Meet the Ragdoll

Ragdolls are large, longhaired, lovely, and lovable cats. One hallmark of the Ragdoll temperament is their quick trust and interest in humans. They are friendly and demonstrative by nature, and very gentle and undemanding.

Since they are one of the most Gamma of cats, we must give Ragdolls all the attention they desire. It’s easy, and it makes them so happy.

Pictured: Best of Breed GC, BW, RW LOTTARAGS ANNABELLA, Blue Point-White Ragdoll Female
Photo: © Larry Johnson

Their sweet nature and demonstrative ways make them easy to spoil, which, as we all know, leads to wonderful cats. We must always train our Ragdoll gently, since their feelings are easily hurt. It’s not that they hold a grudge; it’s that their gentle nature never means to offend.

They are also lovely cats, with long guard hairs, but not the fluffy undercoat. This makes them simple to groom, and the coat stays lovely with less care than many other longhaired varieties.

So they aren’t particularly suited to cold weather, despite their appearance. In fact, Ragdolls should never go out unsupervised. Their friendly nature can make them approach people and other animals and get themselves in trouble.

They love prey-type toys and balls. They are not jumpers, preferring the chase and some running around, but do not need a lot of exercise. When they need it, they’ll take it. The rest of the time, they will be observing people, as this is a keen interest of Ragdolls.

They tend to be the most likely of the larger cat breeds to enjoy lap sitting and being picked up. Though be aware that they are would prefer some dignity and support when being handled, like all cats. But their trusting nature blooms with gentle care, and we can find all our cuddling dreams coming true with ease.

In the early years of the Ragdoll breed, some controversial assertions about the Ragdoll, such as them going limp when they are picked up (some do) and their insensitivity to pain (completely false) led to some myths about the breed. But the adorable personality was not a myth at all. Ragdoll fans like to call them addicting.

Some Ragdolls have Siamese-like “points,” but they also come in a variety of other colors and patterns. The original start of the breed started with an Angora-type cat named Josephine. She was crossed with a Birman-type mix, and “other cats,” though no one seems to remember what they were, and we have the sweet face and sturdy body of the Ragdoll today.

Ragdolls are easy to care for. Their coat doesn’t tend to mat, their demands are ungrudgingly postponed… for a little while. The biggest risk with a Ragdoll is taking them for granted. But it’s hard to ignore that face.

With such a social cat, we must take care to make sure they have plenty of companionship. Ragdolls are less likely than most cats to adjust to long hours alone. But some goodnatured companionship, from a cat or a calm dog, will keep them happy, and they’ll still fuss over us when we come home.

Want a Ragdoll? Find an ethical breeder who cares about their cats, or check out the cats needing homes at Ragdoll Rescue. Use Petfinder.com to see if there’s one nearby, just waiting for a home.

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