If you’re planning to buy a Ragdoll cat – or already own a kitten – you probably want to know how long it takes for them to become fully grown.
Ragdolls are one of the largest cat breeds in the world, second only to the Maine Coon, so it can difficult to tell if they’re still growing or not as they progress from kittenhood into adulthood.
So then: how long does it take for Ragdolls to reach their full size?
It typically takes Ragdoll cats 4 years to become fully grown. From 0-6 months is the kitten stage, followed by the junior stage between months 7-12. Ragdolls’ prime stage is between years 1-4 where they reach full maturity, with their senior years from 5 onwards.
The biggest changes you’ll notice in your Ragdoll as they grow is their coloring, size and voice changes.
As kittens, they have high pitched meows and very little point coloring around their nose and face – however, as they age, their coloring becomes far more prominent and their voice gets deeper.
Similarly, Ragdolls don’t take long to grow completely into their full-sized body which, at complete maturity, can be anywhere from 17-21 inches (43-53 centimetres) in length and between 10-20 pounds (4-9 kilograms) in weight.
In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about when Ragdoll cats are fully grown, from the different growth stages to the physical and behavioral changes that occur.
Ragdoll cat growth stages
As with all cat breeds, Ragdoll cats go through different growth stages as they mature from kittens to adults.
Understanding these growth stages is important in determining when they are fully grown and what kind of care they need at each stage.
Kitten stage (0-6 months)
The kitten stage is the first 6 months of a Ragdoll cat’s life. During this time, they’re at their most vulnerable and require constant care and attention.
Ragdoll kittens will spend most of their time sleeping, nursing, and exploring their surroundings. They’ll also begin to develop their coordination, social skills, and senses during this stage.
Junior stage (7-12 months)
The next 6 months of a Ragdoll’s life is known as the junior stage, which spans months 7-12. Through this period, Ragdoll kittens will start to show more independence and curiosity.
They’ll also become more active and playful, developing their motor skills. It’s important to provide plenty of toys and stimulation for your Ragdoll during this stage to promote healthy growth and development.
Prime stage (1-4 years)
The prime stage is when Ragdoll cats reach their full adult size and weight, which typically occurs between 1-4 years of age.
During this stage, they’ll become more settled and relaxed, but still maintain their playful and affectionate personality.
Ragdoll cats will also develop their full coat, eye color and ear shape during this time, which makes them a stunning and beautiful breed.
Senior stage (5 years+)
The senior stage is a Ragdoll cat’s golden years, which usually starts at 5 years of age.
During this stage, they may start to slow down and become less active, and may require more specialized care to maintain their health and well-being.
It’s important to monitor your senior Ragdoll cat’s diet, exercise, and health to ensure they continue to live a happy, long and comfortable life.
Understanding the different growth stages of Ragdoll cats is crucial for determining when they’re fully grown and what kind of care they require at each stage.
Knowing this can help your Ragdoll cat reach their full potential and remain a valued, healthy member of your family for many years.
Physical and behavioral changes in fully grown Ragdoll cats
As Ragdoll cats reach their prime stage, they’ll undergo significant physical and behavioral changes that mark their full growth and development.
Below is a detailed breakdown of these changes, including some tips you can use to keep your cat as happy as possible as they enter adulthood.
Physical changes
Fully grown Ragdoll cats are known for their large size and plush, purebred coat, which becomes more prominent as they mature from kittens to adults.
At full maturity, they can weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds, with males typically being larger than females.
Ragdolls also end up with a broad chest, short neck, and muscular legs, giving them a sturdy and impressive appearance.
Their coat will also reach its full length and texture, which is soft and silky to the touch, but can also cause excess shedding (especially in the warmer months).
Most importantly, their points (patterns) will become far more prominent – Ragdoll cats come in a variety of colors including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, and flame.
Their eyes will also reach their full blue color, which is a striking and beautiful feature of this breed.
Behavioral changes
Ragdoll cats are known for their affectionate and easy-going temperament, and they retain this from kittenhood right through to adulthood.
They love to cuddle and be held (just not for long periods), and will often follow their owners around the house. They’re also very social and generally get along well with other pets and children.
However, Ragdolls often become more independent as they get older and prefer to have their own space.
It’s important to provide a comfortable and cozy environment for your fully grown Ragdoll, such as a cat bed or corner where they can relax and feel safe, and escape the hustle and bustle of your home or apartment (especially if you have kids).
It’s not uncommon for adult Ragdolls to climb on top of shelves or cupboards to have some time alone, too.
Fully grown Ragdolls may also become less active and more sedentary as they age, so it’s important to provide appropriate exercise and stimulation to keep them healthy and happy.
This can include playing with toys, scratching posts, and interactive games such as fetch – yes, that’s right, Ragdolls have dog-like personalities and will happily chase after whatever you throw them, if they’re in the right mood.
Health considerations
Ragdoll cats are generally healthy and have a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years or more.
However, there are some health concerns that are common in this breed, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a heart disease that can lead to heart failure – and this becomes more of a risk as your Ragdoll ages.
It’s important to monitor your cat’s health and behavior (especially in their senior years), and to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and screenings.
Tips for caring for fully grown Ragdoll cats
Caring for fully-grown Ragdoll cats is relatively easy and low maintenance, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they remain healthy and happy.
Below are some tips based on my experience as a long-time owner of this wonderful breed.
Diet
A healthy diet is essential for ensuring your Ragdoll grows up fit and strong. They should be fed a high-quality, protein-rich diet that’s appropriate for their age and activity level.
It’s important to avoid overfeeding as Ragdoll cats are prone to obesity, which can lead to health problems such as diabetes and joint issues.
It’s best to feed your adult Ragdoll a combination of wet and dry food, with a focus on quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Just make sure it’s not raw.
It’s also important to provide fresh, clean water at all times.
Grooming
Ragdoll cats have a thick, plush coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling – this will become more necessary as they reach adulthood and their fur starts to grow and thicken.
In my experience, adult Ragdolls should be brushed at least once a week, using a soft-bristled brush or comb. This helps to keep their coat in good condition, but also provides a bonding experience between you and your cat.
It’s also important to trim your Ragdoll’s nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort.
I found it helpful to introduce nail trimming to my Ragdoll, Poppie, at a young age, so she became accustomed to the process – now, as an adult, she’s less likely to resist it.
Exercise and play
Ragdoll cats are known for being fairly inactive and sedentary, which can lead to weight gain and health problems if you overfeed them or fail to stimulate them.
It’s important to provide appropriate exercise and play opportunities for your fully grown Ragdoll to keep them fit and happy.
I recommend providing toys and scratching posts, as well as interactive games that encourage your cat to play and move around.
This not only helps to keep them physically active, but also provides mental stimulation and prevents boredom (which is especially important if you live in a small home or apartment).
Health care
Regular health care is essential for adult Ragdoll cats. They should be taken to the vet for regular check-ups, as well as vaccinations and preventative care for common potential ailments such as heart disease.
It’s also important to monitor your Ragdoll’s behavior and health at home, and to seek veterinary care if you notice any changes or concerns.
Signs something could be wrong include loss of appetite, diarrhoea, guarding against belly rubs, loss of energy or agitation.
Final message
Ragdoll cats are a beautiful breed known for their friendly personalities, luscious coats, and gentle nature.
They’re typically fully developed by around 4 years of age, reaching anywhere from 17-21 inches (43-53 centimetres) in length and between 10-20 pounds (4-9 kilograms) in weight at complete maturity.
If well looked after and without any unforeseen health issues, Ragdolls can live to the ripe age of 15 or older meaning you’ll have a loyal companion for a long time to come.
