The Ragdoll Cat
Meet this laid-back cat with a great disposition
Ragdoll cats, true to their name, are known for their relaxed and “ragdoll-like” behaviour when picked up. This breed has a laid-back demeanor with a great disposition. With their people-oriented personality and affectionate nature, Ragdolls are a family favourite and keep Ragdoll aficionados coming back for more.
The Ragdoll is a fairly new breed that was developed by Ann Baker in the early 1960s. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes Josephine, Baker’s pure white longhaired cat, as the esteemed matriarch of the breed.
After Baker bred Josephine with other male cats she owned or found, she noticed that the offspring of Josephine had unique temperament traits that were very endearing. One of the most popular traits of the offspring was the relaxed nature of the cats when picked up, similar to the heaviness of a doll—this is where the “Ragdoll” nickname came from.
Photo: bigstock.com/Rawlik
Baker set up her own registry—the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA)—and strict breeding standards were enforced.
In 1975, a group led by Denny Dayton broke rank with IRCA to gain mainstream attention for the Ragdoll. Dayton’s mission was a success; this group eventually developed the Ragdoll standard currently accepted by major cat registries.
Ragdoll Cat Description
The Ragdoll Look & Personality
Breeders are insistent on the description of the Ragdoll to be a blue-eyed and “pointed” breed. This means the body is lighter in colour than the points—the face, legs, tail, and ears.
But don’t let their regal looks fool you into thinking this is a stuffy breed. Most cats of the Ragdoll breed are very relaxed and docile and enjoy being around people.
“They love their people and they get along well with other dogs and cats,” says Sue Shorey, president of the Ragdoll Fanciers Club International (RFCI). In fact, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), many Ragdolls are very devoted to their owners and will even run to greet their people at the door.
Classic Ragdoll Cat Traits
The Ragdoll cat is known for its laid-back, affectionate personality and striking appearance. These cats are medium to large in size, with a sturdy, muscular build, and their soft, semi-long coat comes in various color patterns, including colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor. Their striking blue eyes are one of their most defining features, contributing to their captivating, almost “dreamy” expression.
One of the most notable traits of the Ragdoll is their incredibly relaxed and docile temperament. They are known to be “dog-like” in their loyalty and will often follow their owners around the house. They are affectionate, sociable, and thrive on human interaction. They tend to be good with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions.
Ragdolls are often described as “floppy” cats because they go limp when picked up, hence the breed’s name. This unique behavior is due to their relaxed muscle tone, which contributes to their gentle nature. They are not typically aggressive and enjoy being handled, often curling up in their owner’s lap or lying next to them.
Despite their calm demeanor, Ragdolls are playful and enjoy interactive games, though they tend to have a more laid-back approach compared to more active breeds. Grooming is relatively easy, as their coat doesn’t mat easily, though regular brushing is recommended to keep it looking its best.
Overall, the Classic Ragdoll’s friendly, easygoing nature and stunning appearance make them a cherished addition to any home.
Ragdoll Kittens
The point design that Ragdolls are known for isn’t evident at birth. Kittens are born pure white and start developing their colour within the first few weeks of life. Within two to three years, Ragdoll kitties will fully develop their colours.
Photo: bigstock.com/Esin Deniz
What to Know Before Owning a Ragdoll Cat
Ragdoll Cat Social Needs
Ragdoll cats are well-known for their loving and friendly nature. It’s important to understand their social requirements to ensure a happy and fulfilling life. They truly enjoy interacting and being part of the family, often shadowing their owners around the house in search of attention and affection.
These cats can feel lonely easily and might get stressed or anxious if left alone for too long. If you have a busy schedule, it’s a good idea to think about adopting two Ragdolls or providing a lot of toys and enrichment to keep them busy while you’re away.
Ragdoll Cat Size, Grooming & Intelligence
The Ragdoll is a cat of medium to large build. On average, male Ragdolls range from 15 to 20 pounds; females usually range around 10 to 15 pounds.
Grooming requirements for Ragdolls are fairly minimal, as they do not possess a double coat. But rest assured, even without a double coat, their fur is soft and plush, with a silky touch. Despite their low-shedding coat, some people with allergies may still react to them. Spend time with one before bringing one home if allergies are a concern.
It’s also important to note that although this breed has a tendency to go limp when picked up, not every Ragdoll has this trait—especially playful kittens. But no matter if they have this trait or not, they always bring a smile to their owners’ faces with their even disposition.
Their intelligence also continues to amaze owners. According to Shorey, Ragdolls can learn their names when called, can be taught how to fetch, and learn what they are allowed to do (and not to do). “They don’t have that destructive trait to them,” Shorey says.
