Ragdoll Cat Breed Information

Group

Semi-long Haired

Weight

6-9 kg

Length

22-27 cm

Lifespan

12-17 years

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About the Ragdoll Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Supremely affectionate, beautiful, and laid-back, Ragdoll cats are one of the sweetest cat breeds you’ll find. If you’re wondering whether a Ragdoll is right for you, this breed guide is sure to help!

Whether you need information and advice about feeding, suitable living environments, or the prices of Ragdoll kittens in Australia, you’ll find it all right here. If you’d like to know more about this beautiful cat, just keep reading!

What Is the History & Origin of the Ragdoll Cat?

The Ragdoll is a relatively new breed, only being developed in 1963 in California by breeder Ann Baker. She set out to create a stunning cat with a calm and loving personality to match, beginning with domestic longhaired cats whose ancestries are not known.

The original Ragdoll cat named Josephine was white along with Siamese-type markings, and her genes carried either a black tuxedo pattern or a seal mitten.

Today’s Ragdolls all descend from both Josephine and her son, named Daddy Warbucks, as well as other domestic longhaired male cats. Daddy Warbucks was also the first Ragdoll cat to be registered with the Cat Fanciers Association in 1966.

What Is a Ragdoll Cat Breed?

Ragdolls have become affectionately known as “floppy cats”. This came about because of how they “flop” when you pick them up, meaning they go relaxed and limp in your arms! The Ragdoll breed is well known for being one of the most affectionate feline breeds out there.

The Ragdoll is a large cat and the original breeder, Ann Baker, was so protective of her creation, that in 1971 she formed the International Ragdoll Cat Association. This was to control the number of Ragdoll breeders. In 1975 she even trademarked the breed’s name!

Who Is a Ragdoll Cat Best For?

A Ragdoll cat is best suited to someone who can provide cuddles, and plenty of them! Because of this, they’re not suitable for people whose homes are empty all day every day. Although many cats are generally independent, the Ragdoll’s extremely affectionate nature means that they don’t like to be left alone for too long.

What Does a Ragdoll Cat Look Like?

The Ragdoll is much larger than other cat breeds and they have very distinctive markings. Although they are large, Ragdolls are very relaxed, giving them the floppy ragdoll impression that fans of the breed have come to know and love.

The head is broad with a flat top and wide-set ears. The body is muscular and long with a short neck, strong chest and powerful legs. Ragdolls also have big bushy tails and large tufted paws.

Coat

Ragdolls have medium to long coats with very little undercoat, which is why they’re primarily indoor kitties and don’t cope very well outdoors. Changes in the seasons and hormone fluctuations in unneutered felines can affect the length of the cat’s coat – the fur will be at its peak during winter.

Spayed or neutered Ragdolls typically have very luxurious coats all year round because they won’t be affected by hormonal changes.

Colours

Ragdolls come in a variety of colours. They’re all born white but as they get older, they develop into one of many colours and patterns. Ragdoll colours include seal blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream.

Patterns

There are also several patterns, as per the Ragdoll Fanciers Club International, that Ragdolls come in including:

Bi-colour: meaning the face has two colours
Mitted: mitted Ragdolls have white on one or more of their points such as the back legs, front paws, chest or chin
Colourpoint: the basic colour is darker on points such as the tails, paws, ears or face

Ragdoll Cat Grooming & Shedding

Ragdolls have beautifully silky coats, but the long length means that they can easily get matted if not properly cared for. Be sure to brush your cat with a soft comb. If you start when your kitten is young and brush them daily, it will become part of their normal routine.

If the fur does develop mats, gently tease it out using a fine-tooth comb. Brushing not only keeps your cat comfortable, but it also helps to get rid of loose fur so your furniture and clothes don’t become cat hair magnets!

How Do Ragdoll Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Ragdolls are about as docile and calm as felines come. They love to be held and will happily chill out in your arms for as long as possible. A Ragdoll’s personality is generally affectionate, smart, and gentle.

These kind felines love human attention, but they’re not very needy. Ragdolls are very loyal and loving towards their humans, making them perfect companion pets.

Living Needs

Ragdolls are typically easy to look after and they fit in well with most families. If you have the space for one of these large felines, as well as the time to provide all the love and affection they crave, a Ragdoll will make a wonderful addition to your family.

