timetable
As you change your Ragdoll's diet, ensure that you also feed your cat at a specific time. Set feeding times for your pet and stick to them for consistency.
Don't feed your pet 'round the clock. An all-time buffet is not something you want for your cat.
Discipline your cat to eat at a particular time to allow their digestive system to rest. This will help you to avoid a health disaster. Wild cats can go for long periods without food.
5. Food Temperature
The food for your Ragdoll must be at room temperature or a little bit warm. However, don't microwave cat food because this will kill most of the nutrients in it. Neither should you feed your cat food from the fridge or freezer.
Stir it vigorously to warm or leave it out on the kitchen counter to reach room temperature. Remember that the warming method has to be mild to avoid killing all nutrients in the raw food.
What Is A Healthy Weight For A Ragdoll Cat?
Healthy Ragdoll cats can weigh between 12 and 20 pounds. Male Ragdoll cats can weigh as much as 20 pounds. Females are much smaller, weighing between 10 and 12 pounds.
This is the perfect weight for a Ragdoll cat without extreme features. Ragdolls mature slower than other cats. A fully grown Ragdoll cat will be no less than four years old. One extra pound on a cat is equivalent to 15 pounds for human beings!
Best Canned & Dry Foods For Ragdoll Cats
There are many canned foods on the market today which might be overwhelming for new pet owners. With the different names and brands, you might be confused as to what will be suitable for your favorite feline.
Cat experts and other feline lovers have some particular brands they prefer and are popular. Most cat owners swear by these brands.
Some of the cat food is dry cat food while the other is wet. They are well balanced to avoid feline obesity. Cat food for Ragdolls must be packed with nutrients and vitamins because they are a very active breed.
The following are the favored cat food brands by Ragdoll owners:
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
This grain-free dry food contains a healthy mix of fiber, essential vitamins, and protein for your Ragdoll. A lean formula of natural foods including fish, vegetables, and legumes keeps your indoor cat energized.
Have a look at this balanced dry cat food on Amazon.
Wellness Natural Grain Free Cat Food
In keeping with moist dietary recommendations for Ragdolls, this food is a balanced mix of all-natural ingredients smothered in gravy. It promotes hydration while providing your active cat with essential protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Check out this Wellness Complex on Amazon.
Hill's Science Diet Cat Food
Your mature Ragdoll cat will appreciate this balanced blend heart-healthy and kidney-healthy, natural foods. Veterinarian recommended, this food promotes wellness for your active cat.
Check out this dry cat food for Ragdolls on Amazon.
Royal Canin Ragdoll Dry Cat Food
This all-natural dry food will promote digestive health for your Ragdoll cat, while a specially formulated kibble helps remove tartar from their teeth. Your cat will benefit from essential vitamins, protein, and fiber while keeping a sparkling smile.
Look at this dry cat food on Amazon.
When To Stop Feeding Kitten Food To Ragdolls
Your veterinarian should be the one to advise you on when to stop feeding your Ragdoll kitten food. Ragdolls reach maturity from three to four years which is later than most cats.
The nutrients needed by kittens are vital to helping them grow and develop into strong healthy cats. You might still have to mix your kitten's food with adult food in small portions. This will help a kitten transition to adult food smoothly.
How Long Can Ragdolls Be Left Alone?
Ragdolls are very affectionate cats and need attention. Leaving your Ragdoll for long hours is not advisable. You must check in on your kitty every few hours.
When you have a cat at home, keep an eye on them to avoid unpredictable circumstances or accidents. Ragdolls are very sociable.
Experts and cat lovers advise keeping Ragdolls in pairs to ensure that they always have a playmate when their owners are away.
Is It Better To Have One Or Two Ragdoll cats?
It is better to have two Ragdoll cats. They are very playful, sociable, and very affectionate. Ragdolls love being around people.
As a pet owner, you might not always have the time to play with them. When your Ragdoll has a companion, you'll be able to have some time to yourself while your cat doesn't lack sociable attention.
Although they are resourceful and can fend for themselves, they don't tolerate being on their own for long periods. Ragdolls aren't lone rangers.
Summary
Ragdolls are vocal and will let you know when they are hungry. But with the help of your vet, you can ration their food intake according to their age, activeness, and how much they weigh.
Avoid open buffets, cold or hot foods, and overfeeding or underfeeding your Ragdoll cat. Be attentive to your pet's needs and you'll have a happy companion.
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