Ragdoll cats are known for their unique color patterns, docile nature, and long lifespan. However, how long do Ragdoll cats live?
You might be surprised to find out that they live longer than some other popular cat breeds, on average!
Read on to learn more about this wonderful breed and how long you can expect your Ragdoll to live, as well as the factors that can affect their lifespan.
Let’s take a deeper look at it.
History of Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll cats are an American breed of domestic cat with a unique physical appearance and personality traits that were developed in the 1960s.
The name ‘Ragdoll’ originates from the breed’s tendency to relax when they’re picked up. Ragdolls are bred to have a docile and affectionate temperament.
One story of the origin of the Ragdoll is that the cat was a mix of Angora, Birman, and Persian.
How Long Do Ragdoll Cats Live?
According to veterinarians, the average lifespan of the Ragdoll cat breed varies depending on several factors, including overall health and lifestyle choices. But on average, the life expectancy of Ragdoll cats is between 13 and 18 years. However, it is possible for a Ragdoll to live beyond 20 years old.
What Factors Affect the Life Expectancy of a Ragdoll Cat?
At this point, there is no known way to predict how long a cat will live based on any one of these factors alone. However, we can make an educated guess by considering some of the most common factors that affect a cat’s lifespan:
- Genetics
- Gender
- Diet
- Lifestyle and Activity
- Indoor or Outdoor
- Stress
- Neutered Cats
- Flea and Parasite Control
- Regular Healthcare Checkups
1. Genetics
Genetics plays a large part in the lifespan of your feline companion. For instance, if your cat has genes from long-lived ancestors, it may live longer than usual. It is possible to estimate your cat’s life expectancy based on its bloodline.
The information on your pet’s heritage can let you make the best possible decisions for its care. Knowing the lineage of your cat will tell you if it has any health problems.
2. Gender
Male Ragdoll cats tend to have a shorter lifespan than female cats because they are more likely to get into fights with other males as they go through puberty.
Additionally, they also have a higher likelihood of developing problems related to their reproductive system such as testicular cancer or prostate issues later in life.
Female Ragdolls typically live longer due to them having less risk of injury or disease in comparison to male Ragdolls.
The average lifespan for a female Ragdoll is 14-16 years while males typically only have an average lifespan of 12-14 years.
