Ragdoll
A relaxed and happy cat that is generally loving and laid-back.
About the Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is a loving, quiet breed with a very laid-back disposition. They are very sociable and love to be with owners and even household guests.
Ragdolls are known for their tolerant attitudes towards other animals and are especially good with children. They are often compared to dogs because of their friendliness and intelligence.
Their activity level is moderate and limited to a few minutes of active play a day. By far they prefer to play while lying on their backs.
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- translations.feature.breeds.country
- United States
- translations.feature.breeds.coat
- Medium coat
- translations.feature.breeds.sizecategory
- Large
- translations.feature.breeds.averagelifeexpectancy
- 12–17 translations.feature.breeds.years
Calm / Sociable / Friendly
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Origins of the breed
The Ragdoll was developed in the early 1960’s by Ann Baker. One of the cats she bred was a white, long-haired domestic called Josephine. Other cats used in the breeding programme were a seal point male, possibly a Birman cross, and a solid black cat.
Because of their docile temperament and the way the cats would go limp in the arms of anybody who picked them up, Ms Baker decided to call them Ragdolls. In 1975, other breeders, notably Denny and Laura Dayton, developed the breed further, with the aim of getting it recognised by the major cat fanciers in the U.S.A.
A Ragdoll's life story
Find out how to care for the Ragdoll in each stage of its life.
A healthy start to life
Kittenhood is a time of huge physical and behavioural change, and a steep learning curve for new owners. Find out how you can provide your kitten with the best start in life so they develop into strong, healthy cats.
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Health advice for your cat
Get advice and information on how to provide the best care for your cat at every stage of life.
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