One of the more dog-like cats in the realm of domesticated cat breeds, the Ragdoll Cat very much acts the part. It’s sort of like a Doberman Pinscher, following you around everywhere while frequently taking naps in your lap.
Ragdolls aren’t necessarily clingy so much as it’s just their natural attitude. Like a “gentle giant” dog, they’ll follow you along constantly. Because they enjoy the attention and are overly people-friendly, insofar as their owner is concerned.
Though they are similar to dogs in nature, temperament, and social behavior, Ragdolls share plenty of cat-like traits as well, such as following you around when it’s time for you to feed them.
So let’s explore all of the traits you might mistake as “needy” in a Ragdoll.
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Ragdolls are Extremely Affectionate
As aforementioned, Ragdolls aren’t clingy cats. They just love to spend time with you as they are highly affectionate animals and share a close and indelible bond with you. They want to be wherever you are because tagging along makes them happy.
They’re the cat version of the lap dog. It pleases a Ragdoll to be right on top of you whatever it is you’re doing. This can sometimes be problematic because, although they are large house cats, they’re still underfoot, and it’s easy to trip over them if they’re a little bit “too much” underfoot.
Mostly, it boils down to the fact that they love you and, unlike other cats, they don’t mind showing it.
They’re Bored
It doesn’t matter who or what you are. Being holed up in the house all day can take a toll. You may not see it this way, but when you walk in the door from a long day at work, it’s probably the most exciting thing that’s happened to your Ragdoll all day.
Also, they enjoy human attention more than cat toys, even those interactive cat toys that typically energize other cats for hours on end. The truth is, your Ragdoll would just rather spend time with you, and toys are simply a short distraction.
Fiercely Protective
A Ragdoll isn’t going to take down a home intruder or a large dog. However, that doesn’t mean that a Ragdoll doesn’t “think” that it can. Ragdolls are very possessive cats, and you’ll probably notice that yours keeps a steady eye on the front door.
They’ll compete for your attention. For instance, if you’re dating and your significant other comes by. They’re going to have to compete with your Ragdoll for your affection. And your Ragdoll is not going to like it. As far as this cat is concerned, you belong to it.
They’re Just Hungry
Some people feed their cats smaller portions, spread out over the day. But, unfortunately, those of us on the 9 to 5 gig don’t always have that luxury, and your Ragdoll may simply be hungry when you walk in the door every day.
If their meals arrive on time every day, your Ragdoll will have that timing down to a T and will be in your face, around your feet, rubbing up against you, and purring as loud as possible come dinner time.
This is expected behavior, but you may misconstrue this as clingy behavior if you’re a first-time cat owner.
No Quality Time
One of the most important aspects of choosing a pet is knowing its inherent traits. Like people, cats have their own individual personalities. However, they also exhibit behaviors that are natural to their breed.
If you don’t know the extreme levels of possessiveness and the strong bond that a Ragdoll has with its owner, then that means you messed up. It’s now on you to adjust the way you are with your Ragdoll, which includes spending quality time with it.
Or, you should find a home for it with a family that has time to spend with this type of cat. Without quality time, a Ragdoll will be miserable and is not the type of cat that people should choose if they can’t set aside significant amounts of time to spend with them every day.
Ragdolls are Very Dog-Like
Ragdolls are probably the most dog-like in their mannerisms and personality traits of all the cat breeds out there. And they aren’t just like any dog since some dogs are not clingy or lapdogs in any sense of the words.
A Doberman Pinscher springs to mind. They have a bad rep that is entirely undeserved as the fierce, loyal, and protective Doberman spends most of their days trying to park their 90lb rear ends directly in your lap.
In fact, Dobermans will follow you just about anywhere you go and may even be a decent companion for a Ragdoll, as many cats and dogs get along very well. At least, they get along far more often than most people would assume.
Ragdolls are well-known for their ability to get along great with other dogs. There are plenty of indications all over the internet that they would get along great with a Doberman, as their personalities are strikingly similar.
They are both incessant followers. Both are lap animals, both extremely affectionate, very protective, and very dependent upon your ability to spend quality time with them.
What if You Want to Stop a Ragdoll from Following You Everywhere?
There are plenty of ways to go about this, especially if your Ragdoll’s following behavior is incessant and reaching the point of sheer aggravation.
- Purchase premium, high quality, and interactive toys
- Get another cat companion
- Spend a solid amount of time with your Ragdoll daily
- Catnip toys
- Always feed and water your Ragdoll on time
Quality toys are pretty simple, such as the Potaroma Silvervine Stick Cage Balls or a Flurff Cat Toy. These are the kinds of toys that are always going to be on the move, whether by your cat’s kinetic energy or by a motorized mechanism.
Another cat is always a good idea, but only if the breed is compatible with your Ragdoll. Exotic Shorttails, Birman, and Burmese breeds are exceptional cats and generally get along with Ragdolls just fine.
Spend some quality time with your Ragdoll, and it will go a long way towards easing it out of the habit of following you everywhere you go.
Also, you can time meals for right when you get home, so your Ragdoll is effectively distracted while you wind down from a long day.
Catnip toys are supposed to be pretty effective and calming sprays if you can get ahold of some. Feliway Classic is a good brand that is highly rated and effective.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should drown your Ragdoll in it every time it comes near you, as that would kind of defeat the point of owning a Ragdoll.
Final Thoughts
Ragdoll Cats aren’t needy or clingy, at least not in the sense that it’s a negative personality trait. That’s just the way they are, and it is an intrinsic trait that encompasses the entire breed.
If it’s a consistent problem, follow the steps listed above and try to make some changes within the home. Such as how much time you spend with your cat. And possibly, a companion cat for the Ragdoll that practically worships at your feet.
Related Articles
- Are Ragdolls Clingy?
- Why Do Ragdolls Meow So Much?
- Why Are Ragdoll Cats So Expensive?
- Do Ragdolls Like to Be Held?
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