The Ragdoll is a cat breed with blue eyes and a distinct colourpoint coat. It is a large and muscular semi-longhair cat with a soft and silky coat. Like all long haired cats, Ragdolls need grooming to ensure their fur does not mat. Developed by American breeder Ann Baker in the 1960s, it is best known for its docile and placid temperament and affectionate nature.
The name “Ragdoll” is derived from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up.Particularly popular in both the United Kingdom and the breed’s native United States, ragdoll cats often are known as “dog-like cats” or “puppy-like cats” due to behaviors such as their tendency to follow people around, their ease at being physically handled, and their relative lack of aggression toward other pets.
Looking at Physical Characteristics
- Look for blue eyes. According to the breed standards for Ragdoll cats, all examples of this breed must have bright blue eyes. If you see a cat without blue eyes, it is not a true Ragdoll cat.Some breeders advertise non-blue-eyed variations of the Ragdoll breed. However, this variant is not accepted by any major Ragdoll association and isn’t included in the written Breed Standard for Ragdoll cats.
- Identify the pointed coloring. Ragdoll cats can come in a variety of colors and patterns; however, the accepted breed standard establishes that these cats must exhibit the pointed breed characteristics to be included. This means that the cat’s body will be lighter in color than the points of its body – the face, ears, tail, and legs.
- Notice the size of the cat. Ragdoll cats are typically quite large cats when compared to other breeds. They aren’t necessarily overweight cats (though they are often prone to overeating and gaining a larger belly); even the most fit Ragdoll cats are large in size and shape.Adult male Ragdolls usually weigh around 15 to 20 pounds, while adult females typically weigh 10-15 pounds.
- Check the texture of the coat. Despite the fluffy, luxurious coat most Ragdoll cats have, they actually don’t shed very much. Their fur is medium long and requires very little grooming.
- Notice the cat’s docile personality. Ragdoll cats are calm and easy to get along with. They enjoy playing interactive games with their owners – like fetch and following their owners around the house – but generally avoid the wild, destructive behavior other breeds often engage in.If your cat seems like a hyperactive kitten all the time, it probably is not a member of the Ragdoll breed.
- Check if the cat gets along well with children and other animals. Most Ragdoll cats are very calm and easily adapt to households with children and other animals. Due to their docile nature, Ragdolls can quite easily integrate into new situations, especially if they are raised around young children or other pets from the beginning.
- See if the cat is affectionate. Ragdoll cats are known for being very affectionate and cuddly. They are lap cats who enjoy being held and spend much of their time napping on or near their owners. Ragdolls are notorious for going slightly limp when being picked up (hence the name Ragdoll), and even love being cradled on their backs like a baby.Ragdoll cats typically prefer the company of their owners and will seek them out most of the time. Your Ragdoll cat will want to be near you.