I really need some advice about Ragdoll cats, particularly whether they really are indoor cats. Someone in our village has (or had) 2 that are outside probably 20+hrs/day as "thats what they want". Recently one was attacked by large dogs and died. You'd think the owner may have learnt a lesson. No. Although they were heartbroken and making all the right noises, the remaining raggy is hardly ever allowed in.

Obviously there is more to this story but I would rather have a 1 to 1 chat with someone as I dont want to inadvertantly name and shame on a forum.

I believe this is a case that could be reportable but other issues are stopping me doing this.

Any ragdoll experts willing to have a chat please?

Thanks

Hi there and welcome to the forum. Sorry to read that you are distressed by these inconsiderate so-and-so's whom you live near.

I am NO ragdoll expert - there are plenty who are around here and hopefully they'll be along soon to offer better advice - but my understanding is that Ragdolls should not be allowed out to roam free predominately due to their soft, trusting nature and also their long coats which can get dirty / matted/ caught up bushes etc.

Cat-proofed gardens or properly built runs are good but definitely not free roaming.

I would be utterly appalled if any of my cats were killed in such a terrible manner and there is no way on the planet I'd be allowing the remaining one to wander in this way. "That's what they want" my hearse!!!!! Kids want to play with matches but we don't allow THAT because we know it is dangerous.

If you believe cruelty is involved, then you have a duty as a caring person to act upon it.

I understand that this may put you in a difficult postion but folks have to stand up for the rights of animals or their little lives will always be considered disposable by far too many ignorant people.

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I wouldn't say I was an expert yet as my 2 Ragdolls are kittens however the only other Ragdoll I know who is an outside cat lives near a friend of mine and is brain damaged because he has been hit by a car twice.

In my opinion they are too gentle and trusting to be outside, and apart from that I don't think it's right for any breed of cat to be outside 20+ hours a day.

Ragdolls like their home comforts, somewhere comfy to sleep (I have one on my lap and one on the desk at the moment ) and food not too far away and lots of attention and cuddles from their human slaves, I would think that the only reason they would prefer to be outside (if this were actually true of the one you're talking about) is because they are not happy where they live and will only go in for food.

Like I say, mine are only kittens but I couldn't imagine them ever being safe outside, I mean I have to be careful putting them down because sometimes they don't stand up, they just flop on the floor because I think they think I'm just moving them to cuddle them somewhere else. They were allowed outside on a harness at their breeders and she said they didn't really like it and kept heading back inside.

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ragdolls ARE an indoor cat...simply because, if they are attacked.. they very rarely fight back such is their laid back nature...

i do let our raggys out.. but only supervised in our cat escape proof rear garden...

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THINKING..COSTS MONEY.
CATZCADA RAGDOLLS.

Agree totally.I have an 18 month Ragdoll who would be utterly useless outside.Not that he is likely not to fight back, because he does have a prickly side.But he is a very forward ,confident and nosey cat who although very intelligent doesnt have an ounce of common sense.The owners you referr to have either gone against the breeders wishes by letting them outside,or the cats have come from an unregistered "breeder".If you are concerned for the welfare of the remaining cat I would not hesitate in reporting the owners.

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Could you give me an idea of where about you are in the country? Do you want to PM me your e-mail or phone number (landline!) and I could give you a call. I am a volunteer with the Ragdoll Rehome Group.

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

got to agree with everyone above. i have had raggies for 14 years and in that time have been owned by 6 of them.
there is no way that this breed should be let out to roam on their own. all of mine have had the freedom of a run of some sort, but quite honestly they are happy to be indoors, unless they have had outdoor freedom.
oliver my ragdoll which i took on last year had outdoor freedom and was bullied by the local cats in his area, even though he would have been alot bigger than them. so to be confronted by dogs, even a moggy would have had trouble.
ragdolls have no animosity so would nt fight back.
my friend lost her moggy to two bull mastiffs last year, she didnt stand a chance. the owners were reported to the local police community officer in our area. look at it this way, it could have been a child these dogs attacked, and the same in this case.

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I was hoping you would pop up CB but didn't want to put your name in my post in case I was talking out of turn......

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Ragdolls are definatly indoor cats unless they have a run or enclosed garden my Tiga loves being outside even though at the moment he is ill he still likes to sleep in the autunm sun our garden is cat proofed so he can safely go out

viv xx

Thanks MB, no worries about naming me - if we can help we will but it will largely depend on where they are. We have no-one down in the south of the country but I could perhaps put them onto someone who may be able to help.

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving