The Ragdoll Cat - California's Cool Cat

The Ragdoll truly is one of the most affectionate cat breeds ever. Not only are they strikingly beautiful, many say they are the most dog-like of all cat breeds due to their loyalty, intelligence and playfulness. Loving and involved, the Ragdoll is beyond sweet.

Most cat breeds can easily be traced back centuries, not the Ragdoll, this is a relatively new kitty on the block and dates back only as far as the early 60's. Developed in California by breeder Ann Baker, the Ragdoll has fast become one of the world's most popular cat breeds. Baker bred a Persian/Angora cat called "Josephine" with several Burmese and Siamese-type cats to create litters of docile, affectionate kitties with the tendency to be super relaxed and go limp when picked up and held. Unusually Baker trademarked the Ragdoll herself and instead of registering the breed with traditional cat breed associations, she set up her own so come 1971 the "International Ragdoll Cat Association" or IRCA was formed.

Stridgent standards were put in place for anyone wanting to breed or sell a Ragdoll and she wouldn't allow the breed to be registered with any other associations but hers. It took a couple of disgruntled IRCA members to break ranks and begin a new breeding program. It's aim was to gain more recognition for the breed and they created the Ragdoll standard now recognised by international cat registries.

Image source

Often referred to as puppy-like, this little beauty likes to follow people around. Just like a dog, they enjoy playing fetch and love to wait for you by the front door. These clever cats seek affection and many say are as loyal as man's best friend.
They make perfect family pets, they are calm with children and get along well with others cats, even dogs.
People adore Ragdolls because of their propensity to go floppy or limp when you pick them up and they really do love to be held and cuddled. If you are looking for a lap-cat, this one ticks all the boxes.
A true Ragdoll will only have blue eyes however their coats can vary. All are born pure white with pattern and colour developing around two weeks of age. Most have a lighter coloured body combined with a darker face, tail and ears.
Their fur is silky-soft, often compared to that of a rabbit. With no undercoat which is associated with excess shedding and allergies, this cat is close to being hypoallergenic. They are diligent groomers with great hygiene but they do still shed and need a thorough brush through at least twice a week.
They hate a closed door. Being able to access all parts of their territory is a must for this kitty, in fact Ragdoll owners can rarely retreat to the bathroom in peace as their cat will scratch and meow until you let them in.
They will follow you from room to room, sleep in your bed or nap on your lap - this kitty craves your company and doesn't like to be left alone of more than eight hours a day.

Image source

They may look dainty in photos but don't let that fool you, this pussy cat is big and muscular and can weigh up to 20lbs. It belongs to largest breed of domestic cats, up there with the Maine Coon in fact.
They love water, especially running water. They often lick water from taps or hoses or paw at it due to their inquisitive nature. Some enjoy being bathed or going for a swim but that depends on the cat really.
This slow-maturing cat can take up to 5 years to grow to its optimum size.
They thrive well as indoor pets but if you do have a garden you'll need to escape-proof it as they are known to not be road savvy. Either that or use a harness and lead if they want to go outside.
They carry a gene which is linked to polycystic kidney disease (PDK) and Hypertrophic cardio myopathy (HCM) so if you notice signs of breathing difficulties, lethargy or loss of appetite, see a vet right away.
Happily, it's one of the longest living breeds and generally a well cared for Ragdoll can live between 15 and 20 years.

Image source

So if you fancy a cool, laid-back but friendly kitty that's incredibly attuned to human emotions, the Ragdoll is your perfect companion. Better still why not consider adopting one. Click on the link below for more information.

Here

August 30, 2023
The Ragdoll Cat - California's Cool Cat
By RM Koisar
Image source

The Ragdoll truly is one of the most affectionate cat breeds ever. Not only are they strikingly beautiful, many say they are the most dog-like of all cat breeds due to their loyalty, intelligence and playfulness. Loving and involved, the Ragdoll is beyond sweet.

Most cat breeds can easily be traced back centuries, not the Ragdoll, this is a relatively new kitty on the block and dates back only as far as the early 60's. Developed in California by breeder Ann Baker, the Ragdoll has fast become one of the world's most popular cat breeds. Baker bred a Persian/Angora cat called "Josephine" with several Burmese and Siamese-type cats to create litters of docile, affectionate kitties with the tendency to be super relaxed and go limp when picked up and held. Unusually Baker trademarked the Ragdoll herself and instead of registering the breed with traditional cat breed associations, she set up her own so come 1971 the "International Ragdoll Cat Association" or IRCA was formed.

Stridgent standards were put in place for anyone wanting to breed or sell a Ragdoll and she wouldn't allow the breed to be registered with any other associations but hers. It took a couple of disgruntled IRCA members to break ranks and begin a new breeding program. It's aim was to gain more recognition for the breed and they created the Ragdoll standard now recognised by international cat registries.

Image source
- Often referred to as puppy-like, this little beauty likes to follow people around. Just like a dog, they enjoy playing fetch and love to wait for you by the front door. These clever cats seek affection and many say are as loyal as man's best friend.
- They make perfect family pets, they are calm with children and get along well with others cats, even dogs.
- People adore Ragdolls because of their propensity to go floppy or limp when you pick them up and they really do love to be held and cuddled. If you are looking for a lap-cat, this one ticks all the boxes.
- A true Ragdoll will only have blue eyes however their coats can vary. All are born pure white with pattern and colour developing around two weeks of age. Most have a lighter coloured body combined with a darker face, tail and ears.
- Their fur is silky-soft, often compared to that of a rabbit. With no undercoat which is associated with excess shedding and allergies, this cat is close to being hypoallergenic. They are diligent groomers with great hygiene but they do still shed and need a thorough brush through at least twice a week.
- They hate a closed door. Being able to access all parts of their territory is a must for this kitty, in fact Ragdoll owners can rarely retreat to the bathroom in peace as their cat will scratch and meow until you let them in.
- They will follow you from room to room, sleep in your bed or nap on your lap - this kitty craves your company and doesn't like to be left alone of more than eight hours a day.
Image source
- They may look dainty in photos but don't let that fool you, this pussy cat is big and muscular and can weigh up to 20lbs. It belongs to largest breed of domestic cats, up there with the Maine Coon in fact.
- They love water, especially running water. They often lick water from taps or hoses or paw at it due to their inquisitive nature. Some enjoy being bathed or going for a swim but that depends on the cat really.
- This slow-maturing cat can take up to 5 years to grow to its optimum size.
- They thrive well as indoor pets but if you do have a garden you'll need to escape-proof it as they are known to not be road savvy. Either that or use a harness and lead if they want to go outside.
- They carry a gene which is linked to polycystic kidney disease (PDK) and Hypertrophic cardio myopathy (HCM) so if you notice signs of breathing difficulties, lethargy or loss of appetite, see a vet right away.
- Happily, it's one of the longest living breeds and generally a well cared for Ragdoll can live between 15 and 20 years.
Image source

So if you fancy a cool, laid-back but friendly kitty that's incredibly attuned to human emotions, the Ragdoll is your perfect companion. Better still why not consider adopting one. Click on the link below for more information.

Here

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The Ragdoll Cat - California's Cool Cat

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