Shaving a Ragdoll Cat

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Are you thinking about shaving your Ragdoll cat?

My older cat’s coat grew back after she had been clipped. The experience below is a personal account, not a recommendation to shave a cat at home.

Ragdolls do not routinely need shaving. If matting or a medical problem makes clipping necessary, ask your vet or an experienced cat groomer to assess the coat and skin. Do not attempt to shave tight mats at home.

My older seal-point cat, Grandma Cat, had been clipped before I adopted her and Maya. This is a personal account of her recovery, not a prediction for another cat. See our seal point guide for the colour description.

She was shaved in early 2018, leaving hair on her head, feet and tail. I adopted her after she had been clipped.

I noticed changes in how dark her coat looked as it grew back. This observation about one cat should not be treated as a guarantee about colour changes after clipping.

It took a solid year for her hair to really grow back solid. After a few months she was starting to get some hair back, but it took a long time for her to really start to be “fluffy” again.

Regrowth varies between cats. My cat’s experience does not establish how quickly another cat’s coat will recover.

Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?

If you are reading this then you are probably from one of two different camps. Either you already have a ragdoll and you are looking for solutions for hair problems, or you are looking into getting a ragdoll.

For the person looking to get a ragdoll, don’t let anyone fool you…YES, RAGDOLLS SHED!

It is true that ragdoll cats do not have an undercoat like a lot of cats but that doesn’t mean that they don’t shed.

I have two of them and the shed all of the time. Fortunately, it generally comes out in clumps and can be mitigated by regular grooming. You will definitely need a brush for your cat.

Best Combs for Ragdoll Cats?

Ragdoll Cat Matted Fur?

Yes, your ragdoll cat will likely develop mats over the course of its lifetime. I am amazed at how regularly this occurs. Even with brushing and regular grooming, they still seem to get matted.

Do not cut mats out with scissors. Cat skin can be pulled into a mat and is easy to injure. Tight, extensive or painful mats need help from a vet or an experienced cat groomer.

Use gentle, regular brushing to prevent tangles. Stop if brushing pulls the skin or causes distress; do not force a brush through a tight mat. Cornell veterinary advice on safe cat grooming explains why scissors are risky.

Do Ragdoll Cats Need Baths?

You can definitely bathe a ragdoll, but I would caution you if they have claws and don’t like the water. Many cats will fight pretty hard in the bath. I would only recommend bathing the cat if you absolutely have to.

When you bathe a cat it is really important that you don’t use too much shampoo and that you rinse really well. They will try to clean themselves after the bath and you don’t want them eating any of the shampoos.

Tolerance of bathing varies. Do not assume a Ragdoll will tolerate restraint or water because of its breed; stop if the cat becomes distressed and seek professional help.

Ragdoll Cats and Cowboy Magic

Do not assume a horse detangler or shampoo is suitable for your cat. Product formulas differ, and cats lick their coats. Use a product specifically labelled for cats, follow its directions, and ask your vet before using a detangler or medicated product.

For coat characteristics, routine grooming and the rest of everyday care, see our Ragdoll cat breed guide and Ragdoll brush guide.