Ragdolls are one of the most popular purebred cats out there. They are known for their mild playfulness and unusually social nature. They are a pointy breed with striking blue eyes and a semi-shaggy coat. Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cats, weighing between 10 and 15 pounds, depending on gender. Ragdolls, like any bloodline, have a genetic predisposition to certain health problems, but are generally healthy breeds.
What is a Ragdoll?
Ragdolls are a relatively new breed of purebred cats. They are a docile breed with a silky plush coat and unique pattern. Ragdoll cats are known as floor cats; they prefer to hang out on the ground rather than in high places. Their temperament is also not typical; social and affectionate cats who prefer to stay close to their owners. It’s understandable that both the beautiful colors and sweet nature of Ragdolls have contributed to their popularity in a relatively short period of time.
Ragdoll History
The history of the Ragdoll cat breed does not go back very far. Ragdolls were first bred by a breeder named Ann Baker in Riverview, California, in the 1960s. Ann often raised free-roaming cats with other cats she owned or found, so the original Ragdoll breed was largely derived from free-roaming cats.
A special long-haired female cat, known as Josephine, makes a particularly unique kitten. Josephine’s kitten is beautiful, and unusually docile and sweet. Ann continued to breed Josephine because of her kitten’s pleasant personality and carefully selected mates based on the specific physical characteristics she desired in this new breed.
Through this process, Ann created the Ragdoll we know today. Ann created a registry for the breed herself and officially registered the first four kittens in 1966. In 1993, the Cat Lovers Association began registering Ragdolls. By 2000, the Ragdoll Cats was a champion in every North American cat association.
Ragdoll character
This is a breed that loves the company of others and is known for its loyalty and affection. It’s not uncommon for Ragdolls to greet their owners at the door or follow them around the house. Ragdolls are also independent and less demanding. Their calm and easy-going nature makes them excellent pets.
Ragdoll cat size and weight
Their size is a distinguishing feature of these beautiful animals. They are large, stocky and heavy, the largest of which may weigh as much as 25 pounds. By the time they reach full maturity around the age of four, the average Ragdoll weighs between 10 and 20 pounds. Females are usually on the lighter end of the spectrum, ranging from 10 to 15 pounds, while males tend to be heavier, ranging from 15 to 20 pounds.
Ragdoll cat colors and coats
Ragdolls have amazing blue eyes and medium-length coats. Their fur is silky and soft and consists of guard hairs that are often described as feeling like rabbit fur. The lack of undercoat makes them look very fluffy. They also have a distinctive ring of fluff around their necks. Ragdoll cats are born white and stay white until they are about ten days old, when their coloration begins to develop. You won’t see true adult ragdoll colors until they’re at least two years old.
Ragdoll cats are described as “pointy”, which means the cat’s body color is lighter than the tip. Ragdolls usually have darker ears, faces, legs, tails and feet than other cats. Ragdoll cat coats come in a variety of unique colors and patterns. The cats originally came in four colors: seal, chocolate, blue and lilac. Today, their colors have expanded to also include red and cream. Different colors do not represent different ragdoll breeds. Ragdoll breeds are the same regardless of the color of their dots. In addition to a range of colors, Ragdoll coats come in different pointed patterns. Here are some of the most common pattern changes you might find:
Color Doll
The Dot Ragdoll will feature classic Siamese style markings with a Dot mask, ears, feet, nose, paws and tail. Color Point Ragdoll doesn’t have any white at all on it.
Glove doll
Ragdoll cats wearing gloves will have a dotted mask, ears and legs. They will have white “gloves” on their front feet and white “boots” on their back legs. Their neck, chest and abdomen will form a white stripe in the middle.
Two-color rag doll
Bicolor Ragdoll cats have colored ears and tails. Their masks, legs, paws, chest and abdomen will remain white.
Fan doll
The mask, ears and tail of the van Ragdoll cat are only coloured, while the rest of the body remains white. Ragdolls in lynx or tortoiseshell colors and designs can now also be found.
Grooming Your Ragdoll
A beautiful ragdoll coat requires moderate maintenance. Ragdoll cats should be brushed with a steel comb once or twice a week to remove tangles and any loose hair. Soft and silky coats are less prone to many problems, and grooming is more preventative than anything else. Since Ragdolls love spending time with their owners, your cat may actually enjoy his grooming if you brush lightly.To make sure your Ragdoll is happy to be groomed, make sure to start when they are still kittens. Use gentle stroking when your cat is relaxed and happy.
Ragdoll shedding
Ragdoll cats are moderately shed. They shed more as the seasons change, but because they lack undercoat, they shed less than many other cat breeds. Regular grooming will help reduce the amount of shedding. This can help pick up any hairs you loose by using a rubber brush after combing with the steel rake.
