Our Breed
History
The first Ragdoll cat was introduced by a Californian Persian cat breeder, Ann Baker in the 1960’s. She first bred a female Persian cat to a Seal Point Berman and one of their progenies was matched with a female Burmese which led to the creation of Ragdoll cats.
The Ragdoll was registered only under the International Ragdoll Cat Association and Ann Baker who laid very strict rules for the people who wanted to breed this cat species.
In 1975, a couple, Laura and Danny Dayton, bought a pair of Ragdoll cats from Baker and bred them to develop the standard Ragdoll breed accepted today.
They wanted to popularize the Ragdoll cat breed and hence, started an association known as the Ragdoll Fancier’s Club International and also laid several rules and procedures for breeding this cat species.
Today the Ragdoll cat is recognized by most cat breeding associations.
Ragdoll character
This friendly cat carries a calm and pleasing expression. It is different from other cats and is said to have a personality similar to that of dogs, as they are believed to be loyal and caring towards their owners.
The reason that Ragdoll got its name is because it tends to relax when someone picks it up.
They socialize very easily with strangers and love to be in the company of children. It is better to keep them indoors as they cannot protect themselves from other cats and animal because of their mild nature.
The original Ragdolls were “marketed” on the fact that they were large, had non-shedding, non-matting coats, went limp in your arms when picked up, just like a child’s doll (which is where they earned their name), and did not react to dangerous situations or feel pain.
As far as I am concerned, all of the above needs to be taken with a grain of salt. After all, a cat is a cat!
The last two items of the description are perhaps the greatest fallacy.
They DO feel pain and they DO react when attacked.
However, they are the most placid, easy-going creatures I’ve ever met.
They are trusting, “happy”, and to some extent, naive towards the threats of life.
They are non-aggressive and don’t usually use their claws when playing.
A cat tree IS necessary though, as they must use “something” to sharpen them. Trainable, very sociable and people oriented, they like being with their family without being too invasive.
Although they love to cuddle and stay on your lap while watching a good movie, I know few who will enjoy being chucked around for long periods of time.
Ragdolls are moderately active, but are somewhat clumsy – so don’t expect them to keep the rodent population under control.
They are likely to watch the mouse go by or make a bleak attempt at galloping behind and wondering where it went!
You will probably not have to worry too much about them climbing to the top of your fridge or cupboards, but may need a little training to keep them off the table and counter-tops where they are likely to go sniffing for goodies to eat.
Ragdolls are chunky cats, with altered males weighing around 6 to 9 kilos when they reach maturity at 3 to 4 years old, females being about 4-5 kilos.
Health Issues
Ragdoll cats are generally healthy animals and have an average life span of 15-20 years. These cats are not reported to have any genetic disorders or any specific ailment.
However it is better to keep them in the secure environment of a home, as it may become a victim of other animals, road accidents or may catch an infection when outside.
One should also avoid over-feeding the cat, as it may affect the health of the Ragdoll, giving rise to arthritis, liver diseases, heart diseases, diabetes etc.
Sterilizing the Ragdoll cat will protect it from developing any type of cancer. Taking your pet to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations will ensure its well-being.
General standard
The Ragdoll is a firm, large cat with a medium strongly boned muscular body. The head has a medium size broad modified wedge with the appearance of a flat plane between the ears.
The nose should show a slight curve in the upper third. Cheeks well developed, tapering to a rounded well developed, medium long muzzle and well developed chin.
The ears are medium size, broad at the base, with rounded tips. Set wide on the skull with a slight tilt forward. The Ragdoll is characterized by big blue eyes which are oval in shape.
They are bestowed with a semi-long overcoat which is soft.
Colors
Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream along with the tortoiseshell and lynx (or tabby) variations.
Pattern
Colorpoint: Point colored mask, ears, feet, nose, paw, pads and tail.
The same pattern as the Siamese cat. A colorpoint has no white.
Mitted: Point colored masked, ears and legs with white mittens on the front feet and white boots on the back legs.
They also have a dominant white chin, chest and underbody.
Bicolor: Point colored ears and tail. White inverted “V” extending downwards covering the nose, whisker pads and chin.
The legs and complete underbody are white and there is often an asymmetrical area of white on the shoulders or back.