anybody ever shave a Ragdoll?

[Ihavearagdoll]

Originally Posted by FiveHorses

As tempting as it might be to, there are two things you need to consider:

A) there's anecdotal evidence that it can trigger behavioural problems. Newly clipped or shaved cats in a multi-cat household will often start attacking one another. It's thought (but not a proven theory, no) that it has to do with visual recognition - ie, they don't recognise each other and think there's a stranger in their midst. In other words, no one know why it sometimes happens, but it does. Why go looking for head-aches?

B) Coats provide insulation from heat as much as from cold. An insulated cat is far better equipped to deal with any temperature changes - and considering that your cats are probably in an air-conditioned environment, you need to consider how cold that it for a "naked" animal.

As much of a pain as it is, you just need to brush and brush and then brush again.

This is great information. I shaved my 16 year old, male rag doll but did not do any research beforehand.
Thankfully, my cat loved it! I did not shave him "naked" but enough to see a difference. I followed by combing through to get all the loose hair. I have another cat and there has not been any issues between the two. My experience was good but it is important to consider the issues in the above comment.

[QuilterChick]

I would never shave my precious 16 yr. old Ragdoll girl. She gets brushed and combed twice a day and loves the regular attention; and preens herself afterwards. She actually waits on her pillow every morning for the routine (after which she gets one or two natural treats). She has Stage 2 kidney disease currently, and I will keep her comfy with sub q fluids twice a week and extra water in her food as long as she has a good quality of life which includes keeping her in her natural state.

Kitties do not like to be naked, they get 'weirdly' ashamed. My neighbor insists on getting her Maine Coon a 'lion cut' every spring, and then wonders why he goes into hiding under the sofa during the day and only eats at night. D'oh !

Please people, enjoy the beauty of your kitties ... they are not going to be around forever.