Can You Take Ragdoll Cats for Walks? YES, with 4 Precautions!!

Can you take Ragdoll cats for walks?

YES! You can take your Ragdoll for a walk but make sure to follow safety precautions. Use a harness and leash so your Ragdoll doesn’t lose anywhere outside. Be with your cat all the time to protect them from other animals (domestic and wild) and environmental hazards.

All of the precautions especially using the harness and leash, may seem a little bit too harsh, and you may think that you’re not giving space to your Ragdoll cat. But believe me, it’s important for safety.

Ragdolls are indoor cats; they have docile nature and zero hunting which makes them vulnerable to wild animals. Other domestic pets or wild animals can scare or even hurt them easily.

To help you out, I’ll tell you exactly what you need to do when you go to walk with your Ragdoll. I’ll not only discuss the safety precautions but also share how you can train your Ragdoll cat for the harness.

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4 Precautions to Follow While Taking Ragdoll Cats for Walks

What precautions should you follow while taking Ragdoll cats for walks? According to my experience and research, there are four main precautions everyone should follow.

You can add as many points as you want to the list, it’s up to you, but these four should always be your top priority.

Use a harness and leash.

Always use a harness and leash while taking your Ragdoll cat for a walk. It’s essential to ensure their safety and prevent them from running off or getting into dangerous situations.

Some Ragdoll parents prefer a collar, but I don’t suggest it, particularly to someone who has never used it before. To understand the reason, have a look at the image below.

You can clearly see the difference between the collar and a harness. The collar is attached to the neck, which is a sensitive area, while the harness is attached to the body.

I’ve heard about some cases where collar leads to choking and neck injuries. It usually happens because of a lack of knowledge. Not everyone knows the proper way of using the collar on a cat, so for the safe side, a harness is a better option.

Note: Don’t forget to train your Ragdoll walking on leash or harness before taking them for the walk. Without training, your Ragdoll cat may not behave properly or walk on the leash.

Stay vigilant

It’s important to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on the behavior of your Ragdoll cat when taking them for a walk to ensure their safety. Stay away from busy roads and keep your cat at a safe distance from other animals to prevent any potential conflict.

If you notice signs of distress, such as excessive panting, hiding, or aggression, it’s best to end the walk and return home immediately.

Provide shading and water.

Another important point is to be mindful of your Ragdoll cat’s comfort, especially in warmer weather. Make sure to provide your cat with access to shade and plenty of water during the walk to protect them from hot weather.

Consider carrying a collapsible water bowl and filling it up as necessary to keep your cat hydrated. On hot days, it’s best to walk during cooler hours or in areas with shade to keep your cat cool and comfortable.

Protect against parasites

Parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can be a common problem for Ragdoll cats when they go outside for a walk.

These parasites can easily jump from one animal to another, and your Ragdoll may be at risk of getting infested if they come in contact with another infected pet.

You can’t provide 100% protection against this because it’s impossible to check every other animal that’s in the park or the area where you want to go for a walk. However, keeping your Ragdoll away from wild and unknown domestic pets can help.

Note: Some Ragdolls don’t like the outside world; if yours is one of them, then don’t force. Taking them out of the home forcefully may lead to depression.

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Can you Take Ragdoll Cats for Walks?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ragdoll cross cats go outside?

Generally, you shouldn’t let your Ragdoll go outside, but since it’s a cross cat so you should consider personality. If your cat has survival skills and is not completely docile like pure Ragdolls, then you may think of letting them go outside.

I would suggest you go on a walk two to three times and check how they behave. If your cat comes to you and gets easily scared, it will be best to keep them inside.

How to keep Ragdoll cats indoors?

To keep Ragdoll cats indoors, provide a stimulating environment that includes toys, proper bedding or an area to sleep and rest, big space to explore.

Also, don’t forget to give your Ragdoll plenty of attention and affection, and consider getting another cat to keep them company if possible.

Do Ragdolls want to go outside?

It actually depends on nature; some Ragdoll meow to go outside the home. While some Ragdolls prefer to stay at home and don’t go outside even if you provide them an opportunity.

Final Words!

So can you take Ragdoll cats for walks? Technically, yes, but you have to follow the safety precautions. Also, make sure your Ragdoll is ready for the outside world and walks on a leash by providing proper training.

Without proper training, your Ragdoll may become stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed when taken outside. Also, do consider the reaction of your cat; if you feel your Ragdoll is uncomfortable outside, then come home as soon as possible. It’s best to ensure your Ragdoll is enjoying the time outside of the home by playing a fetching game with toys.

You can read my guide about How to Train a Ragdoll Cat to Fetch? [3 Simple Steps With Pictures] and How to train Ragdoll walking on leash or harness.