History of the Ragdoll Breed

The Ragdoll cat breed was developed in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder from Riverside, California. She selectively bred a carefully chosen group of domestic longhairs, focusing on their gentle temperament, striking blue eyes, and luxurious silky coat to create what is now one of the most beloved cat breeds.

The Foundation of the Ragdoll

The foundation cat, Josephine, was a white domestic longhair carrying the colorpoint gene. According to Ann Baker, Josephine’s kittens displayed uniquely affectionate and relaxed temperaments, making them stand out from other cats. Over time, Baker carefully crossed Josephine’s offspring with other domestic longhairs, selecting cats that matched her vision for the breed in terms of appearance, personality, and behavior.

How Ragdolls Got Their Name

Baker claimed that Josephine was so placid and relaxed that she would go limp when held—just like a ragdoll. While not all modern Ragdolls exhibit this trait to the same extent, it inspired the breed’s name and reputation as an affectionate, laid-back companion.

Recognition & Growth

Ragdolls were accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1993 and later achieved championship status in 2000. Today, the breed is recognized by major cat registries worldwide, including:

✔ The International Cat Association (TICA)

✔ The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)

Ragdolls Today

Ragdolls have become one of the most popular and sought-after cat breeds, known for their:

✔ Silky, semi-long coats

✔ Striking blue eyes

✔ Gentle and affectionate nature

✔ Loyal, people-oriented personalities

They are now cherished by families and cat lovers across the world for their beauty, intelligence, and devotion to their owners.

Is a Ragdoll the Right Fit for You?

About the Ragdoll Breed

Ragdolls are known for their striking blue eyes, affectionate nature, and silky, semi-long fur that feels soft to the touch. They are large, muscular cats with a relaxed temperament, making them an excellent choice for families, individuals, and multi-pet households.

Is a Ragdoll the Right Fit for You?

Ragdolls are wonderful companions, but they may not be the perfect match for everyone. Here are some key things to consider before bringing one into your home:

✅ Affectionate & Social

Ragdolls thrive on human interaction. They love being around their owners, following them from room to room, and even greeting them at the door. If you’re looking for a highly affectionate, people-oriented cat, a Ragdoll is a great choice.

✅ Great for Families & Other Pets

Their gentle temperament makes them ideal for households with children, dogs, or other cats. They are patient and usually get along well with other animals.

✅ Indoor Cats Only

Ragdolls are best kept as indoor-only cats due to their trusting nature. They lack strong survival instincts and are more likely to get lost or be taken if left outside unsupervised.

✅ Regular Grooming

Ragdolls have a silky coat that requires regular maintenance.

Although some grooming is necessary to keep a Ragdoll’s coat looking its best, the time commitment is minimal. Regular combing at least once or twice a week with a steel comb will find and remove any loose hair or tangles. Like all breeds of cats, Ragdoll will shed, usually with the change of seasons. However, the absence of the thick, dense, insulating undercoats results in reduced shedding and matting. If you plan to bathe your cat, we strongly recommend "Grooming by Parita" grooming supplies.

• Brush at least twice a week to reduce shedding and prevent tangles.

• Bathe every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat clean and healthy.

• Blow dry the coat to fully dry.

✅ Not Very Independent

Ragdolls crave attention and companionship. If you are away from home for long hours, consider getting a second pet to keep them company.

✅ Not Very Vocal

While they will communicate with soft chirps and meows, they are generally quieter than other breeds like the Siamese.

Why Choose a Ragdoll?

1. Loving and Loyal – Ragdolls are often compared to dogs because of their devotion to their owners.

2. Relaxed and Easygoing – Unlike high-energy cats, Ragdolls tend to be laid-back and enjoy lounging.

3. Good with Kids and Pets – Their friendly nature makes them a great fit for multi-pet households.

4. Beautiful Appearance – Their silky coats and striking blue eyes make them one of the most stunning cat breeds.

5. Intelligent and Trainable – They can learn tricks, fetch, and even enjoy leash training.

If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate, and stunningly beautiful cat that will be a true companion, a Ragdoll might be the perfect choice for you!

👉 Interested in adopting a Ragdoll kitten?

Apply for Adoption Here

History of the Ragdoll Breed

Is a Ragdoll the Right Fit for You?

About the Ragdoll Breed

Why Choose a Ragdoll?

This chart was made by Loraine Rupinski. She kindly gifted it to a Ragdoll community. So our customers could see different colors variations

Ragdoll breed introduction

HiAvailable Kittens ragdoll breeders ragdoll cat ragdoll kittens

History of the Ragdoll Breed

Is a Ragdoll the Right Fit for You?

About the Ragdoll Breed

Why Choose a Ragdoll?

This chart was made by Loraine Rupinski. She kindly gifted it to a Ragdoll community. So our customers could see different colors variations

Ragdoll breed introduction

HiAvailable Kittens ragdoll breeders ragdoll cat ragdoll kittens

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