Detailed description of Ragdoll
Ragdolls appear as strongly built and muscular cats that are large in size. They have a rather long and silky coat and are known for going completely limp when picked up by someone they trust.
Genesis
Ragdoll is considered to be a modern cat breed, with the breed's history beginning in the 1960s. A breeder of Persian cats from California crossed a white domestic longhaired cat named Josephine with a Burmese or Birman cat that had a point colouration typical of the Siamese cats. Cats from that litter were later selectively bred with Persian and Burmese cats to produce a breed known today as Ragdoll. The breed got its name from the cats' tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up. Ragdolls were bred to be placid in nature, affectionate and loyal to their human.
Appearance
Ragdoll is one of the biggest domesticated cat breeds with adults measuring up to 53 cm in length and weighing up to 9kg. This cat breed has a sturdy body and a large frame paired up with proportional legs. Eyes are large, oval and blue in colour. Ragdolls have a silky coat that is longer on the stomach, neck and hind legs. The coat lacks a dense undercoat that supposedly reduces shedding and matting of the fur. Ragdolls usually come in three fur patterns: colourpoint, where the extremities on the body are darker than the rest; mitted, resembling colourpoint, but paws and tail remain light; and bicolour, where most of the coat is light and a triangle of white fur appears on a darker face.
Behaviour
This cat breed is very affectionate with humans and will usually follow the owner around the house. Ragdolls make for very curious cats and will gladly take part in any activities around the house, intently observing their surroundings. They are known for easily adapting to their human's routine. These cats will gladly greet their people at the door and leap into a lap whenever possible. Ragdolls feel most comfortably indoors, where they can lay on the couch or chair. Cats of this breed are not the biggest climbers, and will usually be happy to stay on the same level as their people. Ragdolls are not excessively vocal, and will typically meow to remind you of mealtime or demand petting. This breed is famous for its tendency to go completely limp when carried.
Requirements
As Ragdolls are quite an intelligent cat breed they do require more mental stimulation to keep them happy and in their best shape. Ragdolls are fond of retrieving toys they have been tossed. Since Ragdoll is big in size, providing your cat with a big litterbox and sturdy and tall scratching post is necessary. Bear in mind that as Ragdolls are not the biggest fans of heights and climbing, you do not need to supply them with a tall cat tree. Ragdolls do not particularly like nature and are best kept as indoor-only cats.
Daily care
With the long one-layered coat that lacks a dense undercoat, Ragdoll's fur does not require any additional care apart from regular brushing. With long fur on the tail and back of the hind legs, Ragdolls may get some faeces stuck in their fur. If it happens make sure to clean your cat with a damp towel or wet wipe made specifically for cats. Trim your cat's claws when they get too long.
