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Cat Health

Vet-guided feline health care: reading the subtle signs cats hide, vaccination and parasite prevention, common conditions and when to call a vet.

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How Long Do Ragdoll Cats Live? Average Lifespan & Health Factors

For owners asking how long do ragdoll cats live, the largest breed-specific study to date by Royal Veterinary College VetCompass found a median lifespan of 12.85 years, with some individuals living past 21 years of age. Half died younger and half older. While informal breed overviews often suggest lifespans extending well into the teens, this 12.85-year median reflects typical outcomes for purebred cats overall. An individual cat's longevity depends heavily on inherited genetics, lifelong body condition, comprehensive dental care, and maintaining a safe indoor environment.

August 24, 2026 By Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

Health

Do Maine Coon Cats Have Health Issues? Common Risks, Symptoms, and Care Guide

Do Maine Coon cats have health issues? While they are generally hardy and sturdy companion animals with a long life expectancy, they carry genetic predispositions to specific inherited conditions. The most notable conditions include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), feline hip dysplasia (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef). Responsible breeding screenings, routine veterinary echocardiograms, joint monitoring, and disciplined weight management significantly reduce health risks and ensure a high quality of life.

August 24, 2026 By Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

Health

Do Ragdoll Cats Have Health Problems? (And Are They Cross-Eyed?)

For prospective owners asking, "Do Ragdoll cats have health problems?" the answer is that while Ragdolls are generally robust companion cats with sound overall longevity, they carry documented hereditary risks for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Epidemiological findings show that routine conditions such as dental disease, gastrointestinal upset, and obesity are far more frequent in clinical practice than severe genetic disorders. Genetic DNA screening and regular veterinary checkups manage most risks effectively.

August 18, 2026 By Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

Health

Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic? Facts, Causes & Allergy Tips

Many prospective owners ask: are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic? The scientific answer is no. Like all domestic feline breeds, Ragdolls naturally produce the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, skin secretions, and urine. Because hypoallergenic implies a reduced or non-existent allergic response, no recognized feline registry or allergy association classifies the Ragdoll as a hypoallergenic cat breed.

August 12, 2026 By Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

Health

Do Ragdoll Cats Shed? How Much and Why

If you wonder do Ragdoll cats shed, the answer is yes, but their routine hair loss is light to moderate compared to double-coated breeds. Because Ragdolls possess a silky single coat with minimal undercoat, dead hairs slide off easily during routine grooming rather than matting in thick layers. However, shedding increases temporarily during spring and autumn seasonal moulting periods.

August 2, 2026 By Dr. Jenny Max, DVM