The Ragdoll Cat
The Ragdoll cat is well know for it's semi-long, soft, dense, silk like coat that is of easy maintenance, stunning blue eyes and the beautiful nature that it possesses. It is a wonderful companion for young and old alike as it truly is a gentle trusting breed with a sweet and humble disposition.
The Ragdoll originates back to a cat by the name of Josephine that was owned by Anne Baker in California in the 60's. It is said that the Ragdoll descended from Josephine, a white Angora, a Birman type mitted male and a black type Burmese. Josephine was expecting a litter of kittens when she was involved in a car accident. Surviving the accident she went on to have her kittens which remarkably when picked up, seemed to go limp and floppy, unlike any other litter of kittens that Josephine had previously. Anne Baker decided to breed these cats of such beautiful temperament that became known as the Ragdoll, due to their limp and floppy disposition when held, much like a child's ragdoll toy.
The Ragdoll's head is of a semi wedge shape with ear placement wide on the head. Their eye colour ranges from a light to a very deep blue and their tail medium to long and bushy. Ragdolls are noticeably a large cat that is elegant and sturdy and that should be of strong boning, and body well balanced. Average weights are around 4-5kg (females) and 5-8kg (males) in the Ragdoll cat that matures between the ages of three to four years. This makes these gentle giants very huggable, right down to their little belly flap which is a fold of fat on the tummy which they show off while laying on their backs affectionately requesting a tummy tickle.
The rainbow of colours and patterns in these magnificent cats are: Seal, Blue, Chocolate and Lilac and presently Cream, Red and Tortie point Ragdolls are being developed in various countries around the world including Australia. Currently the Seal and Blue colours are the only two readily available colours in Australia.
The coat patterns of the Ragdolls are: Pointed, Mitted, Bicolour and Lynx and are bred in the colours above. Maintenance of the Ragdoll's coat is minimal as it is of a non-matting nature requiring a weekly brush or comb to maintain a lustrous healthy coat. This is a soft silky textured coat that is longer and thicker in the winter and shorter in the summer months.
The voice of the Ragdoll is quiet and soft sounding almost like a musical note and is very indicative of their needs. Often soft short meows will be heard in response to things you are telling them, almost as if they are having a conversation with you or agreeing with what you are saying.
Unfortunately for the Ragdoll a myth has developed that they do not feel pain, do not cause allergies to those allergic to cats, cannot defend themselves and do not possess normal cat instincts such as hunting. The myth is simply untrue. However, these gentle loving cats are very trusting , good natured and simply a wonderful breed that has converted many hearts into dedicated Ragdoll fans.
Ragdoll breeders worldwide unite as they strive to maintain a breed of excellence which is of true type and temperament for which this leading worldwide documented breed is renown for.
This gentle, laid back, affectionate and stunning breed, the Ragdoll, will win your hearts and provide many hours of love cuddles, joy and happiness and has come to be known to pet lovers and breeders alike as almost addictive. Here are some happy shots of these beautiful cats courtesy of Ragajac Ragdoll Cattery.
Seal Bi-Colour Ragdoll
Seal Mitted Ragdoll
Blue Colourpoint Ragdoll
Seal Colour Point Ragdoll
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