Can Ragdolls Live In Hot Weather?

When experiencing hot weather. It’s fairly simple for us to cool ourselves down by wearing cool and comfortable clothes, fetching a nice cold drink with ice, and finding somewhere cool in the shade to sit and relax out of the sun. However, what about our Ragdoll cats? Are things this easy for our pet cats and can Ragdolls live in hot weather?

Many Ragdoll cats have luscious and heavy fur coats that cover them from head to toe. Unlike us humans, they can’t simply peel off the layers in order to keep cool and find some relief from the soaring temperatures. So can Ragdolls live in hot weather? Do Ragdolls also find it hard or uncomfortable to live in areas with a hot climate, and how do they cope with the change in seasons with things going from cold to hot?

It’s true that Ragdolls are built to survive in colder climates. Their beautiful fur is built to withstand cold weather and offers protection from harsh winds, rain, snow, and cold temperatures. But this does not mean they cannot adapt and thrive in hotter climates. They just require access to cool areas of the home to relax in, plenty of water, and for their owners to be knowledgeable or cautious of the ways in which hot weather can have an effect on their Ragdolls health and wellbeing.

In this guide, we will cover some of the ways in which Ragdolls can easily adapt to hot weather and protect themselves. Also how you as the owner can lend them a helping hand to try to keep them cool, comfortable, and happy. We will also cover the signs that your ragdoll cat cat may be suffering from heatstroke, what to look for, and how this can be treated and prevented in hotter weather.

How Do Ragdolls Cool Themselves

Drinking Water

A Ragdolls first line of defense from the soaring temperatures will usually be them seeking to drink lots of water. Ragdolls will naturally try to drink more in order to stay hydrated and keep their body temperature down. In the heat a Ragdoll will often go looking for a water source close to or nearby where they are planning to relax or sleep during the day.

Sweating

As a byproduct of your ragdoll cat naturally drinking lots of water, this will allow them to sweat more efficiently. A well-hydrated Ragdoll will usually begin sweating when it gets hot through its sweat glands. For example, the paw pads of a Ragdolls feet contain many of these sweat glands. They will use them to dissipate heat while standing on cold floors or surfaces.

When or while a Ragdoll is sweating. The sweat will begin to evaporate causing a cooling effect to occur. The same is also true when a Ragdoll licks and grooms itself. The saliva they deposit onto the fur will also evaporate providing them with a further way to keep cool.

Seeking The Shade

Despite some Ragdolls actually liking nothing better than having a snooze in the sunshine. Once things get a bit too warm for them, they will begin seeking out shady spots to curl up and relax in. You might also notice that they often go looking for cooler spots during the hottest periods of the day and might even have a preferred spot they have found in the shade around the home or garden.

Laying On Their Backs

Ragdolls will often be spotted laying on their backs with their paw pads facing upwards. Despite many owners believing this is an adorable invitation for them to go give some fuss and comfort to their cat. It’s actually your ragdoll cat being very clever and it holds some serious intention and purpose.

On a hot day especially, Ragdolls will sprawl out on their backs to allow their body to release heat. They will lay motionless in order to stop further heat from building up. Quite often a Ragdoll can be spotted doing this on cool tile floors, in bathrooms, and in cooler areas of the garden.

Sleeping Through The Heat

Finding somewhere to sleep in the shade and away from all the heat is a great tactic many Ragdolls will utilize. It’s not them being anti-social or not wanting to play and explore during all the sunshine. In fact, it’s them being very clever and displaying some serious feline intelligence.

They know by sleeping and reducing their activity especially during the hottest parts of the day it will allow them to stay cool and comfortable. Try your best not to disturb your ragdoll cat if they are sleeping through the heat and only do so if you feel they are not drinking enough water or have picked a sleeping spot that will get hotter or feel the heat later on in the day.

