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Ragdoll

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is one of the most popular longhair cat breeds. Social and loving, this cat enjoys people and gets along well with children and dogs. The desire to be near her family has earned her the affectionate nickname “puppycat.” The Ragdoll can be taught to fetch and come when called. Playful throughout their lives, these cats mature slowly in three to four years.

DID YOU KNOW? The Ragdoll originated in the early 1960s when a Persian breeder, Ann Baker of Riverside, Calif., bred a semi-feral longhaired white cat resembling an Angora to cats she found or owned. The offspring of “Josephine” had unique, endearing temperament traits that Baker selectively bred in creating the breed.

The need-to-know
  • Calm cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat

Pet Card

  • Living Considerations: Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
  • Size: Large, with males weighing 5.5 to 9 kilograms and females weighing 3.5 to 7 kilograms
  • Coat: Semi-long, plush, silky
  • Temperament: Affectionate, playful, easygoing
  • Grooming: Yes
  • Shedding: Yes
  • Vocalisation: Quiet

Personality

The Ragdoll cat is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. These cats are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature, and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain, but this is totally untrue! Their relaxed disposition stems from a very trusting nature, not a lack of feeling.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

The first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian cat queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. There are some that say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had while carrying the kittens but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens.

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