Ragdoll: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

History of the Ragdoll

Ragdolls cats were created by Ann Baker in California during the 1960s. She aimed to breed a pretty cat with a friendly nature. The first ragdoll came from breeding her white, long-haired cat Josephine with other cats.

After several breeding attempts, Baker successfully created the first ragdolls. People loved these cats for their easy-to-care-for fur, big size, and friendly nature.

The Cat Fanciers Association started officially recognizing ragdolls in 1993. Since then, ragdolls have remained one of the most loved cat breeds in their registry.

Ragdoll Care

Ragdoll cats are easy to look after. They need the same amount of exercise and grooming as most other cats. Like any pet, they need regular care to stay happy and healthy.

Grooming

Ragdolls have soft, single-layered fur that doesn’t tangle as easily as other medium-haired cats. Still, brush them twice a week to prevent knots. Like all cats, they need their nails trimmed regularly. After a nail trim, your cat will want to scratch more than usual, so make sure they have scratching posts.

Shedding

Ragdolls shed less fur and produce less dander than cats with thicker coats because they lack an undercoat. But they still make people sneeze because their saliva and skin produce allergens, so they’re not allergy-friendly cats.

Exercise

Ragdolls are friendly cats with average energy levels. They love playing with toys, especially when you join in with wand toys or other interactive games. Playing together is better than leaving toys out alone – it helps your cat stay fit, prevents boredom-related problems, and strengthens your relationship. Feed them using puzzle bowls to keep their minds active.

Common Health Problems

Like many large breed cats, ragdolls are prone to some health conditions, including:

• Weight issues: Measure your cat’s food portions carefully to avoid overfeeding, and keep treats to less than 10% of their daily food. Regular playtime helps control weight. While chubby cats look cute, excess weight is bad for their health.
• Bladder stones: Urinary problems can cause pain and bloody urine in cats. Watch for signs like crying while using the litter box, trouble peeing, or peeing outside the box. To prevent these issues, make sure your cat drinks plenty of water and gets regular vet checkups.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: HCM is a heart condition that makes heart muscles too thick. Doctors can only find it with a heart scan after cats already have it. While genetic tests help prevent breeding cats with HCM, the risk always exists, and once a cat has it, it can’t be cured.

Appearance

Ragdoll kittens are born completely white. Their colors and patterns start showing up when they’re about two months old, but it takes two years for their final colors to fully appear. Like other pointed cats, ragdolls have lighter-colored bodies with darker faces, ears, legs, and tails.

Their soft, medium-length fur feels like rabbit fur. They have extra fur around their neck that looks like a mane. Their ears are small and a bit rounded. Though ragdolls are big cats, they’re not muscular – instead, they’re soft and very bendy.

Diet and Nutrition

Talk to your vet about the best food for your ragdoll cat based on their age and how active they are. Wet food is good because it contains water, which helps prevent bladder problems. Don’t let your cat eat whenever they want by leaving food in their bowl all day. Instead, give them set portions at meal times. This helps prevent your cat from eating too much and becoming overweight, which can lead to diabetes.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Ragdoll

Before buying a Ragdoll cat, spend time learning about both the breeder and the cat breed. Breeders can give you helpful information about Ragdolls and help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle. The Cat Fanciers Association website can help you find trusted breeders. Buying from a breeder typically costs between $400 and $2,500.

If you’d rather adopt, look at local animal shelters – you might find a Ragdoll there. You can also check Ragdoll Rescue USA/International for available cats.

Breed Overview

If you want a gentle, loving cat that loves to cuddle, a ragdoll is perfect for your home. Ragdolls are friendly with people of all ages and other pets. They like to play but are just as happy relaxing and snuggling. These beautiful cats have great personalities, making them an ideal pet.

Pros of Ragdoll Cats

• Social, outgoing, and great for families
• Affectionate and cuddly
• Playful but not high energy

Cons of Ragdoll Cats

• Not hypoallergenic
• Prone to urinary and heart issues
• Purebred ragdolls are expensive to buy

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds to the ragdoll, check out:

• Siberian
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Birman