The result of crossing a white Angora-Persian cat with felines of Burmese and Birman ancestry, the Ragdoll cat breed eventually came into being.  Commonly called the “Gentle Giant,” due to his large size and relaxed personality, he is a favorite companion animal across the globe.  While many people find the limp, rag-doll quality of this cat very strange and unusual, even more are in for a real treat when they learn about the strange and unusual background of this unique feline known as the Ragdoll.

Ragdoll Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Ragdoll Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Ragdoll cat breed and deciding if a Ragdoll cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!

Ragdoll Cat Breed Facts | Ragdoll Cat Breed History | Ragdoll Appearance | Ragdoll Temperament
Grooming Your Ragdoll Cat | Ragdoll Cat Health Information | Is a Ragdoll The Right Choice For You?

The History of the Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll cat was first bred by a breeder in Riverside, California, by the name of Ann Baker.  In the early 1960’s, she crossed Josephine - a white longhaired cat - to various Birman and Burmese-styled cats to produce this unique breed.  These unusual cats were destined to become the new thing in companion animals; strangely friendly and loving, they possessed little of the typical cat’s aloof mannerisms and, instead, were noted for their tendency to go completely limp, or rag-doll, when they were picked up.  Incredibly laid back and placid, news of these incredible new pets began to spread like wildfire and, before long, it seemed that everyone wanted their very own Ragdoll cat.

Ann Baker promoted the Ragdoll cat heavily.  With a breeding program consisting of several breeders contracted under her, Baker was paid a royalty for every kitten that was sold, leaving her free to promote and advertise the breed, writing and mailing out literature about the Ragdoll to people throughout the United States.  However, while the news of this incredible cat spread quickly, so did the controversy that was also quick to spring up about the animal or, mainly, about the woman who had “created” the Ragdoll cat.

As time passed, Ann Baker’s statements regarding the breed became more and more bizarre.  Sometimes, she would claim that the Ragdoll cats possessed human genetic material, hence why they seemed so people-like and strangely calm.  She tried to claim that these unique cats were immune to pain and, the icing on the cake, she claimed that the Ragdoll cat represented a link between humans and space aliens.

Needless to say, not everyone shared her space alien theories and the very breeders that had helped her to develop this breed, decided to pull away and continue to develop the breed without Baker’s strange tales.  Denny Dayton was one such person and, with his hard work and attempts to make the breed legitimate, the Ragdoll breed of cat would be recognized in the United States in 1967. 
 

Ragdoll Cat Breed Facts | Ragdoll Cat Breed History | Ragdoll Appearance | Ragdoll Temperament
Grooming Your Ragdoll Cat | Ragdoll Cat Health Information | Is a Ragdoll The Right Choice For You?

Ragdoll  Cat Appearance

The Ragdoll is a beautiful and well-balanced animal with brilliant blue eyes.  A semi-longhaired cat, they are also a pointed breed, meaning that their bodies are lighter in color than their extremities, or points (ears, nose, feet and tail), and they are known for their very sweet and gentle dispositions.

The Ragdoll is a beauty to behold; available in four pattern variations, the Ragdoll can be found in the bi-color, van, or mitted varieties (all of which have white markings), or the color point, which is the solid version, somewhat resembling a larger, long-haired cat of Siamese ancestry.  Ragdoll kittens can be found in six colors as well - seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream but, if you’re thinking those are the only colors you can find available, think again!  In addition to the six different colors, the points of the Ragdoll may also be solid, lynx, tortie (tortoiseshell), or torbie (a cross of tortie and lynx).  This ensures that the Ragdoll breed is actually available in a vast array of colors and patterns.

Ragdoll Cat Temperament

The Ragdoll cat is known for his very calm and placid temperament.  In fact, he’s such the gentle giant that, if left unattended, the Ragdoll can actually get himself seriously injured outside.  Not prone to picking fights (or even defending himself, for that matter), a Ragdoll kitten could be hurt badly if caught by another cat or a dog.  For this reason, most Ragdoll breeders will stress that their kittens should never go outside, except for on a leash.  This is simply for the safety of these sweet and loveable cats.

Ragdoll Cat Breed Facts | Ragdoll Cat Breed History | Ragdoll Appearance | Ragdoll Temperament
Grooming Your Ragdoll Cat | Ragdoll Cat Health Information | Is a Ragdoll The Right Choice For You?

Ragdoll Cat Grooming Requirements

Care of your Ragdoll kitten is relatively easy.  A weekly combing through of his coat will help to remove any excess dead hairs, free up any tangles he might have gotten, and will help to remove any excess dander.  While the Ragdoll cat does shed fairly frequently, this weekly combing will help keep to keep the heavy undercoat thinned out and will help to keep shedding to a minimum.

Ragdoll Cat Health Concerns

Perhaps it is due to his hybrid vitality, but the Ragdoll tends to have very little problem with genetic disease.  Nevertheless, there are a couple of risks with the breed and there are always risks of problems arising, simply from poor crosses (such as premature loss of teeth or kidney troubles).  To find the best kittens, take the time and get to know your local breeders, talk to them about your concerns and look, not only at potential kittens, but also at the parents.  Some problems which effect the Ragdoll include:

• Hip dysplasia

• Feline Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Is the Ragdoll the Right Breed For You?

The Ragdoll is a very sweet and affectionate feline, well-known to get along with people, animals and with children.  Rarely a climber, they tend to prefer playing on the floor or lounging on the couch, quite often on their backs with all four legs stuck up in the air.  If you like a very friendly and loveable cat, then there are few felines who can compete with the love that this cat can dish out.

However, if you’re looking for a stereotypical cat - a feline who is aloof and distant, then keep on looking.  The Ragdoll is not an independent breed of cat, nor do they do well when allowed to play outside unsupervised.  The Ragdoll is very people-oriented and not only will suffer the doldrums if neglected, but can also get himself badly injured if left unattended.  While these big beauties require little physical work, like all pets, they do require a great deal of responsibility.

Ready to add an exquisite Ragdoll cat or kitten to your family? Visit our Ragdoll Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for responsible Ragdoll catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for Ragdoll kittens for sale. Click here!