Fur Coat

A Ragdolls fur coat actually does provide some seriously important cooling benefits. Not only does it keep them warm during the colder months, but it actually serves to keep them cool by insulating their bodies when things get hot. Ragdolls will use their fur coat to help insulate and regulate their body temperature. This is why ensuring your ragdoll cat maintains a healthy, well-groomed fur coat is so important.

Active At Dusk Or Dawn

Ragdolls just like many other breeds of cat are crepuscular which means they are far more likely to become active during the hours of dusk and dawn. This leads many people to believe Ragdolls are nocturnal as they see them being active when they wake up or go to sleep at night. In fact, they are not fully nocturnal but instead have learned that the peak hours to become active are just before the sun rises and after the sun sets for the night.

When it comes to keeping cool, these habits will seriously work in a Ragdolls favor. They will be able to roam around, explore, hunt, and play during the hours that the sun is having a minimal effect on their body temperature. Their instincts also tell them that many other prey animals do the same, so you will often see a Ragdoll wanting to go exploring outside during these cooler hours of the day.

How To Help your ragdoll cat Keep Cool

While most Ragdolls will instinctively do a good job on their own of keeping cool or finding a cooler place to sleep and relax out of the sun’s glare. There are still plenty of things you as the owner of a Ragdoll can do in order to lend your ragdoll cat a helping hand to stay cool.

The best thing you can do is keep tabs on your ragdoll cat’s habits and try to spot any changes in behavior which could indicate them being warm or feeling the heat. Try to provide them with multiple ways or options to keep cool even if they don’t show the signs of suffering from the heat. You want to always ensure your ragdoll cat is comfortable and happy.

As an unwritten rule to follow when keeping an eye out and lending a hand to a Ragdoll. Consider how you yourself are coping with the heat or hot temperatures. If the sun’s heat is unbearable outside and the inside of your home feels warm or uncomfortable. Then just know your ragdoll cat likely feels the same way and is affected by the heat too.

Here are a few ways you can help your ragdoll cat live comfortably and keep cool in hot weather.

Try To Keep your ragdoll cat Indoors

If your ragdoll cat loves nothing more than to go roaming around outside, but you know that the temperatures are going to be getting hotter during the day. Try your best to keep your ragdoll cat indoors where you can keep an eye on them and ensure they have access to the cooler areas of your home. Especially during the hottest periods of the day.

While this can be difficult especially if you know you will not be home during the day and your ragdoll cat likes adventuring outside. As a rule of thumb simply try to ensure they have easy access in & out of the home allowing them to come indoors if things get a little too hot outside.

Provide Plenty Of Fresh Water

In hot weather, try to place multiple bowls of water around the areas you know your ragdoll cat is likely to relax in or sleep. This will help ensure they always have the option to drink which will help them keep cool and hydrated.

As a further tip, you can consider adding a few ice cubes to their water bowls to help keep the water cool and prevent it from warming up too quickly in the heat. At times Ragdolls can be fussy about water in their bowl being at room temperature. So it helps to give them more options when drinking.

If you are worried about the water in the bowls becoming stagnant or don’t always have the opportunity during the day to always keep an eye on the water level in their bowls. We would highly recommend you consider purchasing a drinking fountain for your ragdoll cat.

The movement of the water helps to keep it fresh and cool. Also Ragdolls typically like being around flowing water. So their instincts when hearing trickling water from the fountain will be a big reminder for them to come and drink to cool down.

Allow Them Access To Cool Floors & Bathrooms

Giving your ragdoll cat access to the areas of your home with such as stone kitchens or tiled bathroom floors will help encourage or enable your ragdoll cat to try to stay cool. Quite often Ragdolls will lay on cold floors in kitchens or bathrooms to try to release heat and stop their body temperature from rising further.

If you spot your ragdoll cat relaxing or laying on cool floors around the home. Try your best not to disturb them and ensure they stay away from the hotter areas of your home during the day.

Keep Your Curtains Closed On The Sunny Side Of Your House

Keeping your curtains closed on the sunny side of your home is a great way to help keep your house feeling cooler. Much of the heat that enters your home actually comes from the sunny side of your house. The sun rays will enter through the window and hit your floors and furnishings, increasing the temperature of the room. So it’s important to know which side of your home bears the brunt of the sun’s heat.

