Ragdoll Cats Breed: Essential Facts and Care Tips

The Ragdoll Hub is all about Ragdolls, Birmans and some other big fluffy style cats like Maine Coons.

This page is the home page for all things Ragdoll Cats, it is a complete guide to the breed, the colors, the patterns and everything you need to know about Ragdoll Cats. We regularity update this and try to keep things as detailed as possible.

The Ragdoll Cat

The Ragdoll cat is a large, affectionate breed known for its striking blue eyes and plush, semi-longhaired coat. Originating in California in the 1960s, the Ragdoll has color-pointed fur, meaning their ears, face, paws, and tail are darker than their body. These cats are often described as “dog-like” because of their tendency to follow their owners around, their enjoyment of play, and their overall sociable nature.

Known for their docile and calm temperament, Ragdolls are perfect for families, as they get along well with children and other pets. Their name derives from their tendency to go limp when picked up.

Ragdoll Eyes

The first thing that most people notice about the Ragdoll cat is their striking blue eyes.

The Patterns

There might be many more than documented, but we will go ahead and focus on the main three and
their categories:

1. Bicolor
   Their points, meaning their face, ears, and tails, are all coloured. This type of Ragdoll will always be
   recognizable because you will see a white inverted “V” shape on their masks. Within the Bicolor
   patterns you will find some main varieties:
   • Van Color – These will have no white at all on the coloured areas and vice versa.
   • True Color – Aside from the coloured points characteristic of a Bicolor, True Colors are recognized
     because of the colour on their saddle. It might have some white spots or be a solid or faded
     shade. This kind does not have white spots in any of its other points, just the saddle.
   • Mid High White – Like True Colors, this kind also comes with colour on their saddle, however, the shade is interrupted by white patches, kind of like a broken pattern instead of a full coat of
     colour.
   • High Mitted – They have colour on the ears, tails, and saddle, but what differentiates it from a
     True Color is the fact that the colour on their faces covers more of it, making the inverted white
     The “V” shape is smaller than the rest within this category. But what gives them the name of High
     Mitted is the fact that their front legs from the top to the middle, are coloured. Sometimes, the
     colouring extends all the way down to the paws and can also show on all four legs.
2. Colorpoint. 
   • Might be considered one of the most striking patterns as it’s the one where more concentration of colour can be seen, contrasting with the breed’s commonly blue eyes. A Ragdoll cat with a Colorpoint pattern means that they will show colour on its ears, legs, paws, and tails, plus a full mask of colour on their faces. White spots are not observed on their fur, just lighter shades of the main colouring.
3. Mitted
   • Cats with this pattern might look special to some because you will see a full mask of colour on their
     faces, with the exception of their characteristic white chin. Their ears and tails are coloured and so
     are their front legs. They show white patterns on their paws and tummies and sometimes may
     present a blaze from their foreheads to the top of their noses which can be shaped like an hourglass,
     a diamond, a star, or just an unclear shape.

Now, within the patterns mentioned, there are colours. From the darkest brown to the lightest pink
tone, this popular breed comes in a wide variety of tones.

The Colors

There are six point colours and here they are:

1. Blue Point.  Also known as just blue, it can go from a cold blue-gray shade to a slate one.
2. Seal Point Ragdoll.  The body might be light cream to a lighter colour while the points are a very distinct deep brown to almost black.
3. Chocolate Point
   The body tends to be white while the points can go from milk chocolate brown to a lighter shade.
4. Flame Point Ragdoll / Red Point
   Clear white body with points going from orange to a deep red.
5. Lilac Point
   White body with points of pinkish beige colour with some gray.
6. Cream Point
   Clear white body with cream/ivory points.

So those are the primary patterns and colours of Ragdoll cats. But wait, my friends, there’s more. There
are also some secondary patterns that are oftentimes classified as colour type. These are Lynx, Tortie, and
Torbie.

1. Lynx Ragdolls: Lynx is a term used to describe a tabby-like pattern, characterized by distinct “M” markings on the forehead, stripes by the eyes and across the cheeks, along the legs, and around the body. These markings may appear in any color. Lynx Ragdolls can be combined with other patterns, resulting in Colorpoint Lynx, Mitted Lynx, and Bicolor Lynx Ragdolls.
2. Tortie Ragdolls: Tortie (short for tortoiseshell) refers to a mix of colors in a mottled or patched pattern, typically a combination of red and cream with one of the primary Ragdoll colors (seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac). Like Lynx Ragdolls, Tortie Ragdolls can be found in all the primary Ragdoll patterns: Colorpoint Tortie, Mitted Tortie, and Bicolor Tortie.
3. Torbie Ragdolls: Torbie is a term used to describe a Ragdoll that is both Lynx and Tortie. Torbies have both the striped Lynx pattern and the patched Tortie coloring. Like the other variations, Torbie Ragdolls can be found in Colorpoint, Mitted, and Bicolor patterns.

Each of these color and pattern variations brings a unique look to the Ragdoll breed, but all maintain the same friendly, affectionate, and laid-back temperament Ragdolls are known for.

