The History of Ragdolls

Ann Baker developed the Ragdoll cat during the 1960's in California. The origin of the Ragdoll cat began with Josephine, a non-pedigree domestic long-haired white cat. Josephine was a Persian/Angora type cat. She had several litters with Birman type cats, one with siamese point colour. Joesephine later produced more docile, laid-back cats with a tendancy to go limp when picked up.

From early litters came Daddy Warbucks. Daddy Warbucks sired the founding bi-color female Fugianna, and Blackie sired Buckwheat, a dark brown/black Burmese-like female. All Ragdolls are descended from Ann Baker's cats Daddy Warbucks, Fugianna and Buckwheat.

Selecting individuals with the look, temperament and criteria she wanted for her breeding program, Ann Baker created the Ragdoll breed.

Large, laid-back cats

Ragdolls are large, laid-back cats with semi longhair and stunning blue eyes. The Ragdoll is a pointed breed, meaning that the body is lighter in color than the points (the face, legs, tail and ears).

Since Ann Baker produced the first Ragdolls the Ragdoll has been selectively bred to produce large affectionate cats in three main patterns, two with white (mitted and bi-color) and one with no white (colorpoint). The ideal Ragdoll is a well balanced cat, medium cat with no extreme features. Neutered males can grow to 6-9kg; females are proportionately smaller and usually weigh between 4.5-6kg. Ragdolls are slow-maturing, reaching full coat color at two years, and full size and weight at four.

Minimal grooming

Ragdoll cats are generally very loving and are known to follow their human wherever they go. They welcome you home and often flop down beside you.

Ragdolls are typically intelligent cats and can learn not only their names but also can be taught to play fetch.

Ragdolls are generally very gentle and play without extending their claws.

The Ragdoll is semi-long haired with a plush and silky, coat, requiring minimal grooming.

A Ragdoll should be combed with a steel comb and slicker brush on a regular basis to remove any loose hair and prevent tangles.

Ragdolls, do shed their fur, just like any cat, typically between different seasons of the year. They do not have a thick, dense, insulating undercoats so shed less than some other long-haired breeds.

Ragdolls are a really well behaved part of the family and are quite easy to care for.

Colours & Patterns

There are different patterns: bi-color, mitted and colorpoint. Patterns come in six colors: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream. Points may be solid, Tabby, tortie, or torbie (tortie and tabby).

Colorpoint Ragdolls have the classic pointed markings, meaning that they have deeper colour at their extremities with no white anywhere in their coat. Mitted (like mittens) have white feet at the front and white boots that go all the way up and around the hock in the back, a white chin and belly stripe. Mitted Ragdolls may have a blaze, star or hourglass shaped patch of white on their forehead and nose. Bi-colors have more white; all four paws, their underbodies, chest, and an upside-down ‘V’ marking on their face. They may have a splash or two of white on their backs. Only their tails, ears, and the outer part of their masks show the darker markings.