Do Ragdolls Need to Be Groomed Often?
The question, do Ragdolls need to be groomed often is popular. All cats, regardless of their breed, need some degree of maintenance and care that will vary depending on their specific traits. They will all need proper feeding with adequate food tailored to their own needs, great litter maintenance, and ultimately regular grooming.
If feeding and looking after their litter are tasks that generally follow the same guidelines, grooming your cat may have its very own set of rules to follow depending on your cat’s type of coat. The length, texture, and shedding patterns of your cat’s fur are all indicators of how you need to start grooming your precious friend.
When it comes to owning a Ragdoll, most owners will recommend an occasional bath rather than frequent ones. This is because their single coat will deal better with a bath now and then, instead of an incessant bathing schedule.
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However, a Ragdoll’s hair will often require you to go the extra mile when it comes to grooming, in order to ensure the coat remains detangled. The hair can be medium to long length and although the coat does not mat easily, it still needs care and attention.
😸When to Brush Your Ragdoll?
A good brushing frequency for Ragdoll cats would be twice a week, which is just enough to prevent hairballs from falling and to maintain the thick coat nice and smooth.
[bctt tweet=”A good brushing frequency for Ragdoll cats would be twice a week, which is just enough to prevent hairballs from falling and to maintain the thick coat nice and smooth.” username=”@floppycats”]
It’s recommended that you start brushing your Ragdoll cat early on when the cat is still growing up. This will give it more time to get used to the grooming practices, so when it does actually grow up, your cat won’t throw tantrums or feel discomfort when you brush her.
Brushing Tips
In order for your Ragdoll cat to get used to the grooming process, you will need to start with short and gentle brushing sessions. If your furry friend resists, don’t fight it and try instead to only brush a small section of the coat. This will make the transition easier and you can gradually increase the area of the coat you brush.
Having said this, there are certain tips you need to follow if you want the brushing process to be pleasant for both you and your cat:
- Start brushing slowly, aiming to brush starting from head to toes. You will need to include the more difficult portions as well, like the back of the legs and behind the arms. If you’re looking for the best possible results, be sure to not brush in the opposite direction of the hair’s natural growing tendencies.
- Use different brushes and combs, in accordance to your cat’s type of hair.
If you want the brushing process to go smoothly, make sure the location you choose to do it in is peaceful and offers no additional distractions. It’s important that your Ragdoll cat feels at ease when you start brushing it. It’s also recommended that you keep the brushes you use in the same place where your furry baby sleeps, this will ultimately make it associate them with more familiarity.
As soon as the brushing session ends, you can offer your ragdoll a treat, so it can learn to associate the process with a positive outcome. For more tips and tricks on how you can better groom your Ragdoll, read the Grooming the Fluff: Tips & Tricks for Grooming Ragdolls and Other Long-Haired Cats eBook.
In order for the grooming process to deliver the best possible results, you will also need to invest in high-quality brushes and tools. Below you’ll find five of the best Ragdoll grooming tools available, as well as the tools you need to keep your home clean at all times.
[bctt tweet=”In order for the grooming process to deliver the best possible results, you will also need to invest in high-quality brushes and tools.” username=”@floppycats”]
5 Best Ragdoll Grooming Tools Available
1. Safari® Cat Shedding Comb
This classic Safari Cat Shedding Comb is specially designed to prevent hairballs from forming. It also reduces shedding, which enables you to have the clean home you desire. Its natural contoured wooden handle makes it easier to use, with a strong grip that perfectly matches your hand and does not allow slipping.
[bctt tweet=”This comb is ideal for both long and short-haired breeds, making it perfect for Ragdolls as well.” username=”@floppycats”]
This comb is ideal for both long and short-haired breeds, making it perfect for Ragdolls as well. The teeth are smooth and rounded, meant to be extra gentle on the skin. The Safari Cat Shedding Comb is also recommended by professional groomers everywhere.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJDmP2iWFKU[/embedyt]
You can get it at Amazon.
2. Zen Clipper Cat Nail Clippers
Otherwise known as the Worry-Free Nail Trimmer, the Zen Clippers are specially designed to prevent any injuries from occurring when trimming your cat’s nails. It comes in several different sizes, so you can get the one that best suits your Ragdoll’s needs. For example, the XX small sizing has a cutting area that measures 1.5 mm and is ideally suited for birds, kittens, reptiles, and small animals, in general. Make sure you know your Ragdoll’s specific requirements before you purchase the Zen Clippers.
[bctt tweet=”Otherwise known as the Worry-Free Nail Trimmer, the Zen Clippers are specially designed to prevent any injuries from occurring when trimming your cat’s nails.” username=”@floppycats”]
The handle is cushioned and non-slip and the stainless steel blades are designed specifically to give your cat’s nails a clean cut. Once you cut the nail, you can rest assured you won’t need any additional intervention, such as filing it.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjkZ0Oqj–M[/embedyt]
You can get it at Amazon or directly from the manufacturer.
3. EquiGroomer Grooming Tool for Cats
Initially designed for horses, The EquiGroomer Grooming Tool is also now available for cats. The unique blade removes all dead undercoat without any pulling, pain, or stress for your Ragdoll cat. Each tooth ends in a tiny barb that is meant to grab only hair that is scaly, dry or dead.
Due to its short teeth, the blade won’t make direct contact with the skin. It will barely touch and all your cat will feel is a gentle touch, as if being pet. The grooming tool does not only remove dirt and dust but also stimulates the production of oils in the skin that ultimately gives the coat such a healthy and shiny look.
