Ragdoll

The Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll cats are huge, strong, and intimidating in appearance, with distinguishing markings. However, the cat is exceedingly comfortable and lay back, lending the image of a floppy ragdoll. The large, flat-topped skull is wide between the ears. The huge, deep blue eyes are rather large. The body is long and musculatured, with a large chest, a short neck, and powerful legs. The paws are huge and spherical with tufts, while the tail is long and bushy. Ragdoll cats have a silky, thick coat that is medium to lengthy in length, and mature cats should have a ruff and knickerbockers. The Ragdoll cat breed has three distinct coat patterns, each of which comes in four colours. Additionally, there is a mitted Ragdoll cat with white markings.

History

In the 1960s, the first Ragdoll kittens were born in California. They are most likely the offspring of a female white Persian cat queen mating with a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up, the cat becomes extremely relaxed and floppy, similar to the ragdoll breed from which it derives its name. According to some, this was caused by an accident the queen had while carrying the kittens, although it is genetically impossible for the kittens to inherit the consequences of the incident.

Personality

The Ragdoll cat is one of the most relaxed domestic cat breeds. These cats are generally happy and undemanding, and they accept a wide variety of settings. They are exceedingly calm and easygoing, and make excellent pets. There is an old wives' myth that these cats are painless, however this is completely false! Their laid-back demeanour is the result of an extremely trusting personality, not a lack of emotion.