Additional Colors that are not 100% accepted on the Ragdoll Showing Community.

There are some additional colors that have emerged over time into the Ragdoll ranks. However, in order to show a Ragdoll cat at the highest level you need to check the regulations, some of these are either not purebred, or not allowed in shows.

1. Fawn Ragdolls: Fawn is a pale, warm, rose-beige color seen in some cat breeds. It’s not officially recognized for Ragdolls. However, in a certain light, lilac Ragdolls (a dilute form of chocolate) might appear fawn-colored.
2. Black Ragdolls: Black Ragdolls are also not a recognized color for purebred Ragdolls. However, some breeders may use the term to describe seal Ragdolls, which can appear dark, especially on the points. Seal points range from dark brown to almost black.
3. Cinnamon Ragdolls: Cinnamon ragdolls are not a recognized color in the Ragdoll breed. Cinnamon in cats is a rich, reddish-brown color, seen in breeds like the Abyssinian.

Non-standard colors like fawn, black, and cinnamon might be found in Ragdoll mixes or could indicate the use of non-traditional breeding methods. It’s always recommended to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and adherence to breed standards.

Ragdoll Cat Behaviour

The Ragdoll Cat has some very unique behaviour patterns that make it so popular and widely sought after.

Ragdoll Cats are the best. The characteristics of a Ragdoll cat are what separates them from other cat breeds and make them so awesome. If you are looking for a new pet you will not be disappointed with a Ragdoll.

The main characteristics of a Ragdoll cat are their personality, temperament, colour, size and ease of care. And let’s be honest, they’re beautiful, fun and the most quirky cat breed ever!

Ragdoll Stats and Information

The Ragdoll cat is a large cat breed and has a long body, long tail and usually big bones. They are large and muscular semi-longhair cats with soft and silky coats. You can also check out the wiki page.

The Ragdoll Cat Personality.

Ragdoll cats are known worldwide for their personality, it is what sets them apart. These big cats are super friendly and are typically known for being more dog-like than cat-like.

They love attention and seek it out more than other cat breeds that I have owned. Both of my ragdolls will follow me around the house and are quite vocal about getting my attention. They really like to be where you are.

These cats are also ideal for people that are busy. Although Ragdolls like a lot of attention they are also well-suited for a variety of lifestyles. I have written an article on Ragdolls and companions that you can read to get a sense of their social needs.

Ragdoll Cats have a moderate energy level and are usually quite chill. They love to play but are not aggressive, and they are great for kids. Many Ragdolls have even been taught to play fetch.

Ragdoll Cats are Great with Dogs

Most pet owners have the same concern…will my cats and dogs get along?

It’s a great question and currently, I am about to introduce my two cats to a new dog. I am getting married in October and will be moving in with my girl to a new house. She has a Havanese named Nessie and I have the two Ragdolls.

We are going to take all of the normal precautions when introducing animals to each other, but in general, I am not really concerned. My biggest concern is for Grandma Cat because she is 23 and not as mobile as a younger cat.

Ragdolls, however, are known as a breed that is great with dogs. You will need to make sure that you spend time with the pets monitoring them at the beginning, but usually, they settle in relatively quickly.

Ragdoll Cat Health

A bonus to the characteristics of a Ragdoll Cat is that they are generally very healthy. These large cats are usually very healthy. Bladder stones and a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are among the conditions that have been reported in the breed.

If you do your research well when you are looking for a breeder you can make sure that their kittens are not known for these things. Even with this precaution, it is important to know that all cats need to be monitored and have regular checkups.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It causes thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. An echocardiogram can confirm whether a cat has HCM. Researchers have identified the genetic mutation that causes the development of HCM in the Ragdoll and have developed a genetic test that allows breeders to screen cats before breeding them.

Cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM.

Ragdoll kittens can have rapid growth spurts and it’s important for them to have plenty of food available all the time. If your Ragdoll kitten cleans his plate, offer him a little more until he stops eating. Once the cat reaches his full size at four years, then you can ration his food so he doesn’t get fat.

Ragdoll Cat Grooming

Ragdoll cats have a lot of hair. It is important that you brush them and watch for mats.

Both of my cats are adopted, and before they arrived Grandma Cat had to be shaved because she had so many mats. They were able to leave her head, feet and tail intact but most of her body had to be shaved. It took about a year for the hair to all grow back and now she is looking great.

Use a stainless steel comb to groom it once or twice a week to prevent or remove any mats or tangles. Be gentle, and with their accepting personality, they will enjoy special attention. Like all cats, the Ragdoll’s coat sheds, and sometimes it is quite a bit. Brushing helps keep the shedding down and makes for less vacuuming.

One tip is that you can use Cowboy Magic Detangler and shine with Ragdolls and it will help to get mats out. I usually cut mats out with scissors but sometimes they are too close to the skin. In this case, you can use the Cowboy Magic and slowly start to work it out. Make sure you rinse off any excess detangler so they don’t lick it all off themselves.

The Ragdoll Cat Size is a Well-Known Fact about them, After their Perfect Temperament.

