The Ragdoll Kitten

A Ragdoll kitten can make a loving addition to any home. Learn more about this gentle and affectionate breed.

Ragdoll kittens as a breed originated in the United States in the 1960’s. The breed’s founding cat was a feline named Josephine. Josephine was a mixture of various types of long-haired cats and was a carrier of the Himalayan type pattern.

It was later noted that Josephine’s offspring had a common tendency to relax their bodies when picked up or held similar to that of a ragdoll. Today, the breed is known and loved throughout the world.

Physical Appearance

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Ragdolls are a long-haired breed. They have large muscular bodies and are of medium build. They typically have puffy bushy tails and oval shaped eyes. The Ragdoll coat is quite dense and silky in texture. However, the coat tends not to mat.

Ragdolls have wide set ears and an average-sized head. Their abdomens carry a layer of protective fat and it can be difficult to determine if a Ragdoll is malnourished due to the presence of the fat layer. A Ragdoll also has hind legs somewhat shorter that its front legs.

Temperament

A typical Ragdoll kitten has a sweet and loving personality. The breed is wonderful for families, as Ragdolls get along with family members of all ages. They are also a very calm breed of cat which works well with families with small children.

Overall, Ragdolls care not an overly active breed. They don’t like to jump on high perches and tend to stay firmly planted with four paws on the ground. Ragdolls love to lounge in their owners’ laps. They enjoy human companionship and can be quite playful at times.

Ragdolls are an overall quiet breed and will not vocalize very much unless they have an immediate need from their owners. They are a relaxed breed and their bodies go limp and floppy when they are picked up and carried.

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Ragdolls come in a variety of coat patterns. Van, bicolor, mitted, and pointed are common patterns associated with Ragdolls. Ragdolls also come in an array of colors: red, cream, blue, seal, chocolate, and lilac. Typically, a ragdoll is born with a white coat and develops into its true colors by adulthood. Ragdolls also have vibrant blue eyes.

Care

Despite having long-hair, Ragdoll fur is quite easy to care for. The fur does not mat easily and is groomed best with a comb and a brush. Ragdolls have longer fur around the neck and tail so a comb can best keep those hairs conditioned. The rest of the body can be brushed. Bathing may not be necessary unless the feline is excessively dirty. Ragdolls are quite meticulous in terms of their self-grooming. And like all felines, trim nails as needed.

Development

Unlike many other breeds, Rag doll kittens take quite a while to mature. It may take upwards of 4 years for a Ragdoll kitten to reach full maturity. And growth occurs at irregular intervals or “spurts”. During growth spurts, A Ragdoll may have a ferocious appetite. Therefore, providing kittens with unlimited amounts of food may be needed to keep up with growth requirements.

Health

Ragdolls are an overall healthy breed of cat. They can and do live long and fruitful lives. It’s not unheard of when Ragdolls live beyond 15 years. The breed has very few hereditary problems.

It is rumored that Ragdolls feel no pain or anxiety. Unfortunately, like all cats, Ragdolls do sense discomfort and have fears. This tale dates back to the origins of the breed.

Remember…a Ragdoll kitten can be slow to mature. Give them lots of love and feed them well!

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