Whilst some people believe that ragdoll cats should be allowed to roam the outside, this might put them in danger. As such, it is best to keep your ragdoll cat inside.
Ragdoll cats are highly intelligent animals, and whilst they might appreciate the mental stimulation of being outside, it can be too dangerous to allow them to roam freely.
Within this article, we will cover the pros and cons of letting your ragdoll cat explore the outside, along with other ways you can introduce it to the great outdoors.
Dangers of Letting a Ragdoll Cat Go Outside
There are several potential dangers that come with letting a ragdoll cat explore outside.
You May Lose Them
The first issue is that whilst your cat may seem confident with being outside, something as small as a lawnmower may freak them out.
Once they have run away from this possessed danger, it may be impossible to get them back.
Along with that, ragdolls are an incredibly trusting breed, and they may fall victim to wrongdoers.
Not just that, but vehicular traffic poses a major danger. Ragdoll cats may be smart, but they will never understand traffic safety, and as such, it may be best to keep them inside.
They May Get Taken
If your cat hasn’t been microchipped, then well-intentioned neighbors may assume that it is an unloved stray, and rehome it via personal networking or an animal shelter.
Not just that, but your cat may get stolen and “rehired” for a profit, and ragdoll cats are at an elevated risk of this.
On average, rag dolls typically cost upwards of $450, making them into a hefty profit-making machine.
Danger From Other Animals
Your ragdoll cat may also face danger from other animals.
Dogs may give chase, running them into dangerous areas or injuring them, and street cats may be territorial and aggressive.
Rabies, feline leukemia, and distemper can be caught on the streets, and your cat may pick up fleas, ticks, or parasites which could then spread throughout your home.
Whilst significantly less likely, if your cat is quite small or still very young, it could even be picked up by falcons and owls!
Your cat may also come back with smaller issues, such as injuries, tangled fur, or even kittens if they hadn’t been spayed before leaving the house.
Reasons Why to Let My Ragdoll Cat Go Outside
Despite the argument for keeping them inside, there are also several convincing reasons why you might want to let your ragdoll cat go outside.
To Help Them Acclimatize to Other Situations
The first reason is that introducing your ragdoll to other environments than your home may help them feel more comfortable around future changes.
For example, if you ever need to move or take them to the vet, then they would be better prepared and would likely be less anxious at the sudden change.
To Fulfil Their Curiosity
Ragdoll cats give an inherited curiosity that needs to be fulfilled, and allowing them to spend time outdoors may help with this.
Depending on your cat’s personality, you may want to give them time outside.
How to Prepare a Ragdoll for Going Outside
If you have decided that the outside is the best place for your cat, then there are several precautions that you can take.
Visit the Vet
First, you should make sure that your cat has been vaccinated.
You should check with your vet that your cat is prepared for the outside, along with whether or not they are healthy enough for added stress and physical activity.
Ragdolls often suffer from heart and joint issues, so this is especially important.
Spay or Neuter Them
Then, you should make sure that your female ragdoll is not in heat before she goes out. This could potentially attract other cats and make her more likely to escape.
Alternatively, if you have a male ragdoll, then they will be more likely to wander around, searching for a mate. This could potentially be extremely hazardous to the cat, as they can travel up to three miles looking for a mate.
Identification
Getting your cat microchipped is one of the best things you can do before you allow them to go exploring. They are an inexpensive and reliable way to identify your cat to animal control, police, and shelter workers.
Tags and collars may be a good way to distinguish your cat from a stray, but this may make them get caught on branches or wire, and could potentially become a danger.
My Ragdoll Cat Wants to Go Outside But I Cannot Trust Him
If your ragdoll wants to go outside but you just don’t trust him or think that it is safe enough, then there are other options that you can consider.
For example, you could take your cat out in a crate or cage, or make a DIY cat for your porch.
You could also invest in a pet carrier backpack so that you can take them out with you and allow them to look around, safely.
Alternatively, you may consider getting your cat a leash and harness. This is becoming a more common trend and is a great way to allow your cat to explore the outside without putting them in danger.
Can Ragdoll Cats Go Outside?
The answer is that whilst ragdoll cats can go outside, they probably shouldn’t. You should consider your cat’s personality and the dangers mentioned above to come to the right conclusion.
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