Ragdoll

Quick Facts:
Group Classification: Semi-longhaired
Country of Origin: USA
Date of Origin: 1960s
Weight: M: 51-20 Pounds
Height M: 13-18 Inches
Weight: F: 9-13 Pounds
Height F: 10-16 Inches
Life Expectancy 15-20 years

Brief History

During the middle part of the 1960s a cat breeder named Ann Baker developed this breed by crossing a female cat of Persian decent with a Seal Point Birman. A male product of this union then mated with a Burmese; the resulting breed came to be known as Ragdoll. Baker continued to breed both pointed and solid Ragdoll varieties. The earlier pedigrees were bred in different colors including white, black, tortie, lynx, smoke and mink. Baker stated that the use of the solids was for the maintenance of the size, enhancement of eye color as well as many other features. This breed was formally established as a pure variety by the NFCA (which is now defunct) in the year 1965. Denny and Laura Dayton took on the job of breeding this variety at the end of the 1960s. The couple founded the Ragdoll Society, which later changed to Ragdoll Fanciers Club International or RFCI.

General Description

The Ragdoll Cat is deep-chested and has a compact, muscular physique that is quite impressive for a house cat. It has a long and silky coat which may have four designs including mitted, bi-color, van or colorprint. The main colors for their coats are seal, red, lilac, cream, chocolate and blue. They may have points on certain parts of their bodies like the ears face, legs and tail. This is clearly evident with the Siamese varieties. Ragdolls are usually slow to develop and do not fully mature until the point when they have a completely developed coat, which is between three and four years of age. When they get to maturity, their profile is curved and they have a large rear end. One of the major highlight of this breed is their eyes, which are big and blue, giving them a warm and inviting facial expression.

Temperament

Ragdoll cats have a laid back personality and are never known to get into confrontations unless provoked into it. They can be submissive to other animals; therefore, it is not advisable for them to be left outside. Because of their affectionate and loving nature, Ragdolls make wonderful companions. They remain playful at all times and always sheath their claws. They are less than ideal for households that have children. Ragdolls like to follow people around showing their tenderness towards them. Their intelligence and receptive nature allow them to be easily trained and this can be achieved using some encouragement. Unlike some other varieties, Ragdolls are not destructive by nature. These cats are not vertically inclined and do not like climbing up on things.

Health and Care

Since Ragdolls hardly shed there is not much grooming needed to maintain their coats. Occasional brushing would be welcomed by the cats. This breed is not known to have a specific medical risk although some specific gene pools may experience some inherited disorders.

Pets4You offers listings of Ragdoll Cat breeders with puppies for sale.