Ragdoll Facts | Facts about Ragdolls

Who created the Ragdoll cat breed?

The Ragdoll was developed in the 1960s in Riverside, California, by breeder Ann Baker. Its foundation cat was a white longhaired cat named Josephine.

How did the Ragdoll get its name?

The Ragdoll gets its name from its habit of going completely limp and relaxed when picked up, like a floppy rag doll.

What strange claims did the Ragdoll's founder make?

Ann Baker, the founder of the Ragdoll breed, made bizarre claims about her cats, including that Josephine's kittens were changed by genetic experiments and even alien genes. Other breeders eventually broke away from her to develop the breed more seriously.

Why are Ragdoll kittens born white?

Ragdoll kittens are born almost entirely white because their coat color depends on a temperature-sensitive enzyme. Their darker points develop gradually and may take two to three years to fully show.

What eye color do Ragdoll cats have?

Every purebred Ragdoll has blue eyes, and their vivid oval-shaped eyes are one of the breed's signature features.

What coat patterns do Ragdoll cats come in?

Ragdolls come in four coat patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and van.

Why are Ragdolls called "puppy cats"?

Ragdolls are often called "puppy cats" because many follow their owners from room to room, greet them at the door, and can even learn to play fetch.

How big do Ragdolls get?

Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Males often weigh 15 to 20 pounds, and they can take about four years to fully mature.

When did the CFA grant the Ragdoll championship status?

The Cat Fanciers' Association granted the Ragdoll full championship status in 2000, and within about two decades it had climbed to become one of the most popular breeds in the world.

What heart condition is linked to Ragdolls?

Ragdolls have their own breed-specific gene mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and DNA testing helps breeders avoid passing it on.