Friendly, social, and calm. These are the main personality traits of the Ragdoll. The ideal family cat, you could say. But that’s not the only reason this breed is so popular – these pedigree cats are beautiful, silky soft, and absolutely love cuddling.
In this blog, we tell you everything about Ragdoll cats, such as:
- What is the personality of a Ragdoll cat?
- The appearance and coat of a Ragdoll
- How to care for a Ragdoll
- How long does a Ragdoll live?
- The health of a Ragdoll
- The origin of the Ragdoll
- Buying a Ragdoll (kitten)
And we also tell you:
- What is the price of a Ragdoll?
- Can I keep a Ragdoll alone?
- How much attention does a Ragdoll need?
- Which cat breed is cuddly?
1. What is the personality of a Ragdoll?
If you’re wondering, “Which cat is cuddly?” the answer is easy: A Ragdoll. This cat breed loves it! Ragdolls are also ideal housemates because they are social and get along well with everyone – their owners, of course, but also with children, other pets, and guests. This is because they are so calm, stable, and relaxed. They handle change well and easily adapt to new situations.
Ragdolls remain curious and playful for a long time. They are perfectly content staying indoors, but they also enjoy a safe, enclosed garden or a secure terrace. Because they are such beautiful cats, it’s better not to let them outside unsupervised. After all, anyone could take them.
These cat trees are ideal for Ragdoll cats!
Can this breed be kept alone? Yes, they can. But this breed is very affectionate, and you’ll notice it because they follow their owners around. They need a lot of attention and love to be cuddled and petted. Are you often away from home? Then consider getting another cat friend or look for a cat breed that can tolerate being alone for a day.
2. The appearance and coat of a Ragdoll
Ragdolls are large and muscular cats. Males reach their full weight around their third year and typically weigh between five and ten kilograms. Females remain somewhat smaller, weighing between three and six kilograms. The tail of these cats is long and fluffy, just like their coat, which is medium-length and wonderfully soft.
Ragdolls come in many different colors, patterns, and markings. Fun fact: a Ragdoll kitten is born completely white. The coat starts to gain color only after two to three weeks, and it is only when the cat is fully mature – around the third year of life – that the coat color is fully developed and complete. And that’s when this cat truly becomes stunning!
Ragdolls are bred in the following colors: Blue, chocolate, seal with black points, red point tortie, crème, and lilac.
A Ragdoll can have these patterns:
Colourpoint – The coat on most of the body is light, usually cream-colored, including the chest. The mask (face), ears, tail, and paws are colored. Ragdolls with this pattern have no truly white fur anywhere.
Mitted – The paws of these Ragdolls are colored and resemble little mittens. The points are also colored. You can distinguish a Mitted Ragdoll from a Colourpoint because the front paws have white mittens and the back paws have white boots. From their chin to where the tail begins, a beautiful white stripe runs down. A white blaze on the nose is also common.
Bi-colour – These Ragdolls have an inverted white “V” on their face, which runs from their forehead, along the outer corners of the eyes, down to their chin. The mask on their face is colored, as well as the tail and ears. Their front legs are white up to their elbows, and their back legs are white up to the line where the tail begins. The back is usually a shade lighter than the points. An extra cute feature of this pattern: the paw pads and nose are pink.
3. How to care for a Ragdoll?
The coat of a Ragdoll is medium-length. You might think that this breed requires a lot of grooming, but it’s actually not that much. Brushing a few times a week with a good brush or comb is enough. When it comes to feeding, you should be a little careful. Since this breed has a tendency to become overweight, the food should be well portioned. This helps prevent obesity and joint problems.
As mentioned earlier, a Ragdoll is very relaxed. This also means that it is not very active. However, this breed is curious and playful, and it needs some daily stimulation. Therefore, make sure you provide a good scratching post for your Ragdoll and play with this cat every day. Occasionally make it extra fun and exciting – vary the toys, move the scratching posts around, and let the cat work for its treats by hiding them.
Other than that, you care for this cat like any other. Good nutrition, clean litter boxes with good litter, plenty of water bowls with fresh water, flea protection, deworming, and microchipping are always important. Their teeth and overall health should certainly be checked by the vet at least once a year.
It is essential to have a scratching post for a Ragdoll. A Ragdoll cat is much larger and heavier than other breeds, so it needs a cat tree that is stable and tall, one that won’t tip over and is made of high-quality materials.
Discover here what the care of a cat roughly costs.
4. How long does a Ragdoll live?
Ragdolls live a long, happy life – they can live anywhere from twelve to seventeen years! Of course, that’s great, but it’s something to keep in mind when you adopt this breed. That cute kitten will eventually grow into a large cat that needs good care. And most importantly: lots of love and attention.
5. The health of a Ragdoll
- Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Ragdoll also has traits that make it special, such as:
- A Ragdoll is born with a white coat and develops its true color later
- It is large and muscular
- It has a long tail
Do you think a Ragdoll might be the right fit for you? Then make sure to do thorough research about the health of this breed. Many pedigree cats are prone to hereditary conditions. For example, Ragdolls have a high risk of developing Feline Infectious Peritonitis – an infectious inflammation of the abdomen. It’s important to be aware of this.
Want to bring a healthy cat into your home? Ask a vet for advice. You can also consult the websites of Dier & Recht and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, as they provide information on the health of the breed, whether it’s allowed, and the regulations for breeders.
Always buy a Ragdoll from a reliable breeder, preferably one who is a member of a breed association. This ensures that the cat is healthy and well cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra peace of mind.
6. The origin of the Ragdoll
The Ragdoll was first bred in the 1960s. A woman named Ann Baker from California fell in love with the temperament of a litter of very gentle kittens and later crossed them with an Angora tomcat. The result of her breeding program was a unique new cat breed: the Ragdoll. Large cats with beautiful blue eyes and a medium-length, silky soft coat.
Ann named the breed Ragdoll (in Dutch: lappenpop) because of the temperament. As soon as you pick up a Ragdoll, it relaxes immediately, just like a ragdoll. These cats love being held and cuddled.
7. Buying a Ragdoll (kitten)
Want to buy a Ragdoll? Then go to a recognized breeder, preferably one who is a member of a breed association. This way, you can be sure you’re buying a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane way. Always ask for the paperwork, a health certificate, and check the parents of the kitten. Also, take a look at the living environment: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? That’s a good sign. Don’t buy cats through Marktplaats, eBay, or from unlicensed breeders.
A Ragdoll with pedigree from a good breeder costs around 1500 euros. Are you looking for a cat, but it doesn’t have to be a pedigree? Also consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many lovely cats are waiting for a good home.
And remember: you don’t have a cat for just a while, but for its entire cat life. Are you willing to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? If so, a Ragdoll could become your new best friend!
Here you can also read everything about the Maine Coon.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert: all content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire you and have an informational purpose. If your cat has complaints or problems and you’re unsure about its health, always go to the vet or a behavior expert.
