Ragdoll cats

Mar 11 12:34pm

Are you after a large people loving placid, cuddly cat? Then you can't go past the Ragdoll. Ragdolls make great indoor family pets, as they'll get along with you, the kids and your other pets too. And who could resist their stunning good looks, big blue eyes and laid back personality. Dr Harry introduces us to these gentle giants of the cat world, and shows us how to care for them.

Where does the name originate?

Well breeders reckon that these cats are so placid that when you pick them up they go limp and floppy like a ‘ragdoll' in your arms. That's one big relaxed cat!

Your new best friend

Ragdolls are very people orientated, friendly and love to be around their owners. Although not as active as other breeds, the Ragdolls do enjoy a game and can be quite mischievious at times.

Pick your favourite colour

When it comes to colours, you won't be disappointed. Ragdolls come in Chocolate Seal, Blue and Lilac, Flame/Red and Cream. And three coat patterns: colourpoint, which have the darker Siamese like markings (points) on the face, paws, legs and tail; mitted, which have the points with white front feet and long socks on the rear legs; and bi-colour, which have points but with the faces marked with a white inverted ‘V'.

Ragdolls are slow to mature, so you'll have to wait around 2-3 years for your cats coat colour and pattern to reach its striking potential. Amazingly, Ragdoll kittens are born completely white, and it takes around 10 days before their coat colour and pattern becomes obvious.

Looking after your ragdoll

Now you might expect a gorgeous long coat like this to take up a lot of your time. Think again. Ragdoll's lack the thick, easily matted downy undercoat that you'll find in some other long coated breeds. So, a quick brush once a week is all it takes to keep a Ragdoll looking good. And it's a great idea to start your grooming sessions with your kitten early so they get used to it.

Ragdolls are generally a very healthy breed.

Kitten prices start from around $700

For a breeder and more information, check out www.sugarnspiceragdolls.com

32 Comments Report Abuse

1. lindy_au_2001 - Mar 07 08:31am

sounds like a lovely cat but I feel you can't go past a Burmese, they have all the same qualities but even better, they are people lovers, just love being with you whatever you are doing whether it be just sitting around or in the bathroom you will find your Burmese sitting right beside you.

2. anna_duchess1983 - Mar 07 09:39am

I love my burmese too... My best friend has a ragdoll kitten and he scales my jeans like they are curtains, it's painful.

3. thekotsch22 - Mar 07 10:52am

I'm a bloke so I never really liked cats much, until we got a ragdoll. They are the most pleasant, good natured, good looking cat we've ever had. I would recommend this breed to anybody.

4. melle83 - Mar 07 10:56am

All that stuff about ragdolls are placid, it's crap, i own a ragdoll cat and it is nasty, always trying to start fights, constantly wanting attention and it's a pure ragdoll, it's also a desexed male. it is not a relaxed cat at all

5. melle83 - Mar 07 10:56am

6. sus36bus - Mar 07 11:06am

i breed ragdolls cats and i just adore them!!!!! Their personality shines, they love people and are sooooooooo loyal. I have 4 that i breed from, each with the same loving nature but all with different personalities! As long as do dont mind the furr factor, they are better than guys!

7. hug_me_xx - Mar 07 02:52pm

i love my ragdoll, she is a seal tortie point, and has a great personality. she is a bit of a scaredy cat when new people come into my home though, but i think thats cos its just me and my husband mostly at home

8. hug_me_xx - Mar 07 02:55pm

cats are like people and have different personalities

9. kara_town - Mar 07 03:19pm

I have a Seal Bi-Colour Ragdoll, a Red-Point Birman and a Chocolate Burmese. ALL are beautiful, loyal, vocal, loving cats. They make a beautiful combination.

10. benkel_21 - Mar 07 04:08pm

I have a sealpoint Lynx ragdoll. She is beautiful, fun & very affectionate. To the girl who thinks her cat is nasty, i personaly think its all in the way you bring up your pet to how its personality is going to be. If its seeking attention maybe your not giving it enough.