Ragdolls are renowned for being bigger cats – but how much do they actually weigh?
It’s important to know the healthy weight for your ragdoll cat because if they start to drift significantly outside these numbers, either under or over, then it may be a sign that something could be wrong and warrants further investigation.
Keeping your ragdoll within a healthy weight range will also help prolong its life, giving you more years of cuddles and companionship.
So, how much should a ragdoll cat weigh?
A healthy, adult male ragdoll cat should weigh between 15-20 pounds. A healthy, female ragdoll cat should tip the scales at a slightly lighter number, between 10-15 pounds. If your ragdoll is within these weight ranges, it suggests they are in good health and you are feeding them correctly.
If your cat is heavier than this, it may indicate a need to cut back on how much you feed them, and begin an exercise program. For females, it could also mean they are pregnant.
If your cat is significantly lighter than this, it could indicate an underlying health condition (especially if they’re more withdrawn and less affectionate than normal), and you should seek immediate advice from a veterinarian.
How much should a ragdoll cat weigh in kilograms?
An adult male ragdoll cat typically weighs roughly 6.8-9.1 kilograms. An adult female ragdoll cat usually weighs between 4.5-6.8 kilograms. If you are using the metric system to weigh your ragdoll cat, these are the numbers you should aim for in kilograms.
How much should a ragdoll cat weigh in pounds?
An adult male ragdoll cat typically weighs roughly 15-20 pounds. An adult female ragdoll cat usually weighs between 10-15 pounds. If you are using the imperial system to weigh your ragdoll cat, these are the numbers you should aim for in pounds.
At these weights, ragdolls clock in as one of the heaviest cat breeds in the world, however they still make for great lap cats.
Some other similar-weighted breeds to ragdolls include Birmans, Maine Coons and Persians (all of which are long-haired cats, just like ragdolls).
How do you weigh a ragdoll cat?
The only way to weigh a ragdoll cat is by using a scale specially designed for small pets, as it is more sensitive and will register numbers at lighter weights. A baby scale will work equally as well. Weighing a ragdoll cat on an adult human scale won’t work, as they won’t be heavy enough to record a reading.
If you’re like me, you’ve likely already tried weighing your ragdoll cat on a regular set of scales, only to be left disappointed to discover it doesn’t work.
I’ve read some hacks from other cat owners that recommend standing on human scales while holding your ragdoll, recording the number, then reweighing yourself without your ragdoll and subtracting it from the first recorded weight.
While this does work (I’ve tried it), I haven’t found it to be quite as accurate as weighing your ragdoll on a specially-designed pet scale, or a baby scale.
You can buy pet scales, like the Greater Goods Pet Scale, on Amazon without breaking your budget.
Similarly, you can also buy baby scales, like the Greater Goods Smart Baby scale, for a similar price – so, you certainly have options.
It’s certainly worthwhile to have either set of scales in your house, as it will allow you to keep an eye on your ragdoll’s weight if you suspect they may be a little overweight or underweight.
Can you weigh a ragdoll cat on a human scale?
No, weighing a ragdoll cat on a human scale doesn’t produce accurate readings. This is because your ragdoll cat (which usually weights between 10-20 pounds) is too light to register a reading on a human scale, commonly called a ‘bathroom scale’, which is designed to withstand weights up to 400 pounds.
How can you tell the weight of your ragdoll cat without a scale?
Three ways to check your ragdoll cat’s weight without using a scale include: feeling your cat’s ribs; looking for a tucked up abdomen; and observing your cat’s waistline. These three indicators, if assessed properly, will give you an idea about whether your cat is overweight or underweight.
Of course, your hands or naked eye will never be able to substitute using a proper pet scale – but, if you’re on a tight budget, these techniques are a way to check if your ragdoll cat is a healthy weight.
Let’s go through them in more detail below.
1. Feel your ragdoll’s ribs
Have your cat stand in front of you, place your thumbs together in the centre of your cat’s spine, and let your hands spread down over their ribcage.
If you can clearly feel your cat’s ribs, but also see them with your naked eye, it could mean they are underweight. If you can’t clearly feel your ragdoll’s ribs, it’s likely they are overweight.
2. Look for a tucked up abdomen
Viewing your cat from its side using your naked eye, you should be able to see your ragdoll’s abdomen tucked up in front of it’s hind legs.
If your cat’s abdomen tucks up sharply, they may be overweight. If your ragdoll’s abdomen barely tucks up, or not at all, and wobbles when it moves, there’s a good chance they are overweight.
3. Observe your ragdoll’s waistline
This is a great way to check your ragdoll’s weight. Standing directly above your cat, check to see how far your cat waistline protrudes at its sides.
If your ragdoll’s waistline sharply narrows behind its ribcage, it could indicate that it is underweight.
If your ragdoll has an indiscernible, or non-existent, waistline that gives a bulging, round appearance, then it’s likely your cat is overweight.
Are ragdoll cats heavy?
Ragdolls are one of the heaviest cat breeds in the world, largely due to their size. Like the Maine Coon, Persian and Birman breeds, Ragdolls have big dimensions – big bodies, big paws and big coats – all of which contribute to their heaviness.
That being said, ragdolls aren’t so heavy that it’s a struggle to pick them up – you can easily lift a ragdoll cat into your arms with ease.
However, as I’ve explained in another article, it’s likely they won’t stay still for long and will try to wiggle free after about 10 seconds, as ragdolls don’t tend to enjoy being held for long periods of time.
Do ragdoll cats weigh more in winter?
Ragdoll cats may be slightly heavier in winter due to growing their fluffier, thicker winter coats, however the effect this has on the scales is minimal. If your ragdoll weighs more in winter, it’s likely due to them eating more comfort food to try and stay warmer during the colder months.
Just as humans tend to gain a little extra weight during winter (it’s hard not to eat comfort food when it’s so cold), ragdolls will also happily eat more food if you let them, and may eat more biscuits and snacks in an effort to stay warm.
Why are ragdoll cats so big?
Ragdoll cats are naturally big due to genetics. Ragdolls are believed to originate from a breeder who crossed a Persian/Angora female with an unknown male, supposedly thought to be a Birman. As these cats are large in size, it makes sense that the resultant ragdoll offspring also grew up to be big.
Final message
In summary, the healthy weight range for an adult male ragdoll cat is between 15-20 pounds, while a healthy adult female ragdoll should clock-in between 10-15 pounds.
It’s best to use a specialised pet scale to weigh your ragdoll cat if you suspect they might be overweight or underweight, and it’s important to seek professional veterinary assistance if you believe the weight gain/loss may be due to ill health.