Have you ever watched your Ragdoll cat go limp and wondered, “why do Ragdoll cats go limp?” Well, we have the answer for you!
Ragdoll cats are well known for their perpetually limp and relaxed state. The ragdoll cat’s personality most likely developed from breeding with the bobtail cat, which tended to go limp like a rag doll. Ragdoll cats also may go limp due to discomfort, physical injury, suffering from a medical condition, or Fear.
The genes that created this behavior may have been passed down through generations of the breed.
It’s also possible that the Ragdoll cat became “lazy” because it has an abundance of serotonin in its brain and can easily cope with stress.
Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp?
Ragdoll cats go limp from being bred to have a specific personality and body type. They are known for their playful characters, docile disposition, and large size.
Ragdolls were first created in the 1960s by Ann Baker at her home in Riverside, California.
She was breeding Siamese cats and wanted to create a new breed with the same attributes as true Siamese-loving children.
A cat breeder named Evelyn Moche told Ann that she had made a new breed and called them “rag doll” cats.
Ann thought they would be perfect for what she wanted and decided to call the new breed “Ragdolls.”
4 Reasons Why Ragdoll Cats Go Limp
1. Discomfort
There are a few reasons why these cats go limp. One of the most common reasons is that they are just not comfortable. For example, if a person tries to pick up their Ragdoll cat and it goes limp, you may want to try a different way to pick them up.
Maybe you could try picking it up from the side or back.
Another reason for going limp is discomfort with being picked up. Ragdolls are known for being very docile, so they don’t mind being picked up, as long as it’s done mindfully.
They don’t fight or resist when picked up; they go limp because they are unsure how to react.
Others may go limp because they are sleeping or feeling ill. If your Ragdoll cat is sleeping, gently place them down and allow them to wake in their own time.
If your cat is sick or injured, never force them into any position which would cause them more pain or injury than what they already have.
You should also seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible before the sickness progresses too far and becomes too difficult to treat.
2. Physical Injury
Some Ragdoll cats go limp due to injury or illness. If they have been injured and are in pain, they will likely go limp to don’t move the injured area.
Cats can also go limp when they are having difficulty breathing. It’s essential to get these cats to a veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure that it’s not an emergency.
3. Suffering From A Medical Condition
While the Ragdoll cat breed is known for going limp, they may also go limp if they suffer from a medical condition.
If you suspect your Ragdoll cat may be sick, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. There could be several medical conditions that cause Ragdolls to go limp, including:
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Gas Retention
- Hypocalcemia
- Kidney Failure
- Liver Failure
- Bone or Cartilage Disease
- Neurological Disease
4. Fear
Part of what makes these cats go limp is their fear of the unknown. They tense up the moment they are picked up and then go limp. Then, as you hold them, the cat will likely start to purr and relax.
This is because they know that you’re not a threat to them, and there’s no need to fight back or run away. It can also be because these cats are bred for generations to be docile and trusting with humans.
They have also been produced to learn new things, which means they may not be fearful when given new experiences like being groomed or petted by someone outside their family.
How Does This Behavior Affect the Cats?
There are a few ways the behavior affects the cats themselves. For one, it makes them more vulnerable to predators and other dangers.
Ragdolls have large and distinctive ears that make it easy for animals to see through the environment and find them.
They also have a gentle nature, which means they don’t lash out at other animals, resulting in them becoming prey.
Sometimes they’ll even go limp while being held by humans, which may make them more susceptible to attack.
The lack of resistance against their human caretaker also has implications for their health since they won’t avoid any harm or discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdoll cats are known for their large size, which means they can be used to snuggle. Owners will often use a Ragdoll cat as a pillow or lean on them when they’re sitting down.
They also have a very docile disposition, making them easier to care for than other breeds.
A Ragdoll cat won’t resist or fight back as much while being brushed or groomed.
This makes them desirable pets for people with allergies since they shed less and are less likely to scratch or bite their owners.
When you love your Ragdoll cat, and it loves you back, it may fall limp out of love!
What Challenges Does Living With a Ragdoll Cat Present?
Ragdolls are known for their large size and playful personalities. They also possess a unique trait that causes them to go limp when held by a human.
While this can make handling them more challenging, it is easier to care for as they are resistless and don’t fight back against humans.
One of the biggest challenges people have with Ragdolls is their tendency to become overweight due to their large size.
This can lead to health problems like diabetes, respiratory problems, or heart conditions due to the strain on their body from carrying the extra weight.
Another challenge is that because they are bred to be docile and easygoing, owners of these cats need to provide them with mental stimulation and physical exercise to avoid getting bored or becoming destructive in the home.
Ragdolls need special care and some extra considerations that may not apply to other breeds of cats. You will soon see why so many people love having a Ragdoll in their home with proper care.
Conclusion
While the Ragdoll cat breed is known for going limp, Sometimes it’s a sign the animal is suffering from a medical condition, is in pain, or is scared. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your cat’s limp is due to a medical condition.
If your cat’s limp is due to physical injury or fear, consult with a veterinarian and a pet behaviorist.
You might need to consult with both if your cat is in pain and scared or if it suffers from a medical condition and is scared.