Ragdolls are one of the most popular breeds of cats, and for a good reason – they are incredibly friendly and loving creatures. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Ragdolls, from their history to their personality traits.
We’ll also give you some advice on how to care for your Ragdoll cat. So read on to learn all about these amazing animals!
| Ragdoll Cat Breed | |
|---|---|
|
Height |
9 - 11 inches ( 22 - 28 cm) |
|
Weight |
10 - 20 pounds (4.5 - 9 kg) |
|
Life span |
15 - 20 years |
|
Temperament |
Sociable, affectionate |
|
Intelligence |
High |
|
Playfulness |
High |
|
Activity level |
Calm |
|
Coat length
|
Long |
|
Origin |
California, United States |
History of Ragdoll cat breed
The Ragdoll cat breed was created in California, USA. Ann Baker is thought to be the original breeder and creator of the Ragdoll breed.
The original breeders of these cats are unknown. Still, it is believed that they were originally bred in Riverside, CA, by a lady named Ann Baker. The name “Ragdoll” was given to the breed because they go limp like a doll’s body when picked up.
Ragdolls are recognized for being exceptionally loving and caring towards their owners, to the point that you may have even heard people rave about these pets being “dog-like.”
Their great obedience is because Ragdolls have a genetic mutation that makes them more sensitive to certain hormones.
The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Ragdoll cat breed in 1967 and by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1976.
Personality traits of Ragdoll cat breed
As we mentioned before, Ragdolls are known for being especially loving and affectionate cats. They love to be around people and will often follow their owners around the house, wanting to be close by at all times.
Ragdolls also love to cuddle and will do so whenever you show them affection, which is another trait that people love.
They are extremely playful and gentle cats who get along well with children, dogs.
One of the only drawbacks to owning a Ragdoll cat is that they can be quite lazy and tend to sleep for a lot of the day. But this is definitely something you can’t blame them for, as they are just following their natural instincts!
How to identify a ragdoll cat breed
They have very soft fur, which feels like velvet to the touch. Ragdoll cats also have an M-shaped white patch on their forehead and distinct blue eyes. Ragdolls come in various colors, including seal, chocolate, flame, tortie, and lynx point.
Physical characteristics
Ragdoll cats have a docile, laidback personality that’s hard not to love. They’re typically around 10-20 pounds at full maturity and live into their mid-teens. Ragdolls’ coats come in two variations: plush and velour.
Plush coats are dense with a thick undercoat, while the hair on velours is silky and completely straight. Both types of coats allow Ragdolls to be hypoallergenic and non-matting. They need sporadic grooming to keep their coat clean and free of mats. Ragdolls’ coats come in various colors, including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, and cream.
Ragdoll cats have very pleasant temperaments. They are incredibly friendly and extremely laidback. These docile cats tend to form strong bonds with their owners, which means they need a very little introduction when meeting new people or pets. They are very caring and protective as well as loyal to their owners. Ragdolls like to socialize with humans and other cats and dogs, making them popular pets because of their ‘dog-like’ personality; they even enjoy swimming!
Ragdolls make excellent pets for families and older couples. Still, they won’t do well in a home with very young children because of their delicate nature. They’re also not recommended for people out at work all day, as they can become lonely and destructive without human interaction.
How big does a ragdoll cat get?
Ragdolls are a medium-sized cat breed, and the size of a fully grown Ragdoll can vary from 7 – 20 pounds. Generally, larger ragdoll cats seem to be females.
The males in this breed are typically lighter than girls, though. The average weight range for unaltered male ragdolls is 10 – 14 pounds. Females tend to be heavier and range from 12 – 16 pounds.
Some reports of male ragdolls hitting 20 pounds. However, these are rare cases. The heaviest I’ve seen is a male that was 22 lbs (he had been overfed by his previous owner).
How active is a ragdoll cat?
Ragdolls are generally pretty inactive cats. They enjoy lounging around as much as the next cat, but Ragdolls will usually insist on sleeping for most of the day.
Ragdolls cats also enjoy climbing and lounging on cat trees. The best height for a cat tree is around 6 feet tall, but make sure to get one with multiple levels.
Health
Ragdolls are known for their laidback personality and gentle nature. They come in two different coat types: plush and velour. Both are low-maintenance coats that only need to be groomed every few weeks.
