The Breed
Ragdoll Cat Breed — Colors, Patterns & Temperament
Everything you want to know about the Ragdoll — one of the most beloved and gentle cat breeds in the world.
Origin
Ragdolls were developed in the 1960s by experienced cat breeder Ann Baker. Over the following two decades, they were selectively bred for their desirable traits: large size, calm and gentle demeanor, their tendency to go limp when picked up, and their striking pointed coloration. In the 1970s the breed received mainstream recognition and the Breed Standard was nationally accepted by major cat registries.
Characteristics
Size & Build
Ragdolls are a slow-maturing, large breed. They are sturdy, well-balanced, and proportionate, reaching full size and weight at 4 years. Males weigh 12–20 lbs; females 8–15 lbs.
Blue Eyes
True Ragdolls always have blue eyes — a result of their colorpoint genes. They are known for their tendency to go limp when picked up, their puppy-like devotion, and their gentle tolerance with children and other pets.
Temperament
Coat & Color
Though Ragdolls are long-haired, their coat consists mostly of guard hairs with a minimally dense undercoat — resulting in a fluffy coat that is low-shedding and mat-resistant. They need very minimal grooming, which they tend to relax and enjoy. Ragdolls, like all pointed breeds, are born entirely white. Temperature causes the hair to produce pigment, which develops slowly — full color intensity appears by 2 years, full coat by 2–4 years.
The 6 Primary Colors
- ~ Seal
- ~ Chocolate
- ~ Flame
- ~ Blue
- ~ Lilac
- ~ Cream
- ~ Tortie (combines 3 colors)
4 Patterns
~ Pointed
Color darkens on the points — nose, ears, tail, and paws.
~ Mitted
Same as pointed but with white paws and abdomen. May have a white blaze on the face. Must have the white belly stripe and white chin.
~ Bicolor
White inverted "V" on the face, white legs, and may have white spots on the back. High white produces the Van pattern.
~ Lynx
A variant of the above colorings with tabby markings.
