Ragdolls are one of the largest breeds of domestic cat and therefore it can be hard to tell if your Ragdoll is the right weight for its size or in fact overweight. In this article, we will discuss the signs of an overweight Ragdoll Cat.
How do I know if my Ragdoll is overweight?
A Ragdoll’s weight appropriateness should be determined by body conformity, not actual weight. When you look at him from above, does he have a defined waist? Can you feel his ribs under the fur?
However, here are some general guidelines that may help you determine if your ragdoll cat is overweight or even underweight:
Very thin – The cat’s ribs, spine and pelvis are easily visible and there is no fat covering them. The cat will have a very marked ‘waist’ and abdominal tuck. The top of the cat’s lumbar vertebrae is prominent.
Thin – It’s easy to feel the cat’s ribs, pelvis and spine with very little fat covering. Obvious waist behind the ribs. The top of the cat’s lumbar vertebrae is visible.
Normal – You can feel the cat’s ribs and spine, but they are not visible. There is some fat covering their body with a small waist and abdominal tuck.
Over-weight – It is not easy to feel the cat’s ribs and spine. It has moderate fat coving and little or no waist behind the ribs. the cat’s abdomen is rounded.
Obese – It is difficult to feel the cat’s ribs and spine. It has a substantial fat covering with no waist and a belly that hangs down.
What is the healthy weight for a Ragdoll cat?
The Ragdoll is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat and it doesn’t reach its full maturity and size until it is around 4 years old. A healthy Ragdoll Cat weight should be anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds. Females are usually much smaller than their male counterparts, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds while males can weigh as much as 20 lb plus.
Do Ragdoll Cats have big bellies?
- It is designed to protect the internal organs during a fight or confrontation with other cats or predators.
- The pouch on a cat’s body stretches when the cat runs, which allows it to move faster and with more agility.
- The pouch provides more space to accommodate large meals.
Are Ragdoll cats prone to obesity?
Yes unfortunately Ragdoll Cats are prone to obesity. Obese cats are at risk of developing a life threatening disease such as diabetes and heart disease. As Ragdolls are usually kept as indoor cats they are less active than a cat that is able to venture outdoors and therefore more likely to gain excess weight.
How to prevent obesity in Ragdoll Cats?
There is no one answer to this question as the prevention and treatment of obesity in Ragdoll Cats will vary depending on each individual cat’s weight, diet, and activity level. However, there are some general tips that can be followed to help prevent your Ragdoll Cat from becoming overweight or obese.
First and foremost, make sure that your Ragdoll Cat is receiving a proper diet. A balanced and high-quality diet should include plenty of lean protein sources such as chicken or fish. Avoid feeding your Ragdoll Cat excess treats, which can lead to obesity. If your Ragdoll is already overweight your vet may recommend a specialized low-calorie cat food to get your kitty back on the right track.
Secondly, be sure to keep your Ragdoll Cat active by providing them with toys and activities that they enjoy. This will help to keep them mentally and physically active, which in turn will help to prevent them from gaining weight.
If you feel like your Ragdoll cat might be overweight, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine whether or not he or she is at risk for developing serious health problems related to obesity. With the correct routine care and a balanced diet, your Ragdoll cat can retain a healthy weight.
