- Calm cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Quiet cat
- Larger stockier cat breed
- Requires grooming every day
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Needs some out-door space
- Great family cat
Personality
The Ragdoll cat is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. These cats are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature, and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain, but this is totally untrue! Their relaxed disposition stems from a very trusting nature, not a lack of feeling.
History and Origins
Country of Origin: USA
The first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian cat queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. There are some that say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had while carrying the kittens but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens.
The Ragdoll cat breed is associated with an inherited form of heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) that can lead to heart failure at an early age – ask the breeder if you are considering buying this breed.
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
The Ragdoll cat breed needs regular grooming to keep its striking coat in good condition. As with any cat, if grooming process is started as a kitten it soon becomes used to it and enjoy the attention it brings. Daily attention will prevent a build up of knots and the fight that comes to remove tangles and matts from a neglected coat. As with all cats, annual health checks, vaccination and parasite control are advisable.
While this breed tends to be excellent with kids, each cat has a different personality based on training and life experience. Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting, for details on a specific cats character.
