About the Ragdoll Breed

Size

Ragdolls are considered to be a medium-to-large cat, sometimes weighing up to 7 kilos! I have found that males tend to be much bigger than females. The females I have bred weigh between 3.5 and 5 kilos, whilst the males are relaxing in their family homes at between 6 and 7 kilos. A ragdoll’s fluffy fur and mane adds to the size of their profile, making them appear even larger.

Coat

Ragdolls should have soft, silky fur, which is semi-long to long. It is fuller around their neck, creating a thick mane. The thickness of the mane and fur can reduce in the warmer months, so expect to be sweeping up fur and grooming more than in the cooler months. The tail should be bushy with the same silky feel, leading into “knickerbockers” – my absolute favourite word for “dense fur on the hind legs”. In between their tiny toe beans should be long, wispy fur. It is advised not to cut the toe fur, as it protects their paws and can cause them pain if the fur is missing.

Eyes and Colour

All pedigree ragdolls have piercing blue eyes. The shade of blue can vary (though a deeper shade of blue is preferred), and is determined by the colourpoint gene, which also determines the colour of their fur.

The eyes should be large, slightly oblique (slightly slanted) and set well apart. Eyes should not be perfectly round in shape, nor like those of oriental breeds.

Lifespan

I hate writing this one; there are so many conflicting opinions amongst breeders and people on the internet! Ragdolls are less at risk of accidents outside the home as it is recommended that they are kept indoors, which can certainly lengthen their lifespan. Remaining indoors also makes them less likely to come into contact with common feline illnesses passed from other cats – though it is always recommended that you keep a ragdoll’s vaccinations and boosters up to date. A well-bred ragdoll, who has no medical problems, should live well up to the life expectancy of a cat; most sources suggest 10-15 years.

Grooming

Ragdolls are semi-long-haired and do require regular grooming. We groom 1-2 times a week and have yet to find matts on our girlies! During the summer months I groom more to help them shed their fur and in the cooler months I focus more on their manes and knickerbockers (still enjoying that word) to reduce the chance of any matts.

Characteristics

Ragdolls are referred to as slow-maturing, as it can take up to four years for them to reach their full size. Their colour will develop and darken as the years go by and will just keep getting more and more beautiful! The contrast between their lighter and darker colours will remain, but become more pronounced, giving them a stunning appearance.

Ragdolls are affectionate; I find that they are very dog-like! They like to be close to their owners, following them around the house. Although they are described as needing minimal exercise, as they are house cats I do advise lots of play to help keep them slim and healthy. All kittens want play, and rags are no different! We find that any games you play with your ragdoll will help build and strengthen that special owner/kitten bond. Ragdolls love to play fetch and can even be trained during play.

Ragdolls are not described as a very vocal breed, but each cat will have its own personality. Our Matilda does love to follow us around calling for food and treats!

Rags are also described as lap lovers but out of my girls, only one loves a lap cuddle – the rest want to sprawl out and lay as close to me as possible, putting all their body weight onto me. They nuzzle my hand for fusses and show their belly for gentle tickles.

Ragdolls are a fantastic breed for a family pet. Their characteristics make them ideal, chilled out “cuddle cats” and it’s very rare that a new ragdoll owner has regretted getting one.

If you have any further questions about the breed, you are more than welcome to get in touch with us and ask.