cat breeds > ragdolls

The ragdoll is believed to have originated just prior to 1965. The name was chosen because of its ability and habit of relaxing in the same manner as that of a “Rag Doll”. It is said that it originated from a blue eyed white cat named Josephine owned by Ann Baker. When handling these cats you will notice the tendency to go limp whilst being held in your arms.

Traits...

The Ragdoll has an exceptionally gentle, well-balanced temperament and a lovable personality. It does not display the independence and aloofness for which cats are generally known, but wants to be where you are and will follow you everywhere. It is a personality cat, intelligent, playful and affectionate. They mature into faithful loving lifetime companions. The Ragdoll is a cat of great beauty and it is pure joy to be owned by such an exquisite creature.

Standard of Points...

The overall impression given by a Ragdoll is that of a large, powerful, imposing cat, distinctively marked and striking in appearance. The cats should be relaxed in temperament, gentle and easy to handle.
 

• HEAD: Broad with flat plane, not domed, with width between the ears.
• EARS: Medium in size, set wide with a slight tilt forward. They should be well furnished and rounded at the tip.
• EYES: Large, well opened, slightly oblique and set well apart.
• NOSE: Should be of medium length and a very gentle break.
• CHEEKS: Well developed.
• JAW: Tapering to a rounded, well developed muzzle.
• CHIN: Firm with a level bite.
• BODY: Long and Muscular. The neck should be short, strong and heavy set. Chest should be broad and well expanded. Full maturity is achieved between three and four years of age.
• LEGS: Medium in length and of medium heavy bone. Hind legs to be slightly higher than the front.
• PAWS: Large, round, firm and tufted.
• TAIL: Long, bushy, slightly tapered toward the tip, and should at least reach the shoulder and be in proportion to the body.
• COAT: Silky texture, dense, medium length, lying with the body and parting as the cat moves. Short on the face, longer around the neck framing the face. Short over the shoulders, medium length on the back, sides, abdomen and hindquarters. Short to medium length on the front legs. (Seasonal variations in coat shall be recognised).
• TEMPERAMENT: Should be placid, allowing easy handling at all times.
  Note: Cats may not reach full maturity until between three and four years of age.

Care...

Ragdolls are reasonably low maintenance due to the nonmatting coat. They do enjoy a good brush once a week which helps eliminate any loose hair which can cause furballs. They generally are quite obliging when it comes to a bath which also gets rid of any unwanted hair. Normal maintenance such as worming, flea treatment and their annual vaccination and vet check is paramount for a good healthy cat.

 

Myths still exist that Ragdolls do not feel pain and do not possess normal cat instincts, in fact, Ragdolls should be treated with the same care and respect bestowed upon all other breeds.
 

Overall Appearance ...

The Ragdoll is a large muscular cat with a broad wedge shaped head and expressive blue eyes. They are semi-longhaired and their coat is softy and silky and rabbit like. They are a beautiful sight in winter with their full ruff and britches. They are non-matting and we suggest that they enjoy a brush once a week. An adult ragdoll’s size ranges between (4-5kg) for females and (5-8kg) for males. They reach full maturity between three to four years of age.

 

Personality ...

Ragdolls are extremely affectionate and a great company cat. They easily adapt to new surroundings and other cats, dogs and children and become an important part of the family. They are playful, without being noisy or destructive. They have a quiet voice. All this, and with their non-matting fur make them excellent house cats.

Ragdolls are very suitable for apartment dwellers as they are strictly an INDOOR CAT and should not be allowed outdoors unless under close supervision. The Ragdoll can be trained very easily to a harness and lead and enjoy the experience of a walk in the garden.

Coloring & Patterns ...

Ragdoll kittens are born white, acquiring their colouring and coat pattern by the age of six weeks. Ragdolls are available in the following colours: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, cream, red and tortie.

The coat patterns of the Ragdolls are: pointed, mitted, bicolour and lynx (tabby markings in one of the three previous patterns)

The varying patterns may be bred in all the above colours.

Michele Brandis
Rivendoll Ragdolls
www.users.bigpond.com/rivendoll
(08) 9534 7017