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History of the Ragdoll Cat
This is a very new breed of domestic cat that was developed in the 1960's in America from local moggies. There are a lot of stories and myths about how the Ragdoll was created. The breeder, Ann Baker, basically created the Ragdoll by selecting individual cats with the look and temperament that she wanted. The name comes from the tendency of the cat to completely relax when picked up - just like a floppy ragdoll!
Description
The Ragdoll cat is a large and heavy cat that is slow maturing. They generally reach their full coat colour at two years and their full size and weight at four years. Males can weigh 6-9 kg (15-20 pounds) and females 4.5-6kg (10-15 pounds). The Ragdoll is a well balanced cat with a large, long and muscular body. The rump should be slightly higher than the shoulders with heavy hindquarters. The head is a broad wedge with rounded contours. The ears are medium sized with rounded tips and the eyes are large, oval and a beautiful shade of blue.
It is a pointed breed which means the body is lighter in colour than the points (the face, legs, tail and ears).
Ragdoll markings may be colourpoint, mitted or bicolour and the coat colours may be seal, chocolate, blue or lilac. The Mitted Ragdolls have a matched set of white mittens on their feet with white boots on their hind legs. They may also have a white blaze decorating their nose and forehead.. The Bicolour has an upside down white V mark on their faces plus white on the legs, feet, stomach, chest and ruff. The colourpoint has the classic pointed markings with no white anywhere.
Size
Large
Coat
The coat of Ragdoll Cats is medium length with a ruff around the neck, longer hair on the hindquarters and a bushy long tail. The coat is non matting and has a wonderful soft texture.
Temperament of the Ragdoll Cat
As the name implies, the Ragdoll is a docile and laid-back cat. They are not a demanding breed and tend to be very adaptive to different environments which mean they are ideal family pets who will be sociable with children and other animals. Despite their muscular build and size however, they are not fighters and do not have the survival instincts to live in the dangerous outdoors. They are intelligent and are easy to train.
Unlike most cat breeds, they prefer to be on the floor rather than jumping up to high precarious perches. They do enjoy playing games but are not hyperactive or extroverted cats. Although laid-back they are very people oriented and will tend to follow you around the house and get involved in your daily activities.
Health
Apart from some regular grooming the Ragdoll cat is a low maintenance cat.
Possible Genetic Disorders of the Ragdoll Cat
The genetic health problems the breed can be predisposed to are:
- Feline infectious peritonitis
- Thromboembolism
Best Suited
Ragdoll cats are Ideal for families or single people as the Ragdoll is an easy to care for cat. The coat needs regular combing or grooming but is not a high maintenance coat like the Persian as it does not have an undercoat and the hair is quite silky. Owners of this breed must be committed to keeping the Ragdoll indoors for its own protection and play with dogs or enthusiastic children should be supervised to avoid the gentle cat being trampled! These cats will not defend themselves. If you want a cat that will be gentle, affectionate and form close bonds without being overly demanding then this is the breed for you.
Not Suited
- For those wanting a traditional feisty, independent minded cat!
- For outdoor life
Recommended Reading
A Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide: Bringing Your Ragdoll Kitten Home
