History
Ragdolls were first created
in the 1960's by Ann Baker,
a quirky
Persian breeder in
California. Some of the
original stock consisted of
hardy, free-roaming street
cats. Ms. Baker created the
foundations of the Ragdoll
breed by selecting kittens
out of Josephine, a
semi-feral longhaired white
female Persian/Angora
type, sired by several
unknown male
Birman-like or
Burmese-like cats, one
with
Siamese type markings.
Out of those early litters
came Blackie, an all black
Burmese-like male and Daddy
Warbucks, a seal point with
white feet. Daddy Warbucks
sired the founding bi-color
female Fugianna, and Blackie
sired Buckwheat, a dark
brown/black Burmese-like
female. Both Fugianna and
Buckwheat were daughters of
Josephine. All Ragdoll and
RagaMuffin cats are
descended from Ann Baker's
cats through matings of
Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna
and Buckwheat. By selecting
individuals with the look
and temperament she wanted
for her breeding program,
Ann Baker created the
standard Ragdoll type.
Baker, in an unusual move,
spurned traditional cat
breeding associations. She
trademarked the name "Ragdoll",
set up her own registry -
International Ragdoll Cat
Association (IRCA) - and
enforced stringent standards
on anyone who wanted to
breed or sell cats under
that name.[2]
The Ragdolls were also not
allowed to be registered in
other breed associations. In
1975, a group broke rank
with IRCA with the aim of
gaining mainstream
recognition for the Ragdoll.
This group, which included
Denny and Laura Dayton
eventually developed the
Ragdoll standard currently
accepted by major cat
registries. The breed was
selectively bred over many
years for desirable traits,
such as large size, gentle
demeanour, and a tendency to
go limp when picked up, as
well as the striking pointed
coloration. In 1994, a
second group decided to
leave the IRCA and form
their own group due to
increasingly strict breeding
restrictions. This group
later established the
RagaMuffin breed.
Ann Baker's claims that her
new breed had been
genetically-modified by
scientists, as well as her
strict control of the
breeding programs of those
who bred the early Ragdolls,
made her a controversial, if
legendary, name in Ragdoll
history.
Weight
Range
10-20 lb
(4.5-9 kg).
Large size
is one goal
of
professional
Ragdoll
breeders
Temperament
The Ragdoll cat typically has a very gentle and relaxed temperament. When socialized from birth they are attentive and affectionate members of the family that enjoy and seek out human companionship. Ragdoll cats remain playful throughout their lives, adjust well to children and pets and are sometimes called "puppy-cats" because of their propensity to follow their owners from room to room and meet them at the door. Ragdoll cats are demurely vocal, careful with their claws and teeth when in play, plus forgiving of accidental mistreatment. Because of their non-defensive nature, a Ragdoll should never be allowed outdoors unattended.
Grooming
Ragdolls require light grooming and great nutrition to give them an overall fluffy and healthy appearance. Although it is a myth that Ragdolls do not shed, their coat is easier to manage than many other long-haired breeds with just weekly combing to remove loose hairs and prevent mats. Bathing is rarely needed but well-tolerated, as are nail-clippings and vet visits.
Varieties
Ragdolls come in 6 different colors - seal, chocolate, flame, and "dilutes" blue, lilac and cream. There are 3 different patterns: Pointed (nose, ears, tail and paws in the specific colors & no white), Mitted - white paws, chin and tummy, with or without a blaze (a white line on the face), and Bicolor - white tall socks, white inverted 'V' on the face, white tummy and often white patches on the back. Variations include a three-color "tortie-point" (mottled seal or blue with red present) and lynx (striped pattern on tail, face and points) which can be found in all 3 patterns.
