Here is a little
information about Ragdolls
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.
Kitten Due Date Calculator
I like to use this kitten
calculator to help me know when
my expecting Moms are due so
I can be there for them
when they are delivering their purr babies.
(65 is the average)
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