For many cat enthusiasts, the Ragdoll cat possesses it all, from an extremely plush coat, charming face, blue eyes, and a calm and pleasant demeanor. It earned its name from its tendency to go limp or to relax with pleasure when humans’ cuddle it in their arms. As a very trusting and loyal breed, this feeling is an adorable pet for people looking for a docile, plushy companion. They will be happiest to pay back the love and attention they receive from their owners a hundredfold.
Origin of the Ragdoll Cat
Many legends shroud the history of the Ragdoll. However, what has been verified is that the breed traces its roots in California in the 1960s. Ann Baker, a cat breeder, is credited as the Ragdoll’s creator, while her cat, Josephine, is believed to be the progenitor of the breed.
Josephine was so tranquil and goes stiff whenever she is held, seemingly like a ragdoll toy. This characteristic behavior became the foundation of the breed’s name. Ann Baker copyrighted the designation, and it can only be used for the Raggies, as they are also affectionately known.
Ann Baker was stringent with the initials standard and was adamant in accepting variations in the breed, prohibiting any outcrosses in the breed. Nevertheless, other breeders were able to incorporate new colors in their gene pool, and the breed is now available in a wide array of colors than what it initially has.
Physical Characteristics of the Ragdoll Cat
Length: 17 to 21 inches
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years
Coat Color: Seal, lilac, blue, chocolate, cream, and read, in different shadings and patterns, such as mitted, van, bi-color, and colorpoint
Type of Coat: Semi-long, Long
Eye Color: Blue
Ragdolls are fairish-sized, powerful, stunning felines, sporting unique markings. However, they look bigger than they are due to semi-long to long fur. Their chest is broad, the chin is prominent while ears are medium-size, placed in a way that provides the face a triangle appearance. Raggies’ imposing, oval-shaped eyes are blue. The legs are long and robust while the paws are rounded and tufted. Their coat is very soft, silky, and plush to touch.
Ragdoll Cat Personality
Ragdolls are often regarded as “puppy cats” due to their friendly and even-tempered personality. They relish human companionship and will be happy to follow their families in every room in the house, breaking privacies for being present even in the bathroom.
These gentle furballs prefer human contact, such as resting beside their owners at the sofa, sitting on their lap, or lying on their feet as their families stop for any activity.
Raggies have a laidback demeanor. They are not the cats that would turn into curtain-climbing ninjas or engage in exuberant games of chase. Instead, they enjoy playing simple games of fetch, dressing up with kids, or riding the baby buggy as toddlers push it around.
Highly adaptable, changes in their regular routine don’t usually upset them. They may even agree should their owner decide to train them to walk on a leash. These cats are also not vocal and loud but will share their insights in a voice often deemed mellow and musical.
Caring for the Ragdoll Cat
Ragdolls are renowned for their thick and super soft coat. Thanks to their light fur, they don’t shed that much and won’t require too much grooming. Regular combing twice a week can suffice and prevent them from getting tangles, mats, or dirt build-up.
It’s a bonus that Raggies love human attention, and brushing sessions will turn into a fun bonding moment between them and their owners. Other parts of their grooming routine include regular trimming of claws, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and eye cleaning. Bathing is rarely necessary as long as their fur is adequately groomed.
Having a pleasant personality, these cats can live harmoniously with children and cat-friendly pets. Yet, it is still advisable to teach toddlers to engage with Raggies politely and introduce dogs and other animals with these felines at a young age. These furballs will love to play with them as long as they are not mishandled or mistreated.
Like other cat breeds, Raggies are vulnerable to specific health issues. Some conditions owners should be wary of include bladder stones, feline infectious peritonitis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Visiting the vet regularly can help monitor these cats’ health and keep them in their tip-top condition.
Ragdolls make adorable companions due to their people-oriented personality and heart-melting soul. They are purr-fect for families who are ready to have cats a plushy shadow follow them in every room, asking for their love and attention, in return of these furballs’ loyalty and devotion.