Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds in the US. Many people all across America share their homes with a Ragdoll cat.
History
The Ragdoll breed hails from Riverside, California.
In the early 1960s, a woman named Ann Baker took in a stray cat that roamed the neighborhood. She named the cat Josephine.
Baker noticed that Josephine had an unusual tendency to go limp when held. That’s how the breed got its name.
Baker chose large, longhaired males with laidback personalities to breed to Josephine. Some sources say that Persians, Birmans, and Burmese cats were used in the breeding program.
Her offspring had a sweet, docile temperament and seemed to fall limp when held by a person they were familiar with.
Appearance & Physical Traits
The Ragdoll is a large, big-boned cat. Females typically weigh 10-20 pounds (5-10 kg), and males around 15-20 pounds (7-10 kg). It’s not rare for a Ragdoll male to reach 25 pounds (11 kg).
The breed has a long, plush coat of fur that can be either colorpoint, bicolor, van, or mitted.
All Ragdolls have blue eyes.
Behavior & Personality
Ragdolls have a calm and gentle personality. This makes them a good cat breed for households with children.
Despite their placidness, Ragdolls are very playful and energetic.
Ragdolls don’t actually go limp when you hold them, they’re just very relaxed!
The breed is very affectionate and loves to sit on their favorite person’s lap.
Ragdolls are generally good with dogs, other cats, and children. This makes them a good addition to almost any household.
Health & Care
Every cat breed is prone to certain illnesses and diseases, although this doesn’t mean the individual cat is unhealthy or destined to have a specific health issue in the future.
Ragdolls are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, urinary tract infection, and polycystic kidney disease.
If you suspect that your cat is sick or in pain, it would be wise to take him/her to the vet as soon as possible.
Daily grooming sessions with your Ragdoll are optimal for keeping their coat silky and soft, as well as to prevent hairballs.
A bath every now and then also contributes to the overall health of your cat’s fur.
Believe it or not, cats should have their teeth brushed daily, just like humans. Different pet supply companies make toothbrushes specifically for cats.
Fun Facts:
Ragdolls are considered “puppy-cats” or “dog-like cats”, because of their energy and playfulness.
They are the second largest cat breed.
Ragdoll kittens are all born white.
They have a lifespan of 15-20 years.
It takes four years for a Ragdoll to reach full maturity.
Ragdolls are one, if not the most popular cat breed in the US.
Works Cited
Macmillan Catherine, “Ragdoll Cat Facts - 12 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ragdolls,” Ragdoll Love, 17 Aug 2021,
“Ragdoll Cat Breed - Facts and Personality Traits,” Hill’s Pet,
“Ragdoll – The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc,” CFA,
Turner F. Josie, “Health Problems of Ragdoll Cats,” AnimalWised, 3 Sept 2018,
Image by atrix9 via Pixabay