Ask US Anything: Adding a New Cat, Ragdolls Don’t Like Catnip, Female vs. Male Protein Allergens

Our “Ask US Anything” is a series of posts on the site where I share the questions/concerns/ideas that readers have sent in and then the responses from our readers about those questions/concerns/ideas.

Adding a New Cat – British Short Hair

“I wonder if you, or any of your readers, have any knowledge of, or experience with the British Shorthair breed? I have an adorable, rambunctious eleven month old neutered male Ragdoll. I was feeling like he really needed a companion, but unsure if a new kitten would be the answer. I have the opportunity to take a one year old Brit, whom had sired one litter, but has just been neutered, as the breeder will no longer be raising them. I was very excited about the prospect of having this beautiful boy. Then, I was given an opinion of a BSH breeder. She suggested that this situation might be dicey, as BSH adult males can be difficult to introduce to a new family. She thought a kitten would be safer. (She has no ulterior motive, as this info did not come directly from her, so there would be no purchase made from her litter). Others disagree, and feel it will be fine, if introduced slowly. I would love to know if anyone has a particular perspective on this. I need to make a decision soon. Thanks!”

Ragdolls Don’t Like Catnip

Ruth wrote in, “Have got a 12 wk old ragdoll and recently found your site. We have enjoyed watching your videos. Having watched the Yeowww toy recommendation clip I bought a toy for our kitten, however he seems really put off by the catnip smell which we are disappointed about. A friend then told me that he knew that Ragdolls don’t like catnip…?! Please can you tell me more?” I replied, “The ability for a cat to react to catnip is a genetic thing – and only 60% of cats react – if your kittens parents liked catnip, chances are your kitten will – but that sense isn’t developed until about 6 month, so 3 months is far to young to expect a normal reaction.”

Female vs. Male Ragdoll Cat Protein Allergens

A reader looking to adopt a male or female kitten asked me this question: “It is it true the lighter the color and female the less protein any cat would give off? Or is that a myth?”  …and I had no idea what she was talking about – until our awesome Facebook community let me know it had to do with allergens!  Check out the embedded Facebook post below.

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Enjoy reading common reader inquiries?