Ragdoll cat is a breed of cat that’s relatively new and was created mainly from domesticated cats. Their name, Ragdoll cats, refers to their tendency to go limp and relaxed when they’re being picked up. They’re known to be affectionate, calm and good with other pets. Ragdoll cat breed is surely one of the most interesting cat breeds.
History
The breed was created in the 1960s by the breeder from California, Ann Baker. She bred a cat named Josephine, a domestic long-haired cat with a white coat that was roaming in her neighborhood, to other cats that she owned or found. Usually, the offspring of this specific female had exclusive, lovely temperament traits. By selecting females and males with style, personality and conditions, that the woman wanted in her reproduction program, she made a particular Ragdoll breed.
Ragdoll Cat Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Ragdolls are one of the biggest domesticated cats. Females are slightly smaller; adult female cats weigh around 8 to 15 pounds, while male cats 12 to 20 pounds or even more. It can take up to 4 years until a Ragdoll kitty reaches its mature size. They have quite a long, sturdy body, relatively short necks, broad chest and large paws.
Ragdolls’ Coat Color
Their coat color can come in a variety of colors, including chocolate, red, seal, lilac, blue or cream. Ragdolls do not have an undercoat, but a plush, silky coat with long hairs. Without a doubt, they are one of the most stunningly looking cat breeds, with their beautiful large eyes and fluffy body. A Ragdoll’s coat has pointed markings, which means that the body has lighter shades than some other parts of the body like face, tail, feet or ears. The gene responsible for their pointed markings is also responsible for their blue eyes, and every purebred Ragdoll cat has blue eyes.
Characteristic Markings
This breed can come in a variety of color patterns. Excluding the characteristic pointed pattern they may also be mitted (which is almost the same as pointed, with the difference being that they have white paws, abdomen and characteristic white stripe going from their chin to their genitals) and bicolor with white legs, abdomen and sometimes white patches on the back. Bicolor is also known as the „Van pattern”, and they have a unique inverted „v” on their face.
Ragdoll Cat Care, Maintenance and Grooming
Even though they have a long, beautiful coat, Ragdolls are not considered to be highly-maintenance cats. They require regular daily brushing to avoid tangles and knots with a special comb. They do not need to have their hair cut; during the shedding season, they will naturally get rid of it. Ragdolls are not as high maintenance as other breeds, however, they do need frequent attention and daily brushing, so it is important that their owner can provide that.
Baths
They do not require regular baths. They’re considered clean pets and since they do not mind spending their time indoors, it is not recommended to bathe them frequently. A bath once every couple of months with a special cat shampoo is what should be enough for a Ragdoll. It is important to take care of their ears and clean them regularly, as well as trimming their nails with a clipper. This will prevent them from accidental injuries and unclipped claws can pierce through the toe pad, so it is important to always keep them short.
Activity Level
Ragdolls, although they are naturally very playful, are not considered very active cats and can spend their days at home without going outside to get physical activity. However, since they’re naturally playful, it is important to provide them with scratching pads and toys to keep them occupied and entertained. Without the proper stimulation, they may become bored or destructive. They also can be trained to retrieve, and they do enjoy to play fetch, so it is one of the games you can play with your feline friend.
Diet
Diet is very important and since Ragdolls are considered calm and not very active, they do not require as much food as other, more active breeds. It is important not to overfeed them as this may lead to health problems. The exact amount of food per day depends on their age, sex, activity level and weight. If you have any doubts how much food you should feed your cat a day, it is best to consult a veterinarian about a specific diet for your individual cat.
Personality and Temperament
Ragdolls are considered social, calm and gentle. Sometimes they are referred to as ‘dog-like cats’ due to their habit of following people around, comforting them when they’re sad and being tolerant towards other pets. They are considered lap-cats, relaxed and affectionate. They also prefer to stay on the ground rather than explore the heights – even though they have a very playful nature. These furry creatured are known to be intelligent, and some individuals may be extremely docile, making them a great family pet.
Health
Although Ragdoll cats are considered to be relatively healthy, their lifespan is not as long as some other breeds, and they usually live 12 to 15 years. As every breed, they may be prone to developing some health issues. They include:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a condition in which the heart walls thickens. Blood will be pumped less effectively, and sometimes it can be fatal for cats.
- Bladder stones and other urinary health issues.
- Hairball: this condition is a result of a cat licking its fur, which leads to collecting a mass of hair in the cat’s stomach. Ragdolls are especially prone to that due to their long coat.
- Obesity and other conditions.
Health Care
It is important to go to a veterinarian for regular check-ups and start a treatment plan as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of further development of these conditions. Also, make sure to get your Ragdoll from a reputable breeder, whose priority is the cat’s health and well-being.
Owning a Ragdoll Cat Breed: For Whom?
Ragdolls are perfect for anyone who’s looking for a good companion that would be calm and affectionate. Ragdolls get along well with other pets and children, however, it is important to socialize them, as supervise the interaction of cats and children, especially babies. They were bred to be human companions, so they can develop separation anxiety. If you’re away from home for longer periods of time and there is no one else at home, this breed choice may not be right for you.
The Perfect Companion
If you are looking for a calm and loyal lap cat, this breed may be right for you. They are good with less active families and seniors. It is important that this cat should not be outside for longer times unsupervised; Ragdolls should stay at home, so it is vital to provide them with space they may need. Generally, Ragdolls make great family pets and are suitable for any household where they can get their shelter, space and company.
Ragdoll Kitten Price
The price for a Ragdoll kitten can vary depending on the breeder, bloodline, location and other factors. Ragdolls which are not bred for cat shows typically cost around $1000. Sometimes they can be purchased for $800 and some of them may cost over $1000. If you are interested in buying a show breed Ragdoll, expect to pay twice as much. Show breed or pedigreed Ragdolls are considered to be the closest physical ideal to the standard breed at a cat show. Cats which are suitable for this type of events are rarer and therefore more expensive, with the price being as high as $2000.
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