Ragdoll’s parents agree that these fluffers are the purrfect pets because they’re affectionate, appreciative, and adorable. Rather than running away and keeping to themselves, these fluffy felines are known to thrive on hanging out with humans, dogs, and cats because they’re communicative and companionable.
Sooner than you might think, most Ragdoll pet parents start wondering whether they’re supposed to go for another Ragdoll or another cat.
On one hand, Ragdolls are always running around the apartment, hopping on the highest kitchen counters, and knocking things down that you don’t even stop to wonder whether they’re bored. On the other, they’re always following you around, waiting by the bathroom door, and demanding attention.
Whatever the case might be, there’s one thing to keep an eye on when you’re trying to figure out whether or not your Ragdoll needs a buddy. Ragdolls are extremely emotional felines which means they’re prone to depression, loneliness, and even separation anxiety.
Now, does your Ragdoll need a friend? Read down below!
Do Ragdoll cats need a buddy?
Ragdoll cats are often referred to as “velcro cats” because they’re attached to whoever’s feeding, cuddling, or spending time with them.
They’re the type to follow you around the apartment, hop off the sofa the moment you get off to get something from the kitchen, and welcome you at the door when you come back from work.
They’re the ones that get under your feet when you’re trying to walk, demand to get under the cover when you want to sleep, and beg to eat off of the same plate.
Rather than wondering whether you need to get your Ragdoll a buddy to play with, wonder whether she’s bored when she’s on her own and whether she’s lonely when you’re working, cooking, or watching TV.
Ragdolls cats are purrfectly happy alone when you have the time to entertain them and hang out with them. However, that doesn’t mean that your Ragdoll cat wouldn’t be over the moon to have someone to play with at all times.
And, that doesn’t mean that your Ragdoll cat wouldn’t become depressed on the off chance that you start working more or getting out of the house more often. Something to think about, right?
How can you know whether your Ragdoll cat needs a feline friend?
We can attest to the fact that Ragdoll cats are an open book when you’re trying to figure them out.
When they’re happy, for example, they’re running around, playing with toys, munching on treats, and following you around. When they’re unhappy, though, they’re aggressive, overgrooming, or overreacting to everything around them.
When you notice that your Ragdoll’s behavior appears off, different than before, know that she’s going through a tough time and that she’s (potentially) becoming anxious about being alone.
1. She’s showing signs of destructive behavior
Oh, the only-child syndrome is strong with Ragdolls!
Ragdolls that grow up without other cats or dogs rely on you to provide them with attention, affection, and entertainment. Sure, there’s a chance they’re going to be happy for the most part with how things are.
But, the moment you stop hanging out with them as much as you used to (because you’re busy working, traveling, or doing something else), they’re going to resort to destructive behaviors.
Scratching the furniture, urinating on the floor, and knocking things down are going to become an everyday thing before you tackle the problem – get another cat or start spending more time with them.
2. She’s overgrooming
Ragdolls appreciate spending time with humans because humans are the ones that take care of them. When your Ragdoll follows you around, she’s doing that because she understands that you’re the one constant she can count on – you’re always there.
When you start working more and not spending time with her as much as you used to, she’s going to notice that, think that you’ve abandoned her, and become depressed. When she becomes depressed though, she might start overgrooming as a way of coping with stress.
Overgrooming can cause an array of health problems such as sores, wounds, bald patches, and decreased quality of the coat. Of course, the patterns of behavior that cause (or lead to) overgrooming can be reversed.
3. She appears depressed, detached, and different than before
Ragdolls are straightforward – when they’re taken care of, they’re happy, and when they aren’t taken care of, they’re depressed. We’re not saying that you’re not taking care of your Ragdoll on the off chance that she starts showing signs of depression, but we are saying that one, two, or even more of her needs aren’t met.
When Ragdolls think they’re abandoned (because you go to work) or crave the company of another cat, they’re known to become depressed, detached, and different than before. When a Ragdoll changes the way she behaves, know that something’s wrong.
4. She’s showing signs of separation anxiety
We’ve talked your ears off with the fact that Ragdolls are attached to humans for a reason.
When your Ragdoll starts showing signs of separation anxiety whenever you go to work, get out of the apartment to run errands, or even get off the sofa to get something from the other room, know that she’s struggling.
Some of the most common signs of separation anxiety are excessive meowing, crying, moaning, overgrooming, and other destructive behaviors that occur the moment that you come back from somewhere.
So, when you notice some of these signs, don’t shy away from scheduling an appointment with the vet and discussing getting another cat.
5. She’s refusing to eat, sleep, or play
And, we can’t forget about the fact that Ragdolls aren’t different from average cats.
When they’re unhappy, they’re more likely to start refusing to eat, sleep, or play as a way to communicate what they’re going through. When they’re lonely, they’re more likely to start acting up to get your attention.
Now, when you notice your Ragdoll doing these things, consider getting another cat because she’s doing everything she can to say “I’m bored and I need a friend!” Needless to say, another Ragdoll would be a lifesaver, but you can try with a Maine Coon, a Burmese, or a Birman, too.
Good luck!
