Information About Ragdoll Cats & Kittens

Ragdolls are one of the most popular breeds in the cat world. Their calm, easy-going and loving natures are a few of the leading reasons why most cat lovers adore this long-haired breed. Although ragdolls have many good traits associated with the breed, potential owners should research the felines to ensure that this is the breed that will best suit them.

  1. Origin

    • According to Ragdoll.com, ragdoll cats were first developed in Riverside, California, in the 1960s by a breeder named Ann Baker. Baker bred her white, long-haired cat, Josephine, with other cats she found or owned. The kittens were consistently born with unique patterns and temperaments that Baker liked. She continued to develop the ragdoll breed by breeding these cats and kittens that possessed the best personalities and appearances until she continually created kittens that inherited the ideal traits.

    Appearance

    • According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, the ragdoll is considered to be a pointed breed, which means that the colors on its ears, feet and the tip of the tail are darker than the rest of the body. The eyes of the ragdoll are blue and its hair is medium to long in length. The Association states that this breed is carefully bred to produce its trademark color patterns: mitted, bicolor, van and colorpoint. Ragdolls typically come in six colors, such as seal, chocolate, red, blue, lilac and cream. All ragdolls are born white and reach their full color maturity at about two years old.

    Size and Weight

    • In general, females are usually smaller in both length and weight than the males. Females typically weigh between 10 and 15 lbs., while males are about 15 to 20 lbs. Males are usually about 3 feet long, while the females are just a bit shorter.

    Temperament

    • According to Ragdoll.com, ragdolls typically act more like dogs than cats in regards to their personalities. Ragdolls are more outgoing than other cats and enjoy interaction with humans. Ragdolls will often greet their owners at the door, sleep with them and often get along well with dogs that are already in the home. In addition, ragdolls are often easy to train. Many can learn how to fetch, to come when called and to stay off of furniture and countertops.

    Care

    • While the hair of ragdolls generally does not mat, it is still essential to brush ragdolls daily to prevent knots and hairballs. According to Ragdoll.com, ragdolls will not defend themselves against predators and therefore should stay indoors. Most ragdolls are docile and generally do not use their claws on household surfaces. However, they should have access to scratching posts to avoid this possible behavior. Ragdolls should receive veterinary care as needed and undergo spaying or neutering.