A Ragdoll Tomcat’s Behaviour Explained

If Ragdoll owners will enumerate the differences between their male and female cats, you will notice that males are more than females in terms of:

activity playfulness aggression dominance seeking companionship wandering around

vulnerability to car accidents and cat fights territorial markings mounting behaviours unmindful of grooming rearing litters (for neutered males)

Reducing your Tomcat’s Natural Behaviour

Because of the above mentioned factors, most owners want to tame their tomcats. Here are some recommendations:

1. Put a collar on (with bell). This will distract your cat’s goal to stalk and fight with other cats as well as to surprise them. It will discourage your cat to engage in aggressive activities.
2. Use enzymatic solution to clean territorial markings. This neutralizer will mask the underlying odour marked by the tomcat for his territory thus will lessen the spraying on vertical surfaces. Some people use baking soda, vinegar, lemon and hydrogen peroxide for this purpose.
3. Use the newspaper. Some tomcats that do the markings are easily distracted with the sound of the clumping newspaper. It would be a good reminder for them in the future that spraying is not allowed.
4. Pet him. If your tomcat wants to mate but is not allowed to do so, show him more physical attention by grooming him several times a day with a pet brush.
5. Give him cat toys and good scratching post. If your tomcat wants to go outside and look for a queen, divert his attention by interacting with him. You can have the typical fish pole or motorized toy to consume all his energy. However, some believes that catnip toys will just increase sexual desire so better remove them from the list.
6. Get a pet sitter. If your cat is excessively meowing because of boredom and always left alone, consider having him a companion during these times.
7. Provide a cool, dimly lit environment. This will calm your tomcat but not to the point that it will become bored. Continue playing with him.
8. Try different products. Some homeopathic and chemical distractions are available in the market that contains herbs, oils and even pheromones to soothe your aggressive cat. These can also be used to mask the odour of your tomcat’s object of affection.
9. Play classical music. Some studies show that certain music such as Mozart’s calm cats.
10. Ask your vet. Some cat behaviours can be treated with sedatives or hormones. Underlying diseases can also be found with your trusted vet after some tests.
11. Feed him good-quality cat food. Some cats become more stressed if malnourished or if they have nutrient imbalances that push them to be aggressive to complete it. If he is always craving for food, consider giving him a high-fiber diet.
12. Visit an animal behaviourist to fully understand if your tomcat’s behaviour is normal or not. Do not resort to punishments because your cat will just be afraid of you and will deteriorate your relationship with each other.
13. Have a physical exam. Some cats are being affectionate to a particular person or animal that has hormonal problems or fluctuations so better consult your physician. They also respond well to human pheromones evident on menstrual cycles.
14. Know your cat more. Understand the root cause of the behaviour to be able to find out the best solution. For example, some humping can happen as a reminder of existing animal hierarchy in the house as well mounting stance to show great affection to the owner. Excessive meowing can also happen if your tomcat is intimidated by another male, asking for something (food or attention), in pain, suffering from mental illness or other diseases, when grieving and wants to mate a queen (even if she is seven miles away).
15. Neuter him.

Neutering your Tomcat

Who?

Yes, we are talking about your male, intact Ragdoll cat.

What?

Neuter means surgical removal of your tomcat’s testicles (orchidectomy) by your veterinarian. This general surgery is also being addressed as being fixed or castrated.

How?

Before the irreversible procedure, the tomcat will be assessed using history and blood examinations to reduce the anaesthetics’ risk. Incisions will be made through the scrotum and will be either sutured or taped after. After the surgery, antibiotics are usually given.

Why?

This process is known to reduce the male natural behaviour and urine odour, eliminate testicular tumours and will produce less stray kittens. Male natural behaviour includes spraying and wandering around. Some intact males also have the tendency to kill the litter to be able to mate the queen again. Neutering will also lessen the chance of cat fights that will result to wounds and viral infections. However, bear in mind that it will not totally remove sexual desires due to psychological factors, stimulants in the environment and as part of his basic personality.

When?

It depends on your veterinarian’s perspective. Some believes that the earlier is the better (as early as 4-months old) while some wait for male cats to fully mature (1-year old) before doing castration. Vets consider side effects such as full anatomical development and hormonal influences as well as developing habits.