The Martyr Cat. Much controversy surrounds the history of this breed, which gained recognition in the USA in the 1960's. The charm of a Ragdoll is said to lie in the fact that it will flop in your arms when handled, but this is not uncommon in any cat that trusts its owner.
The
first Ragdoll kittens are said to have been born in California to a white
Persian queen who had mismated, and after suffering a broken pelvis in a car
accident, gave birth to a litter of kittens that flopped when handled. This
would be genetically impossible, as the result of a road accident cannot cause
the cat's genetic make-up to be changed and so be passed on to future
generations. The truth of the Ragdoll's background is open to speculation.
Looking at the varieties of Ragdoll accepted today, it is likely that the breed
has an ancestry linked with Siamese, Colourpoints or Birmans.
The Ragdoll is probably one of the most laid-back of all breeds of
domesticated cats. It is relatively undemanding, very tolerant of most
situations, and is gentle and relaxed. It is said that these cats have a lower
pain threshold than most, but it is a debatable point, and certainly not one
that should be tested.
Remember: Ragdoll cats are too trusting, they must be kept as indoor cats
only.
Well known for its loving and adaptable nature, the Ragdoll quickly becomes
attached to its owner. It is gentle, intelligent and even-tempered.
Adult Ragdoll cats should be groomed at least twice per week. Ragdoll cats
shed considerably less than other large, medium-long haired cats, but they still
shed. Ragdolls grow, grow, and keep growing! A male Ragdoll cat can weigh up to
30 pounds when fully grown, although most Ragdolls reach about 10 pounds less
than that . . . with females coming in at about 5-10 pounds less than males.
Being a large cat, you will need a good-sized litterbox to accommodate your
adult Ragdoll. And, you will need to keep it clean on a daily basis. Ragdoll
cats need your love and attention more than any other breed. These cats thrive
on affection.
Ragdolls exist in three distinct colour patterns: Seal point, Blue mitted and
Seal bicolour. Seal points are a cream colour with brown on the body, face, ears,
feet and tail. Blue mitted are cream with blue-grey colour on the tail, face,
ears and lower legs with distinct white boots. Seal bicolours mix brown on the
upper body with white on the lower body and face.
Did you know?
The Ragdoll's colour, as with all colourpointed cats, is not fully developed
until it is about two years old, and the cat continues to grow until it is about
four years old.
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