There’s a perception that all cats have the same behavior and personalities. But just like dogs, there are a wide variety of traits in different cat breeds. And one such breed is the Ragdoll. Newly developed in the 1960s, the actual origin of the breed is still shrouded in mystery. The result, however, was a mild-tempered cat with a medium-length silky coat.
A Ragdoll will be pointed in color, which is the same color pattern best known on Siamese or Himalayan cats. There are several coat patterns including:
- Colorpoint: increased pigmentation of color on cooler parts of the body – ears, nose, tail and feet, with no white
- Mitted: White on feet, face, and belly
- Bi-color: Mostly white with only the face and tail showing the colors
- Van: Only the top of the head, ears, and tail show the colors
Their points can come in one of six colors: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, cream, and red. Those colors may appear as lynx point with tabby stripes or black and orange tortie point. They’re big, sturdy cats with males weighing up to 20 pounds.
If you’re considering adding a new cat to your family and want to know how a Ragdoll might fit in, here’s what you need to know.
The Good: Affectionate and Social
Ragdolls are amazing cats for anyone wanting a dog-like personality. They bond quickly to their humans and want to be wherever you are. They are known to greet their people at the door and will cuddle whenever possible.
As a social and affectionate breed, they’re great with children, too. They are very calm and don’t tend to exhibit aggressive tendencies toward anyone. They’re known for their “velvet paws” meaning they won’t extend their claws when playing.
The Bad: Extremely Docile
Although one would think that a docile nature is good, it actually creates some concern. A signature trait of Ragdolls is that they go limp when they feel threatened. Some breeders in the UK are working on reversing the extreme docile nature believing that it isn’t in their best interest.
The concern is, if the cat is under extreme duress, they lack the fight or flight response that other felines rely on for self-preservation. A safe, indoor-only home is essential for these cats.
Ragdolls are Best when:
- They have plenty of time to bond with their humans
- They have another friendly cat playmate
- They’re around gentle children
- They stay indoors where it’s safe
If a Ragdoll is on your radar, we highly encourage you to seek out purebred rescue organizations or visit a local shelter to find a Ragdoll mix. If you have your heart set on a purebred Ragdoll, please research reputable breeders.