If a dog is "man's best friend," then it must also be said that Ragdoll cats are "man's best companion." More than pets, Ragdolls are true companions. The Ragdoll cat has many special features. The Ragdoll's sweet temperament is probably its most outstanding trait. Ragdolls are large, bulky and handsome cats. They have been commonly referred to as "the gentle giants" - because in spite of their handsomeness and grace, they are extremely even-tempered and docile. Able to steal your heart.

Ragdoll cats quickly adapt. They fit right into your life and fill it with "Ragdoll Magic!" Ragdoll cats charm their owners with funny, as well as tender moments. The character traits of this breed alone makes it special! However, the physical aspects, build, and "looks" of the breed will further impress your fancy. Originally, as the Ragdoll breed was introduced to us by Ann Baker, it consisted of 3 distinct color patterns. Since then, through careful consideration and monitored breeding, the breed expanded.

All Ragdolls have blue eyes. Ragdolls now come in the any of the following 6 colors: Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point, Lilac Point, Red Point, and Cream Point. Below is a breakdown of the patterns in which any Ragdoll cat may fall in to. Respective breeders will provide you with your kittens' color and pattern. Ragdolls have unique personalities. They are loving, placid and easy-going, quiet cats. Ragdolls love being with people. This makes them excellent companions for children and adults alike! Sweet and docile, Ragdolls are not "fighter" cats. They view any on-comer as a loving entity. For this reason, Ragdolls are strictly indoor cats.

Ragdolls display many characteristics traditionally attributed to dogs: retrieving toys, loyalty to its owner, following you around everywhere, attention to what you are doing all the time and being very devoted to you. While these wonderful cats are calm and sweet, they do like playing as well! Ragdolls are very energetic. Their physical build provides them with the ability to move, run and jump like no other cat you’ve ever seen. As kittens, Ragdolls entertain you for hours with "catty" behavior such as chasing their own tails, chasing flies, and exploring the world around them. Ragdoll kittens are born white with their color and patterns starting to show when they are about 10 days old. Their full color and development is not reached until they are 2 to 3 years old. Ragdolls have rabbit-like fur. It is medium to very long, silky, and seldom mats. They shed very little and require minimal grooming.

Ragdolls enjoy being held like a baby. They habitually lie on their backs with their back legs flattened out and "arms" sticking straight up in the air! Male Ragdolls, fully matured could weigh up to 30 pounds. Females weigh a little less - usually 15 to 20 pounds - when fully grown. Ragdolls are bred Ragdoll to Ragdoll. There should never be any out-crossing to other varieties since it is a pure strain and breeds "true." Ragdolls are registerable with most valid cat associations.

Welcoming a Ragdoll into your home will be a wonderful addition to your family. In a very short time, you will realize exactly how special these cats really are! And you will understand the excitement that all of us - those of us who already own one - feel about the breed. You will wonder why more people do not know about them! Getting a Ragdoll kitten from a reputable breeder is crucial. The temperament and behavior of any Ragdoll cat is directly influenced by its breeder. The first 12 weeks of a kitten's life play a key role in how it develops and behaves as it matures. This makes selecting a breeder particularly important! The Ragdoll cat breed is unique because it incorporates beauty, grace, gentleness and fun all into one adorable package! Please learn everything you can about this wonderful breed.

The origins and development of the Ragdoll breed is difficult to establish and is somewhat shrouded in myths. Nonetheless, there are certain things that we do know for sure. The Ragdolls were originated by Ann Baker, a breeder in Riverside, California. It was in early 1960 that the breed was created. It is believed that a white Persian-Angora like cat named Josephine with outcrossings to Birman-like and Burmese-like cats started it all! Back then, Ann Baker advertised widely and mailed out literature promoting the breed to cat-lovers nationwide. Early publicity spread like wild fire and the breed quickly became an object of controversy.

