Ragdoll
Ragdoll History
In the world of cats it is not often that the origin of a breed is known for sure, however the development of Ragdoll cats is quite a well known story. As always myths surround the tale but we do know the basics.
A lady called Ann Baker from California is the first known breeder of Ragdoll cats. In the early 60's she mated a white Persian-Angora cat with Birman and Burmese cats creating the distinctive appearance and temperament of the Ragdoll breed. Ann advertised the Ragdoll cats and quite soon after the breed became highly sought after. She teamed up with a group of breeders who were all contracted under her, however many of the breeders began their own individual breeding programs later on. One of these individuals was Denny Dayton – another big name in the development of this breed. He fought to get the breed recognised by fanciers' standards and he is the founder of the Ragdoll Fanciers Club International (RFCI) – the most well known Ragdoll registry worldwide.
Ann Baker went on to set up the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) and in 1975 had the name 'Ragdoll' patented until 2005. She will be remembered for her battle to promote the breed and for giving us such wonderful creatures.
In 1987 The British Ragdoll Cat Club was established.
The Name 'Ragdoll'
I know most of you are probably thinking 'Why call a breed of cat Ragdoll?'. Well as some of you may have already realised the breed was named after the floppy fabric doll that sits quietly wherever you put it. Like the doll, the cats are extremely docile and a little floppy which is why Ann Baker chose this name.
Ragdoll Appearance
Ragdolls are large cats with bright blue eyes, semi-long hair and a pointed coat, this means that the points of the cat such as the face, legs and ears are a darker colour than the rest of the body. This characteristic was inherited from cats similar to Birman and Burmese that the Ragdoll breed derived from. Ragdolls mature quite slowly so the full pattern of their coats might not show until the age of 2. The do not reach their full size (15-20 lbs males and 10-15 lbs females) until the age of 4.
They can be born in four different pattern ranges; 'bi-colour' - white paws, white underbodies and white chests, 'van' - ears, tail and a few spots on the body are darker, 'colourpoint' - pointed markings with no white in their coats, and 'mitted' - white feet at the front, white boots at the back, a white chin and belly stripe. These patterns can be either seal, blue, cream, chocolate, red or lilac. The points themselves can be solid, tortie, lynx or torbie so there are a number of different colour and pattern combinations achievable.
Although their coats are quite long, Ragdolls require little grooming, a quick comb will remove loose hairs and this should be done more frequently during moulting seasons.
Ragdoll Character and Temperament
Ragdoll cats are bred to be big, beautiful creatures that are both affectionate and loyal to their human owners. They are extremely interested in people and will follow you around the house or greet you when you arrive home from work. They are fairly docile animals, playful as kittens but would prefer to snuggle up on the sofa or on your duvet than chase string around the front room. They don't particularly like being on their own so if you are thinking of getting a Ragdoll make sure someone is home most of the time.
Ragdolls tend to be great with other domestic animals and children, they are inquisitive and intelligent and genuinely just enjoy company.
| Medium | ||
| High | ||
| Low | ||
| Medium | ||
| Very High | ||
| Low | ||
| High | ||
| High |
Ragdoll Lifespan
9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size
4 kittens
Common Ailments
Ragdoll Recognition
User Comments
Rating:
I want a ragdoll, they sound so awesome!! Do you know what I would call my pet ragdolls? Lady Meowington and Sir Purrsalot. (Mimi and Puss 4 short of cause!)
Rating:
we have a new ragdoll kitten, she plays all day, she loves water and chasing her tail. Suki can jump really high too. i have had at least 5 cats before her , she is the best cat I have ever had. her fur is so soft and she sleeps with us every night. at christmas everyone in the house carried her around all day long and she just went along with it. she was a good sport.
Rating:
I have 3 Ragdolls @ home. They r called Buttons, Lady, and Rocky. Ragdolls r cute!!!
Rating:
Jade, i am sorry i think you misunderstood, i was looking to give a home to a Raggy not have one rehomed. I now have one, she is lovely, but thanks for your email.
Rating:
Hello I am commenting to Esme cogdell about her ragdoll cat as me and my mom already have a rag doll and a british blue which we inherited from my nan who died a few years back, we also have a tabby cat but we love ragdoll cats alot and ours is the favourite of all our cats, our tabby is 14 and we have had it since it was a kitten so this shows we can accually look after cats! I would appreciate you getting back to me soon and letting me know how old your ragdoll is and how much you would charge for it. Thanks very much, Jade
Rating:
I have a ragdoll male called jasper 5 months old he is beautiful and so cuddly and he get on with my 4 other cats and 2 dogs
Rating:
I am looking to give a home to a Ragdoll. I have contacted as many of the rescue centres as i can but if anyone knows of someone trying to rehome one, please let me know.
Rating:
I HAVE A RAGDOLL OF MY OWN AND I CAN TELL YOU SHE IS REALLY ACTIVE SHE BITS AND RUNS AROUND THE HOUSE LIKE A IDIOT. SHE IS MOULTING IS IT MOULTING SEASON OR SOMETHIING DO THEY MOULT FROM THERE WINTER COAT TO THE SUMMER COAT
Rating:
we have a 10 year old seal point girl and hope to get a seal point mitted kitten. We adore ragdolls !!! they're loving, cuddly, talkative and follow you around. Our only worry about a kitten is how to introduce it to our present cat any suggestions ?
Rating:
Beautiful eyes!
Rating:
I breed ragdolls, so let me know if anyone wants a kitten, I might have some available
Rating:
I LOVE Ragdolls! They are THE BESt cats in the world. They are totally my fav breed of cats! THEY ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
I love Ragdolls and have been waiting for one for a long time i am getting my first ragdoll on Sunday and sooo excited and carn't wait to get him home.
Rating:
ragdolls are so cute, but they are not that active or anything, my youngest is so borad!!!!!!
Rating:
i have ttwo rag doll kittens i have colour point mitted and a blue torrtie bi. both are girls wouldnt be with out eather of them love them to bits fantastic cats wouldnt ever have anything else. never would go near a cat till i had these.best thing i ever did
Rating:
i was always a dog person after she passed away at 15 years old my youngest son wanted a kitten so i took along time reserching different breeds because my oldest son was not to keen on cats they frightened him hence we now own three ragdolls my oldest son now takes one of the raggies to bed with him every night they are so loving my oldest is now smitten
Rating:
I think they are the most gorjous cats that there are... I love them to bits...
Rating:
further comment, boy or girl?
Rating:
just thinking of getting a ragdoll, which one is the best colouring a red point or seal mitted any help
Rating:
i just luv Ragdolls 1 have 4 of them a seal mitted mink, solid mitted flame,solid silver shaded black and a sepia craying chocolate i would never get another breed never ever!!!!! their the best!!!!!
Rating:
Even after we had our ragdoll altered she is just as playful & attention-seeking as ever. I will never go w/ another breed. I will always have a raggie.
Rating:
We found our Alfie at a rescue centre (his owner had died) and I would never have another cat other than this breed. The joy he brings us is immense and we rush home to him!
Rating:
ragdoll are so cute i'm getting one soon :D i;m alos getting many other i just love CATS!!!!
Rating:
We have 3 ragdolls... a seal mitted, a blue colourpoint, and a blue bi-colour. I can safely say i will NEVER own a different breed of cat. They are something else....affectionate, loyal, playful, chatty, cuddly and they are a complete joy. They love the dogs too!
Rating:
ragdoll cats r sooo cute, if i got a cat, they would be one of the first cats i'd consider!!!
Rating:
I luv Ragdolls! they r my fave breed out of all the cats! i think they r soooooooooooooooooooooooo adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!