Ragdoll – Breed Profile

The Ragdoll is a large semi-longhaired breed of cat, known for its distinctive coat and blue eyes. To find out more about the breed, and if it is a good fit for your family, read on below.

Appearance

The Ragdoll is a large breed of cat. Females should weigh between 4.5 – 7kg and males between 7 – 9kg. This size results in a typically sturdy cat which is proportionally similar to a normal domestic cat. As mentioned above, the breed is recognisable for its distinctive coat and piercing blue eyes. We typically see the coat in three main patterns, colourpoint, mitted and bi-colour, with red, seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, or cream colourings. It is also possible to find Lynx and Tortoishell variations.

Personality

Ragdoll cats are a relaxed and docile cat. They are well known for their almost dog-like personality, being particularly happy to spend as much time as possible with their owner. This trait makes them particularly affectionate and somewhat trainable. They can even enjoy retrieval play. As a typically gentle and intelligent breed, Ragdolls are well suited to life in a family with children. They can also live happily in multi-pet households.

Health

Ragdolls have an average lifespan of around 15-20 years. They can be prone to Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a genetic heart condition. DNA testing is available for this condition, so it is advisable to check with your breeder before buying a kitten. They are also prone to developing bladder stones, so if your cat is unable to urinate properly, it is important that they receive urgent veterinary care. This is because a blocked urinary tract is a potentially fatal issue.

History

The Ragdoll is a recently developed breed, with a Californian named Ann Baker first developing it in the 1960’s. Ann had come across a litter of kittens that a Persian / Angora type cat called Josephine had produced. They were a remarkably docile litter and had a tendency to go limp when handled. Finding these traits desirable, Ann began to breed towards these characteristics, as well as developing a larger size in the breed. Strangely, Ann shunned the traditional cat fancying community and set out to form her own Ragdoll society (the International Ragdoll Cat Association). She also trademarked the name ‘Ragdoll’ so that only she could use it. This trademark has since expired and the Ragdoll has become a more mainstream breed in the intervening years.

Famous Examples

Mr Fuzzypants, the cat at the centre of the 2016 film ‘Nine Lives’ was a Ragdoll. A Ragdoll also appeared in the Swedish film A Man Called Ove.

The Ragdoll in the attached photo is Apollo, who recently visited our Morley surgery.