Baker's breeding program consisted of a handful of breeders contracted under her. She was paid a royalty fee for every kitten sold. As time went on, Ann Baker's statements and claims about the breed became strange, supernatural - and - very hard to believe. She publicized statements outlining how Ragdoll cats have human genes in them, that they are immune to pain & that they represent a link between us and space aliens.

The breeders once loyal to her were now having doubts about how to develop the breed without losing the integrity that these wonderful cats deserve. Because of this, several breeders broke off from Ann Baker and continued breeding Ragdolls for what they are - highly affectionate companions - with a lot of love to share with humans. Denny Dayton was an instrumental figure in the history & development of the breed. After he broke away from Ann Baker, he fought hard to make the breed legitimate and acceptable by cat fanciers' standards. Dayton succeeded and in 1967, the Ragdoll breed was first recognized in the United States. Dayton is the originator of RFCI (Ragdoll Fanciers Club International) the most reputable and highly respected Ragdoll cat registry in the world. Dayton also worked very hard to get the breed recognized by TICA. Ann Baker went on with her breeding program but her stand, relative to the breed's growth and acceptance, was that of anger and bitterness. In 1971, Baker created her own cat registry & association known as IRCA (International Ragdoll Cat Association).

Since then, she has been in bitter debate about how only her Ragdolls are legitimate and the rest are fake. In December 1975 Ann Baker had the name "Ragdoll" patented for the first time. The patent is valid until the year 2005, and allows only IRCA breeders to use the name. The Daytons and the other breeders, however, did not feel that the restrictions placed upon the use of the name applied to them because they had purchased their cats prior to the time of the patent. Ann Baker has since passed away.

She will be remembered for her persistent battle to promote the breed - although many of the methods she used in doing so remain questionable. But Baker's most remarkable achievement was giving us the Ragdoll breed. There is no debate about that anywhere! Today there are over 500 breeders worldwide and the Ragdoll breed stands on solid ground, despite its controversial early years and development.

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Heatlh Issues:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A cat only remains alive thanks to the unrelenting efforts of just one muscle: the heart. Unfortunately, cats' hearts are vulnerable to a serious condition called Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a form of the disease, has been identified as relavent to Ragdoll cats. It appears that some bloodlines are carrying the disease. As Ragdolls can be fairly lethargic animals for much of the time, the earliest symptoms of heart disease - notably tiredness - are often missed, even by the most diligent owners. Untreated Cardiomyopathy is deadly. To try to identify it early, all Ragdoll cats should undergo a basic heart evaluation as part of routine annual veterinary health checks.

Cardiomyopathy is the most significant cause of heart failure in cats. There are a number of different types of the condition, the most common of which is known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This is associated with a marked thickening of the heart-muscle mass that encloses one of the heart's two larger chambers, the left ventricle. This muscle mass is responsible for pumping blood through the aorta, which is the body's largest artery. Another form of this condition is called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. It is associated with weakness of the heart muscle and is less common in Ragdolls.

Causes:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy may be the result of various problems, including high blood pressure due to renal failure and hyperthyroidism. However, in most cases the cause of the condition is unknown. Dilated Cardiomyopathy occurs in cats who do not eat enough of a specific amino acid (a building block of protein), called taurine. This condition is extremely unusual nowadays, as most cat food manufacturers are including taurine in their products.

Is This Serious?

Cardiomyopathy may be life-threatening but, if a specific cause is identified and resolved, many or all of the changes in the heart can be reversed. Even if the cause is unknown, treatment can alleviate symptoms for long periods of time. One serious complication that is associated with cardiomyopathy is that of blood clots settling in the arteries to the hindlegs. This can be difficult to control and cure. Some cats with cardiomyopathy die suddenly and unexpectedly. Cats At Risk: Cardiomyopathy occurs mainly in cross-bred cats - especially in those with long hair - for unknown reasons. Research shows that as many as four times more male than female cats seem to suffer from this condition, and it may affect kittens as young as five months old.

What To Do?

