KING RAGDOLLS CATTERY
About Ragdolls
The Ragdoll is a large, affectionate, semi-longhaired cat with captivating blue eyes. One of the largest breeds in the cat fancy, the Ragdoll gets along well with children and other pets, including dogs, often living up to its name as it gets carried around the house in a child’s arms. These sturdy cats have no extreme features and blend easily into the busy modern household. Find out more about this breed and if the Ragdoll is right for you and your family.
The Ragdoll is a relaxed, happy cat and, like a child’s ragdoll, many of these cats will go limp in your arms and flop like a stuffed doll when cuddled. Generally, the Ragdoll is a loving, quiet cat with a laidback disposition. If you are looking for a very active cat or talkative cat, a Ragdoll probably is not the breed for your family. However, kittens and young adults can be very rambunctious, and most Ragdolls are always willing for some level of play. Ragdolls are generally known for their tolerant attitudes with other animals, as well as with children. Often compared to dogs due to their friendliness and intelligence, they can be taught to play fetch.
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Temperament:
Affectionate and often described as "puppy-like" in demeanor. Ragdolls are generally easy-going and calm, but they do love to play. Balls, catnip toys, and cat trees or other good scratching and resting areas are mandatory. Feather wands and other interactive toys are great for playing, exercise, and bonding time with the family. It is important to make sure your adult Ragdoll gets plenty of interactive playtime to help avoid excess weight gain. It is normal for them to have a thin layer of fat around their lower abdomen, but too much could indicate obesity. The best place to check for optimal weight and condition are along the spine and ribcage. Ask your veterinarian how to determine optimal body condition.
Size and Standard:
Adult Males: 15-20lbs Adult Females: 10-15lbs
The Ragdoll is a semi-long haired, blue eyed pointed cat with a sweet personality. The Ragdoll grows large and heavy but is slow to mature and may not reach full weight and size for four years. Full color is not reached until three years old. The Ragdoll is muscular with little fat except on the lower abdomen fatty pad.
Colors/Patterns:
Ragdolls are a blue-eyed, pointed (darker face, legs, tail, and ears) cat. Ragdolls are lighter color on the body with definite contrast between body and point color. Ragdoll colors may be seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, cinnamon, or fawn. They may be tortie and may have lynx stripes (tabby markings). There are three possible patterns:
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Colorpoint: Dark points with no white, lighter color on the body with definite contrast between body and point color.
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Mitted: Pointed with white paws (“mitts”) on the front feet, white “boots” on the hind feet, white chin & white belly stripe.
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Bicolor: White chest, legs, stomach & ruff, with white inverted V on the face.
Life Expectancy
Many Ragdolls live to their mid- or high teens, however life expectancy varies on factors such as genetics and care.
History:
Ann Baker of Riverside, California developed the Ragdoll breed in the early 1960s. A pure white longhaired cat named Josephine is believed to be the matriarch of the breed along with a seal mitted male named Daddy Warbucks and a solid black cat named Blackie. Daddy Warbucks was bred to a daughter of Josephine named Buckwheat and her half-sister, Fugianna. These cats are the foundation of the Ragdoll breed. Ann insisted Josephine's genes were altered at a nearby medical center where she was taken after being hit by a car. Litters born after her return from the hospital had the limp, loving personalities Ragdolls are known for, unlike her "normal" kittens born prior to her hospitalization. Baker's breeding program consisted of a handful of breeders contracted as franchises under her. As time went on, Baker became more eccentric and breeders broke away from her so they could continue to develop the highly affectionate and consistently patterned cats. Denny & Laura Dayton were among the breeders who distanced themselves from Baker and went on to play a major role in making the Ragdoll into a legitimate breed recognized by all the major registries.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”