Ragdoll Cat Forums

Since my question is the same topic, I'm not sure if I should start a new thread or continue on this one. I am new to using forums so please correct me if I should have started a new thread.

I have 3 non-ragdolls and a new baby ragdoll (who is 14 weeks old). I also rescue fosters who are pregnant and when the babies leave my home they are all playful but very affectionate because we shower with them attention from the time they are born and make sure that they are used to human hands from the beginning.

From everything I read about Ragdolls before getting Faith, I expected her to be very much in my lap all the time when I got her. The first couple of weeks - she was exactly that. Once she got comfortable, now she is extremely affectionate in bed at night. She likes to sleep beside us (or on top of us) all night long and it is not unusual for me to wake up with her wrapped around my neck or cleaning my nose. During the day she is more playful and enjoys running around and doesn't want to be picked up. When she is tired she will come and lay by us, but rarely jumps in our arms. I know this is normal "kitten" behaviour for non-ragdolls and most outgrow it. Faith is amazing and we adore her but I was just wondering if this not wanting to be picked up is a sign that she is one of those cats that doesn't want affection all the time (only on their terms) or if it is just normal kitten behaviour.

Normal kitten behavior, which may even be accentuated because she is in the exploration mode for a new home. In general, kittens cling at first and then can have time when they ignore everyone as they explore. They then return to a more normal balance. Your description indicates she is attentive and loving. Ragdolls love to run and play - and you can be part of that too with interactive toys.

Thank you very much for your response!

Diwan is no lapcat ragdoll either. He is very affectionate but rather snuggles close to me or partially on me but being carried around and put on one's lap are definitely things he doesn't care about.
I must admit it bugged me at the beginning especially as my Birman is a lot like that too... and I love cats who come on my lap, so two cats and no luck (well Cyrano comes on my lap from time to time but only on rare occasions).

Diwan is now almost one year old and his behavior hasn't changed much since he came home. He is a little less clingy (less hand holding and snuggling between the sheets at night), but he still follows me around wherever I go. He sometimes even deserts his beloved food bowl when he sees I'm going too far in the appartment or too long. He usually gives me 30 seconds for the bathroom. If I take longer he either opens the door or knows at it (I'm normally not allowed to close them ).