The ragdoll is a cat breed. It is large, with blue eyes, and a semi-longhair soft and silky coat of fur. It is usually mostly white, with light to dark marks.

Ragdoll
Ragdoll cat
OriginCalifornia, United States
Breed standards
CFAstandard
TICAstandard
Domestic cat (Felis catus)

The ragdoll was first bred by an American breeder named Ann Baker from a Persian-like cat (without a pedigree) and a Birman cat with the Siamese colorpoint gene. It is similar in appearance to the Himalayan, which was bred directly from the Persian and Siamese.

The Ragdoll is gentle, easy going, and affectionate. The breed was named "Ragdoll" because they often go limp and relax like a rag or cloth doll when it is picked up. The original mother cat that the breed was created from was involved in a car accident, but contrary to popular belief, this is not why the breed goes limp when picked up (injuries from an accident are not passed on to offspring genetically).

Ragdoll is a breed that enjoys being around humans and it may follow its owner around the house. Due to its unique dog like characteristics and soft nature, the breed has gained lots of popularity. In fact, the breed became the most popular cat breed for three consecutive years, i.e., 2019, 2020, and 2021, in one of the world’s largest cat registries of pedigree cats- CFA.[1]

The Ragdoll cat is a large domestic cat breed, although the Maine Coon is larger. It has an overall relaxed and laid-back look with a medium-long coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The fur is usually semi-long with a silky texture and tends to be lighter on the belly, legs, and tail. The eyes are round and wide set and come in various shades of blue, green or copper. The face is broad with distinct markings on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose bridge. The ears are large with rounded tips while the muzzle is somewhat square in shape. Its body shape can range from cobby to semi-foreign but typically has an overall muscular build. The Ragdoll cat is also known for its docile personality and gentle demeanor which adds to its appeal as a pet breed.

The breed typically weigh between 15 to 20 pounds, with females usually being on the smaller side of that range. They are the large breed of cat, so they have a strong and muscular body type which helps them to carry their larger size. Despite their size, Ragdolls are known for being calm and gentle cats which makes them great family pets. They also require minimal grooming due to their short coat, making them an ideal pet for those looking for an affectionate companion without the hassle of long term maintenance. With proper care and diet, Ragdoll cats can live up to 15 years or more.

References

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  1. WATSON, ESME (November 6, 2022). "Ragdoll Cat Breed Profile: Everything You Need to Know". Cat Queries. Retrieved December 11, 2022.