| Ragdolls are arguably one of the most beautiful of all | | | | however pay particular attention to your cat's armpit |
| cat breeds. With their long coat, distinctive markings | | | | area, as this is one place where matting can occur. |
| and bright blue eyes it is no wonder that they are | | | | Ragdoll cats are typically white with some coloured |
| one of the most sought after pedigree cats. Despite | | | | shading towards the extremities such as the ears, tail |
| their name, there is nothing raggedly or inelegant | | | | and paws. These markings are similar to those of a |
| about this breed at all. In fact, their name comes | | | | Siamese. There are three general types of markings |
| from the fact that the breed has a tendency to go | | | | found within the Ragdoll breed: pointed, bicolour and |
| limp and remain completely relaxed when picked up. | | | | mitted. All of these colourings are acceptable at |
| The history of the first Ragdoll cats is somewhat | | | | shows, as long as they fit within the requirements |
| bizarre. They were bred by a breeder named Ann | | | | for each pattern of markings. Pointed Ragdoll cats |
| Baker, in California in the 1960's who believed that her | | | | have colourings that closely resemble a Siamese, with |
| cat had been altered genetically while hospitalized | | | | their whole coat being a single colour and darkening |
| after a car accident. After coming home from | | | | out towards the tips of the ears and tail. Bicolour |
| treatment, she claimed that the long haired white cat, | | | | Ragdoll cats have the same shading, but with a |
| named Josephine, now went limp when being lifted. | | | | distinctive inverted V of white on their face, and with |
| While this could have been a side effect of the | | | | a white chest, stomach and legs. Mitted Ragdolls |
| accident, her next litter of kittens all displayed the | | | | have colouration similar to pointed, but must have a |
| same trait, causing Baker to believe that Josephine's | | | | white chest and stomach, as well as white paws, or |
| genes had been altered. She set about breeding | | | | "socks". |
| Josephine with males that showed distinctive and | | | | Another trait that the Ragdoll shares with a Siamese |
| attractive markings, and the Ragdoll breed was | | | | cat is light eyes. Although the most desirable colour is |
| developed. | | | | blue, it is not uncommon for Ragdoll cats to have |
| Although recognizable by their distinctive markings | | | | light green eyes. |
| when fully grown, Ragdoll kittens are born completely | | | | When it comes to size, Ragdolls are one of the |
| white and it can take up to three years for them to | | | | largest breeds of cats. Fully grown male cats can |
| reach maturity and their coats to fully develop | | | | weigh up to ten kilograms (1.5 stone, or 20 lbs) with |
| markings. For this reason if you are buying a Ragdoll | | | | female cats being slightly lighter. They are sturdy cats |
| kitten it is extremely important to double check all | | | | with strong bones, however their kind, open features |
| paperwork that can verify the kitten's pedigree, | | | | and shaggy coat soften their overall appearance. |
| especially if you are planning to show the cat. | | | | As well as needing little grooming and being easy to |
| A Ragdoll cat's hair is extremely soft and downy, and | | | | handle, another feature which makes these beautiful |
| is often said to be more like a rabbit's than a cat's. | | | | cats a great family pet is their temperament. Ragdoll |
| Unlike many other breeds, Ragdolls are not prone to | | | | cats are gentle giants, and tend to be easy-going, |
| excessive shedding, and indeed may shed less than | | | | placid, calm and quiet cats. They are also highly |
| short haired cats. Another feature of this remarkable | | | | affectionate and enjoy spending time with their |
| breed is that their coat does not require as much | | | | owners. They make great pets for families with |
| brushing or grooming as other long haired breeds. | | | | children, and tend to get on with other animals too. |
| Running a long toothed comb or brush through your | | | | Their beauty and charm are sure to win the hearts |
| Ragdoll cat's coat once a week is usually sufficient to | | | | of any lucky owner. |
| remove dead hair and smooth out any tangle. Do, | | | | |