"The largest of ALL breeds of domestic cats are Ragdolls, with males weighing 15 -20 lb. In the majority of domestic cats ( Felis Catus ) the average weight of the adult male is 8.6 lb. Neuters and spays are generally heavier " -- Guinness book of Records.

Ragdoll History and Origin

Ragdolls are well known for their size and placid natures and are called Ragdolls for their ability to go limp like a childs rag - doll when picked up , a brief description of the ragdolls history may help answer many of the questions that surround this controversial breed of cat. The picture below will give you an idea as to the 'laid back' nature of Ragdolls.

The history of the Ragdoll breed is somewhat obscure. The following is based on the information we have been able to find:

There once lived in the Riverside, California area a free roaming white Angora-Persian type cat belonging to a Mrs. Pennels. This majestic cat was named Josephine and was known for her large, remarkable kittens.

In the early 1960's a breeder named Ann Baker recognized the incredible quality of these magnificent cats and began to breed them. One of these cats was bred with a Birman type sire, a Burmese type sire, and undetermined sires. Her kittens were very muscular and graceful, and they had a wonderful loving nature. Kittens with the finest qualities were carefully line bred to produce the "Ragdoll" breed. No other strain has ever been introduced.

Ann Baker was an odd woman who claimed that her cats had human genes, were immune to pain, and were a link between us and space aliens. In 1971 Ann Baker originated IRCA (International Ragdoll Cat Association) which is not recognized by any other cat associations or shows. She grew angry and bitter as other breeders distanced themselves from her and her unusual claims.

Laura and Denny Dayton worked hard to legitimize the breed for what it truly is and gained official recognition of Ragdoll Cats in 1967. The Daytons originated RFCI (Ragdoll Fanciers Club International) which has become one of the most respected and reputable Ragdoll Cat Registry in the world.

Although the above is what has been generally believed to be the beginnings of the Ragdoll breed the following somewhat different account is taken from the book The Definitive Guide To Ragdolls by Lorna Wallace, Robin Pickering and David Pollard, published by Ragdoll World UK.

At the time Ann had been borrowing one of Josephine's older sons to sire progeny in her Black Persian breeding programme. This son had the appearance of a Black/Brown Persian and she named him Blackie, and it was one of her visits to borrow him that she saw Blackie's brother. He appeared most impressive and in Ann's words had the appearance of a Sacred Cat of Burma, (The Birman Breed). Having already established the owner's trust, she was also permitted to borrow this cat to mate with her own females. She was most taken with this son of Josephine and named him Raggedy Ann Daddy Warbucks. What Ann clearly states is that Blackie and Daddy Warbucks are both sons of Josephine, but with different sires. In the IRCA booklet it would appear to indicate that Blackie's father was a black cat from the East, that appeared more Persian than Burmese. During detailed questioning, Ann confirmed that no-one had ever seen the father of Daddy Warbucks, and he was the only kitten in that particular litter of Joesphine's. This being so, makes it difficult to take the origins of the breed further.

Registered Ragdolls are true "purebred" cats, and are recognized by all of the major cat


Personality of Ragdoll Cats

Ragdolls are very affectionate, even tempered and docile. They love to be handled and relax when held, much like a child's "ragdoll" falls limp when held. They are relaxed in new surroundings, and with existing dogs, cats, and children. Ragdolls have very little or no fight or preservation instincts and are therefor strictly "indoor only " pets. They show little fear and won't run from a speeding car or strangers.

Ragdolls are quite playful and love to play games, fetch their favorite toy, and will follow you everywhere. Ragdolls are easily voice trained by their owners. They have a soft quiet voice, and are very docile.

They have come to be called "Gentle Giants" because of their huge, muscular build and their affectionate, docile nature.


Ragdolls Like Puppy Dogs

The temperament of ragdolls is very similar to that of puppy dogs, they are devoted, affectionate, out going cats that are known for their fearless nature. Ragdolls are totally non aggressive indoor cats . Although a very large cat, their Meow is so quiet that they cannot always be heard and despite their size they want to be lap cats. Ragdolls are slow to mature and full coat and color is not generally reached until they are two years of age and full size is usually achieved at about four years. New born kittens are born completely white or cream and color does not start to show for about 3 or 4 days. It is quite amazing that in so short a period of time the ragdoll has found itself to be one of the most popular breeds of cats in the world, this says a great deal for these cats.


Physical Features of Ragdolls

Ragdoll cats are large, heavy, firm, and muscular with no fat except on their lower abdomen. They are very friendly and gentle, with an overall impression of subdued power. Adult males weight up to thirty pounds, but most weigh around twenty pounds. Females weigh five to ten pounds less.

Ragdoll kittens are born white, developing one of four colors and three patterns during their first two years. They mature to full size and weight after about four years.

Ragdolls have rabbit like, silky and plush, medium long, non-matting fur that lies with the body and breaks as the cat moves. There is minimal shedding and little routine grooming is required. Their coat is longest around their neck and outer edges of their face, short on their face, increasing in length from the top of their head down to their back. Paws are feather-tufted.

All Ragdolls have strikingly beautiful blue eyes, and a long full tail equal to body length.


Other attributes

Ragdolls are known for their sweet temperament and also the tendency to go limp when picked up and held but this is not the fact with all ragdolls and the RFC ( ragdoll fanciers club) states that this tendency is not mandatory for the breed. A big plus with this breed is the fact that they shed very little, some call them a non shedding cat but low shedding would be a more appropriate description. The fur is also considered rabbit like in its silky, non matting texture. Ragdolls do not suffer with runny eyes as do some breeds and are considered a very hardy animal with no known genetic defects and they are not prone to any specific diseases. They are a peace loving cat who, as adults, are not overly energetic thus making them the ideal apartment cat and well suited to the nineties. Unlike most cats ragdolls love to have their tummies rubbed and will roll over on their backs and enjoy this treat, you will find that the muscle tone of the ragdolls belly is soft and unlike any cat you have