The ragdoll is a particular breed of cat with unique characteristics that make it of interest to cat fanciers around the world. It gets its name from the tendency to go limp, like a ragdoll, when picked up. The breed is known for its docile temperament and affectionate nature. The ragdoll breed offers many favorable qualities for cat-lovers to consider.
Description
Ragdoll cats are among the largest of cat breeds. They range between 10 to 20 pounds as adults, with females proportionally smaller than male cats. Some males can reach 30 pounds. The ragdoll has large-bones with a wide chest and heavy hindquarters. The coat comes in several colors but generally is “pointed,” that is, the face, ears, legs and tail are darker in color than the body. Coats can be colorpoint, bicolor and mitted, in a variety of shades. The ragdoll coat is semi-long and dense, in 3 basic colors. The ragdoll cat matures slowly, reaching its full size and weight at 4 years and its full coat at 2 years. They are born white, and the coat colors come in gradually.
Temperament
Unlike some cats that may be high-strung and nervous, the ragdoll breed is laid-back and easy going. It is a breed that adapts well to family environments with children.
Ragdoll cats are said to be more like dogs than cats, in that they enjoy frequent interaction with their owners. They will run to meet you at the door, follow you from room to room and choose to sleep in your bed. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, ragdolls can be taught to come when called and play fetch. They enjoy playtimes with family members and are good with children and other pets in the household.
Origins of the Ragdoll Cat
The ragdoll cat was developed in the 1960s by a Riverside, California cat breeder named Ann Baker. She bred a Persian-Angora with some Birmen and Burmese type cats for the particular characteristics of docility and physical relaxation, as well as for the blue eyes and markings that distinguishes the ragdoll cat. In 1967, the ragdoll was recognized in the United States as a separate breed. Ann Baker aggressively promoted the ragdoll breed often ascribing fantastical lineage or characteristics to the breed. Ragdolls, however, to this day continues to be a beloved and sought after breed of cat.
Ragdoll Breeders
True ragdoll cats with all the special characteristics of the breed must be purchased from a reputable ragdoll cat breeder. The breeder should allow you to see the parent animals and will have references of previous customers. The pedigree of the ragdoll cat should be fully documented for 4 generations. The breeder should ensure that the kittens are healthy and properly vaccinated. The breeder should offer a health guarantee so that you know what will happen if a problem develops with the kitten. For optimum health and behavioral adjustment, the kitten should not be separated from its littermates until 12 weeks of age.
Care of the Ragdoll Cat
The ragdoll cat does not require an unusual amount of care, which makes it a good choice for today’s busy families. The long coat only needs occasional brushing to prevent matting. The cat should have dry food available at all times, along with fresh water. Bathing is only required twice a year. The cat’s claws should be clipped regularly to avoid furniture damage. Provide a litterbox in a quiet area of the house and scoop out waste from the box daily. Ragdolls should be kept as indoor cats because they lack the assertive characteristics necessary to defend themselves properly.