So I have read a few places that it has been said that Ragdolls may not feel much pain. what is everyones opinion on this topic? I am beginning to think it is true. I had a friend over the other day and she accidently stepped on my babies tail (inside i was screaming at her, but of course on the outside i remained calm, LOL) anyway a clump of hair actaully came out. I was so surprised when she told me because Charlie didnt even make a sound!!! He did run away but came right back over to her ( as to let her know he knew it was an accident :-) I remember having cats growing up that would have def let out a howling meow if that were to happen to them. LOL
I sometimes wonder the same thing. The dogs are constantly stepping on my younger Ragdoll. Doodlebug often stands right in the line of traffic as the dogs are trampling back into the house. I worry about him getting hurt, but then I just can't figure out why he doesn't get out of the way after having this happen time and time again????
The Ragdoll clubs in the UK have been, and mostly succeeded we feel, trying to dispell this myth about the cats feeling little or no pain and I have to say it fills me with horror to even see it mentioned anywhere, though I appreciate you are only making an observation. I know if I have accidentally stood on a tail or paw my Raggies have let me know about it!
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The history of the Ragdoll is very controversial with rumours of a car crash, skunk genes and alien or human DNA being used to genetically alter the cats disposition to produce floppy kittens that don't feel pain. All of which is far fetched and proven untrue. One clinical examination was undertaken of two Ragdoll cats by Dr Andrew Nash of the University of Glasgow (UK) in 1988 and his conclusions were that Ragdolls are normal members of the feline family. So we will concentrate on the facts rather than imagination and medically untrained assumptions." (Extract from http://www.trcs.org.uk - this is The Traditional Ragdoll Cat Society)
"and the assertion that they have a low pain threshold is positively dangerous. Clinical tests have proved absolutely conclusively that the Ragdoll is no different in its physical responses and attributes to any other breed of cat" (Extract from http://www.tbrcc.co.uk) The British Ragdoll Cat Society.
I had this happen too
my dad actually put a chair leg on the tip my cats tail (by accident) and a big clump came off she didnt make a sound either.. i did though i was horrifed!!
i thought the reason she hadnt made any noise was shock or soemthing she did move off when it happened but came back calm as you like It deffinatly affected me worse
I don't doubt for a second that they feel pain maybe they just cope with it better or something, maybe don't feel the need to panic or go running off to hide.
i have found my girl to be more sensitive than any of my past moggies in some ways like if theres and argument in the house, They really don't like raised voices
But i suppose it's possiable they have fewer pain reseptors but every living thing feels pain i think that myth difies the biological facts about mamals
I think they feel pain. Gus has had to get a Lasix shot and his little back leg just quivered after wards. He didn't cry out, but he shook. I have accidentally (he often flops in front of me) stepped on a paw and he has yelped out.
I also think he gets his feeling hurt easily. If scolded he often pouts about it.
Bye for now, Judy and Gus
Poppydum Wrote:The Ragdoll clubs in the UK have been, and mostly succeeded we feel, trying to dispell this myth about the cats feeling little or no pain and I have to say it fills me with horror to even see it mentioned anywhere, though I appreciate you are only making an observation. I know if I have accidentally stood on a tail or paw my Raggies have let me know about it!
"The history of the Ragdoll is very controversial with rumours of a car crash, skunk genes and alien or human DNA being used to genetically alter the cats disposition to produce floppy kittens that don't feel pain. All of which is far fetched and proven untrue. One clinical examination was undertaken of two Ragdoll cats by Dr Andrew Nash of the University of Glasgow (UK) in 1988 and his conclusions were that Ragdolls are normal members of the feline family. So we will concentrate on the facts rather than imagination and medically untrained assumptions." (Extract from http://www.trcs.org.uk - this is The Traditional Ragdoll Cat Society)
"and the assertion that they have a low pain threshold is positively dangerous. Clinical tests have proved absolutely conclusively that the Ragdoll is no different in its physical responses and attributes to any other breed of cat" (Extract from http://www.tbrcc.co.uk) The British Ragdoll Cat Society.
I have to echo everything Poppy has said. As breeders we have to educate others on the myths that were created long ago by the originator of the breed Ann Baker. Ragdolls do feel pain just like any other creature. There were other myths created to futher the breeds popularity, such as Ragdolls were hypoallergenic, which is false. It has been said the breed doesn't shed, but anyone who is owned by one of these beautiful dolls, knows they do shed, but maybe not as much as other breeds.
Poppy is also right that there were rumors of skunk genes, aliens, and a car accident while Josephine was pregnant. Ann Baker was also seen throwing a Ragdoll against a wall, and when the cat came back to her, she said that was proof that they could feel no pain. Ann Baker created one of the most unique and beautiful breeds of cats in my opinion, but in reading about her life, the woman clearly had many issues, and if it wasn't for the Dayton's taking the breed to the cat fancy and working hard to get the Ragdoll accepted as a registered breed, I am not sure where the Ragdoll breed would be today.
Purrs,
Stormi
Yes ragdolls do feel pain just like yourself or any other cat. So my rule of thumb is if it would hurt you, then it would hurt the cat equally as much.
Ragdolls often purr when in pain but this is most definitely not a sign that they are not feeling pain.
Shaking is also a good indicator of pain levels.
Ragdolls do not Feel pain MYTH MYTH .....MYTH