There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a furry friend. For many of us, our pets are members of the family—and that includes ragdoll cats. With their gentle dispositions and propensity to follow their human around, it’s no wonder that these kitties make great companions for babies and children. But how well do Ragdoll Cats adjust to having a newborn baby in the house? Let’s find out!
Are Ragdoll cats good with babies?
Ragdolls are known for being particularly patient and tolerant, which makes them ideal candidates for homes with young children. They’re also adaptable and can easily adjust to changes in routine, meaning they can roll with the punches when baby’s nap schedule is thrown off or there’s a sudden outburst of tears. And since they tend to be laid-back and relaxed, they’re not likely to get spooked by sudden movements or loud noises (unlike some other cat breeds).
Ragdolls are also one of the largest domestic cat breeds, so they can take a little roughhousing from even the most energetic toddler. And because they’re such people-oriented cats, they tend to follow their owners around and be content just being in the same room as their family.
When my first child was born, my Ragdolls were 5 years old and they quickly adapted to our new arrival. They would often curl up next to the bassinet or bouncer, and my daughter loved to give them kisses on their soft fur. Even when she was learning to crawl and walk, they were always patient with her, never once hissing or scratching her when she reached out and tugged their fur.
Of course, it is important to remember that cats are not babysitters. They should never be left alone with a newborn baby, as even the most gentle cat can become agitated or stressed in such a situation.
Tips for introducing your ragdoll to your new baby
Ragdolls are known for being gentle, loving cats. They are also known for being patient and tolerant, which makes them the perfect cat to introduce to a new baby. Here are some tips to help make the introduction go smoothly:
1. Give your ragdoll time to adjust to the new baby’s scent. Before you allow them to meet face-to-face, let your ragdoll sniff a blanket or article of clothing that smells like the baby. This will help them get used to the new scent without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Let your ragdoll approach the baby on their own terms. When they feel comfortable and ready, they will approach the baby on their own. Until then, keep them separate if necessary.
3. Establish rules and boundaries early on. It is important that the cat knows where it is allowed to go and what it is not allowed to do around the baby (e.g., no jumping on the crib).
4. Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, and climbing trees for your cat to help keep them occupied and out of trouble.
5. Never leave your Ragdoll Cat unattended with a newborn baby and pay attention to your cat’s body language around the baby.
6. Be patient with your cat as they adjust to the new arrival. They may be feeling jealous or displaced at first, but with time and patience, they will come to accept the baby as part of the family – and may even become one of your child’s best furry friends.
Can a ragdoll cat suffocate a newborn baby?
Potentially yes, a ragdoll cat could easily suffocate a newborn baby if they are left unattended together. The soft and plush fur of the ragdoll can block the baby’s nose and mouth, causing them to stop breathing.
However, I’d like to point out that known cases of cats suffocating babies are very, very rare. I can’t find any statistics on it, but based on my own Internet research, it seems that there are only a handful of documented cases. So while it’s important to be vigilant and not leave your baby unattended with any animal, including a cat, it’s also important not to panic unnecessarily.
There are thousands of households across the world where newborn babies are safely cohabiting with cats.
My biggest fear when I first brought home my newborn daughter was that one of my Ragdoll cats would jump into her cot when she was sleeping and suffocate her. In reality, I found that my Ragdoll Cats weren’t really interested in getting my daughter’s cot when she was a newborn, but every cat is different. Therefore, it is important to always keep a close eye on your ragdoll cat around small children, and to never leave them unattended together. If you are worried that your ragdoll may harm your child, it is best to keep them separated.
How do I stop my ragdoll cat from sleeping in my bedroom?
A Ragdoll cat is an affectionate and loving companion, and many people enjoy having their furry friend sleep in their bedroom. However, if you’re expecting a newborn baby, you’ll need to make some changes to ensure everyone in the family is safe and comfortable.
If you have a ragdoll cat that is used to sleeping in your bedroom, you may be wondering how to stop it from doing so once you have a newborn baby. There are a few things you can do to help make the transition for your cat easier and help keep your baby safe.
First, try gradually moving your cat’s bed or sleeping area closer to the door of your bedroom before keeping the door closed at night. This will give them time to get used to sleeping in a different location and won’t be such a shock when they are no longer able to sleep in your room.
Second, create a safe space for your cat in another room of the house where they can sleep and relax away from the noise and commotion of having a newborn in the house. This could be something as simple as setting up a pet bed or crate with some of their favorite toys and blankets.
Finally, make these adjustments a month before your new baby is due so your Ragdoll can get used to the new arrangement. You’ll probably have to endure a period of your Ragdoll scratching and meowing at the door during the night wanting to come in but this should pass after around two weeks.
How to discourage a cat from getting into your baby’s crib?
If you have a Ragdoll cat and are expecting a baby, you may be wondering how to keep your cat out of the crib. Here are some tips to discourage your cat from getting in the crib:
-Keep the door to the nursery closed. This will prevent your cat from having access to the crib.
-Make sure the crib is free of any toys or objects that your cat might find appealing.
-Place double-sided tape on the edge of the crib. The sticky surface will deter your cat from jumping in.
Before your baby arrives, line the cot with aluminium foil. Cats hate the sound of it, and it will train them to keep away from your sleeping baby.
Remember, safety comes first when you’re preparing for your new arrival. By taking some simple precautions, you can rest assured that your baby will be safe and sound in their own little world.
Tips for living with a Ragdoll Cat and Newborn Baby
A Ragdoll cat is an affectionate and loving companion, and many people enjoy having their furry friend around. However, when it comes to having a Ragdoll cat and a newborn baby in the same home, there are some things you need to keep in mind.
Litter box: First and foremost, it’s important to keep the litter box clean. A dirty litter box can cause health problems for both the cat and the baby.
Cat’s claws: Keep an eye on your cat’s claws. Although Ragdolls are known for being gentle, their claws can still do some damage if they’re not trimmed regularly.
Make sure your cat is up to date with their vaccines and parasite treatments: Cats can be carriers of disease even if they don’t show any signs of being sick themselves. It’s important to keep up with their vaccinations so they don’t pass anything on to your newborn, who will have a weaker immune system than an adult. Not only can parasites make your cat feel sick, but they can also pose a serious threat to your baby’s health. Treating your cat for worms, fleas, and other parasites will help protect both them and your child.
Be prepared for your Ragdoll to be clingy: Ragdolls are known for being clingy. They may want to be near your baby all the time, which, depending on your parenting style, can be overwhelming for a new parent. Some parents love having a constant cuddler, while others find it suffocating.
Watch your Ragdoll for any change in behavior: Ragdolls are relatively calm cats, but they can get scared easily. If your baby is crying or making loud noises, your Ragdoll may get scared and try to hide. If your Ragdoll is showing signs of anxiety from your newborn’s arrival, invest in a Feliway diffuser
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Ragdoll cat and newborn baby will have a happy and healthy life together.
In conclusion, Ragdoll cats are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which makes them ideal pets for families with small children. While they may not be as active as some other breeds of cats, they enjoy spending time with their human companions and can make great playmates for kids. Ragdolls also have a reputation for being very patient, even with young children who may not know how to handle them properly. If you’re looking for a family-friendly cat breed that will do well around babies and small children, the Ragdoll is definitely worth considering.
