Ragdoll Cat
Origin
The first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960’s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. There are some that say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had whilst carrying the kittens but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens. The more realistic believe that many cats act in this way when they trust their owners and that the Ragdoll is a particularly trusting breed.
Description
The Ragdoll is a large, powerful, imposing cat with distinctive markings. However the cat is extremely relaxed and laid back giving the floppy ragdoll impression. The broad head has a flat top and is wide between the ears. The ears are medium sized and tilted slightly forward and are rounded at the tip. The chin is firm with a level bite and the muzzle is rounded with plump cheeks. The eyes are large, slightly obliquely set and wide apart. The eyes are deep blue. The body is long and muscular with a broad chest and short neck. The legs are substantially boned and are medium in length. The paws are large round and tufted. The tail tapers slightly toward the tip and is long and bushy. When taken along the side of the cat the tail should reach at least to the shoulder. Ragdolls do not mature until about three or four years old.
| Colour | The Ragdoll’s coat is silky and dense and of medium length, and on adult cats there should be a ruff and knickerbockers. The coat may be considerably shorter in summer. There are three different coat patterns in the Ragdoll breed and each pattern comes in four colours. Colourpointed Ragdoll - The colour of the points are well defined and the points cover the mask, ears, paws and tail. The nose leather and paw pads should be the same colour as the points. 'Seal' - The points are dark seal brown and should all be the same shade. The body is beige. 'Blue' - The points are bluish grey and all the same shade. The body is bluish white. 'Chocolate' - The points are milk chocolate and all the same shade. The body is ivory. 'Lilac' - The points are pinkish grey and all the same shade. The body is magnolia. Mitted Ragdoll - The colour of the body and points for the mitted Ragdoll are as for the colourpointed Ragdoll but the cat has specific white markings in addition. The chin, bib, chest and stomach from chest to tail are white, andt the two front paws have evenly martched white mittens which do not extend beyond the joint of paw and leg. The back legs are white to at least above the hock if not all the way up to the body. There may be a narrow white blaze on the nose. The nose leather matches the points and the paw pads are pink. Bi-Coloured Ragdoll - The colour of the body and points of the Bi-coloured Ragdoll are as for the colourpointed Ragdoll but the cat has additional white areas. The white area begins in an upside down ‘V’ beginning at the forehead and extending down to cover the nose, whisker pads and chin. The entire underbody, chest and bib are white. All the legs are completely white up to the body. The white patches on the body may vary in shape and size but cover no more than one third of the total body. The nose leather and paw pads are pink. |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Age Expectancy | Ragdolls live for about ten to twelve years on average. |
| Weight/Height Range | Ragdolls weigh between 4.5 - 9kgs. |
| Ailments | The Ragdoll is a predominantly healthy breed. As with all cats it is a good idea to have an annual health check from the age of 8. |
Personality
The Ragdoll is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. They are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature, and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain - this is totally untrue!
| Energy | Low |
| Noise | Low |
| Compatibility with Cat | High |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Feeding & Grooming
| Feeding | Although the Ragdoll is a large cat it is not very active and requires only 70 Kcals of food per kg bodyweight per day. Care must be taken not to let this breed become obese. |
| Upkeep | The Ragdoll does require regular grooming to keep its striking coat in good condition. If the grooming process is started as a kitten they soon become used to it and enjoy the attention it brings. Daily attention will prevent a build up of knots and the fight that comes to remove tangles and matts from a neglected coat. |
| Shedding | Moderate |
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