How Big Do Ragdoll Cats Get? [Average Height, Weight & Size]

Ragdolls cats are stunningly beautiful. On appearance alone, you will likely want to adopt one in a heartbeat. But, if you are considering this breed, then there are some things you will need to take into consideration. The first is their size…

So how big do ragdoll cats get? Ragdoll cats typically reach between 8-20 pounds in weight, 9-11 inches in height, and 17-21 inches in length. Males are generally larger than females. Ragdolls are considered to be one of the largest pet cat breeds to own and are known for having a large constitution, with proportionate legs.

Despite their larger size, Ragdolls are known for being a great lap cat! Interestingly enough.

Relaxed and trusting in temperament, they are, very docile and affectionate.

Besides, it’s where they got their name. The tendency of going limp, just like a doll, when picked up.

So this is definitely a breed to consider if you like your cuddles.

That’s if you can manage their size, and weight, of course.

But chances are you’re going to want to. Their piercing blue eyes and soft and silky coat make these a very adorable cat to own.

So, let us now take a closer look at the average height, weight and size of the breed, before turning to their typical growth rate and factors that can influence their final size.

We will also be looking at some considerations to take into account if you do intend on owning one.

So, be sure to keep on reading!

Average Ragdoll Cats Weight, Height, Length and Size

Size can be a major decision-maker when buying a new pet, especially if you live in a small house or have limited space.

Let’s take a look at the average ragdoll cat’s height, weight, and size below…

Weight

The average weight of a Ragdoll cat will depends primarily on the gender;

Male Ragdoll cats can reach up to 20 lbs once their fully grown, whereas
Female Ragdoll cats tend to be a bit smaller and can weigh anywhere between 8-15 pounds.

So if you do decide to get one of these guys, don’t be alarmed if they do keep growing heavier and heavier, especially if they are male.

It has nothing to do with the food you’re feeding them!

Height

A typical ragdoll cat can range from anywhere between 9-11 inches tall; however, again this depends on the gender of the cat.

Heavier cats tend to be taller cats, and vice versa.

Length

In terms of length, you can expect a Ragdoll cat to measure between 17-21 inches (excluding the tail).

Size

Ragdoll cats are considered one of the biggest domestic cats you can buy.

So if you’re used to smaller sized cats, such as is the case for Munchkins or Siamese, a Ragdoll cat will exceed your expectations in terms of size.

How Long Does It Take For A Ragdoll Cat To Grow To Full Size?

Your typical Ragdoll cat will take anywhere between 4-5 years to reach their full adult and final size.

And this is because they have quite some growing to do.

Interestingly, this is much longer than your other average household breed, which can be as short as 18 months to 2 years.

But just because they are on the larger side, does not necessarily mean that they are any more capable of defending themselves against other cats and predators.

Due to their calm temperament, they tend to avoid fights at all costs.

The Big Friendly Giant springs to mind here.

Do Ragdoll Cats Stay Small?

Ragdoll cats do not stay small; instead growing up into one of the largest domestic cats money can buy. And they do so relatively quickly.

However, like most cats, they do start off small when they are young, as little as 0.75 pounds!

Let us now look at the average growth rate of cats of the breed:

Age of Ragdoll Cat	Average Weight (In Pounds)
1 months old	0.75 and 1.5 lbs
2 months old	1.5 and 3 lbs
3 months old	3 and 4 lbs
4 months old	4 and 5 lbs
5 months old	5 to 6 lbs
6 months old	6 lbs +

As you can see, in the early months of life, you can expect these cats to quite literally, double in size.

They also tend to gain quite a lot of weight early on, before filling out more slowly (over the next 4 years) to reach their final size.

One thing to take into account, is that the size of a young kitten will also give you a good indication into where they finally reach and stop.

While not always the case, a larger kitten will generally grow into a larger cat.

Assuming they are well taken care of and do not suffer from any medical conditions, of course.

Lastly, its also important that your kitten and cat keeps a healthy weight as they grow.

Sure, they need to be well fed, but they should not be gaining too much weight.

A good test is to ensure that you can still feel their ribs as you press into their sides, or their shoulder blades when you press on top.

Factors That Influence Ragdoll Cat Size

There are some factors that aid in the healthy growth of a Ragdoll cat, and unfortunately, there are some that can impact and affect a cat from reaching its full-size potential.

Some are very much in your control, whereas others are not so much.

Let’s take a look at them below…

Genetics

First and foremost, we must consider the genetics and genes that each cat inherits.

Some cats will naturally be smaller than others, and the final size of a Ragdoll will have a lot to do with the size of the parents (and their parents) they were bred from.

