Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a large semi-longhaired domestic cat breed developed in California during the 1960s. Breeder Ann Baker established the foundation stock in Riverside using Josephine, a non-pedigreed white domestic longhair, alongside dark-pointed foundation studs. Official registration followed across major feline registries, earning acceptance from TICA in 1979, FIFe in 1991, and CFA championship standing in 2000.

Body structure is long, broad-chested, and substantial, supported by sturdy boning and proportionate legs. Female individuals register 3.6-6.8 kg (8-15 lb), whereas male cats reach 5.4-9.1 kg (12-20 lb) or more. Full physical development unfolds slowly, with cats taking up to 4 years to attain mature weight and skeletal density. The head forms a broad modified wedge with flat planes across the skull between wide-set ears. Large oval eyes always appear in vivid blue. Paws are large, rounded, and tufted, while the bushy tail equals the torso length.

The coat consists of plush, silky guard hairs over minimal undercoat that falls smoothly without matting into woolly textures. Colorpoint markings shade darker on the ears, mask, legs, and tail, appearing in seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream hues. Accepted pattern categories include colorpoint, mitted with white front mittens and chin, and bicolor with an inverted white facial wedge. Standard texts emphasize an even-tempered, placid nature and docile disposition. Handlers note a habit of relaxing limp in human arms alongside a gentle, dog-like tendency to follow companions between rooms.

Weekly combing with a metal wide-toothed comb keeps the soft coat free of tangles, while seasonal shedding cycles in spring and autumn benefit from more frequent attention. Fresh water bowls placed at a distance from feeding dishes encourage adequate drinking. Because the breed stays active while staying low to the floor, scratching posts and floor-level interactive toys satisfy exercise needs. Documented hereditary ailments and health disorders within the population comprise hypertrophic cardiomyopathy linked to mutations in the MYBPC3 gene, polycystic kidney disease, calcium oxalate bladder stones, and feline lower urinary tract disease.