Ragdoll 101!

Ragdoll History: Ragdolls were developed in the 1960’s by Ann Baker ; a
breeder in California. She bred Josephine, a loving, gentle, longhaired white female
 carrying Siamese (pointed) markings, to other longhaired cats carrying Siamese markings. Her original stock consisted of sturdy, free-roaming cats. By selecting individuals with the look she wanted for her breeding program, she created the type standard for the Ragdoll.
 

Ragdoll Description: Ragdolls are easily described as a large, pointed cat
 with blue eyes. Ragdoll males average 14-18 pounds, although it is not uncommon for
an altered male to reach 20 pounds or more. Ragdoll females are proportionately smaller
usually averaging 9-13 pounds. The Ragdoll is a slow maturing breed. Ragdoll kittens are
 born pure white and can take up to two weeks before accurate color and pattern can
 be determined. Ragdolls will grow very slowly and take up to 3-4 years to reach full
color and weight maturity.
A Blue Mitted Ragdoll is pictured below.

Ragdoll Colors: Ragdolls are a pointed cat meaning they have a darker color
 on their ears, tail, legs, and mask with a lighter shade of the same color to the rest of
 their bodies. Traditional Ragdoll colors are Blue (slate gray) and Seal (dark brown).
Non-traditional or “new” colors are Lilac, Chocolate, Red, and Cream. All colors can
 also be available with Tortie (color mixed with splashes of red or cream) and Lynx (Tabby)
markings or a combination of the two known as “Torbie”. We are currently working with
 the colors of Blue and Seal,  in the mitted and bicolor patterns only.  See our Colors and Patterns Page for more details and pictures!
Blue and Seal Bicolor Ragdoll Babies are pictured below.

Ragdoll Patterns: Ragdolls come in three beautiful distinct patterns which come in all colors. See our Colors and Patterns Page for more details and pictures!

Colorpoint: The Colorpoint Ragdoll  is your basic pointed cat. Colorpoints have darker point colors on their ears, tail, legs, and mask with a lighter variation of the same color to their body. Colorpoint Ragdolls  have no white on them.
A Seal Colorpoint Ragdoll is pictured below.

Mitted: The Mitted Ragdoll has all the basics of the Colorpoint but with a little extra pizzazz.
The Mitted has matching white mittens on the front feet and white boots extending about mid-thigh on the back legs.  The Mitted Ragdoll also has a white chin and chest with a white strip of varying widths running down the belly and lower abdomen. Mitteds may also have a blaze of white on their forehead and/or nose.
A Seal Mitted Ragdoll is pictured below.

Bicolor: The Bicolor Ragdoll is the flashiest of the three patterns. Bicolor meaning two colors have darker points to their ears, tail, and mask with their backs displaying a “saddle” with a lighter variation of the same color. The Bicolor has an inverted white “V” of varying heights and widths inside of the mask on their face. Their chins, chest, front and back legs, and belly are mostly or all white. 
A Seal Bicolor Ragdoll is pictured below.

***Where as each pattern is described with the ideal Ragdoll markings in mind some
 Ragdolls may have less than perfect markings which may disqualify or penalize them
 in the show hall. These Ragdolls are considered “Pet Quality” and will be altered.
Ragdolls with perfect or near perfect markings that come as close as possible to
 meeting the Ragdoll standards as described by the different cat associations
(CFA, TICA, ACFA, etc.) are considered “Show Quality”. These Ragdolls will
also be altered however will be given showing rights. On occasion we offer
"Breeding Quality" Ragdolls to registered Ragdoll catteries only.

Ragdoll Grooming: The Ragdoll coat is medium to long in length and is
soft, silky, and almost bunny-like in texture. Their coat is low shedding, almost non-
matting, and very easily maintained. It is recommended to comb your Ragdoll at least
once a week, with an increase to at least twice a week during the shedding seasons
(1-2 weeks during spring and fall). We also recommend a type of coat conditioner
(such as Miracle Coat) when you comb. It helps keep the coat moisturized, soft, and
 smelling great! You also should practice regular nail trimming from the time your kitten
 is very young. At least twice a month is recommended. Although Ragdolls are not
destructive cats and prefer to use a scratching post this will help prevent any
undesirable accidental clawing incidents.
A Seal Bicolor Ragdoll is pictured below.

Ragdoll Temperament and Characteristics: One of the biggest
reasons the Ragdoll has become so well known is for its relaxed and easy going
temperament. Ragdolls are a trusting and loving cat. They are highly domesticated and
many do not posses the “fight” instinct nor do they use their claws for self defense.
For these reasons the Ragdoll must be a strictly indoor cat! The relaxed, trusting nature
 of the cat is also why a lot of Ragdolls posses the ability to go limp or floppy when
 picked up. They lie relaxed and almost motionless in your arms like a child’s
rag-doll, hence their name.
A Blue Mitted Ragdoll is pictured below.

	Ragdolls can also be very dog like giving them the nickname of Puppy-Cats. Their loyalty to you will find them waiting at the door for you to return home. They will follow you from room to room and insist on “helping” you with all of your tasks. They are smart cats and many easily learn your favorite dog tricks such as “sit pretty” and “fetch” with a favorite toy. Most highly enjoy a good belly rub. A Blue Bicolor Ragdoll is pictured left.
Ragdolls tend to not be big jumpers and are easily trained to stay away from off limit  areas such as tables and counters. They seem to prefer to stay close to the ground although  the do treasure those high place just for them  such as a cat tree or the back of the couch. They are a quieter breed of cat which prefers  using purrs, birdcalls, and soft mews as opposed to loud meows. A Seal Colorpoint Ragdoll is pictured right.
	The Ragdoll is an ideal family pet making  special bonds with each member of the family. They adapt easily to just about any  type of household whether it be a quiet home with only one or two members of the  family or a loud, busy home with children and /or other pets and anything in between. Blue Bicolor Ragdolls are pictured left.
Ragdolls can also be very curious at times. They LOVE playing in bags and boxes. If you open a closet door or cabinet they are usually  right inside checking out this new adventure. They like to watch birds, fish and T.V., and love  to get new toys, so it is good to provide them with  something to keep their minds busy. They are also very smart and can learn to open cabinets and doors. But you know what they say about  curiosity and the cat, so if you have a Ragdoll please "child-proof" your home for his/her safety.

***Although the temperaments and characteristics described are true to the Ragdoll
breed in general each Ragdoll is a unique individual and will develop their own blend of
some or many of the characteristics described. ***

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