The Ragdoll cat is easy to spot with its beautiful color point coat and mesmerizing blue eyes. Known for their large, muscular build and silky, semi-long hair, Ragdolls have a unique look that captivates cat lovers worldwide. Developed by American breeder Ann Baker in the 1960s, these cats are celebrated for their gentle temperament and affectionate nature. Fun fact: Their name, “Ragdoll,” comes from their inclination to go limp and loose when picked up—just like a ragdoll!
Ragdolls have earned nicknames like “dog-like cats” and “puppy-like cats” because they love to follow their humans around and are incredibly easy to handle. They get along well with other pets, making them the perfect addition to multi-pet households.
The story of the Ragdoll begins with a simple white domestic longhaired cat named Josephine in Riverside, California. In the 1960s, Josephine gave birth to kittens with remarkably laid-back and affectionate temperaments. Ann Baker, recognizing something special in these kittens, began selectively breeding them for their large size, gentle demeanor, and distinct color patterns.
From these early litters came two fundamental cats, Blackie and Daddy Warbucks, who sired future generations of Ragdolls. Ann Baker’s dedication led to establishing the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) in 1971, setting stringent breeding standards that helped define the breed.
While Baker’s methods were unconventional—she even trademarked the name Ragdoll—the breed gained popularity. In 1975, Denny and Laura Dayton parted ways with IRCA to seek mainstream recognition for Ragdolls. This led to their acceptance by major cat registries like the CFA and FIFe. The Ragdoll’s charm soon crossed the Atlantic, establishing a strong presence in the UK and beyond.
Ragdolls are famous for their floppy, calm nature, which may be inherited from their Persian and Birman ancestors. Whether this docility is due to genetics or an instinctive reaction to being carried as kittens, it adds to their charm. However, the myth that Ragdolls are pain-resistant isn’t true; they have a very relaxed demeanor.
Ragdolls are the ultimate lap cats, affectionate, intelligent, and gentle. Their playful and engaging nature often lasts into their senior years, making them delightful companions for all ages. Known as “puppy cats” or “cat-dogs,” they often follow their owners from room to room and enjoy physical affection like dogs.
Ragdolls can even be trained to retrieve toys, showcasing their playful and intelligent side. Whether you are looking for a loyal companion to join your family or a playful, affectionate friend, the Ragdoll cat brings warmth and joy to any home.
Ragdolls are one of the biggest domesticated cat breeds. Fully grown females weigh between 8 and 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg), while males are more prominent, ranging from 12 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9.1 kg) or more. A Ragdoll can take up to four years to reach its full size.
Ragdolls have a sturdy body and large frame with proportionate legs. Their heads are wide with a flat top and wide spacing between the ears. They possess long, muscular bodies, broad chests, and short necks. Their tails are long and bushy, and their paws are large, round, and tufted. Their furs are smooth, dense, and medium to long. Adults develop knickerbockers on their hind legs and a ruff around their necks. With large, round, deep blue eyes, Ragdolls inherit genes for point coloration, giving them their distinct blue eyes; more intense shades of blue are preferred in cat shows. Despite their plush coat, mainly consisting of long guard hairs, the lack of a dense undercoat leads to reduced shedding and matting.
Ragdolls come in six colors: red, seal, chocolate, and their dilutes—blue, lilac, and cream. They also have lynx and tortoiseshell variations in all colors, along with three patterns. Ragdoll kittens are born white and develop color by 8–10 weeks, achieving full color and coat by 3–4 years. The three patterns are:
Variations include:
Grooming
Ragdolls have a semi-long coat that varies in length and density according to season. The fur is silky, soft, and plush. They should be brushed regularly—once a week or more—to maintain proper coat care and hygiene. Most Ragdolls enjoy the brushing session as it offers quality time with their family. Use a stainless steel or “Greyhound” comb to ensure you brush down to the skin and not just superficially over the top. Ragdolls can be trained from an early age to tolerate and even appreciate bathing and blow-drying.
Trim their nails once a month. Your breeder or veterinarian can teach you how to clip their claws properly. To ensure a long and healthy life, keep your Ragdoll’s teeth clean with annual veterinary visits.
Nutrition
Consult your breeder for recommendations on feeding routines and experiences with different types of food (dry, canned, raw, etc.). Avoid allowing your Ragdoll to become obese, as it can lead to serious health issues like diabetes. Ensure they get fresh, clean water daily. Place the water bowl at least three feet away from any food to encourage drinking. Many Ragdolls love filtered drinking fountains.
Health
Ragdolls from reputable breeders are generally healthy and hearty. A high-quality diet and yearly vet checkups are important for maintaining their health and longevity. The breed benefits from a DNA test for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease-causing abnormal thickening of the heart. Selecting a reputable breeder who performs HCM DNA tests is essential.
A Swedish insurance data study showed that Ragdolls and Siamese have the lowest survival rates among common cat breeds, living 12 to 15 years. This study suggests Ragdolls may have higher instances of urinary issues, though it’s unclear if this is a regional problem. Regular grooming twice weekly helps prevent mats, tangles, and excessive shedding. Ragdolls are social cats that require companionship and can develop depression if left alone for long periods. It’s recommended that a feline companion be provided to prevent this issue. Symptoms of depression include destructive behavior, clinginess, oversleeping, and changes in eating or grooming habits. These symptoms should be discussed with a vet as they may indicate underlying illness.
HCM is a common genetic heart disease in cats. It causes thickening of the heart wall and can potentially lead to sudden death. The condition can present early in Ragdolls with two copies of the HCM gene and tends to be severe. Breeding only from cats free of this gene ensures they will not develop this form of HCM. The allelic frequencies of the Ragdoll HCM mutation vary by region, with prevalence rates found in studies from Italy, the US, and the UK.
Unleash the secrets to feline happiness! From picking the purr-fect breed to mastering grooming techniques and choosing the healthiest foods, we’ve got you covered. Get top-notch advice from world-renowned veterinarians, cat behaviorists, and groomers.
🐾 Visit our blog and become the ultimate cat parent! 🐾
Felinopedia is an online cat encyclopedia dedicated to sharing valuable information with (new) cat parents. We aim to help you give your furry friend the best tools and advice for a long, happy, and healthy life.
Join us on this journey to ensure your cat’s wellbeing.
Happy Cats, Happy Life