If your cat demonstrates several of the the following symptoms, alert your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms to look for: difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, lethargy and weakness, fainting, weight loss, abdominal swelling, vomitting, and inability to use the hindlegs. Your veterinarian is likely to carry out X-ray and ultrasound investigations, ECG recordings and blood tests. An assessment of your cat's current dietary regime may also be appropriate.

When The Diagnosis is Cardiomyopathy:

A cat diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy will be treated with medications. At home, you must administer any medicines prescribed by your veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations as to your cat's general management. For example, if your cat's heart is in failure, you must keep him indoors and well-rested. Tender-loving-care is something that I prescribe with any disease. A sick cat will sense the power of love and affection and will respond to it very positively. Cardiomyopathy is indeed a treatable disease and it is important that you accept the diagnosis and help your cat live with it as comfortably as possible. If your cat is a Ragdoll and is diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy be sure to let the breeder know.

Isolating the bloodlines that may be carrying this deadly disease is the key to keeping Cardiomyopathy from being the Ragdoll's worst enemy. The rise in cases of Cardiomyopathy in Ragdolls is becoming a concern that all Ragdoll lovers should focus on eliminating!

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Ragdoll Facts

 

This segment is meant to provide you with a broader range of information about caring for your Ragdoll cat and addresses realistic issues you will face.

This information is useful and very positive. I would like to point out, through this segment, some additional, practical things you will experience throughout the life of your Ragdoll. Kittens are cute. Kittens are fun. Kittens are full of energy. Everybody loves kittens.

But, it is an indesputable fact that all kittens turn into cats . . . . and not everybody loves cats! This is a cold reality that everyone purchasing a kitten should think about, especially if that kitten is a Ragdoll. Kittens mature into cats. And Ragdoll kittens mature into large, fluffy, beautiful cats. Another indesputable fact: Ragdoll cats are large cats.

Along with the size, comes added responsibilities in the areas of grooming, feeding, and maintaining appropriate litterbox gear. Adult Ragdoll cats should be groomed at least twice per week. Ragdoll cats shed considerably less than other large, medium-long haired cats, but they still shed.

Ragdolls grow, grow, and keep growing! A male Ragdoll cat can weigh up to 30 pounds when fully grown, although most Ragdolls reach about 10 pounds less than that . . . with females coming in at about 5-10 pounds less than males. You will need a good-sized litterbox to accomidate your adult Ragdoll cat. And, you will need to keep it clean on a daily basis, as the fecal matter of an adult Ragdoll cat can be rather large! Ragdoll cats need your love and attention. More than any other breed, Ragdoll cats thrive on affection. I mention this because you can be an excellent groomer and a tidy litterbox-keeper, but it will take valuable time to provide your Ragdoll with the most important thing of all: your affection. I am a firm believer in the power of love as a healing medium. Any sick animal will heal quicker when it is surrounded by love and affection. I believe this to be the case in humans as well.

Since Ragdoll cats are such affectionate animals, you need to consider how much time you will have to devote from your schedule, to spend with him or her . . . . even when it becomes a full-grown cat. Ragdoll cats don't have any known genetic defects. However, they're still cats and may get sick from time to time. So, you'll need to pick a good veterinarian in your area to consult whenever needed & to administer the required vaccinations.

The theme of my message through this segment is "responsibility." Kittens are indeed fun, but they are also work . . . . and, kittens become cats. And cats need love too . . . . Ragdolls, even more so! Many of you already know everything mentioned here. But for others, this may have been an eye-opener.

After all, the size of a cat's stool is not a common topic of conversation within any social group I know of - but is, nevertheless, crucial information for a new owner. As lovely as Ragdoll cats are . . . and as colorful, glamorous, lively, and you must be ultimately ready to become a "parent" once you welcome one into your home . . . and that includes an awareness of the topics mentioned here.

