Ragdoll

Origin and History

The Ragdoll is a relatively young breed developed in California, United States, in the 1960s. Breeder Ann Baker created the breed through selective breeding among calm, large-bodied cats. Its name ("rag doll") comes from its characteristic behavior of completely relaxing its muscles and going limp when picked up.

Appearance and Coat

It is a large, muscular, long-bodied breed; males can reach 6-9 kg. Its striking blue eyes and "pointed" (dark-tipped) color pattern are its most distinctive features. Its semi-long, silky and soft coat tangles less than a Persian's because it has little undercoat. Kittens are born white, and their color develops over the years.

Personality and Temperament

The Ragdoll is an extremely docile, calm and people-oriented cat. It likes following its owner around the house, being held and spending time together; in this respect it is considered "dog-like." With its soft voice, patient nature and low tendency toward aggression, it gets along very well with children and other animals. Because of its calm nature, it is mainly suited to indoor (apartment) living.

Care and Nutrition

Its silky coat is kept healthy by brushing two to three times a week. Because of its large body, maintaining an ideal weight and a balanced diet are important for joint health. Since its calm nature can create a tendency toward obesity, regular play should be encouraged.

Health

The best-documented hereditary disease in the Ragdoll is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), associated with the breed-specific R820W mutation in the MYBPC3 gene (Meurs et al., 2007). A reliable DNA test is available for this mutation, and responsible breeders screen their breeding cats. Early diagnosis is possible with regular echocardiography screening. Because of its large build, maintaining an ideal weight is also important for joint health.

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Ragdoll is ideal for families looking for a calm, affectionate, people-loving lap cat, homes with children and apartment dwellers. It may seem too clingy for those looking for an independent, aloof cat.