Ragdoll Information

The Ragdoll is one of the largest domestic breeds of cats, with a rabbit fur like coat and a very sweet expression.

Founded in the mid 1960’s by Ann Baker, they were originally named for their ability to go limp when picked up. However, please do not believe all of the misleading hype that surrounds this beautiful breed. Ann Baker was a bit eccentric and some of the information that you may hear about the Ragdoll could be exaggerated. Ann also stated that Ragdolls do not shed and that they didn’t feel any pain, although a Ragdolls coat hardly mats and is minimal in shedding they do shed and like any other living and breathing thing they do feel pain.

Ragdolls are a slow maturing breed reaching full maturity at 4 years. Male Ragdolls weigh 15 – 20 lbs and females range from 10 – 15 lbs. Their coats are medium – long, with longer fur around their neck (ruff) and on the backs of their legs (britches). Although their fur tends not to mat, occasional grooming is recommended to keep the shedding down and to ensure that it does not snarl.

Striving to please their humans Ragdolls tend to use a soft voice. However, should you choose to ignore them they are very able to let you know that they are there! They love to be around their humans and you will often find them running to greet you at the door and following you from room to room. They are very gentle and carefully avoid scratching people. Not only are they good with children and the elderly they are good with other cats and dogs as well.

RAGDOLL COLORS AND PATTERNS

Ragdolls come in several different colors and patterns listed below.

Colors:
Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Lilac Point, Red Point, and Cream Point.

Patterns and descriptions:
• COLOR POINT - Point colored mask, ears, feet, nose, paw pads & tail. NO white at all.

• BICOLOR - Point colored ears, tail. White inverted “V” in Mask. Pink nose & paw pads.

• MITTED - Point Colored mask, ears & legs with white mittens on the front paws & white boots on the back. Chin, ruff & stomach are white.

• LYNX POINT - Overlays any of the above patterns. It shows as tabby markings on the face in what appears to be a “W”.

• TORTIE POINT - Overlays any of the above patterns. Color wise they will generally have red or cream mixed with the other colors.

Overall Appearance:
COAT - Plush and silky, medium long to long in length. Longest around the neck, tail, and britches.

HEAD – Strong chin, large oval blue eyes, with a short neck. The head it’s self is a broad equilateral triangle, with a rounded muzzle.

BODY – Long body and tail with heavier hindquarters and a “fatty pad” on their lower abdomen. The fur on the hind legs, “britches” is feathery and thick. Feet are large and rounded with tufts on the bottoms.

RAGDOLL MYTHS

There are several myths regarding the Ragdoll breed. Some of these myths were started by the founder of the breed, who was a bit eccentric. She said that Ragdolls were so limp that people would think they were dead, and that they felt no pain.

Although Ragdolls are a very relaxed and docile breed they do not “flop” all of the time. And they do feel pain.

Ragdolls DO shed. However they do not shed as much as other long haired breeds, and because of its texture is much easier to deal with. Weekly brushing will keep the shedding down to a minimum and prevent any knots that they may develop in the spring and fall shedding seasons.

Ragdolls are NOT hyper allergenic. As with any other animal know your allergies.