[bctt tweet=”The grooming tool does not only remove dirt and dust but also stimulates the production of oils in the skin that ultimately gives the coat such a healthy and shiny look.” username=”@floppycats”]
The EquiGroomer Grooming Tool is absolutely safe to use and it will stop working when it has no more dead fur to remove.
The handle on this tool has been coated with grade paint and the blades have an epoxy finish that ensures they will remain rust-free for as long as you have them.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yVlE_-GqtM[/embedyt]
You can get it at Amazon.
4. Lilly Brush BE FOREVER FURLESS PET HAIR REMOVER
If you want a clean home as a cat owner, it’s not enough to only brush your cat. You also need hair removal tools that can leave your furniture hair-free. One of them is the Lilly Brush Be Forever Furless Pet Hair Remover that’s meant to clean even the furriest of furniture with just a few sweeps.
This hair removal tool is also gentle on the softer fabrics, such as fine silk or cashmere. The tool is easy to clean and the comfortable ergonomic handle makes it easy to use. The Lilly Brush is not effective on extremely short, wiry, or straight fur types. It leaves no mess and creates no waste. It needs no refills and you can use it daily for years to come.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWZItHOlXd4[/embedyt]
You can find it at Amazon.
5. A10 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Another tool that’s meant to keep your house clean when owning a cat is the A10 Cordless Vacuum from Tineco is a versatile cleaning tool. The main body weighs only 2.87 lbs, which makes it easy to use from floor to ceiling. It has a 350W digital motor, it is extra-quiet, yet extremely powerful. This Tineco vacuum offers 4 times the suction power of other cordless tools.
It comes with a detachable battery that can be changed after years of use to give it a jump start. It has a 4-stage filtration system, which locks in small particles and expels only non-allergic fresh air. It is easy to use all around the house, even under the cabinets or up on the curtains. It is perfect for cat hair, due to its powerful suction.
It also comes with several accessories, including a 2-in-1 dusting brush, a crevice tool, a multi-task LED-powered brush, a mini-brush for sofas and furniture, and many others. The A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is available in blue, metallic gray, and orange
You can get it at Amazon. Read our full review of the A10 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum.
Conclusion: These are the five essential tools to have if you want to keep your Ragdoll clean and its coat shiny and detangled. What’s more, these tools will enable you to give your cat a brushing experience that feels pleasant and more similar to a petting session. Having said this, your home will also benefit from cleaner carpets, floors, and fabrics.
For more tips and tricks on how you can better groom your Ragdoll, read the Grooming the Fluff: Tips & Tricks for Grooming Ragdolls and Other Long-Haired Cats eBook.
Do you have a tool that you love? Please share it in the comments below to help other cat lovers keep their homes clean as well.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Hi there and thanks for all the wonderful advice and info you give on this site. I’ve learned so much these past few days!
I was just wondering if I could get some advice from an experienced Ragdoll owner like yourself and some of your readers? I had planned on asking our vet but we’ve just had to cancel the first appointment as my partner tested positive to Covid a few days ago.
My partner and I adopted an adult male (he will be 2 in February 2021) two weeks ago. He doesn’t appreciate being brushed but he will tolerate a silicone brush for 1-2 minutes twice a day. So far, we’ve tried four brushes in total. He absolutely HATES the slicker brush, I can’t even get it near him as he attacks it. We’ve tried a pin brush with the same result although he won’t attack it as badly. He just keeps trying to escape it. Having read some excellent reviews on the EquiGroomer, I ordered one and tried it. Murphy seems puzzled by what the thing is and I can’t get any fur to come off. It feels like brushing him with a piece of wood. Have I got the wrong angle? I’ve tried putting more or less pressure but the result is the same.
Murphy now has two knots under his armpits but the rest of his fur is soft and fluffy. We don’t get much out with the silicone brush (a small clump of fur each time) and he won’t let us brush in some places yet (the armpits, hence the knots). So I have two questions:
– does the fact we’re not getting much fur with the silicone brush mean he’s swallowing a lot himself when he grooms himself?
– Murphy doesn’t seem to shed much as there is almost no fur in the flat. The only fur I can find is on the places where he sleeps but even then there isn’t that much. Do some ragdolls not really shed? Could that also be why we’re not getting much from the brushing?
Thanks so much.
Sorry to hear of the struggles you have had with grooming – my two HATE being groomed, so it’s a struggle.
My two have different coats and both tolerate the Equigroomer – and hair always comes off.
How hard are you pressing? The EquiGroomer should meet their skin and then brush.
This video will show you how I brush mine with it –
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yVlE_-GqtM%5B/embedyt%5D
I am not sure on the silcone brush.
You can get the mats out with a seam ripper or with scissors – just be careful and have your fingers in between – so one side is his fur/skin and other side is the mat.
Murphy might not shed much – depends on their coats.
I have to use scissors or a seam ripper on mine a lot during change of seasons because they hate being groomed so much.
SUPER PAWESOME & FABULOUS topic, Jenny honey! TYSVM for all the great info! 🙂 <3
My fave tools for grooming Our Baby Girl (The Super Pawesome & Fabulous Miss PSB) include the following (listed in order of HER preference and mine!):
1. Equigroomer
2. EZ-Groomer
3. Shedmonster
My fave tools for cleaning up the inevitable Ragdoll floofies/fluffballs/fluffclumps/tumbleweeds (whatever you prefer to call the bane of every Human Ragdoll Parent):
1. Lilly Brush BE FOREVER FURLESS PET HAIR REMOVER (the most amazing pet hair clean up tool ever invented)! (That's it…just The Lilly Brush! We own two big ones and two little ones and they are placed strategically throughout our apartment and always "at the ready" to do what they do best!)
Big hugs & lots of love & purrs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3 <3 <3