The Ragdoll was created by a woman named Ann Baker in California in the 1960's. The breed originated when Ann Baker used many non-pedigreed cats. There has been many myths surrounding the origin of the breed. The breed has came along way since the advancement of the breed into the cat fancy, and the Ragdoll is proving to be a very unique cat. Through genetic testing it has been proven that the Birman gene causing the white boots, is not the same gene that causes the mitted Ragdoll to have the mitts in front and back, and is not responsible for the bicolor pattern. Ragdolls are pointed, large, docile cats with semi-longhair and beautiful blue eyes. The Ragdoll body is light-colored, with darker points on the face, legs, tail and ears. Ragdolls come in 3 patterns; the colorpoint, the mitted, and the bicolor. The ideal Ragdoll is a well balanced cat, with no extreme features. Altered males can reach up to 20 pounds; while females are proportionately smaller, reaching up to 12-15 or so pounds. Ragdolls are a slow-maturing cat. Ragdolls reach full coat color at around two years of age and their full size and weight at about four years.
Ragdolls adore their human counterparts. Sometimes being referred to as more like a dog in that manner. They run to greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, flop on you, sleep with you and just love you to death. They are gentle creatures, carefully avoiding scratching people and are good with children, elderly and dogs. They prefer purrs to yowls and keep their voices soft and quiet. Many Ragdolls enjoy playing a game of fetch with their families, and many can be taught one word commands, especially when treats are involved. Many people comment on their Ragdolls, dog-like personalities.
Due to their extremely friendly nature, Ragdolls are definitely indoor cats and should NEVER be allowed outdoors. It is our opinion, that even with supervision Ragdolls should not be allowed out, as it gives them a false sense of security in the outdoors, and may be more likely to run out the door when opened. This can easily lead to tragedy, which has happened to many families.
Ragdolls groom and bathe their silky coat themselves. Once in a while though their owners should give them a brushing with a steel comb as part of their cuddling. They have a very easily managed coat, and very little care is needed.
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