Traditional Ragdolls

If you're in the market for a big, friendly kitty, look no further than the traditional ragdoll. A relatively recent breed, ragdolls tend to get along with everyone, whether human, feline or canine. While semi-longhaired, they're not serious shedders, neither are they noisy or nervous. Ragdolls might be as close to perfect as cats get.

  1. History

    • Ragdolls, so named because they often go limp when held, originated in California in the 1960s. Breeder Ann Baker developed the breed from free-roaming cats in her neighborhood, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association. Baker bred the cats for looks and temperament. She formed the first ragdoll registry in 1971.

    Appearance

    • At maturity, your male ragdoll kitty might weigh as much as 20 pounds, while the female runs several pounds lighter. Ragdolls don't reach full growth until about the age of 4. All ragdolls boast blue eyes, with four traditional patterns: bicolor, mitted, van and colorpoint. Six color patterns are permitted in the breed standard: cream, blue, seal, chocolate, red and lilac. The colorpoint ragdolls, like the Siamese, have no white in their coats or points. The mitted cats have white feet and might have white on the face. Bicolors are primarily white, with color on the ears and tails. Vans also have color on the ears, tail and face, but small amounts of color on their bodies.

    Purrsonality

    • In many ways, ragdolls resemble little canines in cat suits. Even folks who aren't keen on cats might like these kitties, because of their dog-like devotion and relative lack of feline "independence." Your ragdoll will follow you around the house like a dog, but rather than sit at your feet, he prefers snoozing on your lap. Ragdolls even play fetch and can go for walks on leashes, if taught properly. Sweet and affectionate, they make great companions for kids.

    Care

    • The traditional ragdoll's long hair requires regular brushing to keep it tidy and mat-free. Because he's got so much hair, you might want to feed your ragdoll a hairball-control diet or give him daily supplements for hairball prevention. Your ragdoll should not go outside, unless you're walking him on a leash. While all cats are safer indoors than out, a ragdoll's sunny temperament makes him vulnerable to threats that other cats instinctively avoid -- strange dogs, for example.