Closing the curtains will keep much of the sun’s heat at bay and also provide your ragdoll cat with a lot more options when it comes to shady areas found within the home to stay cool and relax in.

Turn On A Fan

Ceiling fans or freestanding fans are also great options to use when helping your ragdoll cat to cool down in the hotter weather. Turn them on and provide your ragdoll cat with an area of the home that has a nice cooling breeze.

If you can, try to avoid noisy fans as your ragdoll cat may not actually like being around them due to the sound they make. If you are going to purchase a new fan specifically for your ragdoll cat. Look into purchasing silent fans or pet-friendly fans which you know will be safe for your ragdoll cat to be around when you’re not home.

Allow Air Circulation In Your Home

To help ensure the air in your home stays fresh and cool for your ragdoll cat Cat. Try to open windows on the sides of your home that allow the air to circulate.

If you notice a breeze outside, try to open a window to allow the breeze to come through and escape through another window on the opposite side of your home. This will help pull most of the hotter air out of your home and provide a cooler temperature for your ragdoll cat.

Air Conditioning

If you have air conditioning in your home, turn it on and allow it to bring the temperature down in the rooms your ragdoll cat has access too.

You don’t have to make the rooms too cold or chilly. Just cool enough for your ragdoll cat to be comfortable in and give them yet another option when it comes to finding cool places to sleep and relax.

Cooling Mats & Frozen Water Packs

Cooling mats and frozen water packs are also great options you can try when helping your ragdoll cat to keep cool during the hot tempratures.

With frozen water packs, these are ‘cooler blocks’ that are filled with water that you put in the freezer and form into ice blocks. These can be placed under blankets or in the places your ragdoll cat normally likes to sleep to help them keep cool.

Cooling mats are also a worthy investment when it comes to keeping your ragdoll cat cool in hot weather. They are usually a foldable pet-friendly mat which is filled with a durable solid gel that remains cool for long periods of time. They are highly effective at preventing your ragdoll cat from overheating and can be placed in the areas of your home that your ragdoll cat usually likes to take a nap or relax away from the sun.

Showers, Baths & Basins

Ragdolls are well known for being fond of bathtubs, washbasin, and showers especially if these are coated with enamel or material that is cold to the touch. They will learn quickly that these areas of your home are a great place to cool down and you can often find them laying inside the bath, basin, or shower tray.

If your ragdoll cat has chosen the bathroom as a hang out spot to cool down during the hot weather. Try not to disturb them as best you can and avoid running water as they might get a fright and be forced to move around causing them to exert energy and overheat.

If you think your ragdoll cat is hanging around washbasins or bathrooms looking for a drink. Place an additional water bowl for them to drink from in a cool area on your bathroom floor.

Damp Towels

Cool damp towels are yet another option you can try to help encourage your ragdoll cat to keep cool. Using a large clean towel, dampen using cold water, and wring out the excess. Fold over and form into a square mat shape and place as a nice damp and cool sleeping area for your ragdoll cat to lay on.

You can encourage and show your ragdoll cat this cooling damp towel by first patting them down slightly to help them get a feel for its cooling effects. Then place on the ground and encourage them to stand and hopefully lay down on the towel to feel the full effects. It can be trial and error. Some Ragdolls will love it, and others won’t. But at least you are giving them more options to stay cool!

Help With Grooming

Keeping a good grooming routine for your ragdoll cat is seriously important when the weather turns hot. They will do a pretty good job on their own of keeping their fur in a fairly good condition, but as the owner, you can still lend them a helping hand.

Using grooming brushes and tools to remove loose fur will help ensure your ragdoll cat can keep itself insulated and cool effectively. It will also help prevent them from ingesting too much loose fur and hair when they lick themselves.

How and when you groom will fully depend on what your ragdoll cat is comfortable with. It’s best on hot days to do this early in the morning or late at night as during these hours your ragdoll cat is likely more comfortable with being moved around or fussed over away from all of the heat during the day.

