The Ragdoll cat is a gentle giant with a striking coat and calm personality. In this article, you'll discover everything about its origin, temperament, and distinctive appearance.
The Popular Ragdoll Cat
Impressive might be the best word to describe the Ragdoll cat. They are large and have a stunning, eye-catching coat. However, their personality isn’t necessarily imposing — Ragdolls are known for being sweet and relaxed.
Interested in this gorgeous cat? Read on to learn more about the Ragdoll’s gentle nature, history, and appearance.
History of the Ragdoll Cat
Unlike other long-haired cats like the Persian, the Ragdoll is a relatively young breed. It originated in the United States, specifically California. A woman named Ann Baker began breeding the Ragdoll using her own long-haired white cat and several other unknown females.
Over the years, other breeders experimented with the breed, resulting in the Ragdoll as we know it today. Fun fact: the original long-haired cat owned by Ann Baker was named Josephine. Perhaps some inspiration for your future pet?
Temperament of the Ragdoll Cat
Ragdolls are gentle giants — truly affectionate companions. They are stable and very loving. Not only do they bond with people, but they generally get along well with other pets too. Cuddling and curling up next to you is one of their favorite activities.
Ragdolls are perfectly suited to indoor living and love following their owners from room to room. Because of their social nature, it’s recommended to have a companion cat. Fun fact: "Ragdoll" means "cloth doll" in English — when picked up in a relaxed state, Ragdolls go limp, just like a ragdoll.
Appearance of the Ragdoll Cat
With a muscular body and soft, luxurious coat, Ragdolls are quite a sight. Many have extra fur around the neck, creating a mane-like look. Their back legs are longer than their front legs — a typical Ragdoll trait.
Striking blue eyes are another signature feature. The head is medium-sized with distinctive markings usually found on the face, ears, legs, and tail. The long, bushy tail completes their elegant appearance.
Ragdoll Kittens
All kittens are cute, but Ragdoll kittens are especially irresistible. For the first 12 weeks, they stay with their mother — responsible breeders will confirm this. During this time, socialization is key, and proper care is essential. A good breeder also looks after the mother cat, as the early months are intense for both mother and kitten.
Ragdolls mature slowly. They’re not fully grown or fully colored until around 3 to 4 years of age. Their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 17 years, so you’ll have a loyal friend for many years.
Ragdoll Coat Colors
Ragdolls are point-colored cats. That means parts of their coat are darker in color, while the base is white or cream. The points can be gray, blue, brown, lilac, red, or cream.
The patterns vary. Many have a mask on the face. A "Mitted" Ragdoll has a white chin and white stripes on the nose. The "Bicolor" version has an inverted V on the face and a lighter base color. Did you know point-colored kittens are born white? Their colors develop over time and are usually complete around 3 to 4 years old.
Ragdoll Price — What Does a Ragdoll Kitten Cost?
Looking for a people-loving indoor cat? A Ragdoll might be perfect for you. Expect to pay at least €1000 when buying from a breeder. You can also check shelters to give a Ragdoll a loving second chance.
It may seem like a lot, but it’s an investment. Certified breeders test for genetic diseases and focus heavily on socialization. Be selective when choosing a breeder and always ask for documentation from health checks and breed associations. After all, you want the very best for your future feline friend.
