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Ragdoll Cats
Breed Rating (2 Reviews)
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History
The Ragdoll breed was created in California in the early 1960s. Breeder Ann Baker owned a female white longhaired cat named Josephine, considered the matriarch of the entire breed.
A solid black cat called Daddy Warbucks was mated with one of Josephine’s kittens, Buckwheat, and her half sister Fugiana. The resulting litters form the foundation of the Ragdoll breed.
Drama intervened when Josephine was hit by a car and taken to a medical centre. There, according to Ann Baker, something incredible happened. It is Baker's firm belief that Josephine’s genes were altered through these events - a phenomenon known as epigenetics - because every subsequent litter the cat had displayed the soppy, floppy Ragdoll temperament famous today.
Ann too very firm control of her breeding programs. She co-opted a number of breeders who were contracted as part of her franchise. As time went on they found it increasingly difficult to work with Baker, and some began to develop the breed by themselves. Denny and Laura Dayton, for example, had originally worked with Baker but then distanced themselves from her, although they went on to play a key part in fully establishing the Ragdoll as a breed.
Behaviour
The Ragdoll is famed for its docile and lap loving temperament. It is as 'floppy as a ragdoll', and that's how it came by that name. Owners have reported that their cats are blissfully happy when the attention is on them. This includes cuddling them, giving them a lap to curl up in, or dressing them up (not something we recommend - they are sentient beings, not toys!)
Varieties
Ragdolls come in six different colors: red, seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, and cream. They can also come in four different patterns: lynx (similar to tabby), mitted, bicolor and pointed.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Place of Origin: USA
- Rough date of Origin: 1960s
- Hair length: Longhair
- Activity Level: Low
- Vocalness: Low
- Child friendly: Good with children
- Intelligence:
- Playfullness: Relaxed
- Grooming Requirements: Everyday
- Weight: 4.5 - 9.0kg
- Size: Large
- House Cat or Outdoor Cat: House Cat
- Pet Compatibility:
- Social Needs:
More to love
Ragdoll Pictures
Latest Reviews For Ragdoll (2 of 2)
Great breed - Aileen,
I simply adore this breed it's perfect for children, and has a floppy personality. It's also very pretty and has a great personality. I hope you think about this great breed soon!
Artimis our beautiful Ragdoll - Heather,
He is now 4yrs old he is a house cat and adorable but he hates strangers and hides He has a loving affectionate nature and loves you fussing over him which is great as his fur is so soft He is very playful and when he runs he looks like prancer the way his legs move He is still a baby at heart never scratching or biting us so an ideal pet with children