Meet the Ragdoll Cat, a Family-Friendly Feline With a Dog-Like Personality

Get the skinny on the larger-than-life ragdoll cat.

The adorable ragdoll cat has a docile, friendly temperament that makes it popular among cat lovers.

If you’re hoping to get this domestic cat or already own one and have questions on everything from its health to its origins, you’ve come to the right place.

The Origins of the Adorable Ragdoll Cat

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What are the origins of the ragdoll cat?

Ragdoll cats are relatively new to the scene. They were developed by Ann Baker, a Riverside, California, breeder, in the early 1960s.

Now recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association, the breed came from stray cats running around Baker’s neighborhood. She bred Josephine, a domestic longhaired, white female, with other cats in the area.

Josephine’s offspring had a uniquely gentle temperament and looks that Baker believed people would respond to.

What are some mysteries and myths behind the ragdoll’s lineage?

Baker claimed that Josephine was an Angora rescue that was hit by a car, which left her immune to pain. No matter what, she was always floppy and relaxed like a “rag doll.”

This breed of cat is said to go limp much in the same way when held.

An Impressive Family Cat

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Are they good cats for a family?

Yes. Their gentle, sweet nature is great for kids. They do not possess aggressive instincts. They love to be petted and played with daily.

Do ragdolls like other animals?

Due to their gentle, affable nature, they do get along with both cats and dogs in the home.

The Ragdoll’s Dog-Like Personality

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Are they intelligent?

Yes. They are easily trainable and can learn dog tricks, such as fetching and rolling over.

What are their personalities like?

Speaking of dogs, the ragdoll is said to have a canine-like personality. They are gentle, calm and sociable.

They are affectionate and loyal without being overly demanding. It is also said they can “tune in” to their owner’s emotional needs.

What to Expect From a Purebred Ragdoll

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How do you know a cat is a ragdoll?

To be a true ragdoll, a cat must be Josephine’s legitimate progeny. In fact, females are called “Daughters of Josephine.”

How big do ragdoll cats get?

Ragdoll’s are second in size only to the Maine coon. They can reach up to 11 inches in length.

Fully grown females weigh up to 15 pounds, while males can reach 20 pounds. They reach full maturity when they are about 4 years old.

Their Luscious Coats

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What should their coat be like?

The ragdoll’s coat is soft and long. The cat is born white. Their patterns and colors come in over time and vary.

Are their eyes always blue?

If they are purebred ragdolls, yes. However, their eyes can be different shades of blue.

If their eyes are any other color, they are a mixed breed cat.

Do ragdoll cats shed?

They do shed. However, despite their long hair, not as much as other breeds.

Their shedding is seasonal and based on diet.

Are ragdolls hypoallergenic?

No, but they do not have an undercoat, which means they may work for people who are allergic to cat fur instead of saliva.

Grooming Needs for the Ragdoll

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How should I groom my ragdoll?

Ragdolls should be brushed weekly to prevent mats, tangles, and excessive shedding. Owners should also keep their nails trim.

Do they need to be bathed?

Like most cats, ragdolls are self-cleaning, so they don’t need frequent baths. However, if they get into something, that’s a different story.

Do not bathe a ragdoll more than once every 30 days.

A 15-Year Life Expectancy

1-Year-Old Male Ragdoll Cat with Arched Back

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What is the ragdoll cat’s life expectancy?

The ragdoll typically lives about 15 years, but there are cats that have lived from 20 to 25 years old. The oldest one on record lived to be 38.

What do they like to eat?

This breed typically eats what other cats eat, but they do eat a lot more of it. As they are bigger than an average cat, they need more food and may eat five to eight times as much as the average feline.

Do they need exercise?

The ragdoll needs about 20 minutes of exercise a day to stay fit. They love to play and will eagerly join you in a game of fetch.

Do ragdoll cats have any health issues?

Generally, Ragdolls are healthy, but there are some issues inherent to the breed including obesity, hairballs, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (i.e., heart disease), and urinary tract infections.

How to Get One

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How much is a ragdoll kitten?

A purebred ragdoll kitten can be pricey. Depending on the breeder, they can be from $800 to over $2,000 for a show-bred cat.

Can someone get a ragdoll from a rescue?

Yes, ragdoll rescues do exist. You can also look online by doing a breed search on Adopt-a-Pet or Petfinder. Both will lead you to the available ragdolls in your area.