Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of Ragdoll cats! These large and stocky bundles of joy can charm the whiskers off anyone with their unique traits and purr-sonalities. So, let’s get started and uncover some fascinating facts about these fabulous cats!
1. Nearly All Ragdoll Cats Are Blue-eyed Beauties
One thing you can’t miss when you meet a Ragdoll cat is their striking blue eyes. Blue eyes are listed on the breed standard and are expected in a Ragdoll cat. However, not all Ragdoll cats have blue eyes, though this is of some debate. Sepia, Mink, and Solid color ragdolls sometimes have other eye colors such as green and gold. These variants are not accepted by all cat associations as being purebred ragdoll because of this eye color difference. [1,2]
2. Ragdoll Cats Are Chatty Catties
Ragdolls aren’t the quiet types; in fact, they’re relatively talkative. They love to engage in “conversation” with their humans, and their gentle meows can range from polite requests for attention to enthusiastic commentary on their day-to-day observations.
3. Ragdolls Just So Happen To Be Fetch Fanatics
Who said only dogs can fetch? Not Ragdoll cats! These clever fluffballs are known for their fondness of fetch games. Toss a toy or crumpled paper ball across the room, and they’ll dash to retrieve it and proudly bring it back to you, tail held high. They’re always up for a playtime challenge! [3]
4. Ragdoll Cats Are Slower To Mature Than Other Cats
Ragdolls may not be in a hurry to grow up. Unlike some of their feline friends who mature rather quickly, these cats take their time. They typically reach full maturity at around 4 years of age, sometimes even a bit later. [4]
5. Ragdolls Trace Their Lineage Back To A Beautiful White Cat Named Josephine
Back in the 1960s, a white long-haired beauty named Josephine had a significant impact on the creation of the Ragdoll breed. Josephine, who was hit by a car while pregnant, miraculously survived, and the vet saved her kittens. Not only were they adorable, but they also inherited their mama’s laid-back and docile personality. A neighbor named Ann Baker noticed her and started this special breed… but the rest of the story isn’t so simple.
6. Ann Baker Believed That Josephine Was Involved In A Secret Government Program
Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder, played a vital role in the Ragdoll’s history. She believed that Josephine was part of a secret government experiment, genetically altered in a lab, which explained her stunning, laid back kittens. She went on to found her own cat association for Ragdolls, with extremely strict rules for breeders.
7. It Has Even Been Believed that Ragdoll Cats Came From Aliens
Now, brace yourself for a quirky rumor—some people actually believe that Ragdoll cats came from aliens! It’s like they beamed down from a distant planet to grace us with their beauty and charm. Well, as enchanting as that may sound, it’s just a fun urban legend stirred up because of Ann Baker’s strange beliefs about Josephine’s kittens.
8. The Breed Had Trouble Getting Recognized At First
Over the years, the breed faced a bit of a catfight for recognition. Denny and Laura Dayton, who obtained a pair of Ragdolls from Ann Baker before she started selling franchises, tried to get the breed recognized by major associations. This led to a heated battle with Baker, but eventually, Ragdolls gained recognition after her passing.
9. Nearly All Ragdolls Are Born White
Ragdoll kittens are born pure white and only start developing their color patterns around two months old (with the exception being the mink variety of ragdoll which IS born with color). Ragdoll cats can be a variety of colors including: seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, and cream. Then the colors can be displayed in many different patterns such as colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, lynx, and tortie.
So, there you have it, a collection of delightful facts about Ragdoll cats—the lovable, talkative, fetch-playing, and blue-eyed wonders of the feline world. Did you learn something new?
FAQ
The average lifespan of a ragdoll is 12-15 years.
Yes, Ragdoll cats are very docile and may not properly defend themselves if the need should arise. For this reason, please keep your Ragdoll cat inside at all times, unless supervised and leashed.
Unfortunately, yes. Any long haired cat will shed a substantial amount. However, Ragdoll cats do shed less than you would think due to not having an undercoat. But, they still do shed enough to notice the hair on your floor and furniture.
Ragdoll cats typically cost $800-$3500 when bought from a reputable breeder.
Yes, their gentle, trusting nature makes them very good with kids. Please supervise when kids are around your cat for everyone’s safety. Kids can be too rough with animals and even though Ragdolls are docile, on occasion they may lash out when provoked.
