The Ragdoll is a large, floppy, people loving, blue eyed and pointed cat, with a pleasant domestic head type with wide spaced ears and non-extreme semi wedge shaped muzzle.

The name "Ragdoll" came about because of what appeared to be the cat’s unique ability to relax like a child's toy raggedy. Ragdolls are quiet, playful, placid, relaxed and very loving.

Ragdolls are slow to mature physically obtaining full maturity between 3 and 4 years of age. Altered adult males may reach 15 to 20 pounds, females will weigh about 5 pounds less. The Ragdoll's fur is rabbit-like, medium long with little shedding. The Ragdoll requires little or no routine grooming. All Ragdolls have beautiful large, oval blue eyes.

They make a wonderful house or apartment cat. Because they posses a non-aggressive instinct, a Ragdoll should never be left outside unattended, or declawed. However, they can be easily leash trained so that they can go for walks with you outside. Ragdolls are docile, large and affectionate and respond well to children and other pets. In general, Ragdolls are not extremely vocal.

History of Breed

What is known about the Ragdoll breed is that they were first bred in the United States in the early 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder in Riverside, California. Ms. Baker created the breed by breeding a white female Persian to a male Birman. A female Burmese cat was added to the mix and this combination became known as the Ragdoll. In 1971, Ms. Baker founded the International Ragdoll Cat Asociation (IRCA) which is still active today.

Ragdolls Are Like Puppy Dogs

The temperament of ragdolls is very similar to that of puppy dogs, they are devoted, affectionate, out going cats that are known for their fearless nature. Ragdolls are totally nonaggressive indoor cats . Although a very large cat, their Meow is so quiet that they cannot always be heard and despite their size they want to be lap cats. Ragdolls are slow to mature and full coat and color is not generally reached until they are two years of age and full size is usually achieved at about four years.

Other attributes

Ragdolls are known for their sweet temperament and also the tendency to go limp when picked up and held. A big plus with this breed is the fact that they shed very little, some call them a non shedding cat but low shedding would be a more appropriate description. The fur is also considered rabbit like in its silky, non matting texture. Ragdolls do not suffer with runny eyes as do some breeds and are considered a very hardy animal with no known genetic defects and they are not prone to any specific diseases. They are a peace loving cat who, as adults, are not overly energetic thus making them the ideal apartment.

Colors and Patterns

The Ragdoll breed appears in many different colors and patterns. The colors are Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Flame, Cream, and Tortie. There are four different patterns : Pointed, Mitted, Bicolor, and Lynx.

Go to: Ragdoll International for detailed photos of Colors and Patterns

Other Ragdoll Information

• Kitten Care
• Cat/Kitten Health & Supplies