The name "Ragdoll"

The Ragdoll is an American cat breed with a medium-length, silky, rabbit-like coat. It is best known for its docile and placid temperament and affectionate nature. Ragdolls have a sturdy body with a large frame, proportionate legs, and a soft coat with Siamese-style points. Adult cats can be 15-20 lbs without being considered obese, and a fatty pad under the abdomen is typical.

Ragdolls were first created in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder in California. The name "Ragdoll" is derived from Baker's belief that her cat Josephine was genetically manipulated during treatment at the local university, after she was run over by a car, resulting in future Ragdolls being relaxed when picked up, and unable to feel pain. Today, scientists reject this theory as Ragdoll experiences pain in the same way as any other breed of cat.

Size and Weight

The Ragdoll is a large sized cat breed. Males average between 15-20 pounds. Females are smaller and weigh 10-15 pounds on average. Ragdolls are slow maturing breeds; reaching full coat color at two years of age and full size and weight at four years.

Temperament

The Ragdoll cat typically has a very gentle and relaxed temperament. When socialized from birth they are attentive and affectionate members of the family that enjoy and seek out human companionship. Ragdoll cats remain playful throughout their lives, adjust well to children and pets and are sometimes called "puppy-cats" because of their propensity to follow their owners from room to room and meet them at the door. Ragdoll cats are demurely vocal, careful with their claws and teeth when in play, plus forgiving of accidental mistreatment. Because of their non-defensive nature, a Ragdoll should never be allowed outdoors unattended.

Grooming

Ragdolls require light grooming and great nutrition to give them an overall fluffy and healthy appearance. Ragdolls shed minimally. Their coats are easier to manage than many other long-haired breeds with just weekly combing to remove loose hairs and prevent mats. Bathing is rarely needed but well-tolerated, as are nail-clippings and vet visits. Ragdoll cats kept in a fairly constant temperature do not develop a huge winter coat and thus do not have as much problem with matting as Persians or Himalayans. Occasionally combing armpits and britches will help prevent large matts from forming, especially in winter, when conditions of dry air and static are common. Ragdolls have a low-maintenance coat.

Varieties

Ragdolls come in 6 different colors - seal, chocolate, flame, and "dilutes" blue, lilac and cream. There are three different patterns: Pointed (nose, ears, tail and paws in the specific colors & no white), Mitted - white paws, chin and tummy, with or without a blaze (a white line on the face), and Bicolor—white tall socks, white inverted 'V' on the face, white tummy and often white patches on the back. Variations include a three-color "tortie-point" (mottled seal or blue with red present) and lynx (striped pattern on tail, face and points) which can be found in all 3 patterns.