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Ragdoll

The longest-living Janus cat (cat with two faces) was a Ragdoll named Frankenlouie. Usually, this rare congenital defect, called diprosopia, results in very short lifespans, but he lived until 15 years of age thanks to the care provided by its owner Marty Stevens.
The Ragdoll got its name because of the way it goes limp and heavy when picked up and held, much like a rag doll!
Often called a “puppy-cat” due to their temperament, Ragdoll cats absolutely love their people and prefer human company over the company of other cats (although they generally do well with other pets in the home).
Ragdolls were the most popular cat breed in 2018 according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Breed Summary

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Weight

Males: 12 - 20 pounds

Females: 8 - 15 pounds

Energy level

Mellow fellow

About the Ragdoll cat

Looking for an easygoing, friendly cat breed with a fluffy coat? The Ragdoll may just be the kitty for you.

Ragdoll cat appearance

Ragdolls have stunning blue eyes and long, fluffy fury that does not mat easily. come in 6 different colors and 4 different patterns, which means you can see lots of variety within the breed. Colors include cream, lilac, chocolate, blue, red, and seal. You’ll see Ragdolls in these patterns:

Bi-color (white and another solid color)
Van (white with small dots of color)
Mitted (white paws that look like mittens, often with white markings on face and chest as well)
Colorpoint pattern (no white markings, but can be solid color, lynx, tortoiseshell, or combination)

Ragdoll cat grooming and care

The Ragdoll has a medium-length coat that is kept healthy with weekly brushing, using a pin comb that reaches the skin and removes dead fur. They are excellent at keeping themselves clean, meaning they won’t need frequent bathing, but you will see an uptick in shedding, usually twice a year during the shedding season.

Brush them frequently as they change between their summer and winter coat to prevent matting, especially under their armpits. Like all cats, Ragdolls benefit greatly from twice-monthly nail trimming, regular teeth brushing, and yearly well pet visits to the veterinarian to stay happy and healthy. Introduce your kitten to these experiences at a young age, keeping the experience calm and positive.

Personality

The Ragdoll cat is a charming and sweet breed that loves to spend time with you and will follow you anywhere you let them — including into the shower! Playful, yet calm and quiet, these cats make excellent cuddling companions, famous for going limp (just like, you guessed it, a rag doll!) when held.

Ragdoll cats are highly adaptable and easy-going, which makes them great for an indoor-only lifestyle. They’re ideal for urban homes with no access to outdoor spaces, including apartments.

Ragdolls are laid-back and tolerant, which enables them to get along well with other cats and kittens, animals, and young children. They aren’t excessively demanding of attention but love their human companions, so even busy families can enjoy these kitties.

Similar breeds to the Ragdoll

Birman
Himalayan
Persian
Norwegian Forest cat
Snowshoe

History of the Ragdoll cat

The origin of the Ragdoll breed is attributed to Ann Baker of California, who started breeding for the breed traits she desired in the early 1960s. She used three cats found in her neighborhood as the foundation for the Ragdoll cat, a long-haired white female named Josephine, Daddy Warbucks, a seal-mitted male, and Blackie, a solid black cat.

To keep control over the breeding standards of this new and adorable breed, Baker trademarked the name “Ragdoll” and formed her own registry for the breed, not allowing other breeders to register Ragdolls with other national or international registries.

Frustrated with Baker’s process, a small group of breeders broke rank and began developing the Ragdoll into what is recognized as the breed standard today by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and International Feline Federation. Another group split from Baker as late as 1994 due to her stringent rules and eccentric beliefs, creating another breed known as the Ragamuffin.

The Ragdoll cat breed was not officially recognized until just recently in 2005, due to Baker’s registry and trademark of the word. But after her death, the trademark was not renewed, meaning breeders around the world could recognize their kittens as Ragdolls.

The Ragdoll has been very popular since its introduction to the cat world. Its temperament and physical traits are quite desirable, and it’s a top choice for apartment dwellers due to its quiet nature. The breed was named the most popular breed of 2018 by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Ragdoll cat behavior and training

The Ragdoll cat is extremely tolerant and mellow and has been called the most relaxed, mild-mannered cat in the world. It has also been described as docile and loving. These personality traits result in cats who get along very well with other cats, family pets, and even young children.

Ragdolls are devoted to their humans and are happy to greet you upon returning home and giving you some cuddle time should you need it, but they are not overly demanding of affection.

Exercise requirements

The Ragdoll cat, while lower energy and more docile than other breeds, still needs physical exercise to stay trim and healthy. While they aren’t big climbers, Ragdolls can learn how to play fetch and enjoy it since it’s a team activity with their family.

Any type of exercise that involves contact with their people will be enjoyable for a Ragdoll. This includes even just padding along behind you as you walk through the house but mix it up with a toy to chase or a mouse toy to fetch.

Mental enrichment needs

Ragdolls are intelligent and can be trained to stay off counters and do tricks with little difficulty. Kittens are much more active than laid-back adults, but this breed enjoys chasing after toys, particularly those wielded by their guardians.

Adults prefer more gentle activities, so engage them in games that will stimulate the mind, like trick training, food puzzles (Ragdolls are known for their love of food), and exploratory opportunities.

Providing Ragdoll cats with various places to perch and nap would also be appreciated; a sunny window from which to watch the world go by will also surely be enjoyed!

Activities the Ragdoll enjoys

While the Ragdoll cat tends to be a less active cat, there are plenty of activities that this breed can enjoy! Here are a few:

Pamper your Ragdoll with a grooming session that includes gentle brushing with a wire brush, nail trimming, and plenty of petting.
Ragdoll kittens can be very active! Let them chase interactive wand toys with feather and mouse lures. Adults also appreciate chasing toys occasionally, but their play sessions may be a bit more subdued.
Ragdolls love food! Give them treats and food in food puzzles or puzzle feeders. Start easy and make it more difficult as your cat figures out how to get the food inside. Easy DIY food puzzles to start with include putting food inside of ice cube trays or muffin tins, empty toilet paper tubes, and empty water bottles. Add toy “obstacles” in these containers that your cat must work around.
Clicker-train your Ragdoll! This breed is intelligent and combined with its love for food, can be trained easily to perform tricks such as giving high-fives, fist bumps, performing sit, spin, and laying down, among other things.
As a less active breed, your Ragdoll will appreciate having several places from which to perch and view their environment. Give them places to climb and nap. Window beds and heated beds might become favorite napping spots.
Because Ragdolls are relaxed, tolerant, and LOVES being around their people, this is a breed that can be handled and taught to enjoy trips with their humans. Taking walks in a pet stroller and going for car rides might be fun for your Ragdoll.