Asking ‘are Ragdoll cats friendly’ is like asking ‘is the Pope Catholic’ – the short answer being, of course they are!
In fact, I’d go as far to say Ragdolls are one of the friendliest cat breeds in the world. My Ragdoll, named Poppie, is the most affectionate cat I’ve ever owned.
She’ll always be waiting at the door when my wife and I come home, follow us around the house, and also curl up on our lap or next to us for a cuddle or nap when we’re watching TV or laying in bed.
Not only that, Poppie’s also vocal and loves to talk to us through meows, purrs, chirps and gentle headbutts.
Ask any Ragdoll owner and I’m sure they’ll have similar stories to tell about their own cats.
In this article, I’ll explain why Ragdolls cats are super friendly and make fantastic pets.
Overview of Ragdoll cat temperament
Ragdoll cats are known for their docile and gentle temperament. They’re sometimes referred to as “puppy cats” because of their friendly and social behavior. Ragdolls typically become very attached to their owners and enjoy being near them.
That being said, Ragdolls still enjoy their independence from time to time and will often escape the company of humans by climbing up onto shelves or cupboards to be alone when they want some space.
Compared to other cat breeds, Ragdolls are generally considered to be one of the friendliest.
They’re extremely patient and gentle, making them a great choice for families with young children or other pets.
However, it’s important to remember that every cat is unique, and there can be variations in personality within a breed.
Are Ragdolls the friendliest cats?
In my experience, Ragdoll cats are by far the friendliest breed I’ve come across. Their entire demeanor, behavior and personality is warm and welcoming, which is why so many people love owning them as pets. If you show your Ragdoll love and affection, they’ll return it ten-fold.
There are several reasons why Ragdolls are known for their friendliness.
First, they’re typically very social and enjoy being around people. While they value their independence every now and then, they certainly prefer the company of humans to being alone.
Second, they’re very chilled and easy going, and not normally aggressive or prone to biting and scratching, which makes them easy to handle and interact with.
Finally, Ragdolls are very affectionate and enjoy being close to their owners, who they’ll form strong bonds with and follow around the house like a cute, fluffy shadow.
Comparison to other friendly cat breeds
While Ragdolls are known for their friendliness, there are other cat breeds that are also considered to be very friendly. Some of these include the Maine Coon, Persian, Birman and Siamese. Like Ragdolls, these breeds are typically very social and enjoy being around people.
I’ve written comparisons between Ragdolls and Maine Coons, and Ragdolls and Birmans, which you may like to read if you’re tossing up between buying either of these breeds.
In short, each of these breeds are considered suitable for families – especially those with children – due to their calm and loving natures.
Of course, every cat is different and their behavior, including their friendliness, will often be influenced by their upbringing and environment, so it’s important to factor these things in as well.
Are Ragdoll cats friendly with children?
Ragdoll cats are wonderfully friendly with children. They’re non-aggressive, calm, loving and will treat kids with affection and patience. Basically, Ragdolls are the perfect type of cat if you have young children in your home.
While my wife and I don’t have kids at this stage, whenever our young nieces and nephews have dropped by our place to visit, our Ragdoll, Poppie, has interacted extremely well with them.
Naturally, kids are curious and sometimes overwhelming, so Poppie initially ran for cover and hid under the bed when they first arrived – however, in time, she emerged from her hiding place and felt comfortable being around them and accepting pats.
This is something I’m sure most Ragdoll owners can attest to. They’re rarely aggressive and are very tolerant of being handled and played with.
However, I’d recommend supervising interactions between children and your Ragdoll to ensure that both the cat and the child are safe and that they’re not playing rough.
I’ve outlined some ways to safeguard against this below.
Tips for introducing a Ragdoll cat to children
When introducing a Ragdoll cat to children, it’s important to take things slowly and make sure your cat feels safe and comfortable.
Here are some tips I’d suggest for helping your Ragdoll get used to interacting with kids:
- Encourage children to approach your Ragdoll slowly and calmly, and to avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could scare them
- Show children how to pet your Ragdoll gently, using slow, gentle strokes
- Encourage children to respect your Ragdoll’s boundaries and not to pull on its tail or ears
- Supervise interactions between children and your Ragdoll at all times, and be ready to intervene if necessary
Following these steps will ensure any interactions between your Ragdoll and children will be respectful and gentle for both parties.
Are Ragdoll cats lap cats?
Yes, Ragdoll cats make for excellent lap cats because they enjoy cuddling with their owners. It’s not unusual for Ragdolls to curl up next to their owners in the evening when they’re in the mood for some affection.
One of the best things about our Ragdoll, Poppie, is that when she does this, she’ll usually remain very quiet and still – which is great if you’re watching TV or a movie and don’t want to be distracted.
Sometimes she’ll try to get our attention with some gentle headbutts or by pawing my wife and I’s faces, however it’s always done with affection.
I’ve watched videos of other Ragdoll owners, and their cats show similar behavior too.
Do Ragdoll cats like to be held?
Yes, Ragdoll cats generally like to be held. They’re usually very docile and relaxed, which makes them easy to handle as they’ll ‘flop’ into your arms like a ragdoll (hence their name). However, your Ragdoll cat may get restless and try to escape your grasp if you hold them for too long.
Like with any cat, it’s important to be gentle and respectful when holding a Ragdoll.
They may not like being held if they’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable, so it’s important to pay attention to their body language and respect their boundaries.
If you can feel them struggling or wanting to break free, it’s best to place them back on the ground and give them space.
Final message
Ragdoll cats are renowned for their exceptional friendliness and affectionate nature – it’s why they’re such a popular breed.
If you’re looking to buy or adopt a cat that is gentle, fun, affectionate and great with children, Ragdolls should be at the top of your list.
As someone who’s owned a Ragdoll for more than five years, I can’t speak highly enough of this breed and can vouch for their incredible friendliness and loving personalities.
So, if you’re looking for a friendly and affectionate cat, a Ragdoll is definitely worth considering.
