Ragdoll Breed Standards

Origin: California, United States

CFA                            Standard

FIFe                             Standard

TICA                           Standard

ACF                            Standard

ACFA/CAA                  Standard

GCCF                         Standard

NZCF                          Standard

A ragdoll’s coat is silky soft, and its morphology is large and weighty. The coat has a distinct color point pattern, and the eyes are blue. American breeder Ann Baker developed Ragdolls in the 1960s. Their docile, placid temperament and affectionate nature make them the perfect pet. This breed is prevalent in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ragdolls have pointed bodies (lighter than their faces, ears, legs, and tails), large blue eyes, thick, soft coats, thick limbs, long tails, and soft bodies. There is a tendency for their color rings to be tricolor or bicolor.

Ragdoll Breed overview

Personality: Friendly, easygoing, cuddly, social

Weight: UP to 20 pounds

Length: Up to 40 Inches

Coat Length: Long Hair

Coat Patterns: Color Point, Bicolor, Mitted, Van

Eye color: Blue

Life Span: Up to 17 years

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: California

Ragdoll Breed History

Ragdoll cat with bicolor markings

Breeder Ann Baker developed the breed in Riverside, California. A regular, non-pedigreed, white, domestic long-haired cat named Josephine produced several litters of typical kittens in 1963. Neither Josephine nor the males who sired the original litters were of any particular breed. Ragdolls were originally alley cats, according to Ann Baker. She later produced kittens with docile temperaments, affectionate natures, and a tendency to go limp when picked up.

Blackie, an all-black male, and Daddy Warbucks, a seal point with white feet, were born from those early litters. Through the mating of Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat, all Ragdolls are descended from Baker’s cats.

Ragdoll Breed Shedding

Since ragdolls do not have an undercoat, they shed less and produce less dander than heavier-coated breeds. Nevertheless, many people are allergic to the saliva of cats, and ragdolls produce these allergens, so they are not considered hypoallergenic.

Ragdoll Breeding Exercise

  Ragdoll cats are moderately energetic and social. Playing with wands or other interactive cat toys is a favorite activity for them. You shouldn’t just leave toys around for your cat; it’s best to get up and play together. This will help keep your cat’s weight down, avoid behavior concerns caused by boredom, and build family bonds. Use a puzzle feeder for their daily meals to keep them mentally stimulated.

Ragdoll Breed Appearance

As a result of a genetic mutation, purebred ragdoll kittens are born solid white. The coloration of their coats begins to develop around two months of age but takes about two years to develop fully. “Pointed bred” refers to a dog with a lighter and colored body than the points (face, ears, legs, tail).

Often compared to rabbit fur, the Ragdoll’s medium-length coat is silky-soft. Around the neck, their fur is longer and thicker, giving them the appearance of having a mane. The ears of these animals are relatively small and slightly rounded. These large cats are not overly muscular; rather, they are soft and quite flexible.

Ragdoll Breed Ragdoll Personality

“Astonishingly equable,” the Ragdoll is an agreeable, relaxed, affectionate cat to live with. A Ragdoll’s beautiful appearance and gentle, languid nature make them irresistible to owners.

Ragdoll Breed Outdoors or Indoors

In addition to having a secure outdoor cat space, the Ragdolls will be able to climb and play. Ragdolls prefer to avoid long, wet grass or nasty weather, so expect to be involved in their cat exercise since they are unlikely to do much on their own. Ragdolls are not suitable for free access to the outdoors, as they are too laid back to avoid danger and are sufficiently attractive that they are likely to be stolen.

Ragdoll Breed Care

Ragdoll cats are easy to care for, requiring little exercise and grooming. Keeping your ragdoll healthy and happy requires certain care routines.

Ragdoll Breed Grooming.

Ragdolls have a silky single coat (meaning there is no undercoat). It’s supposed to mat less than other medium-haired cat coats.  

This breed still benefits from brushing twice a week. Ragdolls also need their nails trimmed like all other cats. After a pedicure, your cat will probably want to sharpen their claws even more, so you should provide good scratching posts for them.

 Ragdoll Breed Suitability for Family Life

It will thrive in a home with people who are around most of the time, a home with other Ragdolls, and a home with older children who understand the needs of a cat.

Ragdoll Breed Fun Facts

Ragdoll cats have lovely blue eyes, just like purebred cats. In contrast, if your Ragdoll cat has different shades of green or yellow in their eyes, they may not be purebred.

Ragdoll cats have a personality that is similar to a very cuddly dog. You might even notice them waiting patiently for their owners to return or carrying their favorite toys around in their mouths. Furthermore, they love playing fetch. 

There are different types of Ragdoll cats when it comes to appearance, but you will be surprised to know that all Ragdolls are born white. Colors and patterns don’t appear until a week or two later. 

Some Ragdoll cats may even take longer than four years to mature, as they are slow-maturing cats.