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Famous Ragdolls

 

The presenters of long-running CBBC TV program, Blue Peter, have two Ragdoll cats amongst their team. The first was named "Socks", ostensibly after a viewers' vote. Later the BBC revealed that in fact the voters' first choice had been

"Cookie" and the program acquired a second Ragdoll kitten that they named "Cookie." [1]Blue Peter to apologise over cat

 

The Algonquin Hotel in New York City keeps a Ragdoll in its lobby. This tradition of keeping a cat dates to the 1930s; males are named "Hamlet" and females, "Matilda." The current Matilda is an 11-year-old female Ragdoll who strolls the lobby and sweetly greets guests from her position on the front desk. She was recently named cat of the year at the Westchester Cat Show in Westchester County, New York. Matilda has a signature cocktail in the hotel bar; her likeness is on a children's book and Christmas ornament.

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Common Myths

 

Fairy tales and folklore tell us cats love to dine on milk and fish, and that any cat worth her whiskers needs at least one catnip mouse to chase when the live ones are not around.

Although these century-old stories always stir up warm images of contented cats, many of these "truths" about feeding and nutrition are myths. And, some are downright harmful to your Ragdoll companion.

Myth: Cats Crave Fish

Fish is a good source of protein and other nutrients, but too much fish in a cat's diet can be harmful. Tuna is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and requires substantial amounts of vitamin E to preserve the fat. Cats fed a diet containing excessive amounts of tuna can develop steatitis, also known as yellow fat disease.

Myth: Cats Need Milk

It is a heart-warming image: It's cold outside, a warm fire is blazing in the fireplace and your cat is lapping up cream from a saucer. But milk products may cause digestive problems a few hours later. Milk is a good source of water and energy-producing carbohydrates, but it does not contain all the other nutrients a cat needs to stay healthy.

Many cats are lactose-intolerant - they don't have the enzyme that digests lactose, a milk-sugar component of milk. Drinking milk can cause loose stools and diarrhea, which strips liquids and nutrients from you cat's system. Milk does not have a place in a cat's diet and should be avoided.

Myth: Dogs & Cats Can Eat the Same Foods

It's a common feeding situation - dogs and cats sharing the same household and eating out of each other's dishes. However, dog foods are developed for the nutritional needs of dogs - not cats. Cats are strict carnivores and they require a higher percentage of protein, B-complex vitamins, preformed vitamin A, taurine, and arachidonic acids. A cat can become seriously ill if its diet is deficient in these nutrients. Dog foods and cat foods are not made equally, and therefore, should not be shared.

Myth: Diets in Low Ash Can Prevent Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Straining at the litterbox, urinating in inappropriate places, blood in the urine and loss of appetite often are symptoms of a urinary tract infection. There are many stories circulating among cat owners that feeding cats a low-ash diet can prevent most of these diseases. But the reality is that it's not the low-ash diet that's preventing these diseases. A diet that contains lower levels of magnesium and maintains the normal, slightly acidic urinary pH is the key to preventing this common problem. "Ash" is an umbrella term that covers a number of minerals - including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc - that every cat needs to maintain good health. The misconception is that decreasing the amount of ash is what helps prevent urinary tract diseases . . . but what is really known, is that only the reduction of magnesium may be effective.

Myth: Cats Need Catnip

The smell of catnip leaves - an herb that grows throughout North America and Europe - can arouse intense interest in about half of all cats. Catnip is not essential to your cat's diet or well-being, though. Catnip is actually a hallucinogen that can induce short-term behavioral changes like sniffing, chewing, rubbing, rolling, meowing and near delirium in those cats that like its smell. Some cats chase phantom mice in the air or just sit around and stare into space. Catnip is not addictive, and is not really harmful to your cat; but, it's not needed to keep your cat healthy and happy.

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FAQ

 

Question: How Much do Ragdoll Cats Cost?

Answer: The price of a Ragdoll cat depends on the color, pattern, gender, breeder, and location. Ragdoll kittens cost from $400 to $750. This excludes purebred and breeder quality cats, which cost at least $1,000. Breeders often go for $2,000 or higher, depending on the color, pattern, lineage, and show prospects. If you want a show quality Ragdoll for the alter championship class, be ready to pay between $600 to $1,000. Retired show cats and breeders are available at pet homes for a little less, usually for the price of spaying or neutering. It’s important to ask for a health guarantee when buying Ragdoll kittens. A health guarantee assures you that the kitten is free of any diseases, parasites, or inherited defects. If your kitten dies of unknown causes, your breeder will replace it when you present your health guarantee.