Ragdolls are a healthy breed and typically live into their mid-teens. However, they can be prone to some health problems, including:
– hip dysplasia (a genetic disorder that affects the hip joint)
– feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an inherited heart disease)
– progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative eye disease)
– patellar luxation (a condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place)
– urinary tract problems
If you’re considering getting a Ragdoll cat, be sure to ask your breeder about the health of their parents and grandparents.
How long does a ragdoll cat live?
Ragdolls typically have a lifespan of around 15-17 years. Some Ragdolls have lived up to 20 years, but this is the exception and not the norm.
When it comes to cat lifespan, there are many things you can do to help your cat live a long and healthy life. Ensure your cat has a healthy diet and plenty of freshwaters, provide a litter box, keep it clean, and schedule regular vet check-ups.
Grooming
The Ragdoll cat breed is clean, with minimal grooming requirements. However, they need to be groomed every few weeks to ensure that the coats stay healthy, are free of mats, and look lovely. Like many other breeds of cats, Ragdolls come in two coat types: plush and velour. These coats differ in appearance and require different grooming techniques.
Ragdolls have thick hair separated into locks by a thin layer of downy undercoat. This means that the coat needs to be groomed regularly and routinely brushed or combed through. The plush coat requires an extra level of maintenance because it tends to mat if not groomed often enough. This coat type sheds more than the velour coat, so it’s important to keep on top of the brushing schedule.
Velour coats are straight and silky, with very little hair loss. They don’t need to be groomed as often as plush coats but should still be brushed every few weeks to remove any dead hair. Brushing will also help distribute the natural oils through the coat, which will keep it healthy and shining.
Ragdolls can be bathed when necessary, but it’s not a regular grooming procedure. If your cat starts to smell a bit funky, a bath with some gentle cat shampoo should do the trick. Also, towel dries your cat and gives them a good brush to finish the grooming routine.
How to care for your Ragdoll cat?
If you’re thinking of getting a Ragdoll cat, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, this breed needs daily care and attention (which they will repay you for tenfold!). They require lots of cuddles and playtime with their owners, so if you’re looking for an independent pet that can be left alone most of the time, then this isn’t the breed for you.
Ragdolls are pretty low maintenance in terms of diet and will be happy with a good quality dry food supplemented with wet food once or twice a day. They do enjoy treats, but these should be kept to a minimum as they can be quite fattening.
As we mentioned before, Ragdolls love to sleep and will spend most of their time doing so (although while they’re awake, they love to be active!)
While Ragdolls are pretty low-maintenance pets, they still need lots of care and attention. Also, you will want to make sure that there is always someone at home with your cat during the day as they can’t be left alone for long periods.
If you can provide all of the love and attention that a Ragdoll needs, then this is definitely one of the best cat breeds around! They are incredibly loving, affectionate, and playful cats who will make a great addition to any family.
For how long can you leave a ragdoll cat alone?
Ragdolls are low-maintenance cats and can be left alone for 8 hours. However, it is not recommended to leave them alone for more than this time.
They may become bored and lonely, leading to them developing behavior problems. If you have to leave your ragdoll cat for longer periods, make sure to have a friend or family member come and check in on them regularly.
Also, make sure to provide them with plenty of toys and scratching posts to keep them occupied while you’re away.
Cost of Ragdoll cats
After this article and getting interesting in this amazing fluffy breed, I am sure you ask yourself, “how much does a ragdoll cat cost?” Depending on the breeder, a purebred Ragdoll can cost anywhere from $1000 to $2000. If you’re looking for a Ragdoll kitten, be prepared to pay a higher price as they are in high demand.
Checking a local shelter is another great way to find the perfect Ragdoll cat (and rescue a cat). Another way is to check local pet stores. The cost of these cats will be significantly less than they would be if bought from a breeder or imported from Europe or Australia.
Frequently asked questions about Ragdoll cats
Why is my ragdoll cat so small?
Ragdolls are a naturally small breed of cat and typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. Some cats may be smaller or larger, but they will always remain a smaller breed.
Do Ragdolls get along with dogs?
Ragdolls are known to do well with other pets, particularly if introduced when they are young. Older cats may have a harder time adapting to having dogs or other pets in the household.
How many kittens can a ragdoll cat have?
Ragdolls can have litters of 2-6 kittens, but the average litter size is 3-4 kittens. Kittens are typically weaned at around 8 weeks old and ready to go to their new homes at around 12 weeks old.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about the Ragdoll cat breed. Now that you know all about them, are you ready to add one of these amazing cats to your family? We thought so! Thanks for reading.