Litter Trays

If you don’t already provide your ragdoll cat with a litter tray and they do most of their ‘business’ outside. On hot days or during the hotter periods of the year it’s a good idea to give them another option to use and relieve themselves away from all the heat found outside.

Giving them the option of using a litter tray will help them stay cool by allowing them to remain indoors where the temperature is likely a lot cooler. Placing the litter tray near the exits they use in the house is normally a good choice. It will help you remove any odors from the home and be the first place your ragdoll cat goes if they need to use the bathroom.

If you are concerned about odors in your home we highly recommend looking for a suitable odorless cat litter box for your ragdoll cat. Alternatively, you can test or experiment with different types of absorbent cat litter that will help keep the odors to a minimum.

Things You Should Avoid

Knowing what to avoid in order to help your ragdoll cat stay cool can sometimes be pretty tricky. As you never truly know what your ragdoll cat is going to be getting up to as they are seriously curious cats by nature.

As a rule of thumb in hot weather, you should simply try to keep an eye on your ragdoll cat as best as you can. They might be drinking more than normal or finding new places to sleep and relax away from the sun’s gaze. However, if you monitor them and ensure they are always comfortable, happy, and cool. It will go a long way to helping ensure your ragdoll cat cat’s health.

That being said, lets go ahead at take a look at some of the many things you should avoid with your ragdoll cat during hot weather.

Access To Conservatories

Conservatories might seem like a great spot in the house to relax and enjoy nice views for us humans, but for a Ragdoll they can actually be a pretty dangerous place to sleep or relax during hot weather.

Due to the way in which many conservatories are made the sun will shine through the roof and windows which will begin to heat up the entire room. This can make it dangerously hot for some cats, especially senior or unwell cats. So it’s always best to play it safe and try to avoid letting your ragdoll cat relax here during the hottest periods of the day.

If you have no choice but to allow your ragdoll cat access to the conservatory. Ensure they ample access to the cooler areas of your home and that the room is well ventilated with open windows and doors. Also, ensure they have a water source nearby for drinking.

Access To Greenhouses

One hidden danger many cat owners may understandably overlook is garden greenhouses on a hot day. Greenhouses just like conservatories have a tenancy to become very warm when the sun is out. They may also only have one exit which makes the possibility of your curious cat becoming stuck inside a lot more likely.

If you have a greenhouse in the garden try to make sure your ragdoll cat does not have access inside. Ragdolls are seriously curious cats and will often follow you wherever you go. So if you are doing some gardening or leaving the greenhouse always ensure your ragdoll cat is not inside hiding amongst the vegetation.

Stale or Stagnant Water

When ensuring your ragdoll cat is choosing the drink fresh and clean water. It’s always important to have a look around the garden for any pots, receptacles or containers that may contain stagnant or stale water. Quite often these objects will collect rain water which can sit in the sun becoming stale or stagnant for days at a time.

Intentional water sources like birdbaths and ponds can also contain water you don’t want your ragdoll cat to be drinking from due to germs, bugs, and other hazards. Ragdolls are highly intelligent, but a thirsty cat won’t be too picky where it chooses to drink water from in the heat.

Lastly, check around your home to ensure they do not have access to any bad water spots that they should not be drinking from. Look around the kitchen and bathrooms as these will usually be the areas you will find water that they should not be drinking.

Toilet bowls can also be a likely choice that your ragdoll cat may decide to drink from. Try to ensure they do not have access to these as they are often cleaned using chemicals that can be harmful to your ragdoll cat.

Over Grooming Or Shaving your ragdoll cat

Grooming and helping your ragdoll cat prepare for the hotter weather is a great option, but you need to ensure this is not overdone. Your aim is to simply remove loose or matted fur and encourage or promote your ragdoll cat to self-groom as best they can. If you feel your ragdoll cat is severely overheating due to its fur it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for advice.

