Ragdoll Cat Breed

Ragdolls are loving, smart and playful. They show affection to their people by greeting them, following them around, sitting in their laps and snuggling in bed. Ragdoll cats can also learn tricks and certain behaviors with positive reinforcement.

Temperament

Ragdoll cats may come when called and can even learn to play fetch. This sweet but playful feline prefers to remain on the same level as her people, rather than perched atop a bookcase or shelf. She’s good with children, other cats, and dogs, making her the perfect family cat. 

How Long Does a Ragdoll Cat Live?

The ragdoll cat will typically live between 12 to 17 years. 

Colours

With point coloring similar to the Himalayan or Siamese breed, Ragdolls have light-coloured bodies with darker extremities. With a color palette ranging from seal to blue to chocolate to cinnamon and more, the combinations of colours and patterns are almost endless. Ragdolls also have distinct blue eyes.  

Characteristics of the Breed

Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. They have a large head in a softer wedge shape than the sharp angular face of the Siamese.  

With a long, soft coat, oval-shaped blue eyes and medium-sized ears with rounded tips, their appearance matches their docile personality. They have a solid neck with a large and long, yet solid body, supported by a sturdy bone structure.  

History

Ann Baker, a breeder in California, developed the breed in the early 1960s using free-roaming cats she found in her neighborhood. As time went on, she grew eccentric and other breeders distanced themselves to maintain the integrity of the breed.  

In 1993, the breed was registered with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), receiving full recognition in 2000. The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) also recognized the breed.  

Facts

• Ragdolls aren’t bred with any other breeds.  

• These felines get their name from the way they collapse limply into the arms of anyone holding them.  

• Ann Baker, the breeder credited with their origin, made outlandish claims about the Ragdoll, including influence from aliens, CIA experiments and infusions of human genes to give them their human-like, docile personality. 

Do Ragdoll Cats Shed?

Because Ragdoll Cats have little undercoat, they shed moderately throughout the year and more heavily in spring and fall. This also means less matting, but regular brushing is still necessary to keep the coat smooth, soft and free of tangles, mats and dead hair. If you’re gentle, your Ragdoll will adore the attention during grooming.  

Common Health Conditions

Although DNA tests exist to help breeders weed out certain health problems, some complications may still arise for a Ragdoll. She may develop bladder stones or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease. Ragdolls also have a predisposition for feline infectious peritonitis, and frequently develop allergies as well.  

Choosing the Best Food for Ragdoll Cats

Because of their large size, Ragdoll owners must provide their cats with a complete and balanced diet and plenty of playful exercise to maintain a healthy weight.  

Cat Food Options for your Ragdoll Cat: 

• Pro Plan Dry Cat Food 
• Purina One Adult Cat Food  
• Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food 

Supplementing with wet cat food can help provide hydration for her most active days.  

Choosing the Best Food for Ragdoll Kittens

Ragdoll kittens don’t reach full maturity until they’re 3 to 4 years of age, but they should transition to an adult food before then. Your veterinarian can advise you when to make this transition. A kitten food that meets her unique nutritional needs during development will help her grow healthy and strong.