Grooming the Ragdoll coat
The Ragdoll's semi-long coat is silky with relatively little undercoat, so it mats less than many long-haired breeds — but it still needs regular care.
- Comb once or twice a week with a wide-toothed metal comb, paying attention to the armpits, behind the ears, the "trousers" and the belly, where tangles form first.
- Expect heavier shedding in spring and autumn; comb more often then.
- Trim nails every couple of weeks and check ears and eyes while you are there.
- Make grooming sessions short and finish with a treat, so your kitten learns to enjoy them.
Colour changes as they grow
Ragdoll kittens are born almost white, and their points (ears, face, legs and tail) darken gradually. The full coat colour can take two to three years to develop.
Socialization
The weeks after a kitten comes home are an important time to build trust:
- Handle paws, ears and mouth gently and briefly every day.
- Introduce everyday sounds — vacuum, doorbell, visitors — calmly and at a distance first.
- Let your kitten approach new people and pets at their own pace, and always give them a place to retreat to.
- Supervise early introductions with children, and show them how to support a kitten's hind legs when lifting.