MyRagdollCat.com

HI Ab,

I have a ragdoll, and I never let him out. Now, that’s not to say YOU can’t! I’m just paranoid he’ll get run over or attacked by the neighborhood pitbills. There are several in my area.

Anyway, Linus is a good hunter, and very patient. He doesn’t get bored like my Maine Coon does. I know he would enjoy excursions outside, but he is very skittish as well. I think he would frighten too easily. One thing about Ragdolls, they are very loyal and get very attached to their owners, so if they do go out, I think they’ll be sure to come back.

As I always warn though, if you’re going to let your cat out, please consider some things:

1). Get their SHOTS and keep them updated. Much illness is out their in strays.
2). How close are you to major roads? Busy roads?
3). How many dogs are in your neighborhood? Do they run free?
4). Does anyone in your neighborhood have bird feeders in their yards? They may get ticked if your cat comes to watch (or hunt) and hurt it — you know, throw rocks, sic their dog on it, etc.
5). Do you live near an automotive repair shop? Antifreeze is toxic to animals, but especially cats. Cats love the taste of it for some reason. Antifreeze kills FAST too.

As long as you love your pet, give it proper food and health care, and make informed decisions about letting it roam a bit, you’ll do all right. The fact you asked these questions says you’re on-the-ball and will be a good pet parent!

Cindy

Unless the area is dangerous to cats there is no reason why it cannot go outside. There are other members here that will gladly remind you of the risks.

I have 10 cats on my property and only one of them ever gets in the house. The rest are happy as clams living in a huge barn. They have no interest in even coming near the house.

Any cat can be an indoor/outdoor cat. You better read through your purchase agreement, if you have one ( a lot of breeders stipulate your cat be kept indoors ). The problem is, you have a cat that has come from generations of indoor cats, in my mind and opinion, they are more susceptible to disease even with vaccines. Also, since you have a purebred cat that you have probably paid good money for, why would you let the cat outdoors where so many tragedies can occur and cruel people could gain access to it, as well as theft? Best to keep the Ragdoll in the house where you can keep an eye on it.

No! I am sorry but they are so non aggressive that any thing that come to attack it will kill it. They are not bred to be an outdoor cat. If you want your Ragdoll to live a long and healthy life you keep them indoors. Why would you pay to have a Ragdoll and then let it outside, that is beyond me. They are a very gentle cat with no pressure to their bite at all. But it is your choice and your loss if something happens to it. Mine is an indoor only cat and she is now 14 years old and just as sweet and loving as the day I brought her home and I know where she is 24/7. Outside cat you will not be able to say that at all.

R P CAT

Most breeders in the US frown on letting cats out – especially a purebred cat. You have to see what is in the contract – most will have "indoor only".

But if you keep the cat on a harness/leash or confine to a cat enclosure outside (either way the cat is supervised when outside), then you can let them out.

Ragdolls are long hair cats and will get very messy being outside. There is nothing wrong with 100% indoor – especially when they are raised from birth as an indoor cat. They really do NOT miss being outside at all.

NO breeder will sell you a cat that you allow to free roam. And don’t think you can lie about it, either. Breeder contracts state that they can do follow ups with you without warning and the minute that cat is seen outdoors it will be seized from you – you’ll lose the money you spent to buy it – and you’ll be banned from ever buying from them again. And don’t think it ends there. The breeder will give your name to every breeder around as well as all the animal shelters.

Why would you spend $600 or more on a pedigreed cat and then toss it outdoors? If it doesn’t end up hit by a car, eaten by a wild animal it WILL end up stolen.

I don’t recommend it. These cats are not aggressive and will not defend themselves if threatened by another animal or person. If you feel you absolutely must let your ragdoll out, let her out on a screened in porch or some sort of enclosed area where she won’t get hurt or lost.