Emergency Guide


Owning a Ragdoll is like having a baby. As parents, we should all be realistic and accept the fact that emergencies do happen. This segment is designed to be a handy guide for you, as a responsible Ragdoll "parent" to have as a reference. It will help you be prepared if indeed an emergency does arise.

WARNING SIGNS OF A SERIOUS INJURY:

The following may signal that your Ragdoll needs medical attention. You should seek veterinary care:

  • 1.) Anytime you find a lump on your cat's skin
  • 2.) If your cat seems unusually short-of-breath
  • 3.) If your cat experiences a sudden change in appetite
  • 4.) If your cat starts to lose weight rapidly
  • 5.) If your cat drinks often and urinates more frequently than usual

    • IN CASE OF BLEEDING:

    The following areas are pressure points on your Ragdoll which, along with direct pressure on the wound, will help stop bleeding.

  • 1.) The upper inside of the front legs. Pressing here will help control bleeding of the lower forelegs.
  • 2.) The upper inside of the rear legs. Pressing here will help control bleeding of the lower hind legs.
  • 3.) The underside of the tail. Pressing here helps to control bleeding of the tail.

    • Note: Avoid using a tourniquet. A great number of limbs are lost because the blood supply is cut off for too long a time.

    COUGHING CAN BE SERIOUS:

    Coughing is the most common sign of heart disease in cats. If your cat has been coughing for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian immediately!

    HOUSEPLANTS THAT CAN HURT YOUR RAGDOLL:

    Here is a list of common houseplants that are poisonous to cats: Philodendroms, Dieffenbachias, Jerusalem Cherries, Yews, Caladiums, Spider Plants, Airplane Plants, Cyclamens, Foxgloves, Dragon Trees, Mistletoes, Azaleas, Poinsettias, and Rhododendrons.

    NOTE: To be safe, most veterinarians recommend you always keep houseplants away from your cats.

    SYMPTOMS OF INTERNAL BLEEDING:

    Symptoms to look for that signal you to internal bleeding include: blood in the vomit, blood in the urine, pale pink or white gums & listlessness. Press your finger against your cat's gums. If they don't turn pink after a momentary whiteness, contact your veterinarian immediately!

    TESTING YOUR RAGDOLL FOR DEHYDRATION:

    To test your Ragdoll for dehydration, especially during the summer months, gently lift the skin along its back. Normally, it will snap back into place. In dehydrated cats, however, the skin loses elasticity, causing it to stay up in a ridge. If this happens, it's an emergency! Contact your veterinarian immediately.

    IN CASE OF INJURY:

    You should always have a pet first-aid kit handy in case your Ragdoll is ever injured. It should include some of the following things: gauze rolls, absorbent cotton, hydrogen peroxide, eyewash, tweezers, syringe (without the needle) for giving oral medications, a clean, white sock - to slip over an injured paw . . . and, very important . . . be sure to have your veterinarian's phone number extra-handy at all times!

    HOW TO CHECK YOUR RAGDOLL'S PULSE:

    To check your cat's pulse, simply feel on the inside of his back thigh, where the leg joins the body and start counting! The normal pulse is anywhere between 110 to 170 beats per minute.


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