Ragdoll breed
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
History
The breed was developed in [[Riverside, California]] by breeder Ann Baker. In 1963, a white domestic longhaired cat named Josephine produced several litters of typical cats. Ann Baker trademarked the name Ragdoll and created the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), setting breeding standards.
Breed description
Temperament
The Ragdoll is known for a very floppy, calm, and docile nature, often following owners around like a dog. Some breeders believe the docility comes from Persian and Birman ancestry. Opinions vary if this trait is genetic or instinctive.
Physical characteristics
Ragdolls are large cats with long, muscular bodies, broad chests, long tails, and large tufted paws. Their coats are semi-long, silky, and dense. Males are larger than females, and it can take up to four years to reach full size. They have plush coats that require regular brushing.
Patterns
- Colorpoint: Extremities darker than the body (nose, ears, tail, paws).
- Mitted: White paws, abdomen, and sometimes a white blaze on the face.
- Bicolor: White legs, inverted V on face, and white abdomen.
Variations
- Lynx: Colorpoint with tabby markings.
- Tortoiseshell: Mottled or parti-colored variations.
Health
Ragdolls have a life expectancy of around 10–12 years. They are prone to urate urolithiasis and less likely than mixed breeds to develop diabetes mellitus.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
An autosomal dominant mutation of the MYBPC group of genes is responsible for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is common in the breed.
References
- Becker, Marty & Spadafori, Gina (2006). Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? Health Communications.
- Hart, Benjamin & Hart, Lynette (2013). Your Ideal Cat. Purdue University Press.
- Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Ragdoll Breed Info.
- Ragdoll Historical Society. Ragdoll History - The Beginning.