Growth Spurts

Growth spurts are another factor that is based upon genetics.

Remember when you were a teenager and it seemed like everybody was growing super tall over the Summer break?

That’s called a growth spurt, and it also happens to cats, including the Ragdoll, too.

It does not always happen, but it can….

And this is why you get some Ragdolls fall without the average range of height, weight and size for their respective age.

Its also why we have an average gere.

Nevertheless, it’s important to consider and remember that some Ragdolls cats will grow more slowly than others; and may experience rapid growth spurts at other times.

Parasites

While parasites will not affect your cat’s hormones, they can result in improper digestion if left untreated.

In turn, this can result in a cat not obtaining all of the nutrients they need for proper growth.

Parasites, can literally steal the building blocks your kitten needs.

A regular visit to the vets can help to ensure your cat remains clear of parasites, and regular deworming does come advised.

However, there are some symptoms to look out for as an owner that can give an indication that parasites may be present:

Worms In Faeces
Diarrhea
Coughing
Vomiting
Constipation

So, if you are to notice these in your kitten soon after adoption, do the right thing. Call a vet.

In most cases, your cat will be okay if it gets treated.

However….

Leave it untreated and your kitten may never be able to reach their full-size potential. Or be limited in some way.

Nutrition

Nutrition is essential to proper growth.

From the right foods all the way through to the right frequency.

This will of course differ depending on the age of your kitten/ or cat.

Kittens generally need to eat little and often.

They have a smaller digestive system and are incapable of going a long time without a meal.

They tend to burn through energy quickly.

They also have a requirement for protein; the building blocks of their frame and muscles.

Therefore….

It’s plausible for a Ragdoll cat not to reach its full-size potential, or at least be underweight, due to undereating.

Here’s how to prevent this…

First and foremost always seek out a high quality food – specific to the age of your kitten.

Read the manufacturers instructions and look at what they advise for feeding.

However, once you have done this you may need to adjust accoridngly.

If you notice that every time you feed your cat, they continue to lick the bowl after it’s finished, they are likely still hungry and require more food.

Just be sure not to overdo it.

Overfeeding is as bad as underfeeding.

So do not fill up their bowl too much; you don’t want your Ragdoll kitten/cat to pack on excess weight.

Besides, obesity in cats can result in other negative health outcomes later down the line, including heart and liver disease.

Medical Issues

If you are sure that you are looking after your Ragdoll cat as best as you can, meeting their needs, and following all the recommended advice, and your cat is still not growing – they could have a medical problem.

In some cases, it could be a problem with one of the organs.

That’s why it’s important to get your kitten examined soon after getting them, along with regular visits throughout the early months of life.

For the most part, a kitten not growing to expectations is not eating the right foods or enough.

But, there could be something more serious going on that needs treating.

Typically, with the right treatment, growth will resume as expected.

Ragdoll Size Considerations For Owners

If you are serious about getting a Ragdoll cat, then you do need to plan ahead and accordingly. You are getting a larger breed of cat, after all.

Therefore, there are two important things you will need to consider: the cost of food, and the amount of space you can afford them.

Ragdoll cats, typically eat a lot more than other cats. So, expect your food bill to be reflective of this.

If you are yet to own a pet, then this cost will be new anyway. But, if you have owned another pet, or especially another breed of cat, you will need to ensure you can afford sufficient high-quality cat food for them.

At the same time, many owners of Ragdolls tend to let their cats get too big and put on too much weight.

You should not allow this.

It does not bode well for their health, even if it does make them more cuddly.

So, you also need to dedicate time, and monitor their food intake.

The second requirement for your Ragdoll is sufficient space.

This being both inside, and outside of the house.

You’ll also need to consider that due to their large frame, most litter boxes, beds, and other toys may not be suitable for them. They may even be too small.

So, you will need to consider getting larger versions and ensuring they are of appropriate size.

You may even need to upgrade your kittens items when they grow into their full adult size.

At the same time, you’ll also want to inspect your home to ensure it can support its larger size.

Make sure that all areas of your home can support the weight of your Ragdoll cat if they were to sit on them or decide to climb on them.

A particular area to look at is by the windows or any shelves that you may have.

You do not want them to break anything. Or worse, fall and hurt themselves!

Nevertheless, these cats are generally suitable for smaller living spaces, such as apartment living. This is because of their temperament and being so relaxed and easy-going.

Finally

Ragdoll cats are certainly not the smallest breeds to consider. But they are also not the largest either.

And just because they are large does not mean they are not willing or able to sit or fall asleep on your lap.

In fact, they tend to love it!

These are very affectionate and loyal cats, by and large (no pun intended).