Public Announcement of Ragdoll Cat Heat Behaviors?

Ragdoll cats go into heat for the first time at about 7–8 months after birth.

Usually, the heat period of Ragdoll cats occurs around 7–8 months, but a few cats may go into heat earlier, around 6 months, although this phenomenon is relatively rare.

Each heat period lasts about 5–10 days for Ragdoll cats.

If a Ragdoll cat does not mate during the first heat, she will go into heat again 2–3 weeks later. If she is not allowed to mate for a long time, hormonal imbalance will shorten the intervals between heats, causing continuous heat cycles.

1. More clingy

A Ragdoll cat in heat will be more clingy than usual; she will constantly rub against you and also like to chase other small animals in the neighborhood. If you also have a fertile male cat at home, the female cat in heat will try all means to get close to him.

2. Showing mating postures

Ragdoll cats often maintain mating postures during heat, such as lowering their head and raising their hips high. Their hind legs will move back and forth and the tail will be placed to one side to expose the genital area.

3. Constant calling

Cats in heat use vocalization to attract the attention of the opposite sex, especially during quiet nights. A Ragdoll cat in heat may call incessantly to attract mates.

4. Spraying urine everywhere

Both cats and dogs mark their territory with urine. A Ragdoll cat in heat will spray urine around her territory to signal her desire to mate.

5. Decreased appetite

A Ragdoll cat in heat usually shows reduced appetite and reluctance to eat. Owners should pay attention and provide proper nutrition to prevent later anorexia caused by heat issues.

6. Constantly licking the genital area

During heat, the Ragdoll cat's genital area may be swollen and uncomfortable, sometimes with bleeding. Thus, the cat will frequently lick the area to keep it clean.

7. Changes in the Ragdoll cat’s reproductive organs

The reproductive organs of a Ragdoll cat in heat undergo a series of changes, generally divided into four stages:

(1) First stage: the pubic hair just starts to separate, external genitalia swell, and the vulva slightly opens.

(2) Second stage: pubic hair fully separates, obvious swelling of the vulva, vulva appears as two large lobes with a small amount of white mucus.

(3) Third stage: intense swelling and eversion of the vulva, showing a clear four-lobed structure, with abundant mucus.

(4) Fourth stage: swelling of the vulva gradually subsides, shrinks and dries, and the pubic hair gradually returns to a brush-like shape.

Note: Successful mating usually occurs most easily in the second and third stages.

8. Irritable temperament

Ragdoll cats in heat show obvious changes in mood and temperament, with females becoming restless and eager to go outdoors frequently. This restlessness is especially noticeable at night.

At What Age Do Ragdoll Cats Go Into Heat?

Ragdoll cats usually start going into heat at about 7 months old. Some may be slightly earlier or later, but not by much.

However, the first heat does not mean the cat is fully mature nor ready for breeding. Ragdolls mature later than most cats, so their physical development is slower. If you want to breed a Ragdoll cat, females should be at least 2 years old, and males should be at least 2 and a half years old.

Breeding too early may affect the fetus quality and may even cause premature delivery, difficult birth, or low survival rates.

Do Ragdoll Cats Go Into Heat in Winter?

Ragdoll cats can go into heat during winter.

Cats’ estrus is not seasonal, meaning they can go into heat any time of year.

Many factors affect cat heat cycles, primarily age: once sexually mature, the cat can go into heat anytime. Females, especially those not mated or spayed, will have intermittent heat cycles—heat lasting several days, then stopping for a few days, then recurring. Depending on environment, nutrition, breed, and external stimuli, heat typically lasts 5 to 9 days with 4 to 7 days intervals.

So, if a cat's heat is disturbing your life, there are two solutions: either allow mating to end the heat or opt for spaying to permanently end heat cycles.

Are Ragdoll Cats Clingy? Do They Hate Heat? What Is Their Price?

Whether a cat is clingy is not breed-determined; some cats are naturally clingy, some become clingy because they were held often as kittens, and those confined in cages early are often not clingy. Ragdoll cats are sensitive to both heat and cold. Prices vary based on appearance, ranging from a few thousand to over ten thousand yuan.

When Exactly Is the Ragdoll Cat's Heat Period?

Around 7 months old.

Ragdoll cats usually go into heat at about 7 months old. Adult Ragdolls go into heat roughly twice a year, generally around March–April and September–October. It is best not to breed a cat during her first heat because, firstly, her body is not fully developed, and breeding may harm her physical health. Secondly, the cat is still growing; pregnancy may deprive nutrition for both the cat and fetus, which is unfavorable for both.

How to Trim a Ragdoll Female Cat's Fur When in Heat?

You can start combing and trimming from the head, then the neck, chest, back, abdomen, limbs, hips, and finally the tail.

When trimming the limbs, start from one side and finish before trimming the other. Pay attention to soothing the cat’s mood to keep her calm during the whole trimming process.

How to Care for Ragdoll Cats? What Do Ragdolls Eat?

Ragdoll cats have relatively weak digestive systems and are prone to soft stools. As long-haired cats, soft stools may stick to their fur around the anus. You might see them dragging feces across the house. After some time of adjustment, this usually improves, but you must frequently wipe their rear during that period. Although they have fewer undercoat hairs, they are still long-haired and shed heavily during seasonal changes. Feeding high-quality natural food can reduce shedding, and adding fish oil will make their coat shinier.

Additional information

Ragdoll cats (scientific name: Ragdoll), also known as Fairy Cat or Bradford Cat, belong to the genus Felis of the cat family. They are among the largest and heaviest existing cat breeds.

They are mainly distributed in the United States and the United Kingdom and have soft, long fur that requires frequent grooming and cleaning to prevent matting. This breed was developed by American Ann Baker in the 1960s and is named for its gentle temperament, as they feel like soft rag dolls when held.

In Which Months Do Ragdoll Cats Go Into Heat?

Ragdoll cats usually start going into heat at around 7 months. Some may be a bit earlier or later, but the difference is minimal.

However, the first heat does not mean full maturity or suitability for breeding; Ragdolls mature later than most cats. Females should be at least 2 years old and males at least 2.5 years old before breeding.

Breeding too early may impair fetal quality and cause premature birth, difficulty during delivery, or low offspring survival rates.

How Long Does the Ragdoll Cat's Heat Last?

The average Ragdoll heat lasts about 6-10 days. Females generally go into heat every 14-21 days, each lasting 6-10 days. Males don't have a fixed cycle but may go into heat influenced by nearby females in heat, usually lasting 7-10 days.

It is not recommended to intervene artificially to stop the heat. Heat is a natural physiological process. For cats under 1 year, owners must not give human contraceptive pills or hormone-based suppressants, which are highly toxic and can cause hormonal imbalance, tumors, or even threaten life. The so-called “cotton swab method” circulating online is also prohibited as it may injure the reproductive organs or cause false pregnancy.

How Do Cats Go Into Heat?

Cats in heat will call continuously, especially at night, with increased frequency and volume.