Ragdoll

The Ragdoll cat breed is large, powerful, and imposing with distinctive markings. However, the cat is extremely relaxed and laid back giving the floppy ragdoll impression. The broad head has a flat top and is wide between the ears. The deep blue eyes are large. The body is long and muscular with a broad chest, short neck and sturdy legs. The paws are large round and tufted and the tail is long and bushy. The Ragdoll cat's coat is silky and dense and of medium to long length, and on adult cats there should be a ruff and knickerbockers. There are three different coat patterns in the Ragdoll cat breed and each pattern comes in four colours. There is also a mitted Ragdoll cat with additional white markings.

The need-to-know

Calm cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Quiet cat

Larger stockier cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed

Needs some out-door space
Great family cat

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Personality

The Ragdoll cat is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. These cats are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature, and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain, but this is totally untrue! Their relaxed disposition stems from a very trusting nature, not a lack of feeling.

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Ragdoll cat is lying under a blanket in bed

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History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

The first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian cat queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. There are some that say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had while carrying the kittens but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens.

Health and Common Issues

The Ragdoll cat breed is associated with an inherited form of heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) that can lead to heart failure at an early age – ask the breeder if you are considering buying this breed.

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Grooming Ragdoll

The Ragdoll cat breed needs regular grooming to keep its striking coat in good condition. As with any cat, if grooming process is started as a kitten it soon becomes used to it and enjoy the attention it brings. Daily attention will prevent a build up of knots and the fight that comes to remove tangles and matts from a neglected coat. As with all cats, annual health checks, vaccination and parasite control are advisable.

Best Cat Breeds for Children

While this breed tends to be excellent with kids, each cat has a different personality based on training and life experience. Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting, for details on a specific cats character.

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