Question: Is it true that Ragdolls have human genes inside them?

Answer: No. There is no truth to that implication. Human blood is different from that of felines'. It is nearly impossible to even perceive this. Additionally, the Ragdoll breed was started in the 1960's . . . . and back then, unlike today, genetic engineering was just a "dream" inside a science fiction book. It would have been impossible to do then and it's impossible to mix human genes with felines' . . . even today!

Question: Who is Ann Baker?

Answer: Ann Baker was a breeder in California who introduced the Ragdoll breed to us. She made up her own cat association known as IRCA (the International Ragdoll Cat Association). She is fully credited with developing these wonderful cats. Question: Why are they called "Ragdolls?" Answer: The name "Ragdoll" derives from the cats' ability to become totally relaxed when picked up (like a child's toy ragdoll). This characteristic is real. It is more prevalent in Ragdolls that are fully matured than in kittens.

Question: What are Ragamuffins? Are they the same as Ragdolls?

Answer: The Ragamuffin cat is a spin-off of the Ragdoll. They are not the same breed. Ragamuffins were started by early Ragdoll breeders. After the original breeders under Ann Baker broke off from her, a select few out-crossed their Ragdolls and this enabled them to produce different colors and patterns to what was a Ragdoll. The temperament for which Ragdolls are known for was lost along the way, and Ragamuffin breeders are not held responsible for proving their litters' pedigree records beyond a couple generations.

Question: How can you tell if a rescued cat is a real Ragdoll?

Answer: You can't. The only way to know for sure that you have a real Ragdoll, pedigree cat, is to have the bloodline history and papers from a Ragdoll breeder. Looks and temperament alone do not certify a rescued or adopted cat as a legitimate Ragdoll. Only pedigree papers can do that.

Question: Are all Ragdoll cats loving, calm, and docile?

Answer: No. Every Ragdoll kitten has its own personality. Occasionally, there may be an aggressive type in any litter. However, that is not common - and the chances of getting an aggressive Ragdoll cat is minimized when dealing with a reputable breeder. The very first 12 weeks of a kitten's life shape how it will behave in later years. Kittens raised with their moms and in a friendly atmosphere - within those crucial first 12 weeks - are more likely to turn out with the best dispositions and temperaments.

Question: Is it true that Ragdolls have skunk and raccoon mixed in them?

Answer: False. Ann Baker claimed to have mixed skunk into her cats to improve their tails supposedly. She named this new breed, the "Honeybears." There are no facts to substantiate her claim & the scientific community does not accept this as being possible in any way.

Question: Is it true that you cannot use clumpable litter with Ragdolls?

Answer: That is false. You can use clumpable litters with Ragdolls, like you would any other breed. The allegations that they cause urinary tract infections is simply not true. Clumpable litter should not be used with very young kittens. But that holds true for any breed, not just the Ragdolls.

Question: Is it true that people with allergies will not be affected by Ragdoll cats?

Answer: False. Ragdoll cats are special in their temperaments and in their beautiful ways and grace. However, they are still felines. They are still cats. That fact remains. And, people who suffer from cat allergies will experience the same reactions with Ragdoll cats.

Question: I have heard that Ragdolls do not shed. Is this true?

Answer: False. Ragdolls do indeed shed. However, their coat is like that of a rabbits' and sheds considerably less than other medium-long haired cats. Grooming is usually needed once per week with a Ragdoll. Persians, on the other hand, require grooming daily to avoid mats. Ragdolls do not mat.

Question: What is the life expectancy of the average Ragdolls?

Answer: Ragdolls are no different than any other cats when it comes to life expectancy. With proper care, a Ragdoll can live to be anywhere from 15 to 25 years old.

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