Ragdoll Cat 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know

Ideal for first time pet parents, Ragdoll cats are beautiful and wonderful companions. They enjoy a good play session and are curious by nature. With big blue eyes and the loudest purr that you would have ever heard, they are sure to melt your heart. Their social nature makes them fit perfectly in households where people enjoy the company of their family or friends - these cats do not shy away from people, rather they enjoy the attention they get. All you have to do is prepare your lap for some extra cuddling and petting every day and your Ragdoll cat will be happy.

The Story

The Ragdoll cat is primarily a man made breed, which was developed in the early 1960s by Anne Baker, who was a reputed cat breeder of that time. The cats she used to produce the foundation Ragdolls were an Angora type cat and a solid black cat.

The year 1981 saw the import of the Ragdoll cats to the United Kingdom. The main idea behind creating such a breed of cat was to have a cat that was loving yet very laidback, relaxed - all of which made them an ideal family companion.

The Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) registered the Ragdoll cat for the first time in the year 1993. For a long period of time, these cats were the most popular cat breeds that was registered by the CFA.

What’s a Ragdoll Cat Breed Like?

Temperament

The term used to describe the Ragdoll cat is ‘astonishingly equable’. This breed is known for their laidback nature. They are extremely affectionate and relaxed which makes them wonderful house pets. Owing to their wonderful nature and easy to go temperament, pet parents always end up having more than one of this breed.

Curious by nature and inclined to be with the people they love, Ragdoll cats enjoy human company. When they are in the mood to show you the love they have for you or want to be petted, they may even come and sit on your lap or your laptop! Strenuous, physical activities do not appeal too much to them.

If its a soft, docile cat you want to bring home, then a Ragdoll cat would make the perfect family member. Moderately energetic and social by nature, Ragdolls enjoy a good play time session. The more you play with them the less bored they will be and will avoid indulging in destructive behaviours.

Features

A large, impressive, medium coat cat that appears striking at the first look, the Ragdoll cat is beautiful and also social. They enjoy their favourite human’s company and like to sit in their lap ready to be petted. Underneath the dense coat, there lies a muscular cat that is moderately energetic. This cat has a characteristic broad chest and short neck along with sturdy legs. The bushy long tail adds class to the entire look of the Ragdoll.

If you wish to train your Ragdoll, then you need to provide them with lots of positive reinforcement which helps them learn fast. The Ragdoll gets along well with both adults and kids. With their docile and sweet nature, you may even find your Ragdoll greeting you at the door when you come home! They may even learn to come when called.

However, dont presume your Ragdoll to be inactive. They like playing and you can keep them involved by buying the right kind of interactive toys. Easy to live with, the Ragdoll cat is a great house pet.

Colours

Red, Blue, Lilac, Chocolate and Cream

Grooming 

With a silky single coat the Ragdoll cat needs to get their hair brushed twice a week. This helps in preventing matting and shedding of hair all over the house. Although their coat is much less prone to matting as other cat breeds, but brushing the hair regularly is of great help. It also helps prevent tangles that can be quite painful.

Did you know that Ragdolls do not have an undercoat? Yes! It is due to this that this cat breed sheds much less as compared to cats with thick coats. While grooming, always check for poop stuck at the end of the tail and clean it.

A proper grooming routine for the Ragdoll cat would include trimming of nails, bathing, and blow drying. Since cats like to sharpen their nails, make sure that you provide them with lots of right scratch posts.

Overall Health

All pets are prone to certain health conditions just like us humans. The Ragdoll cat too may suffer from the following illnesses:

• A high risk for calcium oxalate bladder stones
• An inherited heart disease which is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A DNA-based test will be helpful in understanding if your cat has this.
• Feline infectious peritonitis.

It is important to take your Ragdoll for regular vet check ups and be up to date with their core vaccinations.

When to Visit the Vet?

It is recommended that you take your Ragdoll cat to the vet once a year, even if they appear to be healthy. This helps in keeping a check on them healthwise. You must be up to date with yearly vaccinations and must get their core vaccinations done on time from an early stage. A proper vaccination regimen helps keep their immune system in check.

Also Read: 10 Top Cat Breeds & the Purrfect Toys for the Meows