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ShowDogsWest Editor
Site Owner & Editor

ShowDogsWest Editor

The site owner and editor of ShowDogsWest, an independent publication about everyday dog and cat care. Articles and tools are educational and are not a veterinary consultation. Source and correction information is available in our editorial policy.

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About the Publisher

The site owner and editor of ShowDogsWest, an independent publication about everyday dog and cat care. Articles and tools are educational and are not a veterinary consultation. Source and correction information is available in our editorial policy.

Editorial Standards

ShowDogsWest documents its sourcing, corrections, update process and standards for pet-health content in the editorial policy. Read the editorial policy.

Latest Publications

209 Articles
A peaceful seal point Ragdoll cat relaxing on a living room sofa, demonstrating the breed's gentle and friendly temperament. Behavior & Training

Are Ragdoll Cats Friendly? Temperament, Affection and Family Fit

Many prospective owners wonder: are Ragdoll cats friendly? The answer is a resounding yes. Ragdoll cats are exceptionally friendly, calm, and people-oriented feline companions. Bred specifically for a gentle and docile nature, Ragdolls naturally seek human companionship, greet family members at the door, and often collapse comfortably into a relaxed state when held. Their patient temperament makes them well suited for households with children and other pets.

Aug 02, 2026 5 min read
Fluffy seal point Ragdoll cat sitting next to a sisal scratching post in a living room Behavior & Training

Do Ragdoll Cats Scratch Furniture? Behavior & Prevention Guide

Do Ragdoll cats scratch furniture? Yes, Ragdoll cats do scratch furniture if they lack dedicated scratching alternatives. Scratching is an essential feline instinct used to condition claws, stretch back muscles, and deposit scent markers. However, because Ragdolls have a calm, low-energy temperament and prefer staying near floor level, their scratching damage is typically less widespread and easier to redirect than that of high-energy breeds.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read
A fluffy seal point Ragdoll cat watching a dripping water faucet in a modern bathroom sink. Behavior & Training

Do Ragdoll Cats Like Water?

Many cat owners wonder: do Ragdoll cats like water? Ragdoll cats are often curious about water and tolerate it better than many other domestic felines, but genuine enjoyment varies by individual. Their friendly personality makes them intrigued by dripping faucets or shallow basins. However, they do not inherently crave swimming, and their thick semi-longhair coat can make heavy water exposure tiring.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
A traditional seal point Ragdoll cat with blue eyes relaxing in a sunlit room. Cat Breeds

Can Ragdoll Cats Be Black?

Many cat lovers ask: can Ragdoll cats be black? Traditional purebred Ragdoll cats cannot be solid black under official Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) breed standards. Every purebred Ragdoll inherits two copies of the recessive colorpoint gene (cs/cs), which restricts dark pigment exclusively to cooler extremities such as the face, ears, paws, and tail while keeping the body lighter. Cats marketed online as "black Ragdolls" are typically seal point Ragdolls with deep pigmentation, crossbred domestic cats, or non-pointed variants registered under specialized divisions.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
A traditional pointed Ragdoll cat with striking blue eyes sitting in a bright room. Cat Breeds

Do All Ragdoll Cats Have Blue Eyes?

When pet owners ask do all ragdoll cats have blue eyes, the direct answer is no, not all Ragdoll cats have blue eyes in adulthood. While traditional pointed Ragdolls are guaranteed to retain striking blue eyes due to the temperature-sensitive Siamese colorpoint gene (cs), non-traditional Ragdoll varieties such as Mink, Sepia, and Solid Ragdolls can display aqua, green, gold, hazel, or copper eyes depending on their C-locus genetics.

Aug 02, 2026 6 min read
A stunning Ragdoll cat with bright blue eyes resting on a cream blanket Cat Breeds

What Is a Ragdoll Cat? Breed Overview and What They Look Like

Anyone asking what is a Ragdoll cat will find a large, muscular, semi-longhaired domestic feline breed characterized by vivid oval blue eyes, temperature-sensitive pointed coat patterns, and a remarkably calm, affectionate personality. Developed in California during the 1960s, the breed earned its name from its distinct habit of relaxing completely and going limp when cradled in human arms.

Aug 02, 2026 6 min read
A purebred seal bicolor Ragdoll cat with deep blue eyes sitting in a sunlit room Cat Breeds

How to Identify a Ragdoll Cat

Learning how to identify a Ragdoll cat requires evaluating four key physical traits: large muscular body structure, striking oval blue eyes, a point-colored coat pattern, and a semi-long coat with a silky texture. While characteristic behavioral traits such as relaxing completely when held provide helpful context, official confirmation of a purebred Ragdoll requires pedigree registration papers or genetic testing for the cs/cs colorpoint allele.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read
A fawn Pug dog sitting on a wooden floor in a bright living room Health

Do Pug Dogs Drool? Breed Comparison, Causes & Care

If you are wondering do pug dogs drool, the answer is yes, but they generally produce less slobber than larger brachycephalic breeds like Mastiffs or English Bulldogs. Their tight-lipped jaw structure helps keep saliva inside the mouth under normal conditions. Light drooling during meals, warm weather, or excitement is completely natural. However, sudden or heavy drooling (ptyalism) can indicate dental disease, digestive distress, heat stress, or an oral injury that requires veterinary evaluation.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
Fawn pug sitting next to a bowl of dog food in a home kitchen. Nutrition

What Do Pug Dogs Eat? A Complete Guide to the Pug Diet

Understanding what pug dogs eat starts with providing a complete, balanced small-breed commercial dog food as their primary daily diet, supplemented by small portions of safe fruits and vegetables. Nutritionally, pugs are facultative carnivores and omnivores that digest both animal proteins and plant starches efficiently.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read