All you need to know about the Ragdoll Cat.

All you need to know about the Ragdoll Cat.

The Ragdoll is a cat breed characterised by its unique colour point coat and striking blue eyes. The morphology of the subject is characterised by its substantial size and weight, accompanied by a semi-long and luxuriously soft coat. The Ragdoll breed was developed by American breeder Ann Baker during the 1960s. The breed is widely recognised for its gentle and calm demeanour, as well as its loving disposition. The term 'Ragdoll' is derived from the characteristic behaviour observed in individuals from the original breeding stock, wherein they exhibit a tendency to become limp and relaxed when lifted. This breed is highly favoured in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ragdolls are frequently referred to as "canine-like felines" or "resembling puppies" due to their inclination to accompany individuals, their ease of handling, and their comparatively low levels of aggression towards other animals.

Ragdolls can be identified by the distinctive upside-down V-shaped markings on their foreheads, which are exclusive to the bicolor variant. They are also characterised by their large, round blue eyes, soft and thick coats, robust limbs, long tails, and supple bodies. The colour rings they offer are typically tricolour or bicolor in nature.

History of the Ragdoll Cat

The breed was developed in Riverside, California, by breeder Ann Baker. A standard, non-pedigreed, white domestic longhaired feline named Josephine has successfully birthed multiple litters of average cats. Josephine did not belong to a specific breed, and the males who fathered the initial litters were also not of any particular breed. According to Ann Baker, the original cats of the Ragdoll breed were referred to as "alley cats". Josephine subsequently bred kittens that exhibited a docile and placid temperament, along with an affectionate disposition. Additionally, these kittens displayed a tendency to become limp and relaxed when handled.

From those initial litters, two notable kittens emerged: Blackie, a male with a solid black coat, and Daddy Warbucks, a seal point feline with white paws. The founding bi-color female Fugianna was sired by Daddy Warbucks, while Buckwheat, a dark brown/black Burmese-like female, was sired by Blackie. Both Fugianna and Buckwheat were offspring of Josephine. All Ragdolls trace their lineage back to Baker's cats, specifically through the breeding of Daddy Warbucks with Fugianna and Buckwheat.

Baker, in a rather unconventional decision, chose not to align with traditional cat breeding associations. The individual successfully obtained a trademark for the name "Ragdoll" and subsequently established the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) in approximately 1971. They implemented rigorous criteria for individuals interested in breeding or selling cats under the aforementioned name. The Ragdolls were also prohibited from being registered by other breed associations. The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) continues to be in existence presently, albeit with a relatively diminished presence, especially following the passing of Baker in 1997.

In 1975, a group, led by Denny and Laura Dayton, decided to separate from the IRCA in order to establish wider acceptance and recognition for the Ragdoll breed. The development of the Ragdoll standard, which is currently recognised by major cat registries like the CFA and the FIFe, can be traced back to the initial breeding pair of IRCA cats. During the early 1960s, a pair of Ragdolls was exported to the United Kingdom, coinciding with the period when the Ragdoll breed was gaining popularity in America. An additional eight felines accompanied this duo, thus solidifying the establishment of the breed within the United Kingdom. It is worth noting that the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy officially acknowledges this breed.

Breed Description (Ragdoll Cat)

Temperament

The Ragdoll Cat is renowned for its gentle and tranquil disposition, believed to have been inherited from the Persian and Birman breeds. There are differing opinions regarding whether this characteristic could be attributed to genetic mutation or simply an instinctive response acquired from being nurtured by their mother as kittens. The high level of docility exhibited by certain individuals has contributed to the misconception that Ragdolls possess a resistance to pain. Certain breeders in Britain have made efforts to selectively breed cats in order to reduce the prevalence of limpness, as they have expressed concerns about the potential drawbacks associated with extreme docility, which may not align with the cat's overall well-being.

