The ragdoll is a hybrid cat developed in the early 60's by the late Ann Baker of Riverside, California.  While no one really knows just what the first queen named Josephine was, it is believed she was of a white Persian or angora type, a feral cat, which then was bred with a Birman cat (Sacred Cat of Burma) whose offspring were then crossed with a Burmese type cat to bring in a different blood line, creating what is now referred to as, the "RAGDOLL".  There is a history as mysterious, as is interesting, about the ragdoll breed.  But for no, lets spend more time on what characterizes a ragdoll and why you will just love them.

Ragdolls are born completely white or cream.  Eyes begin to open between 7 to 10 days to reveal the beauty of their blue eyes that remain blues as adults.  Their color points start to show in 5 to 10 days.  The traditional ragdoll was a pointed cat, with a long tail equal to body length and a muscular animal with strong bones.  The body has a definite contrast to the points, the chest, bib and chin areas usually are lighter in color.

Colorpoints

Ragdolls come in several colorpoints and patterns.  The traditional colors are Seal, Chocolate, Lilac and Blue.  The newer colorpoints are tortie, torbie, red, cream and lynx.  The nose leather is seal, blue, lavender or light pink and sometimes have a variety of coloring of the torties.

Pattern

The traditional pattern was color pointed but now other patterns exist such as Lynx(tabby striping), Torbie, (lynx x red/color point), Tortie (seal or blue point x red point), bicolor (an inverted "V" on face and high mitts on all 4 legs), and Mitted (mitts on front paws and back paws can go up to hocks).These patterns are identified and judged by their divisions.

Division

The Solid Division are the color pointed cats which come in seal, chocolate, lilac, blue, red, or cream with no white on the feet or hind legs.

The Particolor division are bicolor and mitted patterned ragdolls.  The bicolors have grown to be very popular and are shown successfully, obtaining ribbons for best of breed, and best of color.  The ears, mask and tail are well-defined.  The mask will have an inverted "V" which should be as symmetrical as possible and should not extend beyond the outer edge of the eye on either side.  The nose leather and paw pads are pink on a bicolor ragdoll.  The body chest, stomach, all four legs, feet and ruff are to be white.  The white should reach above the elbow on the front legs and above the hock on the rear legs.  Mitted patterns will have points except for the feet.  A broken evenly matched white blaze of even dimension on the nose and or between eyes is striking on some of the kittens.  No white is acceptable for show on the nose,  chin must be white.  Front feet, white mittens evenly matched.  Back legs entirely white extending no higher than mid thigh.

The Tabby Division or Lynxpoint has grown popular for the tabby style cat lover.  The lynxpoint has stripes on the points, and also comes in all of the colors and patterns listed.  Their nose leather and paw pads are either pink, seal or blue depending if bicolored, mitted or not.  The nose lining is either roseybrown (chocolate), blue (gray) or seal color depending on their colorpoints.

The Tortie and Torbie Division are mixtures of the red or cream point ragdoll with  a seal, blue, chocolate or lilac point ragdoll, ultimately creating a multicolored affect on face and paws of the new offspring.  This coloring has an unpredictable pattern due to the red gene factor, every kitten will have a pattern that will be unique to that cat only.  This breeding makes this division both unusual and interesting for many cat lovers and breeders alike.

Characteristics

Ragdolls will grow until they reach full maturity around 2-3 years of age.  Their weight varies between 10-20 lbs.  Males are generally 2 lbs. heavier then the females.  They are generally large, floppy, laid back cats that have an ability to go limp while holding them, just like a child's ragdoll.  That is how they got their breed name, "Ragdoll".  However, for the record it has been my experience that not all Ragdolls flop in your arms this way but most of them do.

The ragdoll has stunning blue eyes which vary from lighter to darker shades.  The fur on a ragdoll is rabbit like in softness and texture.  Their fur length is semi-long and non matting requiring minimal maintenance.  I how ever have had cats mat a little.  Ragdolls are notably considered very low shedding compared to most cat breeds.  A weekly brushing will minimize shedding and, be sufficient in keeping your cats coat smooth, silky and healthy.

Ragdolls are very affectionate and playful.  They love getting tummy rubs.  Their temperament makes them a desirable breed due to their gentleness and love of human interaction.  Once you own one, you'll never want to be without one.  These gentle giants will follow you wherever you go around the house.  Ragdolls are kitten like for at least 2 years.  They are playful and are easy to train.  They are a quite breed.  They are very gentle which make them a very good family pet.  They adjust really fast to new environments which makes it easy to travel with them.

Ragdolls are known for being non-aggressive cats and as such, must remain indoors.  Because of their sweet-nature and mild temperament, it prevents them from being as able to protect themselves from the wild dangers, that outdoor life presents.  Unless you have a protected outdoor room or area specially built for them.  Indoor cats will remain in better health throughout their lives preventing costly vet bills later in life.

Ragdolls have brought me joy and so many cuddle moments.

Ragdolls have also introduced me to many new friends who also love Ragdolls.

I can't imagine life without Ragdolls.