Should I Adopt Ragdoll Kittens: The Official Guide

Ragdoll cats are a special breed of cats and are a pretty recent breed, too. These cats are very distinct and have the most interesting mannerisms.

Learn all about Ragdoll cats, and if you are thinking of adopting one or own one, where they came from and special needs they have:  

What is a Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls are rather large and long in length cats. They usually are heavy-boned, with long tails and ultra-plush coats. Though, Ragdoll cats appear bigger than they are, actually. Ragdolls have medium-sized heads, and their fur is actually what makes them appear to be large. They have ears that are medium-sized as well, and they are set to each side, which contributed to their triangular face. Ragdoll cats may not appear to be, but their legs are long and they’re strong. A ragdoll cat will have a well-developed chin as well as blue oval-shaped eyes.

What Do Ragdoll Cats Look Like?

You will find Ragdolls in different color patterns. Ragdolls sometimes have a colorpoint pattern, which is light in the body with a contrasting colored mask, feet, and ears. Bicolor Ragdolls feature dark points and an inverted V on their forehead. Their stomach and legs will be white instead. Then there are Mitted Ragdolls which have points, and their feet and chin are equally as white. You’ll find all types of Ragdolls with long coats that are soft and silky as well as plush. 

What Are Their Personalities?

A ragdoll cat's character tends to be placid, yet are not limp when you go to cuddle them. They have pretty even tempers and get along with pretty much everyone. They’re not disturbed by changes in routine and can even be a great companion if you live in an apartment. All this is a ragdoll cat's personality. 

Unknown Facts About Ragdoll Cats

Ragdolls have this fatty pad on their lower abdomen, which can easily make your Ragdoll overweight or out of shape, so ensuring proper nutrition and exercise is key. Ragdolls also need to be interactive, which means you should dedicate at least a part of your day to playing with your cat. Maintaining a nicely brushed coat is important so that it does not get knotted, matted, or tangled. This means you should brush your Ragdoll cat every day. 

Where Does the Ragdoll Cat Come From?

The Ragdoll is one of the most beautiful and popular breeds, despite the name. It is rumored that the breed started in 1960s California and may have been a mix of Burmese, Birman, and Persian. The cat who credited the Ragdoll was a white cat named Josephine, and are often referred to as daughters of Josephine. 

A woman named Ann Baker created the Ragdoll and felt the name suited the breed due to its placidness and limpness when held. In fact, Ann even copyrighted the name of the breed of the cat, and it can only be used for this particular breed.

Breeding for the Ragdoll is very strict as far as color placement goes. Outcross breeding is not allowed, though new colors are often introduced for this breed, making them more colorful than ever.

Are ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?

Ragdolls aren't considered hypoallergenic since they still shed, albeit a little less than other breeds. This is because this beautiful breed lacks an undercoat, the typical cause of excessive shedding in cats.

Do ragdoll cats shed?

Yes, ragdoll cats do shed. The good thing is, they shed a lot less than other cat breeds because they do not have an undercoat. Typically, you will only notice their sheddings during their seasonal shedding in spring months.

How big do ragdoll cats get?

The long-haired ragdoll cat breed has a larger than average frame. They weigh between 8 and 20 pounds on average. A full-grown male cat's weight ranges from 12 to 20 pounds and female cats are around 8 to 15 pounds.

Check out our blog and follow me on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date!