Ragdoll Cat Health
The Ragdoll did receive somewhat of a black eye from reports that said the breed was more prone to feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease where areas of the heart muscle enlarge and thicken.
HCM is the most common heart disease in felines and an alarming trait of the disease is that a cat could seem healthy but will become seriously ill very quickly, or even die suddenly.
However, DNA tests have been developed in the past few years that can recognize the mutation, and it has helped Ragdoll breeders to take it out of the breed, so today HCM is not prevalent nor is the breed prone to any other specific health problems. It might be best for a Ragdoll cat to remain indoors, however. Because of their non-violent and relaxed nature, they could become victims to other outside cats or unpredictable elements.
What Makes Ragdoll Cats So Special?
Ragdoll cats are truly one of a kind, known for their exceptional personalities and striking physical appearance. What makes them so special lies not only in their look but in their behavior, temperament, and the deep bond they form with their owners.
First, Ragdolls are famous for their incredibly affectionate nature. They are often described as “puppy-like” because they love to follow their owners around, seek attention, and even greet you at the door. Unlike many cats, Ragdolls are not aloof or independent; instead, they thrive on companionship and will happily curl up in your lap for hours, enjoying human interaction. This devotion and gentle nature make them excellent family pets and companions for individuals seeking a loyal, loving cat.
Their physical traits are equally remarkable. Ragdolls have a semi-long, silky coat that comes in a variety of stunning color patterns, like colorpoint, mitted, and bicolor. Their bright blue eyes are one of their most striking features, adding to their overall beauty. Despite their luxurious fur, they have a coat that is relatively easy to groom and doesn’t mat easily.
One of the most unique aspects of Ragdolls is their relaxed, almost “floppy” demeanor. When picked up, they go limp, making them easy to handle and cuddle. This behavior is due to their relaxed muscle tone, a trait that contributes to their calm, docile nature.
Overall, it’s the combination of their affectionate personality, striking appearance, and docile behavior that makes Ragdoll cats so special and beloved by those who are lucky enough to share their lives with them.
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Ragdoll Cat
Owning a Ragdoll cat comes with both unique advantages and some considerations to keep in mind. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affectionate and Social: Ragdolls are known for their friendly, loving nature. They are often described as “puppy-like” due to their tendency to follow their owners around and enjoy being part of the family. They’re great companions and thrive on human interaction, making them ideal for families or individuals seeking a social cat.
- Gentle and Laid-back: Their calm, relaxed temperament means they are usually good with children, other pets, and even strangers. Ragdolls are less likely to scratch or bite compared to more skittish breeds.
- Low Grooming Maintenance: While they have semi-long fur, Ragdolls have silky coats that are less prone to matting, making grooming relatively easy. Regular brushing (a few times a week) helps prevent tangles and keeps their fur looking beautiful.
- Adaptable: Ragdolls adjust well to a variety of living environments, including homes with other pets or apartments, as long as they receive enough attention and care.
Cons:
- Health Issues: Ragdolls can be prone to certain genetic conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition) and kidney issues. Regular vet check-ups are important to manage these risks.
- Not Independent: While their sociable nature is a pro for some, it can also be a con for those who are away from home frequently. Ragdolls can become lonely or depressed if left alone for long periods.
- Lack of Independence: Ragdolls are not as independent as some other breeds, meaning they might require more attention, affection, and care from their owners.
- Large Size: While this isn’t necessarily a drawback for everyone, Ragdolls are large cats, and some owners might find their size overwhelming or challenging to manage.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Ragdoll Cat?
The average life expectancy of a Ragdoll cat is typically between 12 to 15 years, although many Ragdolls can live into their late teens or even early twenties with proper care. Like any breed, their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.
Ragdolls are generally considered a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain genetic conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease, and kidney issues like polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help mitigate the risk of these conditions and contribute to a longer, healthier life.
With proper attention to their health, Ragdolls can enjoy a long, happy life, often forming close bonds with their owners and becoming cherished family members. Providing them with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining routine vet visits can ensure they live to their full life expectancy.
Overall, Ragdolls make wonderful pets for those who can provide the time, attention, and care they need.
Bottom line? The Ragdoll is a great companion for a cat lover. They beg to give affection and attention to their owners—and they certainly love to get the same in return. Chill and docile, the Ragdoll is the perfect addition to a family wanting to maintain a relaxed vibe throughout the household.
>>If you like the Ragdoll, you might also like the Ragamuffin
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