Ragdoll #cat breed
The rather beautiful Ragdoll is the second most popular breed registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and ranks even higher with owners! For many, the Ragdoll has it all: big blue eyes, a sweet face, silky coat and heartmelting soul. In return for his loyalty, the only thing the Ragdoll asks is to be part of your world. They love to be around people and with their unique 'smiley' expression they are so easy to be with. The more love and attention you give to a Raggie, as they are affectionately known, the more love and attention you get back.

Underneath the semilonghaired coats and distinctive markings, there's a cat of substance with a muscular body. Large and playful they may be, but# Ragdolls are wellknown for their easygoing, 'that's life' attitude. For this reason Ragdolls are usually kept as indoor cats and not let out unless under strict supervision. Ragdolls may be many things, but they're not street savvy!

A sensitive breed, Ragdolls will suffer if left alone for long periods on their own and if they are not kept entertained. When it comes to coat care, Ragdolls need a brush a couple of times a week, particularly under the legs, to prevent their coats from matting. Ragdolls usually like to be groomed and, as with many of the longercoated breeds, tend to look their best in the winter with their fluffy ruffs and knickerbockers.

Breeder Roz Hamilton of Phatpaws Ragdolls in Bedfordshire, says: "The Ragdoll is known for his laidback, floppy attitude. However, they are extremely tenacious. They may be laidback but not to the point that they're not clever. They're very intelligent and are quick to work things out. Ragdolls like to be amused and crave routine. They seek out human companionship at every opportunity and will never be far from your side."

Although it is considered a popular misconception that Ragdolls were so named because they go completely limp (Ragdolllike) when picked up, Roz says the majority of her cats do indeed go floppy when handled: "I believe that this 'floppiness' is a result of the Ragdoll nature, rather than frame or composition," explains Roz. "I think the floppiness is a result of complete trust and relaxation when being held."

Linda Moore, honorary secretary of the Progressive Ragdoll Breed Cat Club, says: "They're extremely good with children too and react exceptionally well to them. They can sense personalities and boisterousness, and will play with them in different ways based on that. I have never, ever known a Ragdoll to scratch a child they work out what to expect and retreat away if needed." The intelligence doesn't stop there: with the right training, Ragdolls can learn a whole list of 'party tricks', from recall to 'roll over' you may even enjoy a few rounds of fetch!

Ragdoll cat breed history
The Ragdoll's history is brimming with myths and halftruths, but it is known that they were first bred in the early 1960s by Ann Baker in California, USA. Ann mated white Angoralike Josephine with the cat's sons by different sires, Birmanlike Daddy Warbucks and Persianlike Blackie. Daddy Warbucks later mated with the daughters of these pairings, Buckwheat and Fugianna, and the Ragdoll breed began.

Ragdoll kitten

Ragdoll cat breed looks
As John Harrison, PRBCC's vice president and show judge of 25 years, explains, there isn't a massive range of choice of colours or patterns with the semilonghaired Ragdolls although he cites this as proof of the breed's popularity as a pet and "not just a pretty cat".

Ragdolls are available in seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream, in either colourpoint, mitted or bicolour patterns, with tabby and tortoiseshell options. John says: "The standard is very specific about where the white can be. Good breeders have got it down to a fine art!"

Ragdoll kittens
A Ragdoll kitten will cost around £500plus and should be full of life. He will relax as he matures. Make sure the kittens were born and brought up indoors because this should mean they have been well socialized and have a good temperament. A Ragdoll's true coat colour does not develop until he is around 13 weeks old.

Is this the #cat for you?
Ragdolls are ideal for the majority of households, from elderly owners to young families, single people to dog lovers, but it's still important to consider their need for companionship before you welcome one into your home. "It's not ideal for them to be the only pet in the house, especially if you're out at work all day," says Linda. "They do need some sort of companion. They're quite laidback though and will happily settle with any animal."

https://www.yourcat.co.uk/typesofca...

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