The large Ragdoll lives up to his name and can be found being carried in arms. The large affectionate cat has blue captivating eyes and an easy-going temper. These cats get along well with everybody and learn very quickly.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United States
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: 12-17 years
Color: Mitted or bicolor patterns on a white body
Coat: Long, silky and plush
Average Height: Medium-sized
Average Weight: 10-15 pounds
History and Domestication
Ragdolls are listed amongst the younger siblings of the cat family. These cats were developed by Ann Baker in 1960s in California. The founding longhaired domestic cat was called Josephine and had white coat but had genes for other patterns too due to its unknown ancestry. For her breeding program, Baker selected large, placid cats from her neighborhood that particularly displayed the Himalayan pattern or were pointed like the Siamese cats. The resulting cat was called Ragdoll as it flopped happily in the arms of people. Later on, other cat breeds such as Burmese, Birmans and Persians were also added to the flock. Ragdolls are not outcrossed to any other breed.
Standard Physical Characteristics
Ragdolls are large cats and mature to their full size in about four years. The long and substantial bodies have sturdy boning. The head is large and broad in a modified wedge shape and a gently rounded muzzle. The blue oval-shaped eyes give this cat a sweet expression. The medium-sized ears have rounded tips and tilt forward. The neck is strong and heavy and supports the strong and broad head. The legs are heavy-boned and hind legs are longer than front legs. The silky coat is moderately long and forms a ruff around the neck.
Care, Grooming and Health
The plush and silky coat of a Ragdoll requires minimal grooming. It needs to be combed or brushed once a week to remove dead hair and sort out any tangles. Keep a check on tangles during the shedding season that is when these cats may need regular brushing. Bathe them when needed or when they start to look a little stringy.
Ragdolls may suffer from some health problems such as feline infectious peritonitis, bladder stones and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Living Conditions
Ragdolls are relaxed and laidback cats and will do well in every household. They get along well with children, cat-friendly dogs and other house pets.
Temperament
Ragdolls are known for collapsing in the arms of anyone who picks them up. They love showering their people with attention, following them around the house and jumping in their laps whenever possible. With proper training, they can learn to fetch and retrieve. These are docile cats but by no means inactive. Hey love playing and can be trained easily with positive reinforcement. These nice mannered cats are easy to live with and adapt easily to various households. They are not jumpy and will not go higher than your sofa or bed. Ragdolls are loving and quiet cats with an amiable disposition.
