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Rag Doll Cat

18 years ago

Hi, I have a Rag Doll Cat and he has an on going urinary tract infection. Just wondering if that's normal for this breed????

Comments (8)

  • 18 years ago

    I'll put a link to a breed description, which says they have no particular health problems. One of my cats tends to have bladder problems, so I'll offer some advice.

    Your vet may be able to suggest certain kinds of food which will be better for your cat's urinary tract.

    Water intake is important for cats with bladder problems, and canned food contains more moisture. A bit of water can be mixed with canned food to make it even wetter.

    You may even want to get one of those kitty drinking fountains, because cats tend to drink more if it's fun.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Rag Doll cats

  • 18 years ago

    I have never heard of a Ragdoll as having any higher incidence of UTI as any other breed. The cat needs to go on antibiotics and may need to go on special food to help reduce the chance of it recurring.

    One way to get the cat the drink more water is to have multiple water dishes, and some cats like those dishes with recirculating water. We always had fresh water near the cat's food dish and in our bedroom. She also drank out of the sink a lot.

    I love Ragdolls. I'm going to visit my new baby, still at the breeder's, tomorrow.

  • 18 years ago

    My ragdolls have never had UTI's. I fill their big water bowl with fresh water every day.

    And, then they drink out of the toilet.

    I have a tabby who had a UTI, and crystals. I switched to IAM's original chicken formula food and after a month her crystals were gone.

  • 18 years ago

    You said 'he'- is he neutered, and does he have a 'big saggy belly' from the neutering? My daughters cat with saggy belly often had a UTI- he said cats like that are more prone, because the urethra has more pressure on it due to more weight of the droopy area underneath. Just a tidbit for ya.

  • 18 years ago

    My moms cat has bladder problems, he had to go to the kitty hospital and get a catherter even. (And I will spare you all on what THAT cost!) The vet told us to never never give them fish and to only feed them cat food low or totally without manganese (ash).

    I agree you need to get your cat on antibiotics to clear up the current infection and then do preventitive meds. There is a tablet you can crush up and add to their food once a day that changes the ph of their urine, keeping bacteria from growing in the urinary system. I can't remember what it is called, but it also comes in a tube and you can rub a dab onto their paw so that they lick it off, like hairball meds. A cat that is prone will benefit from getting this everyday. I will ask my mom the name of it and get back to you.

    It is really important you address this with a vets help, chronic UTI's are not only a major health issue, but can also cause other problems, like the cat getting in the habit of urinating outside the box and everywhere but the box, NEVER a pleasant thing and not something you want them to get in the habit of doing.

    Good luck!

  • 18 years ago

    I have three Ragdolls, two over the age of 8, and they have never had a UTI. Definitely get to a vet and get them on a good diet, if you feed them the cheaper food may be the culprit.

  • 18 years ago

    Thanks everyone for all the input. Dusty has been on meds twice now, so far sooooo good. He was on the Purina urinary trach food but switched him over to Hills Science Diet urinary trach, which is a lot more money. I wonder if it will help future problems? Yes, he does have a very saggy belly and is the sweetest cat I have ever had!!! Got him from the SPCA and had no idea he was a Ragdoll, had never heard of that breed, until my daughter saw a pic of one hanging up in her Vets office. Would love the name of the tablet!!! Can you buy it over-the-counter? Thanks again!

  • 18 years ago

    I have had my Ragdolls on Iams since they were kittens, never any problems. Also, with the more expensive foods, you actually spend less in the long run: better foods are more readily absorbed into the cat's system, the cheaper brands just run through them without delivering as many nutrients so they eat more of it. It also produces less waste, so cleaner cat boxes! Bonus!