The Radiant Ragdoll Cat Breed

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Breed Characteristics

Adaptability 100% 100%
Intelligence 70% 70%
Hair Shedding 70% 70%

Affectionate 100% 100%
Ease of Grooming 30% 30%
Child Friendly 90% 90%

Playful Energy 70% 70%
Pet Friendly 90% 90%
Stranger Friendly 60% 60%

Table of Contents

The Ragdoll cat breed is most famous for having very cats with very mild temperament. These cats are large, muscular with semi-short hair and blue eyes. It is thought that these cats obtained their name because they have a habit of going limp when they are picked up.

These cats are absolutely beautiful with big blue eyes, a sweet face, silky coat and a very loving personality.

These well-mannered cats blend easily into a busy modern home, and will bond with all members of the family both human and animal. The more love and attention that you give to a Raggie, as they are also known, the more love you will get back.

History

The origins of the Ragdoll cat breed stem form Californian cat breeder Ann Baker. She used to borrow a white longhaired cat named Josephine for breeding purposes, though the resulting kittens were bad tempered.

However, Josephine had an accident and had to undergo treatment at a local animal hospital. Following this, the kittens she produced were very mid mannered. Ann Baker was very interested in the mild nature of the kittens, and started a Ragdoll breeding program in 1963.

Ann Baker trademarked the name Ragdoll and anyone who wanted to breed these cats could only do so on a franchise basis. Ann Baker then tried to extort money from the franchise holders, which led to a series of court cases resulting in the franchise being dissolved.

Appearance

The Ragdoll is one of the largest of all cat breeds and usually takes up to 4 years to reach full adult size. Adult males weigh from 15-20 pounds with the smaller females weigh from 10-15 pounds.

The Ragdoll is a pointed breed, which means the body is lighter in color than the face, legs, ears and tail. They have a very soft and silky coat, with a ruff going down their front legs similar to a Persian cat. There is little shedding of the coat except in the spring and fall. Its soft texture means it stays on top of surfaces making it easy to pick up with a brush or a damp cloth.

The point colors that are allowed by breeding standards include seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, red, tortie, cream, tortie-tabby, and tabby. A Ragdoll’s true coat colour does not develop until the cat is around 13 weeks old. Their eyes are always blue, but the shade can vary from deep sapphire to a soft china blue.

Personality

The Ragdoll has a very calm temperament with a large personality making them wonderful pets. They are very people oriented cats and bond with all members of the family, from the adults to small children.

The calm, and laid back nature of the Ragdoll cat is their most endearing quality. They do not get upset or anxious over little things, and are very good with small children. They are highly intelligent, and know when situation is getting tense, and will chose to simply walk away.

Normally cats tend to be solitary animals that don’t stay and packs and groups in the wild, apart from their fellow kittens. Some breeds prefer to be by themselves, and do not bond with other animals. However, the Ragdoll is one of the exceptions. This cat is very accepting of other cats, and even gets along well with dogs.

The sweet and loving nature of the Ragdoll cat means they bond very closely with their human family. They are not overly energetic as some breeds tend to be, and do not rove, hunt and explore. Instead, they make for very good lap cats.

The calm nature of the Ragdoll also makes this cat a good travel companion, if you like to bring your feline companion with you on the road.

Health

The Ragdoll cat breed is generally healthy without too many health related issues. However, they are known to suffer from Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is simply the scientific way of saying hereditary heart problems.

The Ragdoll cat is one of the breeds that is prone to this type of problem where the left ventricle of the heart wall grows thicker as the cat gets older. Symptoms of this condition include decreased appetite, panting or difficulty breathing, fainting, gagging, depression and lethargy.

Medications can treat this heart disease, thereby prolonging life, but no cure exists. Regular vet visits will aid in detecting, and treating this problem early.

Grooming and Care

When it comes to coat care, Ragdolls need to be brushed a few times a week, particularly under the legs, to prevent their fur from matting. Ragdolls do typically like to be groomed and, as with many of the longer-coated breeds, tend to look their best in the winter with their fluffy ruffs. Also, regular grooming will improve blood circulation and helps to avoid many unpleasant and long-lasting infections and allergies.

Their longer fur means that you will need to check for bits of poop stuck to their fur, and clean it off with a baby wipe. You may also need to bathe your Ragdoll every few weeks or months. If kitty’s coat feels greasy, or the fur looks stringy, then its bath time for kitty.

Ragdolls will suffer if left alone for long periods on their own and if they are not kept entertained. It is not ideal for them to be the only pet in the house if you are at work all day. They do need a companion. Ragdolls are happy to live as indoor-only pets, but if you do let them outside, try to provide a protected garden area, since these cats are not very street smart.

Keep the Ragdoll’s litter box as clean as possible. Cats are very particular about litterbox cleanliness, and a clean litter box will help to keep their fur clean as well. A large cat like the Ragdoll needs a large litterbox that is super-sized to ensure that kitty has plenty of room to turn around and squat.

Ragdoll kittens are known for having rapid growth spurts. Therefore, it is important for them to have plenty of food available all the time. If your Ragdoll kitten cleans his plate, offer him a little more until she stops eating. At four years, the Ragdoll will reach full size when you can ration their food to maintain their body weight.

Keep your Ragdoll indoors to protect him from cars, diseases spread by other cats and attacks from other animals.

Ragdoll Cat Breed Summary

The Ragdoll cat breed is a highly relaxed and good natured cat. He is a big, gentle cat with striking blue eyes who can get along with everyone, including other animals. These are traits that make this cat adaptable to almost any home. His semi-longhaired coat, which comes in a variety of patterns and colors, is easy to groom, though does require frequent brushing.

Ragdolls have very unique personalities. This is a friendly cat who will greet you happily at the door when you get home, play fetch and sleep beside you at night. They are loving, placid and easy-going, quiet cats.

Ragdolls love being with people. This makes them excellent companions for children and adults. The Ragdoll cat breed is unique because it incorporates beauty, grace, gentleness and fun all into one adorable package.