Ragdoll Cats

History

This breed gained recognition in the USA in the 1960's although it is a very controversial breed. The charm of this cat is that it is said it will flop in your arms when handled, but this can happen in any cat that trusts its owner.

The first kitten of this type is said to have been born in California, to a White Persian cat, who had mismated and, after suffering a broken pelvis in a car accident, gave birth to a litter of kittens that flopped when handled. This would be genetically impossible, as the result of a road accident cannot cause the cat's DNA to be changed and so be passed on to future generations. The truth about this cats background is open to speculation. Looking at the varieties of Ragdoll cat around today, it is likely that the breed is linked to Siamese, Colourpoints and Birmans.

Character and Temperament

The Ragdoll cat is probably the most laid back of all the cats. It is undemanding, very tolerant, gentle and relaxed. Some say these cats have a lower pain threshold than other cats, but this has not been proven.

Type and Standard of Points

There are three patterns of Ragdoll cat: bi-colour, colourpoint and mitted, and the colour can be seal, blue, chocolate or lilac. The coloured areas as the face, legs and tail, similar to the Colourpoints' and Birman's markings. The fur is long on the chest and abdomen, on the back of the head and on the tail, which should be thick and full. The eyes should always be blue.