Grooming Your Ragdoll
Purebred Ragdoll cats and kittens are famous for their ultra-soft, bunny-like coats, a defining feature of the Ragdoll Breed Standard. While Ragdolls lack an undercoat, making them less prone to heavy shedding and mats than other long-haired breeds, they still benefit from regular grooming to keep their coats clean, tangle-free and healthy. If you’re planning to Adopt a Ragdoll Kitten, understanding how to care for their coat properly will help them look and feel their best. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about brushing, bathing, preventing tangles and keeping that signature Ragdoll fluff in top condition.
Blue Bicolor Ragdoll Cat
Seal Lynx Bicolor Ragdoll Kitten
How Often Should You Brush a Ragdoll Cat?
Regular brushing is the key to preventing tangles and controlling Ragdoll Shedding. Most Ragdoll cats should be brushed a minimum of two times per week, although some Ragdolls with thicker coats may need to be brushed more frequently.
Pay extra attention to areas where mats can form, especially:
Under the armpits
Along the hind legs
Around the neck and collar area
Our favorite grooming tool is a Butter Comb, which glides through the coat smoothly without tugging or breaking the hair. If your Ragdoll enjoys brushing, use this as bonding time. Many Ragdolls love the gentle attention and will start to purr the moment the comb comes out!
Do Ragdolls Need Baths?
Most Ragdolls keep themselves remarkably clean and never need a bath. However, some can develop oily coats, especially near the tail, and may benefit from an occasional bath.
You might need to bathe your Ragdoll if you notice:
Grease near the tail or lower back
Visible dirt or buildup on the coat
Odor that brushing doesn’t remove
To safely degrease a Ragdoll coat:
Apply Groomer’s Goop (or a similar degreaser) to the affected area.
Leave it on for about 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and bathe as normal, following with a gentle Pet Shampoo or Dawn Dish Soap.
After the bath, towel-dry your Ragdoll thoroughly. You can then either let them air dry in a warm, draft-free room or use a low-heat hair dryer on the cool or warm setting. The key is to make sure your Ragdoll stays comfortable and doesn’t get chilled while drying.
How to Bathe Your Ragdoll Safely
Even though Ragdolls are known for their calm nature, they may not love bath time. Bathing should always be done gently and with care to keep the experience positive.
Here are a few tips for safe, stress-free bath time:
Trim your cat’s nails before bath time.
Fill the tub or sink with water before bringing your Ragdoll in for their bath. Avoid running water while they’re in the room, as the noise can make them feel very anxious.
Keep water lukewarm, never hot or cold.
Speak softly throughout the process to keep them calm.
Rinse thoroughly to prevent any shampoo residue, which can irritate skin.
If your Ragdoll struggles or panics, consider using a Cat Bathing Bag, which is a mesh restraint that keeps you both safe. Alternatively, you can speak to your veterinarian about prescribing a calming aid for bath time.
At Pastel Ragdolls, we start introducing our kittens to water early in hopes that they can grow up confident and calm during future grooming sessions, but the truth is that most cats (including Ragdolls) will still be naturally scared of water.
Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning
Beyond their silky coat, Ragdolls benefit from regular nail trimming and ear cleaning as part of a complete grooming routine.
Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, using feline nail clippers. Keeping their nails short helps protect both you and your home from playful Scratches or accidental damage.
Check ears monthly for dirt, wax buildup or redness. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner if needed and never insert cotton swabs deeply.
Early introduction to nail trims helps your Ragdoll learn to tolerate regular paw care.
Eye and Face Care
Because Ragdolls often have lighter coloring around their eyes and muzzle, tear staining and crusting around their eyes and nose can be more noticeable. You can gently wipe these areas with a warm, damp cloth or a pet-safe wipe to keep them looking fresh. Always use a new cloth for each eye to avoid spreading bacteria.
When to Visit a Professional Groomer
While most Ragdoll coats can be maintained at home, some owners prefer to schedule professional grooming once or twice a year. A certified cat groomer can:
Perform full baths and blow-drying safely
Trim problem mats
Clean ears and clip nails
Professional grooming can be especially helpful for senior Ragdolls who have difficulty grooming themselves.
Understanding Ragdoll Coat Changes
One of the most fascinating things about the Ragdoll breed is how much their coat changes as they grow. Ragdoll kittens are born completely white and their Color and Pattern begin to appear within the first few weeks of life. Over time, these markings gradually darken and become more defined, reaching their full richness around 3 to 4 years of age.
A few factors can influence your Ragdoll’s coat color and texture as they mature:
Diet and Nutrition: A high-quality diet rich in omega fatty acids helps maintain a soft, shiny and healthy coat.
Seasonal Shedding: You may notice your Ragdoll’s coat thinning slightly in warmer months and thickening during cooler seasons. This is completely normal.
Hormones and Health: Hormonal changes (like spaying or neutering) can subtly affect coat texture, as can general health and stress levels.
Regular brushing not only keeps their fur free from tangles but also helps you monitor these subtle changes. You’ll quickly learn what’s “normal” for your Ragdoll’s coat, making it easier to notice if something feels off, like dryness, dullness or excess shedding.
Each Ragdoll’s coat is truly one of a kind! Watching their color blossom and evolve is one of the most rewarding parts of raising this beautiful breed.
Fluffy, Clean, and Confident: A Happy Ragdoll is a Groomed Ragdoll
Consistent grooming helps your Ragdoll look beautiful and feel comfortable year-round. With their gentle temperament and low-maintenance coats, grooming can become a relaxing bonding activity between you and your cat. Whether you’re brushing weekly, handling the occasional bath or visiting a professional groomer, your Ragdoll will thank you with soft purrs and endless affection.