Shaving off large portions of your ragdoll cat’s hair or adopting a ‘lion cut’ on your ragdoll cat is seriously not needed for them to escape the heat. It will not enable them to remain cool and actually effects their own natural insulation that helps keep them protected from the sun’s heat or sunburn.

As a rule of thumb, a light daily groom to remove loose fur along with an occasional slight trim should be as far as you go. Anything that you feel is required beyond that should only be done after consulting with a vet. As a severe groom can have a knock-on effect during hot weather and may affect your ragdoll cat’s overall health.

Sunburn

Believe it or not, just like us humans Ragdolls can actually be susceptible to sunburns especially if they spend most of their time roaming and adventuring outdoors. While their fur does do a great job of keeping them protected. In much hotter weather some Ragdolls can develop sunburn after being exposed to the sun and hot weather for long periods.

It’s always a great idea to be prepared if your ragdoll cat has a habit of wandering outdoors in sunny weather. We would highly recommend talking with a vet and looking into the options available to you to combat sunburn with things like ‘Cat Sun Cream’.

Outdoor Areas With No Cool Space

Avoid leaving your ragdoll cat outdoors where they have no areas or spaces to keep cool away from the sun. Always be mindful of the heat, and know that even cat houses or outdoor buildings like summerhouses will become overheated on a hot day. So always try to ensure your ragdoll cat has a safe haven away from the hot weather and allow them access to cooler areas indoors, or provide amply shade and cool spaces for them to relax outside.

Areas With No Shade

Don’t restrict your ragdoll cat to areas outdoors or indoors that provide little to no shade. Even if your ragdoll cat seems to be content basking in the sun. You should always ensure they have an escape or safe haven from the sun’s heat nearby. This is why providing plenty of shady areas is so important. It gives your ragdoll cat plenty of options and allows then to pick and choose where they are comfortable relaxing.

It’s a great idea in constant shady areas to set up a water station for your ragdoll cat. This will help encourage them to take a break from the sun and drink the water that has remained cooler out of the sun’s gaze.

Playing With your ragdoll cat

Don’t attempt to play with your ragdoll cat anywhere that the temperature is high. Try to avoid making your ragdoll cat exert lots of energy as in hot weather consistent movement or play will only lead to them overheating. If you play with them in the garden, this will only encourage them to come out of the shady or cooler areas of the garden putting them at risk of sunburn or potentially even heatstroke.

If your ragdoll cat still wants to play or is looking for fuss and attention. Encourage them into the cooler areas of your home where they can play and be fussed away from the heat of the sun. This is a great way to introduce them to freestanding fans, and cooling mats as they will be less wary and focused on play. Its also a good idea to keep water bowls, food, and beds in close proximity so that they don’t have to venture far for everything they may need.

Gel Cooling Packs

It’s not a good idea to use any type of cooling packs that are filled with liquid gels or fluid that could be harmful to your ragdoll cat if punctured. Ragdolls are curious cats and will most likely claw, scratch, and even chew things that are in close proximity to where they are sleeping or looking to relax.

It pays to be mindful of any cooling products or gadgets you use on your ragdoll cat to help cool them down. Ensure these are pet-friendly and if in doubt seek advice from a vet on the best products or gadgets to use for your ragdoll cat to keep cool.

Cars

On the rare occasion when your ragdoll cat may be riding along with you in the car. Never leave them alone in the car under any circumstance. On a hot or sunny day, it can take only a few minutes for your car’s interior temperature to become dangerously high for an unattended cat. It’s a huge risk that is simply not worth taking.

If you have no choice but to take your ragdoll cat with you in the car. Always ensure to bring along a cat carrier or find a way that they can remain with you outside of the car’s interior and away from the heat.

Insects Bites & Bugs

The hot weather usually brings with it a whole host of bugs and other biting insects that are almost guaranteed to be found in the garden and perhaps venturing into your house through the windows. It’s always best to ensure your ragdoll cat stays away from bugs and insects as much as possible.

