Ragdoll Cats

What is known about the Ragdoll breed is that they were first bred in the United States in the early 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder in Riverside, California. Ms. Baker created the breed by breeding a white female Persian to a male Birman. A female Burmese cat was added to the mix and this combination became known as the Ragdoll. In 1971, Ms. Baker founded the International Ragdoll Cat Asociation (IRCA) which is still active today. IRCA Ragdolls are not accepted in any association (except IRCA).

The Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI) was formed to promote the breed and set specific guidelines for Ragdoll breeders. RFCI Ragdolls are bred Ragdoll to Ragdoll only, with no outcrossing to any other breeds. They have specific breed standards, to which the breeders must adhere. RFCI Ragdolls are now accepted for registration in all cat registering associations.

Ragdolls are slow to mature physically obtaining full maturity between 3 and 4 years of age. Altered adult males may reach 15 to 20 pounds, females will weigh about 5 pounds less. The Ragdoll's fur is rabbit-like, medium long with little shedding. The Ragdoll requires little or no routine grooming. All Ragdolls have beautiful large, oval blue eyes.

The name "Ragdoll" came about because of what appeared to be the cat’s unique ability to relax like a child's toy raggedy. Ragdolls are quiet, playful, placid, relaxed and very loving. They make a wonderful house or apartment cat. Becuase they posses a non-aggressive instinct, a Ragdoll should never be left outside unattended. However, they can be easily leash trained so that they can go for walks with you outside. Ragdolls are docile, large and affectionate and respond well to children and other pets. In general, Ragdolls are not extremely vocal, but they do voice their opinions concerning certain things (such as at mealtime!). The Ragdoll breed appears in many different colors and patterns. The colors are Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Flame, Cream, and Tortie. There are four different patterns : Pointed, Mitted, Bicolor, and Lynx.

Mitted Ragdolls have dark points that end where white mittens and boots begin. Bicolors have dark tails and ears, and masked faces interrupted by an inverted "V" of white between the eyes; they have a white ruff, stomach, legs, and feet. Colorpoints have dark extremities contrasting with lighter bodies and no white markings. Coats do not achieve full color until the cat is about two years old.