The marketing and publicity material for the Ragdoll breed portrays it as an affectionate, intelligent, and gentle cat with a relaxed temperament. It is often described as an easy-to-handle lap cat. These animals are commonly referred to as "puppy cats," "dog-like cats," or "cat-dogs" due to their calm demeanour and affectionate behaviour. They often exhibit traits such as following their owners from room to room and seeking physical affection, similar to certain dog breeds.

Ragdolls have the ability to be trained in toy retrieval and derive pleasure from engaging in this activity. They exhibit a lively and spirited demeanour that often persists throughout their later years. In contrast to numerous other breeds, Ragdolls exhibit a preference for remaining closer to ground level rather than seeking out the highest point within the household.

Physical Characteristics of the Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll breed is recognised for its substantial size among domesticated cats. Adult females typically have a weight range of 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg). Male individuals exhibit a notable increase in size, typically ranging from 12 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9.1 kg) or even exceeding these measurements. The Ragdoll breed typically requires a period of approximately four years to reach its full mature size. The individual possesses a robust physique, substantial build, and well-proportioned lower extremities. The individuals possess cranial structures that are characterised by a broad shape, featuring a flat upper surface and a significant distance between the ears. These animals possess elongated, well-developed physiques characterised by broad chests and compact necks.

The tails of these animals are characterised by their bushy and elongated appearance. Their paws are notable for their large size, rounded shape, and tufted features. Additionally, their coats exhibit a silky texture, dense composition, and range from medium to long in length. As a result of their long coats, it is typically recommended to brush them at least twice a week. Adult individuals exhibit the growth of knickerbockers on their posterior limbs, as well as the development of a ruff encircling their neck region.

The breed is commonly recognised for its notable characteristic of large, round, deep blue eyes, although it is worth noting that other cats may also possess this feature. The genetic factors governing point coloration also play a role in the development of these unique blue eyes. In cat shows, there is a preference for more vibrant shades of blue.

The breed's coat primarily comprises of long guard hairs, with a minimal undercoat, resulting in reduced shedding and matting, as stated by the Cat Fanciers' Association. However, it is possible to observe a noticeable increase in shedding during the spring season.

Ragdolls are available in six distinct colours, namely seal, chocolate, red, as well as their corresponding dilutes: blue, lilac, and cream. Additionally, there are variations of lynx and tortoiseshell in all colours, as well as three different patterns. Ragdoll kittens are initially born with a white coat. However, their coloration begins to develop and become more pronounced at around 8-10 weeks of age. It takes approximately 3-4 years for Ragdolls to fully acquire their mature coloration and coat.

Health of the Ragdoll Cat

A study conducted using Swedish insurance data revealed that among the commonly recognised cat breeds, the Ragdoll and Siamese breeds exhibited the lowest rates of survival. The average lifespan of this species typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a prevalent cardiac condition observed in felines, primarily attributed to genetic factors. The condition results in myocardial hypertrophy, leading to impaired cardiac function and reduced efficiency in blood circulation. In certain cases, it has the potential to result in abrupt fatality. In Ragdolls that possess a homozygous positive status for the disease (carrying two copies of the HCM gene), the condition may manifest at an early age (as early as six months) and tends to exhibit a severe nature, often resulting in mortality by the age of three for most cats. Cats that are heterozygous, meaning they possess only one copy of the HCM gene, typically exhibit a delayed onset and slower progression of the disease, resulting in a less severe impact.

In 2007, a DNA test was developed to ascertain the specific gene responsible for causing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Ragdoll cats. To ensure that Ragdolls do not develop the form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) associated with this gene, it is recommended to exclusively breed from Ragdolls that are homozygous negative for this gene.

The allelic frequencies of the Ragdoll HCM mutation R820W were observed to be 0.17 in cats from Italy and 0.23 in cats from the United States in the year 2013. According to this reference, the prevalence of R820W in the United Kingdom is reported to be 30%. The study revealed a prevalence of 2.9% (95% CI = 2.7–8.6%) for HCM.

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