Avoid letting them chase insects like bees or wasps as there is a likelihood of them getting stung which can have a serious effect on your ragdoll cat’s health. It’s best to be prepared for bites using spot-on treatments. Additionally, consult with a vet for advice about how best to deal with stings from bees or wasps and how to look for the signs of an allergic reaction.

How To Spot Heatstroke In Ragdolls

A Ragdolls body temperature should usually be around 100.5 and 102.5° F (38 – 39.2°C Approximately). As you can imagine it’s not easy to take an accurate measurement of your ragdoll cats temperature at home, but the two best ways to try are as follows:

• Ear Thermometer Reading – This will give you a good baseline reading of your ragdoll cat’s overall temperature.
• Rectal Thermometer Reading – This reading is usually more precise than an ear thermometer reading, and will give you a more accurate idea of your ragdoll cat’s core body temperature.

It’s a good idea to take a reading of your ragdoll cat’s temperature in cool conditions as this will be a good guide to see if your ragdoll cats temperature happens to rise during hotter temperatures or hot weather.

If you are ever in doubt or having trouble getting an accurate temperature reading of your ragdoll cat. Always seek the help of your vet who can take an accurate reading for you and offer advice on how best to take an accurate reading at home using the right tools.

The Warning Signs

The warning signs that your ragdoll cat might be suffering in the heat may start off subtle, but become more severe the longer they have to endure the heat or hot conditions. If your ragdoll cat is becoming restless during hot weather, drooling, panting or continually licking its fur. Then check to see if its temperature is rising beyond 102.5° F

If you ever feel like your ragdoll cat may be overheating, immediately move them to a cool area and provide them with drinking water. Keep a close eye on their temperature and see if this returns back to normal. Also, watch to see if their behavior normalizes and if they stop panting or look more comfortable and at ease.

If your ragdoll cat still seems restless, is panting or their body temperature rises to 105° F. Then some of the following warning signs may be seen which could further indicate a heatstroke.

• Panting or drooling
• Heavy or rapid breathing
• Licking fur continually
• Lethargy (lack of energy)
• Racing heart rate
• Vomiting

If your ragdoll cat displays any of these signs to you during hot weather, always move them to a cool area indoors and ensure they have drinking water. You can also apply cool (not cold) water to your ragdoll cat to help them cool down and encourage them to self cool by licking their fur.

The Treatment

If your ragdoll cat is showing any of the warning signs or symptoms listed above. It’s always best to take them immediately to your vet for further treatment.

Always play it safe and do your best to keep your ragdoll cat cool then immediately go to your vet. If you find your ragdoll cat is in an advanced stage of a heatstroke. Using cool water, soak their fur and apply a cool compress to the limbs before leaving for your vet.

If heatstroke is left untreated it can have a severe impact on your ragdoll cat’s health and wellbeing. A cat is likely to become comatose and in a serious condition requiring additional attention or treatment from vets if left unchecked while suffering from the heat or heatstroke. This is especially true for older cats or cats already suffering from illness.

If you ever have any doubts about the signs, treatment, or ways to ensure your ragdoll cat does not suffer from the heat or heatstroke. Always consult with your veterinarian for advice on the best ways to keep your ragdoll cat cool in hot weather and maintain their health.

Conclusion

So can Ragdolls live in hot weather? Yes. Ragdoll cats can live in areas with hot weather or warmer climate when the right adjustments are made within the environment they will be living in by their owners.

There is not too much difference between a Ragdoll living in a cold or warmer climate. They may just need a little more care when it comes to providing them with an abundance of ways to keep cool and out of the sun and access to the cooler areas of your home.

It’s important to know that Ragdolls living in warmer climates will typically drink more water than those living in a colder climate. So investing in multiple water bowls for your home will help keep your ragdoll cat hydrated. Also, following our advice when it comes to using freestanding fans or cooling mats are really great options to consider.

So wherever you live in the world, if it’s hot or cold you can still have the overwhelming joy of keeping a beautiful Ragdoll Cat as a household companion.