The Ragdoll cats are big, gentle and patient. These cats, despite their size and imposing appearance, are calm and gentle. They love to play and snuggle with their owners.
They are easy-to-care for, and very social. They are great pets for families and do well with kids. This fluffy cat will show you endless love and loyalty if you give her the attention and time she deserves.
Ragdolls are less common because they require more care in breeding. Ragdolls can range in price from $400 per kitten up to $2,000 or more for show cats. Your cat’s price will be determined by its age and pedigree.
Appearance
The beautiful cat is large, muscular. It has long hair. And a silky, soft coat. Ragdolls shed very little, though you might notice more shedding during the spring. This breed is known for its low shedding due to the lack of undercoat, however, they are not described as a “hypoallergenic cat”.
They are between 9-11″ tall, and usually have a length of 17-21″, (excluding the fluffy tail). According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, they weigh between 10-20 lbs, although male ragdolls tend to be heavier.
The Ragdoll Club states that there are five different types of ragdoll patterns. These include colorpoint, bicolor, mitted, lynx, and tortie.
- The colorpoint coat is darker at the ears, eyes, tails, limbs and sometimes stomach.
- Bicolor Ragdoll Cats are very similar to the colorpoint variety, except that they have an inverted V pattern of color on their face and light colored limbs and belly.
- The mitten ragdoll looks like its colorpoint counterpart, but has extra spots of light near the feet that give the appearance of gloves.
- The lynx-point ragdolls are similar to colorpoints, but they have tabby marks on their faces.
- The Tortie Points look similar to colorpoints, but they also incorporate cream or red into the other colors.
Ragdolls come in a variety of colors, including black, white and gray. They also have blue, seal, cream, lilac chocolate, red, and white. Blue eyes are a common feature, although not exclusive to this breed.
Temperament
The docile nature of this breed makes it a great choice for a pet. The name “ragdolls” is derived from the tendency of these cats to become limp upon being picked up. They love being held, and they will stay in your arms as long as possible.
The ragdoll is a smart and gentle cat with a super-affectionate personality. They are affectionate and love human company, yet they don’t demand it. Ragdolls have a strong loyalty to their owners, which makes them great companion pets.
Kirsten Kranz is the director of Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue. She says while “gentle floppy” cats are usually laid back, each cat is unique and you should do due diligence when bringing a kitten home, regardless of breed.
She says that it is important for potential cat owners to do research, ask about references and meet with the breeders before making a decision.
These quiet cats may not make much noise. Ragdolls are quiet cats that don’t make much noise, unless they feel something bothering them. They will make small meows or meeps when they are hungry, to tell you they need love.
Your ragdoll cat may not be as interested in climbing the walls of your home. The CFA refers to these kitties as “floor cats”, but they are happy to climb up onto a couch or bed and lounge with you.
Living Needs
According to the Ragdoll Fanciers Club, Ragdolls tend to be easy-to-care for, as well as a great fit for many families. The breed is also good with other animals. These big cats will make an excellent addition to any household if you can give them lots of attention and space.
You can leave your ragdoll alone for short time periods, such as a day at work. But they will miss you. They love human contact and thrive in homes with at least one (but preferably more!) family members. During the day, it is best to have someone around. Ragdolls that are frequently left alone at home will become lonely. When you leave your home for a short time, you may be surprised when you return to find that your ragdoll is waiting for you at the front door.
Watch your ragdoll. They are very social. They are bred with friendly, trusting personalities. These cats will not be cautious when approaching people. Keep them on a harness if you are taking them outdoors.
Kranz explains that ragdolls may be docile but they are not lazy. They love playing with their family and participating in activities. So, make sure you have plenty of cat toys as well as scratching posts and extra boxes. They’ll be happy to snuggle up in your arms after a long day.
You can also read about how to care for yourself
Ragdolls are clean animals who take care of most of their own needs. They are clean and take care of many of their needs themselves, but they may still need bathing from time to time. If you see her fur looking oily and stringy, it is time to bathe her.
” Daily combing keeps a ragdoll healthy,” states Nicole Goudey Rigger, CEO and owner of Pets a Go Go. Starting early is the key. A dedicated time each day will help you avoid professional groomer trips.
They are not very high climbers, so they should be placed low to the ground. Cat Trees should be placed low on the ground. The breed doesn’t need a ton of exercise. They will spend most of their time lazing around. There may be short bursts where they play or are active in between the frequent napping.
They are usually easily-trained cats. You can teach them to respond to your call, retrieve toys and learn other tricks. The basics are also easy for them to learn, such as how to use litterboxes and scratching posts. These big cats need large litter boxes that can accommodate them comfortably and let them squat. These people-loving felines thrive when they are rewarded with praise, treats, and positive reinforcement.
It’s easy to socialize a ragdoll because it is a breed that wants nothing more than to be the best friend of every person. It’s hard to keep an eye on social butterflies who are prone to getting themselves in trouble (or stolen, or lost) when they try and make new friends.
You should feed your cat high-quality food, and keep an eye on her. These cats can be susceptible to obesity. Consult your veterinarian to find out how to properly feed each cat.
Healthy Alternatives
Ragdolls are healthy and have a lifespan between 13-18 years.
The greatest risks for ragdolls are hypertrophic heart disease (HCM),, and problems with the urinary system. Breeders who are reputable will test your kitten for any health problems, but you should continue to screen them until they reach adulthood. Health problems such as HCM can be missed until your cat is older.
Goudey Rigger explains that purebred cats can have more health problems than other breeds due to their smaller gene pool. It is important to have a relationship with a cat vet who is experienced, as there are some issues which can be delayed or even avoided through regular care and diet.
The History of the World
Ann Baker, a breeder from Riverside, Calif., developed the ragdoll during the 1960s. This process included careful selection of gentle and non-aggressive characteristics. Baker’s eccentric views about the ragdoll grew as time passed. At one point, she claimed that the ragdoll was the product of genetically altered genes, but this claim has been proven false. In 1965, the ragdoll cat was officially recognized as purebred.
Baker’s increasing tensions with the franchisees led them to distance themselves. They continued to breed the docile, adorable cats that we love.