Since the Ragdoll first appeared on the cat scene back in the 1960s, the breed has become immensely popular. They are one of the largest cat breeds and have very distinctive coloring and markings, which is what first attracts people to this breed, but their laid-back demeanor makes them a great companion for many different people.
What is the life expectancy of a Ragdoll Cat?
As a cat breed, a Ragdoll Cat‘s average lifespan is quite long, which contributes greatly to its popularity. Ragdolls can live to be anywhere between 15 and 25 years old.
Editor’s note – our Ragdoll Cat brothers Choo-Choo and Huey lived to the grand old age of 17 and 18.
Huey at 18 years old
How does the Ragdoll Cat’s life expectancy compare with other cat breeds?
The life expectancy of an average domestic cat is between 11 to 16 years. According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest cat that ever lived was Crème Puff, a domestic cat who lived to the ripe old age of 38 years and 3 days.
Good genes play an essential part in determining the life expectancy of a cat. Along with the Ragdoll, many other cat breeds enjoy a long life span.
Abyssinian – average life span 15 years
Balinese – average life span 18 years
Burmese – average life span 18 to 25 years
Bombay Cat – average life span 20 years
Cornish Rex – average life span 16 to 20 years
Egyptian Mau – average life span 12 to 15 years
European Shorthair – average life span 15 years
Exotic Shorthair – average life span 12 to 15 years
Himalayan – average life span 15 years
Japanese Bobtail – average life span 15 to 18 years
Maine Coon – average life span 16 years
Manx Cat – average life span 15 years
Nebelung – average life span 15 to 18 years
Norwegian Forest – average life span 14 years
Oriental Shorthair – average life span 15 years
Persian – average life span 15 years
Russian Blue – average life span 10 to 20 years
Savannah Cat – average life span 12 to 20 years
Siamese Cat – average life span 20 years
Siberian – average life span 15 years
Sphynx Cat – average life span 15 years
Somali – average life span 13 years
Toyger – average life span 12 – 15 years
Turkish Angora – average life span 15 years
A Maine Coon Cat’s average life span is 16 years
What causes cats to die at a young age?
There are several factors that can affect a cat’s lifespan, and it’s important to note that not all cats will live the same length of life. The most common reasons why cats die at a young age are:
- Congenital defect
- Infection
- Disease
- Accident
What health problems do Ragdoll Cats have that may cause premature death?
Ragdolls are a relatively healthy breed of cat with few known health issues. However, they may suffer from the following illnesses and ailments which may shorten their lifespan:
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease that leads to the thickening of the heart muscle. It’s also called “HCM,” and it’s the most common heart disease in cats. HCM is usually caused by a genetic defect, leading to heart failure and sudden death. It typically strikes middle-aged male cats but can occur in younger cats too. HCM is more common in certain breeds of cats than others, with the Ragdoll being one of them. A genetic test is available to allow breeders to screen cats for the gene before breeding them. A reputable breeder will guarantee that their Ragdoll kittens are free from this genetic defect.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called gingivitis or periodontitis, is a painful condition caused by plaque and tartar build-up. It occurs when the bacteria in the tartar irritates your cat’s gums and causes the gums to become swollen and inflamed. Over time, the inflammation can destroy the tissues that hold teeth in place, leading to tooth loss, bad breath, and a red and swollen mouth. Some gum diseases can be potentially life-threatening.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a condition that primarily affects cats over the age of 10 and is more commonly diagnosed in Persian and Exotic Shorthairs but can also be present in Ragdolls. The disease, which can be inherited, is characterized by a group of cysts that grow in the kidneys, causing the kidneys to become enlarged and unable to filter wastes from the blood efficiently. Affected cats can have polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and not show any symptoms. Again,
a genetic test is available to allow breeders to screen cats for the gene before breeding them.
How to best take care of your cat to increase its life expectancy
Cats have a reputation for living a long time. In fact, cats are one of the longest living domesticated animals. But how can you increase your cat’s lifespan? Here are some simple ways to improve your cat’s life expectancy.
• Keep your cat indoors – an indoor cat will typically live longer than an outdoor cat. An indoor cat is not exposed to dangers such as cars, injuries inflicted by other cats and dogs, and diseases.
• Feed your cat good quality cat food – most Ragdoll breeders raise their kittens on raw food and high-quality biscuits, such as Royal Canin or Hills Science.
• Exercise – Ragdolls can be prone to obesity, especially if they are an indoor cat. Make sure you give them lots of opportunities to exercise in the form of interactive toys, cat trees and perches.
• Give your cat lots of love, and it will benefit both of you – It can be said that cat owners have a higher life expectancy than those that don’t own a cat. The University of Minnesota Stroke Institute found that cat owners seemed much less likely to die of heart attack and stroke than non-cat owners.
