Here is a little information about Ragdolls
The ragdoll is a hybrid cat developed in the early 60's by the late Ann
Baker of Riverside, California. While no one really knows just
what the first queen named Josephine was, it is believed she was of a
white Persian or angora type, a feral cat, which then was bred with a
Birman cat (Sacred Cat of Burma) whose offspring were then crossed with
a Burmese type cat to bring in a different blood line, creating what is
now referred to as, the "RAGDOLL". There is a history as
mysterious, as is interesting, about the ragdoll breed. But for
no, lets spend more time on what characterizes a ragdoll and why you
will just love them.
Ragdolls are born completely white or cream. Eyes begin to open
between 7 to 10 days to reveal the beauty of their blue eyes that remain
blues as adults. Their color points start to show in 5 to 10 days.
The traditional ragdoll was a pointed cat, with a long tail equal to
body length and a muscular animal with strong bones. The body has a
definite contrast to the points, the chest, bib and chin areas usually
are lighter in color.
Colorpoints
Ragdolls come in several colorpoints and patterns. The traditional
colors are Seal, Chocolate, Lilac and Blue. The newer colorpoints
are tortie, torbie, red, cream and lynx. The nose leather is seal,
blue, lavender or light pink and sometimes have a variety of coloring of
the torties.
Patterns
The traditional pattern was color pointed but now other patterns exist
such as Lynx(tabby striping), Torbie, (lynx x red/color point), Tortie
(seal or blue point x red point), bicolor (an inverted "V" on face and
high mitts on all 4 legs), and Mitted (mitts on front paws and back paws
can go up to hocks). These patterns are identified and judged by
their divisions.
Divisions
The Solid Division are the color pointed cats which come in seal, chocolate, lilac, blue,
red, or cream with no white on the feet or hind legs.
The Particolor division are bicolor and mitted patterned ragdolls.
The bicolors have grown to be very popular and are shown successfully,
obtaining ribbons for best of breed, and best of color. The ears, mask
and tail are well-defined. The mask will have an inverted "V" which
should be as symmetrical as possible and should not extend beyond the outer
edge of the eye on either side. The nose leather and paw pads are
pink on a bicolor ragdoll. The body chest, stomach, all four legs,
feet and ruff are to be white. The white should reach above the elbow
on the front legs and above the hock on the rear legs. Mitted patterns
will have points except for the feet. A broken evenly matched white
blaze of even dimension on the nose and or between eyes is striking on some
of the kittens. No white is acceptable for show on the nose,
chin must be white. Front feet, white mittens evenly matched.
Back legs entirely white extending no higher than mid thigh.
The Tabby Division or Lynxpoint has grown popular for the tabby style
cat lover. The lynxpoint has stripes on the points, and also comes in
all of the colors and patterns listed. Their nose leather and paw pads
are either pink, seal or blue depending if bicolored, mitted or not.
The nose lining is either roseybrown (chocolate), blue (gray) or seal color
depending on their colorpoints.
The Tortie and Torbie Division are mixtures of the red or cream point ragdoll
with a seal, blue, chocolate or lilac point ragdoll, ultimately
creating a multicolored affect on face and paws of the new offspring.
This coloring has an unpredictable pattern due to the red gene factor, every
kitten will have a pattern that will be unique to that cat only. This
breeding makes this division both unusual and interesting for many cat
lovers and breeders alike.
Characteristics
Ragdolls will grow until they reach full maturity around 2-3 years of
age. Their weight varies between 10-20 lbs. Males are
generally 2 lbs. heavier then the females. They are generally
large, floppy, laid back cats that have an ability to go limp while
holding them, just like a child's ragdoll. That is how they got
their breed name, "Ragdoll". However, for the record it has been
my experience that not all Ragdolls flop in your arms this way but most
of them do.
The ragdoll has stunning blue eyes which vary from lighter to darker
shades. The fur on a ragdoll is rabbit like in softness and
texture. Their fur length is semi-long and non matting requiring
minimal maintenance. I how ever have had cats mat a little.
Ragdolls are notably considered very low shedding compared to most cat
breeds. A weekly brushing will minimize shedding and, be
sufficient in keeping your cats coat smooth, silky and healthy.
Ragdolls are very affectionate and playful. They love getting
tummy rubs. Their temperament makes them a desirable breed due to
their gentleness and love of human interaction. Once you own one,
you'll never want to be without one. These gentle giants will
follow you wherever you go around the house. Ragdolls are kitten
like for at least 2 years. They are playful and are easy to train.
They are a quite breed. They are very gentle which make them a
very good family pet. They adjust really fast to new environments
which makes it easy to travel with them.
Ragdolls are known for being non-aggressive cats and as such, must
remain indoors. Because of their sweet-nature and mild temperament,
it prevents them from being as able to protect themselves from the wild
dangers, that outdoor life presents. Unless you have a protected
outdoor room or area specially built for them. Indoor cats will
remain in better health throughout their lives preventing costly vet
bills later in life.
Ragdolls have brought me joy and so many cuddle moments.
Ragdolls have also introduced me to many new friends who also love
Ragdolls.
I can't imagine life without Ragdolls.