Ragdoll

Some Advantages

• Gentle and docile
• Adaptable to other pets and gentle kids
• Intelligent and eager to please
• Doesn’t require much exercise – well suited to apartment living

Some Challenges

• Lacks survival instinct - Must be kept indoors
• Craves companionship and must not be left alone for long periods
• Must be handled carefully to avoid injury to the animal

Size
Very Large - up to 20 lbs. or more for malesThis breed derives the name “ Ragdoll” from its tendency to relax and go limp in your arms like a floppy toy doll. An extremely calm and easygoing breed, this cat has a very trusting nature and will become entirely devoted to its chosen humans, following them from room to room like an adoring puppy. The Ragdoll wants to be with you all of the time; if you’re away from home for more than a few hours each day, then your pet would greatly enjoy having a pet of its own – another animal will be fine company for your Ragdoll, and they can entertain each other while you’re away.

Coat
Medium longhair

Colors
Seal, blue, chocolate and lilac point, with or without white accents

This breed derives the name “ Ragdoll”  from its tendency to relax and go limp in your arms like a floppy toy doll.  An extremely calm and easygoing breed, this cat has a very trusting nature and will become entirely devoted to its chosen humans, following them from room to room like an adoring puppy. The Ragdoll wants to be with you all of the time; if you’re away from home for more than a few hours each day, then your pet would greatly enjoy having a pet of its own – another animal will be fine company for your Ragdoll, and they can entertain each other while you’re away.

All Ragdolls have big blue eyes and soft, bunny-like fur. While sometimes playful, the Ragdoll is not an active breed. This giant teddy bear instead prefers to be a floor potato and will rarely jump or climb.

Said to possess a non-fighting instinct, this breed won’t defend itself readily if attacked. For this reason, it’s important to keep the Ragdoll strictly as an indoor pet.  Sweet and gentle, this cat lacks an aggressive nature and therefore relies heavily on you for protection and safety.

History and Origin

The history of this breed is shrouded in controversy. Originally the Ragdoll was developed in the 1960’s by a woman named Ann Baker in California, who bred a cat named Josephine - a gentle, longhaired female carrying Siamese markings - to other longhaired cats carrying Siamese markings. Ann Baker’s original breeding stock consisted entirely of sturdy, feral, unpedigreed cats, although stories were circulated at the time to suggest that these cats were actually purebred Siamese, Burmese and Birman.

By selecting individual kittens with the look she wanted for her breeding program, she was able to create the type standard for the Ragdoll, which exhibits Siamese, Birman and Burmese characteristics. In 1967 the Ragdoll was first officially recognized in the USAas a separate breed. Genuine Ragdolls are direct descendants of Josephine  and can be traced directly back to her.

Grooming requirements

The Ragdoll doesn’t shed excessively, and needs little special care to keep its coat in good condition. Its soft fur tends not to form mats, making an occasional combing or brushing session sufficient. The longer “fur pants” around the hindquarters should be combed a bit more often, to stay tangle-free.

Health Ailments 

The Ragdoll is a very large and heavy cat which can be injured with incorrect handling. Because of its tendency to go limp when held, you need to be very careful to support the legs rather than let them dangle. Without the proper support this practice can do permanent injury to the cat’s physical structure.

Due no doubt to its sturdy unpedigreed lineage, no specific medical conditions have been noted with this breed. However, as with all breeds, certain "lines" might have a tendency toward specific health problems.Selecting a qualified breeder or buying from a reputable pet store can help eliminate many of these issues. Maintaining your cat’s proper weight and grooming requirements will also help insure its good health, along with regular checkups at the vet.

Your Ragdoll

Send us pictures and stories about your Ragdoll. 

Ragdoll Discussion Groups

Get tips from other Ragdoll lovers – and submit a few ideas of your own.