As mentioned, all Ragdoll cats are pointed with blue eyes and long hair and are therefore similar to the Himalayan, which is a cross between the Siamese and longhaired cats. The Himalayan is also called a Colorpoint and genetically there is some of the Colorpoint in the Ragdoll.
Overlayed on the colorpoint coloring and points is the effect of the piebald gene or white spotting gene that causes the white spotting. This gene has the symbol S. It is thought that the mitted pattern (white on legs and face) can be expressed genetically as Ss (heterozygous form). Whereas, when there is more white as in the bicolor and van pattern the white spotting gene is homozygous – SS.
In addition to the action of the piebald or white spotting gene the other genes responsible for the coat color and pointing are, in seal point Ragdoll cats, the following: aa (non-agouti or self, solid color), B-(black in recessive or dominant form), cˢcˢ (the Siamese gene in homozygous form)and D- (the dense coloration gene in recessive or dominant form indicated by the hephen after the letter).
A number of cat breeds have, it seems, a predisposition to contracting HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). Ragdoll cats fall into this group. The others that come to mind are the Maine Coon, British Shorthair and Bengal. I have made some posts on HCM in Bengal cats that would apply equally to Ragdoll cats:
A fair bit of work is being done on this heart disease. The Maine Coon seems thus far to have got the lions share of the research. If and when other inherited diseases come to my attention (if any), I’ll mention them here. If you can assist please tell me here.
In 2016, a cat adopted us. He was a stray, but we soon learned he was domesticated and fixed. My daughter believes he is a ragdoll. He fits the characteristics: size, demeanor, eye color etc. Can you view the pics and tell me what you think. I have other pictures of him.
Hi Dale. Thanks for commenting. It seems the years with the breeder may have affected her character. She is definitely anxious as you say. Chronically anxious it seems. I guess you have checked her out for cystitis. A long shot. Anxiety can cause cystitis and cystitis causes inappropriate elimination.
I presume she is spayed by the way. If not please spay her.
Sometimes a cycle can be set up. A cat pees on the carpet. The owner becomes annoyed. The cat becomes anxious. The cat pees some more on the carpet through anxiety and so on. That cycle needs to be broken. Is he litter trained? Crazy question perhaps but worth asking.
Are you around the home a lot or not much? If you are away a lot that may cause anxiety and her reclusive nature. It can also lead to cystitis as mentioned. Personally I don’t like the idea of drugs because it just treats the symptoms. If you have totally covered all the possible causes then drugs might be the answer but they must be a last resort.
What does your vet say? I’d try and interact more with her. Play with her. Be around her more etc.. If you don’t have the time for this it would be a shame because I think it may be the cure but it will a slow process I feel. Although I may be incorrect about the cause.
I presume she is a full-time indoor cat. If not and she goes outside sometimes there may be a cat outside who terrorises her. Sometimes indoor cats can be upset by the presence of cats outside who they can see through the window. That is a long shot to but may be worth checking out. I am speculating because I don’t know the full facts.
There is one last possibility: rehoming with a retired person who has time. But this may seem crazy to you and I’d understand if it is. Good luck.
Hello, I picked up my Rockstar from a breeder here in Vancouver Canada. She is a retired breeder who apparently never gave her owner kittens. I’ve had her for a year now(she is 4). She has issues with peeing everywhere. Bathtub, bed, my rug, and most recently my couch. I have been using Feliway but it only seems to work for a while. She spends most of her time alone in the basement. I got a kitten this past summer. They seem to get along. When I pick her up to pet her she has a look of “why are you touching me”. Will she ever warm up to me or is she destined to be anxious forever. I’m tempted to try drugs to keep her happy.
Thanks Art. Nice to hear from a visitor who has some personal experiences of the very popular Ragdoll or RagaMuffin (a very similar cat).