Ragdoll Cat Breed

History

The history of Ragdoll cats makes a strange story. But compared with other cat breeds, it is well documented and can be identified to a Californian breeder named Ann Baker.

According to Ann Baker, she used to borrow a cat that looked very much like a Black Persian from her neighbour named Blackie for breeding purposes. Blackie had no registered pedigree, and its mother, Josephine, was an unregistered white longhair. Allegedly, Josephine used to give birth to kittens with a very unbalanced temperament until she had a road accident.

After her treatment at a local animal hospital, Josephine’s kittens now had a different character and were unexpectedly pleasant and very relaxed. Ann Baker was very curious and interested in this character change. Using other interrelated cats owned by her neighbour, together with her Persian cats, she then bred and produced the first Ragdolls in 1963 with the laid-back temperament that she was looking for.

The development of this new cat breed reached an unusual milestone when Ann Baker trademarked the name 'Ragdoll.' Those who wish to breed them could only do so by a franchise basis through her own International Ragdoll Cat Association. However, in 2005, the trademarking of the 'Ragdoll' name in the US was finally dropped when it was not renewed.

In 1981, the first Ragdolls were brought to the United Kingdom. Today, these gorgeous looking cats are well-known for their sweet, good-natured temperaments that made them a fast-becoming popular companion and family pet. With this, more and more Ragdolls are being registered yearly with the GCCF as their popularity continues to rise.

Appearance

Ragdoll cats are one of the largest cat breeds, as recognized by various feline organisations worldwide. It takes up to four years for this cat breed to reach full maturity. A fully developed male will weigh from 7 to 9 kilogram while their female counterpart weighs 4.5 to 7 kilograms. These docile cats have long bodies with strong boning to match. They have a soft and sweet expression highlighted by their large eyes.

The Ragdoll cat breed is large, powerful, and impressive with unique markings. However, the cat breed is extremely calm and laid back, giving the floppy ragdoll impression. Their broad head has a flat top and is wide between the ears. Their deep blue eyes are large as well.

A Ragdoll cat's body is long and muscular with a broad chest, short neck, and sturdy legs. Their paws are large, round and tufted, and the tail is long and bushy. Moreover, the Ragdoll cat's coat is dense, silky and medium to long length.

Ragdoll cats are blue-eyed and pointed – darker face, legs, ears, and tail. They are lighter coloured on the body with a fixed contrast between body and point colour. Their colours may be blue, seal, lilac, chocolate, cream, red, fawn, or cinnamon. In addition, they may be tortie or have lynx stripes or tabby markings.

There are three possible patterns:

Colorpoint - Dark points with no white. There is a lighter colour on the body with a definite contrast between body and point colour.
Bicolor – White chest, legs, stomach & ruff, with white inverted V on the face.
Mitted – Pointed with white paws, where they coin the name "mitts", on the front feet, with white "boots" on the hind feet, white chin & white belly stripe.

Ragdoll cats typically go through several growth spurts as they age, and this will continue on and off until they are four years old. Do not be deceived by the fat on their belly – a trait of the cat breed. Make sure they always have ample food available to support their growth until you are sure they have reached their full size.

Personality

Ragdoll cats are distinguished for collapsing into the arms of anyone who holds them, even if they are cradled on their back. They adore their owners, greeting them, following them around the house, and jumping into a lap or cuddling in bed whenever given a chance. They learn to come when called or to get toys that are thrown for them.

The word most repeatedly used to describe Ragdolls is quiet, but that does not mean they are sluggish and inactive. They love to play with their toys and join in any family activities. With positive support in the form of praise and treats when they do something you like, Ragdolls learn fast. They can also pick up tricks and good behaviours such as using a scratching post. Ragdolls love food and attention equally, so they will remind you when it's mealtime or ask for petting in a small, sweet voice but are not overly vocal.

Trainability

Ragdolls originally got their name from their inclination to go limp when picked up. While this is not always the case, they are generally happy to be held. Their trusting nature means they should be introduced with extra care to existing cats or dogs, who might not be quite as calm and mild. Some owners choose to keep them indoors for similar reasons.

While Ragdoll cats are known to be calm and easy-going, they still do like to play. So, encourage them by investing in catnip toys, balls, feather wands and other interactive toys that are good for bonding time, exercise and playing. A cat tree is also ideal as a good scratching post and a resting place in one.

Adaptable to most environments, Ragdoll cats are playful without being excessively active. It is typically easy to train them to use a litter tray as they will respond best to positive reinforcement. You can also teach your Ragdoll to play fetch, thanks to the cat breed's puppyish personality.

Coat & Care

The Ragdoll's coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. It is best to use a wide-toothed metal comb to eliminate dead hair and prevent matting. If they are not groomed and develop extremely matted fur, they may need to be shaved. Be sure to comb a Ragdoll’s armpit area in particular, as tangles can be common here during shedding season.

Unlike some cat breeds, Ragdolls have a single coat without an undercoat. This can make them a better match for some people with allergies. However, they are not hypoallergenic. The absence of an undercoat additionally makes shedding more controllable.

Their nails should be trimmed once a month. Your groomer or vet can teach you how to clip your Ragdoll cat's claws properly. For their dental hygiene, it is best to do weekly brushing to keep your Ragdoll cat's teeth free from plaque buildup and prevent the risk of periodontal disease.

For their eyes, use a damp cloth to wipe the corner of the eyes to remove any discharge. Just make sure to use separate areas of the cloth for each eye to prevent spreading infection. Check and clean their ears weekly. Avoid using cotton swabs as it may damage the interior of their ears. Ask for your vet's advice on what pet product to use to clean your Ragdoll cat's ears to prevent ear mites that may lead to an infection.

Always make sure to keep your Ragdoll cat's litter box clean. It will help keep their coat and paws clean as well. Also, because Ragdoll cats are known for their size as they age, it’s best to purchase a super-sized litter box to ensure that they have ample room to turn around.

Health

Ragdoll cats have an average life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years, providing they are given a high-quality diet and proper care. However, there are a few hereditary health problems that may affect a Ragdoll cat include the following:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – is a form of heart disease that is genetic in Ragdoll cats. A congenital or DNA-based test is available to recognize cats that carry one of the mutations that cause the disease.
A predisposition to FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) – is a viral disease that is often fatal for cats.
Increased risk for calcium oxalate bladder stones
Increased risk of Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) - an inherited disorder where clusters of cysts develop in the kidneys.

Because of this, only buy a Ragdoll from a registered breeder who runs DNA health checks on their cats. This will give you peace of mind that they do not have genetic conditions and increase the likelihood of them living a long and healthy life.

In addition, make sure that your Ragdoll cat gets plenty of interactive playtime to help prevent weight gain. Note that it is common for them to have a thin layer of fat around their lower abdomen, but too much can lead to obesity. Feel their spine and ribcage as these are the best places to check their weight and condition.

Children & Other Pets

The Ragdoll is perfectly suitable for family life. They rarely extend their claws when playing, and they typically do not mind playing, riding in a baby stroller, or being a guest at a tea party. Still, it is advisable to supervise young children to make sure they don't annoy the cat. And with a cat of this size, it's essential to teach children how to support the cat when picking them up and carrying them. Remember to never hold a Ragdoll cat with the hind end hanging down.

Ragdolls are happy to live with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, in fact, they welcome the additional company. Even so, introduce pets gradually and in controlled circumstances to guarantee that they learn to get along together.