Characteristics of Ragdoll Cats

Image Credits: Pixabay

Cats of the Ragdoll breed are big and gentle canines. The name comes from the event of the cats going entirely limp when you pick them up. These cats are friendly and serene. They are especially affectionate when it comes to their owners. Unlike other cat breeds, Ragdolls are one of the relatively new breeds. Stray cats come into their genetic line.

Indoor pets

The first Ragdoll cat was created in California during the swinging 1960s.  A Riverside, California woman, Ann Baker, bred a white female cat she found as a stray with mostly other strays to get the gentle and calm temperament of present-day Ragdoll cats. These cats have an easy-going and relaxed personality. They make excellent family pets due to their soft and sweet nature. It is okay to keep children around Ragdolls, but care must be taken to cover their claws as these cats may scratch.

Most Ragdoll owners keep these cats as indoor pets. Most cats of this breed are incredibly docile, and it is not a good idea to allow this cat to go outside the house. Ragdolls are incapable of hunting and cannot defend themselves if attacked by predators. A mature four-year-old Ragdoll may weigh any weight between 10 to 15 pounds in case of females and any weight from 15 to 20 pounds when it comes to males. The cats come with semi-long hair and have plush, silky coats. The cats have a broad range of fur colors, including chocolate, blue, seal, cream, and lilac. Such colors also come with many different patterns.

Patterns and health issues

The Van pattern is of a darker coloring compared to the body. It is restricted to the top of the ears and the head and also on the tail. There is also an occasional color spot on the solid cat body. The Mitted design sees the front legs of the cat having white feet, which provides the show of wearing mittens. This white on back legs also extends up from feet to around hocks. The foreheads have a white marking, and white is also observed on the noses, chin, and on the foreheads. Ragdoll cats are susceptible to a few health issues. Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis are relatively the most common. In Cardiomyopathy, the heart muscles thicken, and it interferes with the ability of the organ to contract properly. When it comes to Mucopolysaccharidosis, the condition may result in mobility and vision problems. Contrary to the popular myth, Ragdolls are not hypoallergenic. However, it is one of the few cat breeds which brings fewer problems for all allergy sufferers. This is as Ragdoll cats do not possess an undercoat and shed much less compared to other breeds.