Ragdoll Breed Diet and Nutrition

Consult your veterinarian about a diet appropriate for your ragdoll’s age and activity level. Moisture from wet or canned foods can help prevent urinary tract infections. You should ration your cat’s food and not leave it out all day. Food left out could lead to overeating and obesity, which can lead to diabetes in cats.

Ragdoll Breed Training and Behavior

The Ragdoll cat is friendly, affectionate, and has a cool temperament

It is not uncommon for Ragdolls to roll onto their backs and show you their belly when they are relaxed and trusting.

Ragdoll cats are the perfect balance of calm and playful. Playing with them each day is a great way to bond with them.

The way your cat communicates is by rubbing against your legs, walking around with their tail raised, and making eye contact.

Because Ragdoll cats are intelligent and respond well to treats and praise, they are relatively easy to train. Litter tray training usually goes well if introduced positively, and with patience, skill, time, and positive reinforcement, they can learn tricks and play fetch. When they are kittens, training should begin.

Ragdoll Breed Health Problems

Ragdolls, like many large breed cats, are susceptible to certain health conditions, including:

Respiratory tract disorder

The upper respiratory tract is just like the nose, nasal passages, windpipe, and lower respiratory tract (small airways, lungs). Ragdoll cats can suffer from cat flu, which affects the upper respiratory tract. It is an incurable viral disease, but vaccination can prevent it, and the symptoms can be managed. The lower airways (bronchi) and lungs of a Ragdoll can also become inflamed and sensitive due to allergies and irritants. Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms. Many respiratory tract disorders cannot be cured, but they can be managed with long-term medications such as tablets, injections, and even inhalers.

Weight issues

Please don’t feed your cat too much; Callries should be at least 10%. The importance of regular play for your cat’s weight management cannot be overstated. Chubby cats might look cute, but they are unhealthy.

Gastrointestinal Disorder

As with all cats, ragdolls can suffer from digestive problems. GI tracts are long, winding tubes that start at the mouth and end at the anus.

When a cat has gastroenteritis caused by an infection, it can vomit or have diarrhea. In most cases, full recovery can be achieved with prompt treatment, depending on the exact cause.

Bladder Stones

It can be very painful for cats, and the urine can contain blood. It is possible to prevent bladder stones and other urinary infections by encouraging your kitty to drink lots of fresh water and schedule regular checkups with their veterinarian. Other signs include vocalizing in the litter box or urinating outside the litter box.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

HCM is a heart disease that causes muscle thickening. Cats with HCM can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram only after they have developed the condition.

There is no cure for HCM once a cat develops it, but genetic testing can help breeders avoid breeding cats with the disease.  

Ragdoll Breed Mouth and Gum Disease

As with most breeds, Ragdolls may develop gum disease and dental problems during their lifetime. Inflammation of the tooth’s deep supporting structures causes gum disease. Bacteria and minerals along the gum line cause tartar to build up. A condition called gingivitis occurs when these factors undermine the gums.  Periodontal disease occurs when small spaces between the gums and teeth allow bacteria to grow, resulting in pockets of space for bacteria to grow. Infected gums can spread bacteria throughout the body and damage the liver and kidneys.

Kidney Disease

Waste products from the blood are filtered into the urine by the kidneys of cats. Ragdolls may suffer from kidney disease due to infections, blockages, tumors, or toxins, as well as age-related changes. Kidney disease starts when the kidney function gradually deteriorates over time. Usually, it involves flushing the kidneys with intravenous fluids, followed by special diets, and many cats can live quite normal lives afterward.

Where does the Ragdoll cat breed come from?

Ann Baker created the Ragdoll cat in the USA. She crossed a Persian cat with a Birman-type cat, and she was an experienced Persian cat breeder. Baker noticed the kittens had extremely gentle temperaments and continued breeding them. Ragdoll cats were the result.

Ragdoll cats are good for beginners, aren’t they?

A Ragdoll cat’s personality is easygoing and loving, and they will get along with less experienced owners.

Before getting a Ragdoll, what should I know?

As Ragdoll cats are large, prospective owners should be aware that they require more grooming than average-sized cats. Keep in mind that they are very attached to their owners, so they appreciate spending a lot of time with them.

How difficult is it to care for Ragdoll cats?

It is easy to care for Ragdolls; they need a little more exercise and affection than other breeds of cats.

Ragdoll kittens can sleep alone?

While Ragdoll kittens prefer to be with their owners most of the time, they can also sleep on their own. Almost anywhere is a good place to catch them napping, as long as it’s comfy and soft.

 Insurance considerations for ragdolls

It is possible for Ragdolls to suffer from certain health conditions and may need treatment. With Petplan cat insurance, you can rest assured that your cat is always protected.

Consultations in person and online

Diagnostic tests

Prescription Medicine

Surgery & specialized care

Hereditary Conditions

Behavioral Conditions

Congenital conditions

Dental Illness and Injury

Cancer treatment