Ragdoll Cat Size: The Gentle Giants Of Cat Breeds

Whenever people talk about Ragdoll cats, they discuss the love they have for their humans, their silky coat, and their majestic looks. What people often overlook is the Ragdoll cat size. 

Like the Brnhals, Maine Coons, and Norwegian Forest Cats, Ragdolls are also large-breed cats. Their submissive nature and adorable, fluffy appearance are a contradiction to their size. They are one of the largest cat breeds in existence.  

They come out of selective breeding for their amazing white coat and gentle personality.  Breeders paid little attention to their size.  Let’s take a look at how big they can get and how they look in comparison to domestic cat breeds. 

Ragdoll Cat Size: How Long Do They Get?

The average Ragdoll cat size is 17 to 21 inches. However, there are some cats in the breed that can grow up to 40 inches in length. Their silky fur and plumped tail accent their body length.  

Also, the average height of a Ragdoll cat is 9 to 11 inches tall. They are not very tall, but they make up for their height with their length and weight. Now, what is the average weight of a Ragdoll? 

Ragdolls are quite heavy-boned. The female cats of this breed get as large as the male dogs. Both females and males weigh somewhere between 10 and 20 pounds. You might think that a 10 to 15-pound dog is not very large.  

But the majority of the cats that you have seen weighing 15 pounds or more are obese. Obesity is quite common in cats. However, if you see a Ragdoll weighing close to 20 pounds, know that they are not obese. You are just looking at big cat. 

Ragdoll Size Chart

If you want to know how a Ragdoll cat grows, here is a chart for your reference. This is a general chart with average length and weight. You might encounter a cat that does not fall into the metrics of this chart. 

Ragdoll Growth Stages

The growth and development of a ragdoll cat happen in different stages. They reach distinctive milestones, and there are three major stages of their growth and development. 

• Kittenhood (-12 months): In the initial years of their life, they grow rapidly. They reach 60-80% of their full growth in this period. 

• Adulthood (1-5 years): When your feline baby reaches a year, they are no longer kittens. They are adults, and during this phase, they increase in size and grow muscles. They continue to grow till they are 3 to 4 years old. 

• Senior Years (6+ years): When a Ragdoll gets to their senior years, they lose some of their physical abilities and muscle mass. In this phase, you have to monitor their appetite and agility to keep them healthy. 

Factors That Affect A Ragdoll’s Size

Various factors affect the growth of a Ragdoll cat. Some are generic, while their lifestyle influences others. 

1. Genetics 

Ragdolls are large cats, and their size varies between various ragdoll families and lines. Most of the time, they inherit their size from their grandparents and parents.  

However, you can guarantee the size of a Ragdoll, and it is also not possible to predict their full-grown size from their initial size and weight. 

2. Gender 

Even though the females can give solid competition to the male cats, their sizes often differ. They are slightly larger than the females. But that does not mean that the female cats are smaller. They are big as well and almost at par with the males. 

Here is a weight chart for male and female Ragdoll cats. 

3. Diet 

Diet plays an important role in their size. It impacts how big they get and their body composition as well.  

If you give them low-quality cat food rich in carbs, they will gain more mass. A high-quality cat food, rich in animal protein, whether it is homemade cat food, will promote lean muscle mass. 

4. Activity Level 

Weight of a Ragdoll also depends on a Ragdoll’s movement. Obesity is quite common in cats, and you have to be specially aware of this if you have a Ragdoll. You have to take care of them if you want to maintain a healthy weight.  

They need an active lifestyle. You have to encourage them and give them enough playtime and take them out for exercise and enrichment activities.  

Other Domestic Cats Vs. Ragdoll Cats: What Is The Difference? 

If you want to check out how big they actually are, you have to compare them with a domestic house cat. Even though there is not any vast difference when their height average height and length is compared, there is a huge difference when their weight is compared.  

Feeding & Nutrition

Ragdoll cats have some specific nutritional requirements because of their size. They have a tendency to gain weight easily and they are prone to obesity.  

They need protein-rich, high-quality cat food that helps them maintain their activity level and a healthy lifestyle at every stage of their life. 

However, some Ragdolls need to maintain a prescription diet to manage their health issues like obesity, or bladder stones. It is best to consult a veterinarian to know what is best for your pet, as every cat has their specific needs. 

Playtime & Exercise

Ragdoll cat size can influence their tendency of getting obese. They are not very energetic, but they need a regular playtime to maintain their health and weight.  

Use different toys, interactive ones like puzzle feeds and laser pointers to get rid of boredom and keep them mentally sharp. 

They are very friendly, and loves to spend time with their parents. They are easy to teach and you can start with the most simple ones like perform or fetch. Maintaining a regular play session will keep them entertained and you will grow closer with your feline baby as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When discussing Ragdoll cat size, people often ask these few questions.