Today we want to introduce you to some other ARISTOCATS that we adore and who deserve a post all to themselves: Ragdoll cats. Their name comes from English and means “rag doll.” However surprising this name may seem, there is an explanation. You discover it as soon as you pick one up. Ragdolls relax extremely deeply. When you hold them, it is as if their bodies no longer belong to them.
Their origins date back to 1960 in Riverside (California, USA), where a Turkish Angora cat named “Josephine” was bred with a Sacred Birman cat named “Daddy Warbucks.” During her pregnancy, “Josephine” was involved in a traffic accident that had no consequences for her health or, apparently, that of the kittens. However, the animals that were born were larger than expected, and their characteristics prompted the breeder, Ann Baker, to take a great interest in the new specimens. They also possessed a special trait: they were tremendously docile and easy to handle, relaxing in people’s arms like authentic rag dolls. This is where the breed got its name, and it was developed through further breeding with these specimens.
The breed was officially recognized in the United States in 1965. In 1971, Ann Baker founded the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA). In 1969, two cats from Ann Baker’s catteries arrived in Great Britain, and from there the breed spread to the rest of Europe. The breed was recognized by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) in 1992.
What are Ragdolls like?
In general, Ragdolls are large, solid, strong, and muscular. They usually weigh between 4.5 and 9 kilos. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs, and they also have long tufts of fur between their toes. Their tail is long and bushy.
As for their coat, it is medium-long, soft, and silky, with more abundant fur around the ruff, breeches, and flanks. There are four classic colors: seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac, although other varieties are now emerging. These colors appear in three patterns, which define the three main types of Ragdoll:
- Colorpoint: the typical Siamese coloring, with the extremities (or “points”) darker than the rest of the body.
- Mitted: a colorpoint, but with white gloves on all four paws.
- Bicolor: perhaps the most striking and recognizable variety. It is a colorpoint with an inverted white V on the face, whose point extends between the eyes. Its paws are white, as are its chest and belly. The definitive color is not reached before the age of two and darkens over time.
The Ragdoll’s head is medium-sized, broad, slightly wedge-shaped, and rounded. Viewed from the front, it is rounded, with well-developed cheeks. The muzzle is moderately long, and the nose forms a slight curve in the upper third. The chin is well developed. Their ears are medium-sized, broad at the base, and rounded at the tips. The neck is short and strong. One of the Ragdoll’s most notable attributes is its beautiful, deep-blue eyes. That moment when you are holding them, completely relaxed, and they look at you… it is magical.
What is the Ragdoll’s personality like?
Ragdolls have an adorable personality. They are unlike any other cat in the world. They are calm, affectionate, good-natured, and docile… They love company and hate solitude and noise. They get along well with other cats and with dogs. In short: an ideal animal to share your life with.
How should you care for Ragdolls?
Caring for them is very easy. Ragdolls have an extremely sweet, docile, and friendly temperament that makes everything seem easy. That is why they can be the ideal cat for many different types of people: those who have never had a cat or do not have much experience with them, families with children, people who live in houses with or without a garden, older people, and even those who already have other pets at home.
Otherwise, they do not require any special care. You only need to maintain their coat, which requires frequent brushing and combing.
We hope that after getting to know Ragdolls, you like them as much as we do. If you would like to meet more ARISTOCATS, we present the Maine Coon and the Munchkin.