With their striking blue eyes, silky semi-longhaired coats and large, muscular build, ragdolls are often considered to be one of the most beautiful cat breeds. Developed in the 1960s in California, they're known not only for their looks but also for their affectionate, laid-back temperament.
History of the ragdoll cat
The ragdoll cat breed was developed in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker in California, bred from a white domestic longhair female called Josephine. The first registered ragdoll cats were Raggedy Ann Kyoto and Raggedy Ann Tiki, whose offspring were used to develop a breeding programme.
Rather than registering the breed with an established registry, Baker set up her own: the International Ragdoll Cat Association, and trademarked the name ‘ragdoll’. She had strict standards, which anyone wishing to breed ragdoll cats had to follow.
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What colours do they come in?
The long coat of the ragdoll cat is often pointed, which means they have darker markings on the face, legs and tail.
The ragdoll cat is usually found in the following solid colours: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream. They can also be tortoiseshell and tabby varieties.
They come in three different patterns:
- Colourpointed: the deepest colour is found in the face, ears, legs, paws and tail.
- Mitted: the same pointed colouring, but there can be a narrow white section on the nose, chin and chest – and the underbody from chest to tail will be white. Their front paws will also have white mittens, with white back legs.
- Bi-colour: the chest and underbody will be white, as well as the front and back legs.
Ragdoll kittens are all born white, with the colour beginning to develop a few days after birth. They may darken over time. Their coats will need grooming, as they can become matted if left unattended.
Where does the ragdoll cat get its name from?
Ragdoll cats are believed to have got their name from the tendency to go limp and relaxed when they’re picked up.
What is its usual temperament?
Ragdolls are affectionate and playful cats that love interacting with people and other animals. They have a gentle nature, and will respond well to socialisation as a kitten.
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Should they be kept as indoor or outdoor pets?
Due to their gentle and trusting nature, ragdolls are best kept as indoor cats. They make great companions for families with children, and also get on with other pets, so would be a good option for dog owners to consider.
What’s its life expectancy?
There are conflicting numbers out there, but ragdolls have one of the lowest life expectancies of common cat breeds of just over 10 years old. They are susceptible to heart problems and bladder stones, which is why they are often considered to be among the unhealthier cat breeds.
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How big is a ragdoll cat?
The ragdoll is one of the biggest domestic cat breeds, with a muscular body exaggerated by a large, bushy tail. They take up to four years to reach full maturity.
Top image credit: Getty Images
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