Ragdoll Cats – Breed Characteristics
Feb 22nd, 2008 by Sally
Ragdoll cats get their name from their tendency to go limp when picked up or held. Ragdolls have a sturdy, imposing frame with soft, medium length fur in different shades of brown and gray. Ragdoll cats are very affectionate and friendly.
They easly take to new people and co-exist with other animals, including dogs and children. It could take your Ragdoll four to five years to fully mature; however, adult males weigh anywhere from 12 to 20 pounds and the females weigh 10 to 15 pounds.
Ragdoll cats are one of the least aggressive and calmest breeds of domestic cat and posses a warm, affectionate disposition. Your Ragdoll cat may greet your visitors at the door and follow them around your home like a puppy; in fact the breed has many dog like traits, such as fetching toys and loyalty to their owners.
Because of the Ragdoll’s laid back nature they should be kept as strictly indoor cats as they may not defend themselves from aggressive animals. Their trusting nature could also lead to theft by stranger so always keep your Ragdoll inside. Ragdoll cats are smart and are able to learn tricks easily making the breed a favorite at many cat shows. The large frame tends to make them slightly clumsy; however, they remain playfully energetic; if you’re looking for a large, gentle playful cat, Ragdoll Cats is the breed for you.
Breed Characteristics
Ragdoll cats have short legs, semi-longhair coats with Siamese like markings. They have soft, rabbit like fur with the look of a Persian without all of the shedding and matting. They have medium sized, muscular frames with a broad, flat topped head and medium sized ears pointed frontward. Ragdoll cats have deep blue oblique eyes and bushy tapered tails.
At birth all Ragdoll kittens are white and develop their colors by the age of 10 days; however, they may not show full colors for two or three years. Ragdoll cats come in four colors with three color patterns. Colors are designated by combining coat color and pattern…for example “Seal Colorpoint” or “Chocolate Bicolor.” Here are the basic Ragdoll colors and patterns.
Ragdoll Cat Colors
Seal Point Ragdoll cats have light tan bodies with dark seal brown points. The shade can range from ivory to pale beige and usually lightens at the belly and chest area. The nose leather and paw pads should be seal brown to brownish black and may have rose-colored undertones.
Chocolate Point Ragdoll cats have ivory bodies that also lighten at the belly and chest. The points range from warm milk to bittersweet chocolate with rosy undertones. The nose leather is usually rose-brown and the paw pads are brownish salmon pink. Blue Point. Blue Ragdoll cats appear cold with bluish white to platinum gray fur and no tinge of brown. The points are blue-gray to deep slate and the nose leather and paw pads are dark blue with pink undertones.
Lilac point cats are magnolia white with pink to lavender paw pads. The points are pale dove-gray to warm lavender with the flesh color visible through the fur.
Ragdoll Coat Patterns
Colorpoint ragdoll cats are darker at the points compared to the rest of the body. The point color is usually the same as the paw pads and nose leather. They have no white markings although some pale-haired Ragdolls may appear white.
Mitted Ragdoll cats also have dark points but also have white fur on the paws, rear legs, chin, ruff and stomach. The paw markings are called “mitts,” while the rear legs are called “boots.”
Bi-color Ragdoll cats have an inverted V-shaped marking between the eyes which expands over the muzzle. The cat is also dark at the points with a saddle-like strip on the back and white fur on the rest of the body. The paw pads and nose leather are usually pink.
How Much do Ragdoll Cats Cost?
If you want a show quality Ragdoll for the alter championship class, be ready to pay between $600 to $1,000. Retired show cats and breeders are available at pet homes for a little less, usually for the price of spaying or neutering. It’s important to ask for a health guarantee when buying Ragdoll kittens. A health guarantee assures you that the kitten is free of any diseases, parasites, or inherited defects. If your kitten dies of unknown causes, your breeder will replace it when you present your health guarantee.
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Most Ragdoll owners experience some form of behavioral problem at one time or another. Many find it difficult to believe that disciplining Ragdoll cats is possible; however, despite a cat’s independent attitude towards life in general, it is possible to train your Ragdoll cat. Training your Ragdoll cat takes a healthy dose of patience and perseverance; but don’t get discouraged, you can correct the worst problems your Ragdoll has to offer.