These kitties crave human attention, so they do best in households where there’s always someone at home. A Ragdoll that’s left on its own for long periods will surely feel sad and lonely.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Ragdoll Cats?

Habits

If you own a Ragdoll, you’ll probably start to notice some habits they have. One example is that they tend to lie in quite undignified or very uncomfortable-looking positions! You’ll often find them on their backs with back legs wide open and front paws limp and floppy!

This is a pose very typical of a Ragdoll but having their tummy on show is a very vulnerable position for a cat. If your feline companion shows you their belly, it’s a sign that they trust you.

Activity Level

Although Ragdolls are playful and will enjoy chasing their toys, they’re not super active. The laidback nature of a Ragdoll means you’ll very rarely find them having a case of the zoomies or attempting to scale your bookcase or expensive curtains!

Vocalness

Ragdolls are typically known to be quiet, however, all kitties are individual and some of them may be quite talkative. If your Ragdoll loves to meow at you, they may just have a chirpy temperament and enjoy communicating their needs or wants to you.

Keep in mind that if your Ragdoll suddenly starts to become excessively talkative, it could be a sign of a medical problem, so seek veterinary advice if this happens.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Ragdoll Cat?

Height

Ragdolls are much bigger than other breeds and typically reach around 22-27 cms tall. They also usually reach around 43-53 cms in length, excluding their bushy tails!

Weight

Because of their size, a Ragdoll can reach a pretty impressive weight. Males can usually reach between 6-9 kg with females being smaller, typically around 4-6 kg. One thing to know about Ragdolls is that they’re very slow to mature. They won’t reach their full colour until 2 years old and their full size until they reach 4.

Size

Ragdolls are large kitties with strong set bodies, but females are typically smaller in proportion. At around 5 months old, Ragdoll kittens usually have growth spurts, so you’ll need to increase their food intake when this happens.

Are Ragdoll Cats Easy to Train?

Because Ragdolls are playful, they’re quite trainable. They can easily be taught to use a litter box and can even be trained to play fetch with their humans!

Does the Ragdoll Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Although Ragdolls are generally healthy cats, there are some health conditions potential owners should be aware of. Always consult with your vet if you’re worried about your Ragdoll’s health. Some potential health issues may include:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Ragdolls are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic heart condition that can lead to serious complications.
Bladder Stones: This breed may develop bladder stones, which can cause discomfort and urinary issues.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Ragdolls can be at risk for FIP, a viral disease that affects the immune system and can be fatal.

What Is the Lifespan of a Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls typically have a life expectancy of 12-17 years. Ensure that your feline is up to date with all vet checks as this will help them to lead a long and healthy life.

How Much Does a Ragdoll Cat Need to Be Fed?

Your Ragdoll will need a diet made up of high-quality wet and dry food, split into two feeds a day. To prevent an upset stomach, stick to the same food given at the same times each day.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Ragdoll Cat in Australia?

The price of a Ragdoll kitten in Australia will depend on which region you’re in and whether it’s show quality or not. Generally, you can expect pet Ragdolls to start at around $800-$900, whereas show-quality kitties may come with price tags as high as $2000.

Ragdoll Cat FAQs

How often should you bathe a Ragdoll cat?

You should bathe your Ragdoll as and when needed, which could be anything from every week to every few months. Once the cat’s coat starts looking greasy, it’s probably bathtime!

Is it safe to feed Ragdoll cats milk and dairy products?

No. Unlike humans, felines don’t have the necessary enzymes to break down lactose and other dairy product nutrients. For this reason, Ragdolls are lactose-intolerant and should never be given dairy products.

Do Ragdoll cats get along well with other household pets?

Yes, because of their friendly nature, Ragdolls can get on well with other cats. Other pets, such as dogs are also accepted by Ragdolls, providing they’re introduced carefully.

Are Ragdoll cats hypoallergenic?

Because of their very short undercoats, Ragdolls don’t shed excessively which is good news if you have allergies. However, if you’re allergic to cat saliva then sadly, even a Ragdoll won’t be suitable for you.

Do all Ragdoll cats have blue eyes?

Yes, all purebred Ragdolls have beautiful blue eyes, which is one of their defining features. If a Ragdoll has another eye colour, it’s probably a cross-breed.