Ragdolls have the overall impression that of a large, powerful, imposing cats. They are distinctively marked and are striking in appearance. These cat breeds have large, long, powerful and muscular body. The bone structure is strong and substantial. Their head is broad modified wedge with slightly rounded contours. The medium sized ears are broad at base, slight forward tilt with rounded tips. Their large eyes are oval shaped, blue in colour and are moderately wide set. The tail is long, medium at base with slight taper. They have semi-long, silky coat with medium undercoat. Their coat lies with body and breaks as cat moves. Ragdolls may not reach full maturity until about three or four years of age.

Ragdolls are mild-mannered and extremely relaxed cats. Being laid back and having sweet personality is one of their nicest features. They are playful but are not overactive. These cats can adapt easily to their environment. They can be easily trained to fetch or walk on a lead. They are affectionate without being overly demanding. They are usually good with strangers and other animals. They get along well with children and adults, as well as other cats. They have soft, polite voices, even at dinnertime, even though they are renowned for their enthusiasm for food. They make a great pet for those people who want a lap-cat. They love being part of the family. Ragdolls make ideal indoor companions.

Coat colour

Ragdolls comes in four traditional pointed colours: seal, chocolate, blue and lilac. The recent additions have been red and cream.

Temperament

Ragdolls are not very active cats. They love to be with their owners all the time. They are not a highly energetic animal and are best suited to an indoor environment. They are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain - this is totally untrue.

Lifespan

Ragdolls live for about 10-12 years on average.

Pet grooming

Ragdolls require regular grooming to keep their striking coat in good condition. Although they are longhair cats, they need relatively low maintenance. Due to their non-matting fur a simple brush once a week is more than enough.

Country of origin

America: There are many rumours regarding the history of the Ragdoll cat. It is believed that the breed started in the 1960’s, and was begun by a lady named Ann Baker, a breeder of Persian’s. The mother of the first Ragdolls was a white Angora type cat known as Josephine. In about 1963, whilst pregnant, Josephine was involved in a car accident. This accident did not appear to harm any of the kittens. Ann Baker noticed that any kittens born after Josephine’s accident had unusual characteristics. Unlike their mother, they were extremely friendly, and appeared to have a remarkable tolerance for pain. They also had mat-free coats. Further, when picked up they became very relaxed and floppy — just like a ‘Ragdoll’, thus the name of the breed chosen by the founder. Baker believed the accident had affected the genetic make-up of Josephine, which accounted for the outstanding characteristics of her offspring.

In Bakers opinion, they represented a quirk of nature. Josephine was then mated to a black Persian and a Birman. Ann Baker kept two of Josephine’s female offspring, a bicolour and a black. It was from these few cats, and various others that the Ragdoll breed was developed.