Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll is best known for its docile and placid temperament. It is perhaps the gentlest and most easy-going of breeds. The name "Ragdoll" derived from the fact that many of these cats go completely limp when picked up.

The breed had its origin in California in the 1960s with a cat named Josephine. Several wild and scientifically impossible stories were put out by the colorful breed founder regarding the origin and development of the Ragdoll breed, including extraterrestrials, kittens' traits and personality being affected by the mother's being hit by a car, and genetic alteration using human genes. None of these legends are scientifically supportable.

What is known is that this breed has been selectively bred over many years for desirable traits, such as large size, docility, and ability to go limp in the arms like a rag doll -- hence the cat's name. Persians, Birmans, Burmese, and domestics had roles in early breeding programs.

The Ragdoll is a large, semi-longhaired cat, exhibiting the pointed (Siamese) pattern in three varieties: colorpoint, bicolor, and mitted. They are available in seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac point colors, either with or without markings on the face and feet. In some associations, they are also available in nonstandard colors, such as red and lynx point.

The Ragdoll is the largest fully domestic breed of cat. Adult males can weigh over 20 pounds in adulthood. Their long coats need minimal care.

Associations: The Ragdoll is accepted by most major cat registries.

Provided with permission of Barbara French
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