Are Ragdoll Cats Dumb – Intelligence & Other Facts

Ragdoll cats are more popular than ever these days. They’re incredibly cute, known cuddlers, and enjoy a good bit of internet fame. 

But, none of those things tell you very much about Ragdoll personalities or intelligence, and, cute as they are, Ragdoll cats have a bit of a reputation for being less intelligent than other cats. 

So, are Ragdoll cats dumb? 

No, Ragdoll cats are not dumb. Ragdoll cats aren’t any less intelligent than other cats on average. Measuring cat intelligence is difficult, but Ragdolls don’t show any signs of being slow. Instead, this reputation probably comes from Ragdoll cats being relatively quiet and laid-back animals. 

Of course, there’s a lot more to know about Ragdoll cats and even about Ragdoll intelligence. Let’s take a closer look at this iconic and adorable breed’s intelligence, personality, and behavior. 

Are Ragdoll Cats Smart

Ragdoll cats seem to be about average in terms of cat intelligence. Individual cats might be exceptionally smart or a little on the slow side, but the breed as a whole obeys normal averages for cat intelligence. 

When it comes to trainability, Ragdoll cats do about as well as any other breed. Which is to say, it’s possible to train them with the right motivation and patience, but they’ll also probably resist your efforts and stubbornly refuse commands from time to time. 

Indeed, Ragdoll cats don’t always need as much enrichment or as many toys as other cats. That’s because they can be a little on the lazy side, though, not because of their intelligence. 

It’s still a good idea to give your Ragdoll plenty of toys and interesting things to do. Mental engagement is vital for your cats, especially while you’re away, and you don’t want your Ragdoll to be bored if you can help it. 

How Smart Are Cats

Measuring cat intelligence is difficult, and there isn’t a great measure available yet. 

There are a few reasons cats make measuring their intelligence difficult. For one thing, it’s hard to know what kinds of intelligence cats are likely to have. Unlike us, or more cooperative animals, cats are obligate predators that need a very different set of skills and might demonstrate their intelligence in different ways than we do. 

But they also resist attempts to test their intelligence effectively. Cats are challenging to study because they often get stubborn with the scientists studying them, and no amount of training ensures cooperation at all times. 

Cats will pretend they don’t know how to do something when they do, refuse a command, or hold off on completing tasks just because they know that the scientists want them to do those things. 

Stubbornness makes it harder to tell how intelligent cats are, but it’s also proof of how intelligent they are! 

For the most part, experts estimate that domesticated cats have a similar level of intelligence to 2-5-year-old humans. They don’t have as wide a vocabulary, cats can only learn 20-50 words, but in most other respects, your cat can understand and interact with the world in bout the same way as a toddler or young child. 

What Kind Of Personality Do Ragdoll Cats Have

Ragdoll cats are some of the most laid-back animals in the cat world. They’re relaxed and calm most of the time, with a love of cuddles and attention that makes them a favorite of pet owners. 

There seem to be two kinds of Ragdolls when it comes to vocalization. Some Ragdoll cats are very quiet, even when they want attention or food. Other Ragdoll cats often share their opinions and can even be described as mouthy, especially when they want something. 

Ragdolls do tend to be a little more on the lazy side of cat behavior. They aren’t very good mousers and usually are just as happy to curl up on a couch as to chase a toy or a bug. 

But, as with all breed traits, that doesn’t guarantee that your Ragdoll will have any of those traits. Individuals can always express different traits and characteristics than the norm, and how you interact with your cat also makes a big difference. 

Are There Any Bad Things About Ragdoll Cats

There are a few things you should probably know if you’re thinking about getting a Ragdoll cat. All breeds have pros and cons, and Ragdolls are no exception to that rule. 

For one thing, Ragdoll cats are not the breed for you if you want to take your cat outdoors, even occasionally. Ragdoll cats are a little smaller and slightly less agile than other domesticated cats, making them much easier prey for raptors and other animals looking for a meal. 

A cattio is fine, but Ragdolls should only be allowed out into a fully enclosed and monitored space, even if it’s just chicken wire or mesh keeping them contained. 

Ragdolls also won’t solve a mouse problem. They’ll sometimes show interest in mice, but there aren’t many Ragdolls that will hunt mice, and even fewer will catch and eat them. 

But the most crucial thing potential owners should know about Ragdolls is that they can take up a lot of your time. 

This is one of the reasons they sometimes have a reputation for being a little dull; Ragdolls will ask for your time, attention, and help, even when they don’t really need you. 

If you’re looking for a slightly needier or clingier cat, though, all of those traits will come in handy. Ragdolls are a great option for people who want a lower-energy companion animal. 

Are Ragdoll Cats Emotional

All cats are emotional to some extent, but are Ragdolls more emotional than average? 

It’s hard to know for sure. For instance, Ragdoll cats can’t tell us when they’re happy or sad. We have to interpret their emotions and needs based on their behavior. 

But, Ragdolls do seem to show their emotions a little more clearly than other cats. They also are a little more demanding on their owners and may need more comfort and emotional support. 

Those things don’t really measure emotion, though; they measure how Ragdolls express their bond with their owners. 

The truth is we don’t know for sure that Ragdolls are more emotional than other cats. We can say that, on average, Ragdolls show their emotions more and rely on you, as their owner, to help keep them comfortable and happy. 

Things To Consider

There are a lot of traits different between different breeds of cats. Cat breeds can be a good starting place for figuring out what kind of cat is right for you, but individuals aren’t always going to meet their breed stereotypes. 

For instance, you might wind up with a Ragdoll that’s very athletic and a good mouser, despite the breed’s smaller size and shorter legs. 

You might also get a Ragdoll that’s genuinely less intelligent than average, or, on the other hand, an animal that’s a lot more intelligent than most. 

When you’re looking for a new cat, the most important thing is to consider individual personality. Kittens can show you a little of their personality upfront, but if you’re looking for a specific kind of personality, you should consider getting an adult instead of a kitten. 

Breed traits can help you get closer to the kind of cat you want, but looking for an adult cat makes it even more likely.