The Ragdoll cat is a relatively new breed, with a forty year history tracing back to semi-feral cats in southern California. The stunning beauty of these cats is surpassed only by their amazing personalities. Called "puppycats" by some because of their doglike behavior, these blue-eyed pointed felines are intelligent, affecionate, and adaptable. They are gentle giants, with the ability to go almost limp - like a ragdoll - when held.
Born mostly white, they slowly darken with age, achieving their full point color and coat at the age of two or three, and size at age four. Color patterns are colorpoint, mitted, and bi-color. Point colors are seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream. The points are most often a solid color, but can also be lynx or tortie patterned.
The long hair of the Ragdoll resists matting and is easier to care for than other long-haired breeds. Some Ragdolls shed very little, while other shed more.
Because of their gentle, cooperative nature, the Ragdoll is more trainable than most cats. Some can be coaxed easily into performing simple tricks or walking on a lead. They can make excellent therapy cats. Ragdolls should never be left outdoors unsupervised, because they lack natural fighting instincts and don't know how to defend themselves against other animals.
Ragdoll Cat Trivia
- The originator of the Ragdoll, Ann Baker, was a brilliant breeder but a little eccentric. She claimed Ragdolls contained DNA from humans, rabbits, raccoons, and even space aliens!
- Ragdolls have long tufts of hair between their toes.
- Ragdolls often get along very well with dogs.
- The meow of the Ragdoll is often softer than that of other cats. Some cats make a noise more akin to a squeak or chirp.
- Ragdolls are social animals, and like to be with their people or with other animals. A Ragdoll is not a good choice for an only pet that must be left alone much of the day.
Finding A Ragdoll Kitten Online
It's not as easy as you might think!
Ragdolls are very popular cats, but there aren't enough to go around. Finding a kitten takes patience. You may find that the nearest Ragdoll breeder is hundreds of miles away from you. Popular breeders may have waiting lists of prospective buyers who have put down deposits on unborn kittens up to a year in advance!The best place to buy a kitten is directly from a reputable breeder. Breeding genetically sound, healthy animals that meet the breed standard takes skill, experience, and knowledge. Avoid pet store sales and online discounters, because often these cats are produced in kitten mills and can have health and behavioral problems. Search online for breeders within driving distance. Many breeders will ship kittens by air for an extra fee. They say Ragdolls travel well because of their relaxed nature, but shipping a pet by air always involves risk.
If you live in the right area, you might be able to meet Ragdoll breeders at a cat show, but many of us first "meet" a breeder online, either on a Ragdoll forum, or the breeder's website. Some great Ragdoll breeders have awful websites, and some awful breeders have beautiful sites. So how do you tell if you're looking at the site of a good breeder?
First, examine photos of the cats and kittens. Do they look healthy? Are their eyes and noses clear, or runny? Do they look lively, energetic, and confident, or run down and scared? Do their surroundings look clean?
If the breeder is also active in showing cats, you'll know they are working hard to produce not just any cat with a pedigree, but the perfect cat. Even show breeders have "pet quality" kittens available, meaning they are not quite perfect enough for the show ring or breeding plan. Often this is nothing more than a mismarking or some other minor flaw. The owners of pet quality cats often find these little flaws to be very charming!
Once you find a breeder you like, do some research on them. Try entering their cattery name in a search and see what comes up. Happy customers, or complaints?
Most breeders will want to know a little about you before they will take a kitten deposit. Take this as a good sign! They want to know their kitten is going to a good home. You'll probably be required to sign a kitten contract, outlining the care of your new pet. Ask to see the contract before putting down a deposit. If the kitten is not already neutered, the surgery may be required before you can get the registration papers.
Hints On Finding A Kitten
- Most litters are born in Spring and Summer, so that's the best time to find a good selection. You're more likely to be put on a waiting list if you're shopping "off season." Be prepared to wait until the kitten is 12 weeks old before bringing it home.
- If you have your heart set on a specific color or pattern, you may have to wait longer. Once you get your Ragdoll, you'll find that color isn't as important as personality, so if you're in a hurry to get your first Ragdoll, you might want to consider buying a cat that is your second or third color choice.
- Male, or female? If you don't have a preference, it will be easier to find a kitten.
- Breeders sometimes offer retired breeding cats for sale at a price lower than the price of a kitten. The advantage of buying an adult cat is that you know exactly what you're getting.
Ragdoll Sites
More great info on Ragdolls
- CFA Ragdoll Breed Profile
- The Cat Fancier's Association breed profile.
- Ragdoll International
- The official Ragdoll International web site, a TICA club for owners and breeders of ragdoll cats and kittens. Access a wealth of information about the ragdoll cat with pictures, newsletter and a directory of Ragdoll breeders.
- The Ragdoll Cat Blog
- Great informational blog from Ragglerock, a Ragdoll breeder near Toronto.
- Ragdoll Webring
- Over eighty Ragdoll websites in this ring, including breeders and personal pages.
Ragdoll Forums
Discuss Ragdolls Here
- Ragdoll Central
- Active board with lots of info and photos of Ragdoll cats.
Ragdoll Breeders
Find a Ragdoll breeder online
- Mikyttens
- Located in Illinois, USA. Our Ragdoll, Tiramisu, comes from Mikyttens.
- Raggle Rock
- Breeders of kittens of many colors, including minks and solids.
- Lonerock-Catastrophe Ragdolls
- Located in rural Wisconsin, USA.
- RCN Breeder Referral System
- Breeders recommended by the Ragdoll Connection Network site.
- Starliterags
- Located in Amherst, Wisconsin, USA.
- Ragnarok Cattery
- The oldest established breeder of Ragdolls still in operation. Located in Mira Loma, California, USA.
- Villaroyal Ragdoll Cats and Kittens
- Located in New York, USA.
Assorted Ragdoll Cat Video On YouTube
Some of these are pretty wacky!
Cooper, Our Ragdoll Cat
Exactly a Ragdoll!
Why called Ragdoll
Ragdoll Cat
Casimir
mango the cat
Cats Want Tuna
Jobim vs Cooling Fan
Ragdoll Books
Ragdoll Cats 2010 Square Wall
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/24/2009) 
Guide to Owning a Ragdoll Cat
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/24/2009)
Ragdoll Cats (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/24/2009)
Ragdoll Cats (Eye to Eye With Cats)
Amazon Price: $19.76 (as of 12/24/2009)
Ragdoll Cats (Pebble Books)
Amazon Price: $14.75 (as of 12/24/2009)
Our Ragdoll Cat's Blog
Our Ragdoll, Tiramisu, has her own blog.
I've been documenting life with our first Ragdoll since we brought her home at the age of 12 weeks.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byby Daypainter
(more)
Explore related pages
What In The World Is A Serval?- Silently hidden in the tall grass, a serval stalks it's prey. Listening for the...
I love Ragdoll Cats- The Laid-back and Affectionate Ragdoll
Cat Adoption- So you've decided to add a new cat or kitten to your family. Maybe you're adding...
I love Javanese Cats- The Intelligent and Vocal Javanese
I Love Sokoke Cats- The Active and Talkative Sokoke
I love Japanese Bobtail Cats- The Talkative and Affectionate Japanese Bobtail
