A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Kitten : Choose a growth food rich in proteins and divide the ration into several small daily meals.
Adult : Adjust portions precisely to the ideal weight, neutering/spaying and activity to prevent weight gain.
Senior : Monitor weight, appetite, hydration and kidney function more closely with the help of the veterinarian.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble or a well-formulated mixed diet generally suits the Ragdoll very well. The goal is to provide good-quality animal proteins, a moderate carbohydrate content, and a digestible composition that supports both muscle mass, satiety, and oral health.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount varies according to ideal weight, neutering, activity and the caloric density of the food. It is preferable to start from the manufacturer’s recommendations and then adjust according to the cat’s actual body condition rather than according to the cat’s simple appetite.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 3 - 5 kg | 45 - 65 g | 2 |
| 5 - 7 kg | 60 - 80 g | 2 |
| 7 - 9 kg | 75 - 95 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any dietary change must be gradual over about a week, sometimes longer in sensitive cats. Gradually mixing the old and the new food limits digestive upsets and promotes acceptance, which is particularly useful in an indoor cat attached to its habits.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh, renewed water must remain available at all times. Hydration is all the more important for a large indoor cat, especially if it mainly eats kibble. A water fountain or adding a portion of wet food can help some cats drink more.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and included in the total ration. It is better to favor small, good-quality rewards, useful for play or care, rather than frequent extras that quickly promote weight gain in this not very active breed.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the portion precisely instead of filling the bowl by eye.
- Split the food into two meals to better control intake.
- Encourage hydration with several water points in the home.
- Reassess the quantities after sterilization or a decrease in activity.
Never give
As with other cats, you should avoid in particular chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, alcohol, coffee, tea, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods. These products can cause digestive, neurological, kidney or cardiac disorders that are sometimes serious.
