The origin of the Ragdoll cat breed is often clouded by myth and misconception. Ragdoll cats are big cats; they are easy going, laid back cats with pointed patterns and big blue eyes. Ragdolls are a hybrid cat that was created through careful breeding.
History of Ragdoll cat breed
The Ragdoll cat breed was established in the 1960s in Riverside California. The breed is believed to have been developed from a cross of Birman and Persian cats. The first Ragdoll cat was a white female cat named Josephine. It is with Josephine the myths and misconceptions begin. The myth goes that after Josephine was hit by a car she began having remarkable kittens. One account says her owner took Josephine to a government laboratory where she was genetically enhanced. This enhancement in the government lab is why her kittens began showing Ragdoll traits. The kittens were mysteriously non aggressive and had pointed coats. These kittens also displayed the characteristic Ragdoll trait of going limp like a rag doll when picked up. Other Ragdoll myths allege Ragdoll cats feel no pain, will not fight, and can reach a weight of thirty pounds.
There are no facts to support these claims and it is extremely unlikely that the government altered Josephine after her encounter with an automobile. Shortly after the breeds conception it fractured into several groups. The breed’s founder, a woman named Ann Baker started the first Ragdoll registry. This was the International Ragdoll Cat Association. Ann Baker trademarked “Ragdoll” so that any breeder had to pay her royalties for selling the cats. Members of the IRCA were also prohibited from showing their cats at any other associations. Ann Bakers fanaticism caused discontent among many breeders; many left the IRCA to found new Ragdoll associations. After Ann Baker died the IRCA has all but disappeared. Today all the major cat associations recognize and register Ragdoll cats.
Breed Characteristics
Ragdolls are big, muscular cats. They have long bodies with solid bones, a round head, and eyes of vivid blue. Ragdoll cats develop slowly and many do not reach their full weight and size until they are three years old. Male Ragdoll cats weigh in between 15 and 20 pounds. The females are slightly smaller but weigh in between 10 to 15 pounds. Ragdoll cats have coats that are medium in length. They have silky, rabbit like fur that does not tangle or matt. Ragdoll cats come in four main colors: blue, chocolate, lilac, and seal. There are variations of the breed that come in cream and red colors. Ragdolls come with three pattern varieties. These are: colorpoint, mitted, and bi-color.
Breed Temperament
No matter where these cats originated from their popularity has exploded worldwide. Ragdoll cats are wonderful companions with sweet dispositions. The name Ragdoll comes from the fact that they go limp when held. This is more likely due to their trusting and gentle nature rather than Ann Baker’s wild stories of aliens and genetic alteration.
Ragdoll cats are affectionate, loyal companions. Ragdoll cats are often compared to canines when it comes to personality. These cats love to interact with humans and have friendly and warm personalities. Because of their docile nature Ragdoll cats should be left indoors exclusively. Most Ragdoll cats will not defend themselves when confronted by another animal.
These cats are more than just a pet; they become members of the family. Ragdoll cats have many special traits that set them apart from other breeds. Temperament of the Ragdoll cat breed is their most outstanding trait.
Breed Features
Ragdoll cats are large, fluffy, and somewhat clumsy. They are often referred to as gentle giants; they are docile and even tempered animals. Bring a Ragdoll cat into your home and they will steal your heart and make you question who owns who. A Ragdoll cat will quickly adapt to your home and your family. Your new Ragdoll will charm you with their personality and sense of humor. This trait of the breed sets it apart from all other cat breeds. The Ragdoll breed was founded by a woman named Ann Baker, and had three color patterns. Today the breed has expanded to include other colors and patterns.
All Ragdoll cats have blue eye color. Their coats come in any of six colors: These colors include: Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Cream Point, Chocolate Point, Lilac Point, Red Point, and Seal Point. These colors correspond to a pattern type to properly describe your Ragdoll cat. There are five recognized patterns.
Color Point: This pattern has a colored mask, feet, nose, ears, paw pads and tail. These cats have no white in their coats.
Mitted Point: These cats have colored masks, legs and ears. They have white mittens in the front and white boots on their back paws. Their ruff, chin, and tummies are white.
Bicolor Point: This pattern has a colored tail and ears. They feature a white upside-down “v” on the mask, white feet, ruff, legs and tummy. Their paw pads and noses are pink in color.
Lynx Point: These cats have a mixture of patterns. They typically have tabby cat markings on their faces in “W” pattern.
Tortie Point: This pattern is also a mixture of patterns. Tortie Points, typically have Red or Cream mixed together with the other colors.
Ragdolls are a cat with a unique personality. They are placid, loving, easy-going, and fairly quiet cats. Ragdoll cats are social and love being with their people. They are wonderful companions for both adults and children. Because of their mild temperaments, these cats typically do not fight with other animals; they should be kept indoors almost exclusively. You Ragdoll cat will have many characteristics attributed to a dog. They will fetch toys, they have canine loyalty to their owners, and they’ll follow your from room to room paying close attention to what you are doing.
Ragdoll cat are devoted
They are very devoted animals. While they may be docile and placid, these cats are full of energy. Their build provides them with the ability to run and jump like no other cat; though they tend to be slightly clumsy and do not typically make good mousers. As kittens, they are born all white. After ten days their colors and patterns start to develop. They will not reach their full size and colors until at least two years of age. Ragdoll cats have soft rabbit like coats. Their fur is medium to long, and rarely mat. These cats do not shed much and require very little grooming.
Ragdoll cat breeding is very selective. They should not be cross bred with any other cats. Your Ragdoll cat can be registered with most cat associations. When selecting a Ragdoll kitten you it is crucial to pick a reputable Ragdoll cat breeder. Your new cat’s socialization and temperament start during the first 12 weeks and are directly influenced by the breeder.