Ragdoll cats are known for their striking appearance, long silky fur, deep blue eyes, and gentle, sweet-tempered personality. Although they may look similar to other breeds, such as the Persian or the Siamese cats, Ragdolls are their breed.
They have been selectively bred for over 50 years to maintain purity to preserve their distinct traits and characteristics.
Ann Baker first bred Ragdoll cats in California in the 1960s from free-roaming cats found near her home. By creating an organized breeding program, she maintained genetic diversity while preventing accidental crossbreeding with other cat breeds due to the proximity of some houses.
Nowadays, Ragdoll cats are registered at global associations of purebred animals like CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) and TICA (The International Cat Association).
In regards to physical appearance, purebred ragdoll cats typically have semi-long coats available in solid, point, or mitted patterns that come in four primary colors: seal (dark brown), chocolate (medium brown), blue (grayish), and lilac (pinkish). Moreover, they tend to be large cats weighing 10–20 lbs. when fully grown.
Regarding personality, Ragdoll cats are renowned for their calm and affectionate nature. They are known to be very gentle and love being around people, often following owners from room to room and bonding closely with them through cuddles and grooming.
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What two cats make a Ragdoll?
The Ragdoll may have been a mix between the Burmese, Birman, and Persian, but the original Ragdoll is a white cat named Josephine. As a result, Ragdolls are also known as Josephine’s daughters.
A Ragdoll is a relatively new cat breed developed in the 1960s by American breeder Ann Baker. The original foundation cats for the Ragdoll breed were two cats, Josephine and Blackie, who were adopted from an animal shelter.
These two cats had a unique trait of going limp when picked up, which was the foundation of the Ragdoll breed’s relaxed and calm personality. As such, Josephine and Blackie are now considered to be the “founders” of this unique breed. Today, all show-quality Ragdolls can trace their lineage to these two cats!
It’s easy to see why Josephine and Blackie are so important to the Ragdoll breed. Without them, we wouldn’t have this wonderful breed of cat that is so beloved by its owners! Thanks for everything, Josephine and Blackie! We owe you a lot.
How Do I Know If My Ragdoll Is Purebred?
Knowing for sure whether or not a Ragdoll is purebred can be difficult, but there are some steps you can take to help determine the cat’s lineage.
First, it is essential to understand that a purebred Ragdoll is an animal whose parents were both registered with The International Cat Association (TICA). This means that the parents were both purebred Ragdolls, and thus their offspring will also be true-breed.
It is also essential to look for physical traits of the cat that could indicate whether or not it is a purebred. Purebred Ragdolls have very distinct physical characteristics, such as long fur, blue eyes, and a pointed face. If you can see the cat’s parents, this will also indicate whether or not the animal is purebred.
If you are unsure about the Ragdoll’s pedigree and want confirmation, there is DNA testing available that can determine breed purity. This test requires a sample of the cat’s hair or saliva and can provide a definitive answer to this question.
Finally, if you adopted your Ragdoll from a rescue center or shelter, it is possible that the animal was not registered with TICA. This means there is no way of knowing for sure whether the cat is purebred or not. In this case, it is still possible for the cat to be a true breed, but you may never know.
What is so special about Ragdoll cats?
Ragdoll cats are a unique and beautiful breed known for their impressive size, sweet and gentle nature, and gorgeous coats. These cats have been around since the 1960s, making them one of the newer breeds of domestic cats.
They are affectionately called “puppy cats” because they are docile and people-friendly. Ragdolls are known for their large size, with mature adults weighing 10-20 pounds! They also have expressive blue eyes, a long and silky coat of fur that comes in many colors, and strong muscular bodies.
Their loving personalities make them great family pets, as they love to cuddle and be around their owners. Ragdolls are also incredibly smart and enjoy playing games, learning new tricks, and exploring the house. Ragdoll cats make great companions – both for cuddly times on the couch and active playtime.
Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ragdolls
Ragdoll cats have a unique and distinguished look that can be recognized almost anywhere. They have long, silky fur with points of color on their faces, paws, and tails. But did you know there is more to the Ragdoll than meets the eye?
Here are some things you probably didn’t know about these curious cats.
- Ragdolls are one of the oldest cat breeds. They were first bred in California in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker, and they have since become a staple of cat shows.
- Ragdoll cats come in many colors and patterns, including blue, seal, chocolate and lilac points, mitted, bi-color, and tortoiseshell.
- They are known for their docile nature and gentle personalities. Ragdolls are incredibly affectionate cats who love to cuddle and be petted.
- These cats can get pretty large—adult males can reach up to 20 pounds!
- Ragdolls have an exciting trait called “floppy-cat syndrome,” They go limp and relaxed when held, almost as if they have no bones.
So there you have it—nine things you probably didn’t know about Ragdolls. These furry friends will bring joy and love into any home they inhabit.
