About Ragdolls

The Breed
The Ragdoll was first bred in the 1960’s in the USA as a cross between Birman and Persian cats. The breed was found to be so relaxed and laid back that it could be easily compared to a child’s ragdoll when picked up – hence the origin of the famous Ragdoll flop that gives the breed their name.

Ragdolls are slow to mature and reach full maturity in 3-5 years. They are large cats; males can weigh between 13-20 lbs., females about 5 lbs. less. It is important to note that these are indoor-only cats and should never be let outdoors unless closely supervised. This breed is so gentle and sociable that they can easily be taken by strangers and they will not defend themselves if attacked. The coat of a Ragdoll is more like rabbit fur than standard cat fur. Although these animals are long-haired, they are easy to groom and shed very little, with no matting in the fur. A mystery to us indeed, but we like the low maintenance!

Colors
Ragdolls come in six different colors - seal, chocolate, flame, and the corresponding "dilutes" such as blue, lilac and cream. This also includes the tortoiseshell (“tortie”) pattern in all colors and the three color patterns- pointed, mitted, or bicolor. So before choosing your Ragdoll, you will need to do some research to determine which you prefer.

All Ragdoll kittens are born white with blue eyes. After 3-4 weeks, their distinctive color and pattern start to emerge. At 8-10 weeks, the final color and pattern can usually be determined.. The full color (and physical size) will continue to develop until they are 4 to 5 years old.

7 Characteristics of a Ragdoll Cat
Did you know that Ragdoll cats are most sought after for their personalities? When choosing a cat for your home, you will want to determine if you want a large sweet tempered, family oriented cat. If so, then the Ragdoll might be the ideal cat for you.

I’m going to list 7 traits that make the Ragdoll cat a pleasure to own. If you’ve ever wondered if a Ragdoll cat is the one for you, then these points may help. On to number 1…

1. They go limp when held – the famous Ragdoll ‘flop’!
   This is actually a little bit of a myth. Not all Ragdoll cats flop in this way (i.e. go limp when held). Most do, though. They are a very relaxed breed of cat, and most love to be held. It sets them apart from many other breeds.
2. The breed is people-orientated.
   Ragdoll cats become very attached to their owners. By nature they are a very social animal and simply love interacting with the people around them. If you don’t like a cat that hovers around, a Ragdoll may not be the cat for you.
3. As a breed they are calm yet love to play.
   The breed retains a lot of kitten in them as they grow up. Overall they are a calm cat, but if you put a toy in front of them, watch out! There’s nothing more fun than watching a cat kick a ball around the house. The good news is that they won’t be rough while they are doing it. Gentleness is part of the breed.
4. They adapt to living in small spaces well.
   A Ragdoll cat is perfect for a small apartment, and as long as you don’t introduce them to the great outdoors, they will willingly stay inside. It’s part of their relaxed nature to adapt easily to living in an apartment.
5. You can train a Ragdoll cat to do tricks.
   You’ve heard the saying that dogs have masters and cats have staff? They are one of the few breeds who will put that aside and allow you to teach them tricks. They are an intelligent breed and all it takes is a little encouragement and you are off and running. They will fetch, retrieve toys and shake hands (among other things). You can have hours of enjoyment teaching your cat new tricks.
6. They are not destructive in the home.
   Most cats prefer to climb, jump on surfaces and generally get into tight spaces. Not so, the Ragdoll cat. They are one of the few breeds that actually prefer playing on the floor to jumping up on the kitchen counters or table. This makes them ideal if you have a lot of breakables. This is especially true if you have a good cat tree for them to use as a scratching post and alternate source of exercise
7. Their plush coat does not require excessive grooming.
   Despite having a long coat, you don’t have to brush them every other day. One of the characteristics of the breed is that their coat does not mat easily, and is so fine and light it doesn’t tend to get caught in the fibres of furniture, either. This is yet another reason they are a great indoor cat.
   

If you are thinking of getting a Ragdoll cat, then these are 7 good reasons to look more closely at the breed. Just remember that each cat is an individual, and not every characteristic will apply.

Five Top Tips For Ragdoll Cat Care

1. Always make time for your Ragdoll
   Ragdoll Cats are notoriously sociable creatures and require a lot more attention than other breeds. It is important that you make time to spend time with your Ragdoll, preferably every day. Without your interaction, they could quickly develop behavioral problems. You can give your cat the attention it needs by simply playing with them or grooming them.
2. Groom your Ragdoll at least once a week
   Although Ragdoll cats require less grooming than other long-haired cats, it is important to groom them at least once a week. Not only will your cat have a beautifully groomed coat but it will also prevent the chances of them getting hairballs.
3. Don’t let your Ragdoll outdoors alone
   These cats should either be kept indoors or be closely monitored if they are outdoors. Their gentle demeanor means that they will not defend themselves if attacked.
4. Prevent scratching by providing scratching posts and cat trees
   Many cat owners have problems with their cats clawing furniture. It is an instinctive behavior for your cat to scratch and, in this way mark, their territory. If you supply a few places for them to release these instincts (e.g. scratching post, cat tree), they will happily take advantage of them. If not, they will go for the next best thing – your couch.
5. Make sure your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with
   One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a cat is watching it play (and even joining in!). Playing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your Ragdoll. Not only does it provide fantastic exercise but allows cat and owner to bond, so it is important that your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with. Toys can either be bought from a pet store or found around the house. Something as mundane as a cardboard box or a large bottle top can provide hours of entertainment.

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