Ragdoll cats are well known for their Ragdoll cat Size, they are also very well known for their disposition, floppy nature and cuddly temperament.

When it comes to the Ragdoll Size they can grow anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds. The females are typically in the 10-15 pound range and the males are in the 14-20 pound range, but males have been known to be 20+ pounds. They don’t mature fully until they are past their 4th birthday and will continue to grow in length and weight until that point. They may grow after that as well, but not typically.

Being such a large cat you may have some questions like,

Do they need special attention because of their size?

How does their size affect ownership?

Let’s have a look at what it is like to own a Ragdoll Cat and see.

Here are 6 Things You Should Know about Ragdoll Cat Size

ONE – You will need to Curate their Living Space

Due to the size of these amazing Cats, you will need to pay attention to the living quarters that you have prepared for the cat. Typically that means that all of the normal areas that you would have set up for a cat just need to be big enough to accommodate these gentle giants.

It does mean that your litter box needs to be big enough, especially if you have more than one ragdoll. It also means that you need to have a big enough crate for them to either sleep in or travel with you when you go to the park or to the vet’s office.

It also means that the cat beds and sleeping areas are going to need to be a little bigger for these guys. Here are two other articles on this website that will help you with some of these items.

TWO – You Will Still Need To Watch Their Diet

Even though people love the fact that Ragdoll Cats get big and cuddly, there is the opportunity for these guys to get TOO big. Or rather TOO fat. You will need to pay attention to their weight. The best thing to do is go with a height and length ratio to the weight. This way if your cat is a little longer and taller it can handle some of the weight, but if their slighter you may need to manage its weight.

If you are trying to put weight on an under-weight cat you can check out this article we have on helping with that.

We are NOT trying to be vets online. Make sure you talk to your vet about your cat.

THREE – Bigger is Generally More Affectionate.

It is well known that the bigger rags are typically more cuddly. They are great little teddy bears and generally speaking, love to be where you are at all times and get a quick cuddle in whenever they can. Maya will lay right on my chest when I am watching TV. Here are my two rags watching TV with me.

FOUR – Bigger Doesn’t Mean Tougher.

Ragdoll Cats are inside-only cats. They really shouldn’t be let outside to roam around the neighbourhood. They are not very good at protecting themselves. It is part of the breed characteristics that Ragdolls are very docile and not very confrontational. They will definitely play fight and play with toys, but usually, they will do it from their back, in a submissive position. When they encounter dogs and other cats, they take a submissive posture. Our recommendation is to make sure they have a safe happy life inside.

If you are going to take your cats outside they need to be supervised, and usually on a leash and harness.

FIVE – Careful with Picking Them Up

You are going to want to be careful pickup a ragdoll. They are easy to pick up by because they go limp it can sometimes be a bit of a job getting them steady and they can drop. This is especially true of kids, you want to spend some time working with your kids to make sure they are safe with the cats.

SIX – Monitor their Health

Due to their increase in size, there are a number of health risks that Ragdoll cats have. Obviously, as they get older you want to watch for injuries and soreness from jumping down from things. It’s kinda like hip dysplasia in dogs. You want to work with your vet to make sure that they stay healthy and don’t need anything medically.

The other medical issue as mentioned above is connected to their weight and you want to monitor that, and make sure they are healthy. They do have risks for pink eye and for kidney disease so you want to pay careful attention.

Ragdoll Cats and Their Size make the Difference

The Ragdoll is a great cat, I have had the pleasure of breeding them and owning many different ragdolls. They are the best. They do however have some quirks and some things you need to pay attention to. We also have an FAQ below to help with some additional information.

How Big Do Ragdoll Cats Get

The Average domestic cat will weigh in at 10 pounds, and usually, be between 20-25 cm long. Some cats will be a little bigger and some cats will be a little smaller all depending on their breeding.

Ragdoll Cats get bigger than this.

They get as big as 40-66 cm tall for the males and 38-58 for the females.

My female Ragdoll Maya is 47 cm heigh and weight 13 pounds.

The length of a typical Ragdoll Cat is 17.0”-21.0” (43-53 cm), and has a typical lifespan of 12-15 years.

Do Ragdoll Cats Stay Small

Ragdoll Cats do not stay small. This amazing breed does take a little longer to develop and mature than other cat breeds, but they make up for it with size and weight. The Ragdoll cat will typically start to outgrow other cats once it gets to the 12-week mark, and then has a growth spurt to the 5-month mark. They will continue to mature and grow till they are 4 years old. It takes them a little longer, no Ragdoll Cats do not stay small.

How Long Does a Ragdoll Cat Live?

Ragdoll Cats can live for a pretty long time. Cats in general live a little longer than dogs, and the Ragdoll Cat is a very robust breed. I have a Ragdoll Cat that is 24 years old, her name is Grandma Cat and she is currently the oldest Ragdoll in the World. Ragdolls don’t generally live that long, but they are going to live for 12-15 years on average. Many cats, however, especially Ragdolls have been known to live longer lives, especially with advances in medicine and lifestyle.

Sources – http://www.anniemany.com/2013/05/size-and-weight-of-ragdoll-cat.html – Another Source