In this article
The Ragdoll is a fairly young breed, large in size and famous for its calm. This profile draws on the CFA breed page and standard.
Origin
Ann Baker developed the breed in the 1960s in Riverside, California, from selected domestic longhairs. The foundation cat, Josephine, was a white domestic longhair carrying the colorpoint gene. The CFA accepted the breed for registration in 1993 and advanced it to championship in 2000. FIFe recognizes it in category 1.
Size and weight
| Trait | According to the CFA |
|---|---|
| Build | One of the larger breeds; broad chest, long muscular body, sturdy bone |
| Mature males | Can reach or exceed 20 pounds |
| Females | Usually smaller |
| Maturity | Slow: full color around 2 years, full size and weight around 4 |
The CFA page and the standard differ slightly here (the standard says about three years for full coat and color). Either way, Ragdolls take their time.
Coat, colors and patterns
The coat is semi-long and silky, mostly guard hair with little undercoat. Every Ragdoll carries the colorpoint gene, so the body is lighter than the ears, mask, legs and tail, and every Ragdoll has blue eyes. There are six point colors (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream) and four patterns:
- Colorpoint: points with no white.
- Mitted: white “mittens” on the paws.
- Bicolor: more white on the body and face.
- Van: white over most of the body.
Temperament
The CFA calls the Ragdoll docile, placid and affectionate: loving without being demanding, playful, sociable and trainable, with some learning to fetch or come when called. They are rarely aggressive and not very talkative, perhaps a soft mew of greeting.
Grooming and care
- Comb once or twice a week with a steel comb.
- Bathing: ask the breeder about products and technique.
- Portion control: the CFA notes Ragdolls love food and may be prone to obesity.
Health
The CFA considers the breed relatively healthy thanks to its diverse genetic background, but reports that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition, has been found in Ragdolls. Breeders now routinely test for it and work to remove carriers from breeding, so ask for the parents’ results.
Fast or labored breathing at rest, or tiring easily, should be checked by a vet promptly. This content is informational and does not replace a veterinary visit.
Who the breed suits
People who want a large, relaxed lap cat and are ready to manage its food from kittenhood. Compare breeds in the cat breeds guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do Ragdolls really go limp when you pick them up?
That is where the name comes from: the breed's founder said the foundation cat, Josephine, was so placid she went limp when held. The CFA notes this is not typical of today's Ragdolls. The standard describes a docile, relaxed cat, not an unresponsive one.
Do Ragdolls shed a lot?
The coat is semi-long but made up mainly of guard hairs with little undercoat. According to the CFA, that means less shedding and matting than you would expect from a longhaired cat. Combing once or twice a week is usually enough.
What colors and patterns do Ragdolls come in?
Every Ragdoll is pointed and blue-eyed. The CFA recognizes six point colors (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream) and four patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor and van. A cat without blue eyes or points does not fit the standard.
Are Ragdolls good with children?
The CFA describes the breed as rarely aggressive, sociable and good with children and other animals, provided introductions to existing pets are handled carefully. Small children should still be supervised with any cat.