Grooming your Ragdoll's silky coat

The Ragdoll coat is semi-long, plush, and rabbit-soft, with minimal undercoat

The Ragdoll coat is semi-long, plush, and rabbit-soft, with minimal undercoat — this is the key difference from Persians and Maine Coons. Because there's little dense undercoat to tangle, the coat rarely mats except in friction zones: the armpits, the belly, and the britches. Ragdolls shed moderately year-round with a noticeable increase in spring and fall. The coat is light-colored and shows dirt and litter dust more visibly, so regular brushing keeps them looking their fluffy best.

Two full brush-outs per week, 10 minutes each, is the standard for Ragdolls.

Two full brush-outs per week, 10 minutes each, is the standard for Ragdolls. A stainless steel comb does most of the work; follow with a soft slicker or a rubber grooming mitt for shine. Brush with the lay of the coat — Ragdoll fur is fine and can develop static, so a light misting with water or a detangling spray helps. Work through the ruff, the sides, and the tail. Thanks to the breed's famously relaxed temperament, most Ragdolls lie still for the whole session, which is half the battle with longhaired grooming.

Because Ragdolls shed steadily, the main payoff of regular brushing is fewer hairballs and less fur on furniture. During spring and fall, bump up to 3–4 sessions a week with a gentle undercoat rake. If your Ragdoll is coughing up hairballs frequently, it's a sign brushing needs to happen more often — the loose hair they're swallowing has to go somewhere. Consistent brushing is the single best hairball prevention for this breed. A professional deshedding treatment during peak seasons gives you a head start.

Ragdolls need baths only occasionally — every 2–3 months, or when the coat looks dingy or feels greasy.

Ragdolls need baths only occasionally — every 2–3 months, or when the coat looks dingy or feels greasy. Their low-maintenance coat responds well to a simple routine: thorough pre-bath comb-out, warm water, cat-safe shampoo, and a complete rinse. Dry fully with towels and a cool dryer; the plush coat holds water. Because Ragdolls are so trusting, most accept bathing calmly — but never force a cat that's panicking. A professional groomer can handle the bath-and-dry for owners who'd rather skip the splash zone.

Trim nails every 3–4 weeks — Ragdolls' light-colored nails make the quick easy to see and avoid.

Trim nails every 3–4 weeks — Ragdolls' light-colored nails make the quick easy to see and avoid. Check ears weekly and wipe the outer ear with a damp cotton round; Ragdolls aren't especially wax-prone, but the check takes seconds during brushing. Brush teeth several times a week with enzymatic cat toothpaste; their sweet temperament usually means they accept a finger brush with minimal protest. Wipe tear areas as needed — Ragdolls tear less than Persians, but light-colored faces show any staining.

Book during spring and fall for a deshedding treatment — it resets the coat and cuts home shedding for weeks.

Book during spring and fall for a deshedding treatment — it resets the coat and cuts home shedding for weeks. Come in anytime mats form in the armpits or britches that won't comb out, for a sanitary trim, or if you simply want the full bath-and-fluff without the bathroom chaos. At All About Pawz in Memphis, Bath Only starts at $45 and Bath & Haircut from $75, and our groomers love working with cooperative Ragdolls.