Ragdoll cats are renowned for their large size and big, sturdy frames – but does this translate to athleticism?
Physical appearances aside, Ragdolls have a very laid-back, friendly and curious personality; at the same time, they also love climbing onto things and stretching their legs outside when they get the chance.
But does this make them ‘athletic’?
Ragdoll cats are athletic, but they don’t often show it. Ragdolls are very good at climbing furniture or fences, however they lack the energy of other cat breeds. So, while Ragdolls do display moments of athleticism, they’re certainly less athletic compared to other types of cats in the world.
My Ragdoll, Poppie, will lounge around and be lazy most of the time – however, if she spots a fly or insect that she wants to catch, it’s amazing how athletic she can be.
All of a sudden, her natural instincts will kick in and she’s able to jump steep heights (up to 4-5 feet sometimes) or race up and down the house at speed.
Ragdolls will, naturally, get stronger and more athletic as they progress from kittenhood to adulthood and grow bigger.
If you asked me to describe Ragdoll cats, the word ‘athletic’ isn’t the first one that comes to mind, however they can certainly show bursts of athleticism when they need to.
Physical characteristics of Ragdoll cats
Adult Ragdoll cats weigh between 10-20 pounds and can reach up to 3 feet in length – this is an athletic build, however it’s hidden under thick, fluffy fur. This cuddly appearance can be misleading and mask Ragdolls’ athleticism and make them seem less imposing than other large cat breeds, like the Maine Coon.
Ragdolls actually have a rather muscular build. Their legs are thick and sturdy, and they have broad chests and shoulders.
Compared to other cat breeds like the Siamese or the Persian, Ragdolls are more muscular and stockier in appearance – however, this doesn’t always translate to athleticism.
Despite their larger build, Ragdolls aren’t known for their agility and aren’t as nimble as other cat breeds, making activities like jumping or climbing more challenging for them.
However, they do enjoy chasing toys and engaging in playtime activities that don’t require as much agility.
So, while Ragdolls’ muscular builds may make them seem athletic, it doesn’t necessarily translate to being more agile or athletic in the traditional sense.
How Ragdoll cat activity levels impact athleticism
Ragdoll cats are known for being laid-back and docile, often preferring to spend their time lounging around rather than engaging in high-energy activities. Compared to other cat breeds, such as the Bengal or Abyssinian, Ragdolls require less exercise and are content with short play sessions or a bit of cuddling and attention from their owners.
While their low activity levels may not seem particularly athletic, athleticism isn’t just about how much physical activity a cat engages in.
Athleticism also involves strength and agility, which can be difficult to measure in a domestic cat but are all characteristics Ragdolls can display when they need to (however, only in short bursts – they’re not known for their endurance).
In my experience, while my Ragdoll may not be the most consistently active or agile cat, she still possesses a level of strength and nimbleness that could be considered ‘athletic’.
How Ragdoll cats’ playfulness affects athleticism
In terms of playful behavior, my Ragdoll cat absolutely loves playing with toys that involve chasing or batting at objects, which showcase her athletic abilities. She also enjoys playing hide-and-seek or peek-a-boo games with me.
While Ragdolls’ playfulness may not be as intense as other cat breeds, they still have a mischievous side that can be engaging, enjoyable and, of course, athletic.
From what I’ve seen in my own home, I certainly think Ragdolls’ playful nature can contribute to their athleticism in its own way.
Engaging in playtime activities can help maintain their physical health – through jumping, chasing and climbing – and provide the mental stimulation they need to stay happy and live a long life.
How to help Ragdoll cats develop their athleticism
The easiest way to help Ragdoll cats develop and train their athleticism – and not lose their natural instincts completely – is to provide them with the right tools and toys.
Here’s a summary of some items you should have in your house or apartment that will allow them to practice athletic skills such as jumping, running and climbing:
Toys: Providing a variety of toys for your Ragdoll can help them engage in playtime activities and exercise. Toys like balls, feather wands, and interactive puzzles can be perfect for this.
Scratching posts: Ragdolls need to scratch to maintain their claws and stretch their muscles. Giving them with a scratching post or two can help redirect their scratching behavior away from your furniture and onto a designated surface.
Cat trees and climbing structures: Ragdolls may not be as agile as some other cat breeds, but they still enjoy climbing and exploring their environment. A cat tree or other climbing structure can give them an outlet for their natural instincts and allow them to exercise.
Elevated perches: Ragdolls love being up high and surveying their surroundings. An elevated perch, either attached to the wall or freestanding, can give them a safe and comfortable place to relax and observe.
By having these items in your home, you can help your Ragdoll express their athleticism and engage in physical activity that is necessary for their overall health and well-being.
Final message
So, the answer to the question ‘Are Ragdoll cats athletic?’ is that while they may not be as athletic in the typical sense as some other cat breeds, they still possess a level of athleticism that lets them perform normal ‘cat-like’ activities such as climbing.
Because of this, I’d encourage would-be owners to consider their lifestyle and activity level before buying or adopting a Ragdoll.
While Ragdolls are lower-energy than other cat breeds, they still need some level of physical activity to maintain their health – and you should ensure there’s enough space in your house, apartment or enclosed backyard to accommodate things like cat trees or climbable items.
To finish, Ragdoll cats are wonderful companions with unique personalities and physical characteristics and though they may not be the most athletic felines in the world, they still possess a level of athleticism that makes them enjoyable and engaging pets.
