Ragdoll

What is a Ragdoll?

A large, semi-longhaired, blue-eyed pointed cat of 4-9kg, bred in California in the 1960s specifically for a docile temperament. The name comes from the tendency to relax completely when lifted - not universal, but common enough to be the breed's signature.

History and origins

Created by Ann Baker in Riverside, California, from a white domestic longhair called Josephine and several Birman- and Burmese-type cats. Baker's claims about the breed's origins were eccentric and her licensing arrangements were litigious; breeders split away to establish the Ragdoll properly with mainstream registries in the 1970s. The GCCF recognised the breed in 1990.

Appearance and size

30-40cm and among the largest domestic cats - mature males of 8-9kg are normal. Semi-long silky coat with little undercoat, a full ruff and a plumed tail. Always pointed, always blue-eyed. Patterns: colourpoint, mitted, and bicolour, in seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream, plus lynx and tortie variants. Colour develops slowly - kittens are born white and are not fully coloured until around two years.

Temperament and personality

Extremely gentle, sociable and undemanding. They greet people at the door, follow you around, and tolerate handling that most cats would not. They are quiet - a soft chirp rather than a yowl. They are also, importantly, not street-smart: a Ragdoll will walk up to a stranger, a dog or a road, and for that reason most breeders require indoor-only or secure-garden homes.

Intelligence and trainability

Bright and biddable by cat standards. Many learn to fetch, walk on a harness and respond to their name reliably. They take well to clicker training.

Children and other pets

Among the very best cats for a family. Patient with children, comfortable with dogs, and non-territorial with other cats. They rarely scratch in play.

Health problems

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - the Ragdoll carries a specific, identified mutation (MYBPC3 R820W) with a definitive DNA test. Both parents must be tested clear; this is non-negotiable and cheap. Note that a clear DNA result does not exclude HCM from other causes, so echo screening as well is the gold standard.
• PKD - DNA test available; both parents clear.
• Bladder stones and FLUTD occur at a slightly elevated rate; wet food and good hydration help.
• Their size makes them prone to obesity and to joint wear in later life.

Daily care routine

Two play sessions, a scratching post tall enough for a big cat, and a litter tray sized for an 8kg animal - most commercial trays are too small. Groom two or three times a week.

Grooming and coat care

Less work than the coat suggests, because there is little undercoat. Comb through two or three times a week with a wide-toothed comb, paying attention to the ruff, the trousers and behind the ears. Weekly is enough in winter; increase in the spring moult.

Exercise needs

Moderate but real. Wand toys, puzzle feeders and climbing furniture. A harness-trained Ragdoll in a secure garden is a good compromise for a cat that must not free-roam.

Feeding and diet

Measured wet-led feeding, £30-£50 a month - they eat more than an average cat because they are bigger. Growth continues to four years; do not restrict a growing Ragdoll, but do monitor an adult.

Price

£800-£1,800 from a registered breeder with HCM and PKD DNA clears. Setup £250-£400; ongoing £45-£85 a month. Insurance costs more than for a moggy, and the heart cover matters.

Buying advice

Ask for the MYBPC3 R820W DNA certificates by name for both parents and the date of the last echocardiogram. Ask about the breeder's indoor-only policy - a breeder who does not care where the cat lives is telling you something. Kittens leave at 13 weeks, vaccinated and registered.