The ragdoll is a cat breed that has grown in popularity from the end of the 20th century. It is one of the many types of pedigree cats we know and it is not an old breed, but this cat does have something that is distinctive. In addition to being of a considerable size, the Ragdoll is also one of the few cats that hangs in your arms like a rag doll. That is why the cat owes its name. What exactly is the ragdoll for purebred cat?
Ragdoll, the origin
The cat owes its name to the fact that this cat can hang comfortably in your arms. Ragdoll is English for “rag doll”. The cat breed originated in the United States in the mid-1960s. At the time Ann Baker started breeding with the white angora cat and two Persian brown cats (brothers). Ann Baker did this after the angora cat had a serious accident and was miraculously rescued. Normally something like this is not relevant for a breeding program and genetically speaking to this day it is not, but something happened to this cat after the accident. It was noticeable that the kittens she had after this accident were significantly gentler than the litters from before her accident. Can not be explained by anyone, but a fact according to Ann Baker.
This breeder continued to breed with the most gentle kittens and then also took bloodlines of other (pedigree) cats with her. It took until 1965 for the ragdoll to be officially recognized in the United States. Only in 1991 the first ragdolls came to the Netherlands.
The Ragdoll officially originated from the following breeds: Burmese, Persians, Siamese and Burmese. Furthermore, some nicer house-garden-kitchen cats have also been included in the breeding program.
Characteristics of the purebred cat
Appearance
We can say that the Ragdoll is a large, muscular and elegant cat. The female can grow to between three and six kilos and the male between five and even ten kilos. It takes until at least the third year of life before the cat can be called adult and fully grown.
The cat has a relatively broad chest and the hind legs are slightly higher than the front legs. The feet have the well-known tufts between the toes. You see this more often in medium or long-haired cats. The tail has good hair and is in proportion to the relatively large body. The head and ears are medium in size and the tips of the ears are rounded. They have large eyes that are somewhat oval in shape. The coat is medium-long and silky soft. The coat lies close to the skin and there is a clear collar around the head. This makes the cat look even more imposing. Thoroughly combing the coat about once a week is very important. Several colors have been officially registered. The kittens are born almost white and the color appears after about two to three weeks. The final coat the cat gets can take up to four years before it is fully visible and final.
The coat colors
The official colors of the ragdoll are:
- seal
- blue
- chocolate
- lilac
- ed
- cream
- tortie
Mentioned colors are also found in the tabby cats. The main breakdown is as follows:
- Color point: mask, ears, legs and tail are colored and the body color is cream colored.
- Mitted: ie “gloved”. The points colored with white socks.
- Bi-color: That is, the mask is colored, but contains an inverted white “V”. The tail and ears are colored and the chin, chest, belly and legs are white in color.
Inwardly
The cat is characterized by its extremely calm and accommodating character. Not typically as you would expect from a cat. Some people also call it dog character. This expression is further reinforced by the fact that the cat has a great deal of trust in humans, but also in other animals (the cat is therefore also excellent with the possible dog in the house). Certainly not the typical ‘being on the lookout’. Something that you see in most cats.
The calm character is further expressed when a different situation arises. Most cats are then extra alert or even run away. Ragdolls are not, they are not easily impressed. The nails are only knocked out when they are really cornered.
This cat is a great housemate and not a typical ?? Meower ?? or ?? talker ?? as you can call the Siamese for example. The cat likes to be with people and cuddling is also an absolute part of this breed. Because the cat is so easy with people, it is not advisable to let the cat outside. The Ragdoll could just walk with a nice person.
Taking a kitten or an adult cat from rehoming?
Relocation is a great option if you don’t want the hassle of a young cat. Then do it through the recognized breeders. They know what kind of animal you will be dealing with, what a particular cat needs and how to deal with it. A good match is always important, but this is especially important with an adult cat that is already fully formed.
If you prefer a kitten, then this also applies: make sure you go to a recognized breeder. See the mother, possibly the father and possibly other cats (most breeders have at least several cats around). That gives a good idea of what kind of people you will buy your kitten. The family tree and the contract are important, after all, you are working with a living being. Good agreements are essential, which can prevent a lot of hassle at a later stage. The recognized breeders also work with this, otherwise call the breed club to be sure.
Why a Ragdoll?
The Ragdoll is a beautiful large and affectionate cat that likes people. The Ragdoll is relatively quiet and will thrive in a family with children and other pets. Because the animal is so easy going, it is not convenient to let the cat walk outside. Finally, the cat comes in different shades and the coat, despite its length, is not very labor-intensive. It is definitely a fun and sweet cat.