What is a ragdoll cat?

Ragdolls are a large-boned, fluffy, long-haired cats known for their sweet-tempered, laid-back purr-sonalities! Because of their beautiful appearance, these purebred animals are often featured in commercials and on pet product packaging. The name ragdoll comes from this cat’s propensity to “flop over” like a rag doll when picked up.

Where did ragdolls come from?

Ragdolls trace their origins to a California woman named Ann Baker, who founded the breed in the 1960s. After selectively breeding a stray cat that produced long-haired kittens with Siamese-like coloration, Ann eventually trademarked the ragdoll name. Today, ragdolls still exist with lineage that can be traced back to Baker’s original stock.

What colors and patterns to ragdoll cats come in?

Originally, ragdoll cats were bred in “traditional” colors, which include:

• Blue: cool grey
• Lilac: lighter, dilute form of blue
• Seal: deep, rich brown
• Chocolate: lighter, dilute form of seal

Eventually, the following colors were also developed:

• Flame: orange
• Cream: lighter, peachier orange
• Tortoiseshell: a mix between colors (is also a pattern)

Ragdoll patterns—all of which are accepted by cat fancier organizations like CFA and TICA—include:

• Colorpoint: entire face and paws colored in "points"; body is a much lighter shade of the point color.
• Mitted: similar to colorpoint, but with white paws, white chin, white belly, and often a small hourglass-shaped “blaze” of white on the nose bridge.
• Bicolor: in which a striking white triangle masks colorpoint patterning; white bib, legs, and belly, with a saddle of light color on the back.

Overlays are genetic markers that either mark or mask over an existing color/pattern :

• Lynx: tabby stripes overlaid over colored points.
• Blue-eyed White (BEW): this gene actually masks all color and markings, producing a cat that is entirely white. Because this is a masking gene and not a genetic anomoly, blue-eyed white ragdolls are not deaf.

Click the image below to see a chart of ragdoll patterns, colors, and overlays. Please note that this image is copyrighted and cannot be used without express permission of the graphic designer.

Today, some breeders also produce “non-traditional” ragdoll cats, which are recognized by TICA but not CFA. “Solid” ragdolls come in a range of colors typically found in non-ragdoll cats (such as black) in solid colors with eyes of all colors. “Mink” ragdolls have aqua eyes, a silkier, more richly-colored coat, and are born with their color already present (unlike traditional ragdolls, which are born white and develop their color slowly). “Sepia” ragdolls are similar to minks, but with even deeper coloration and a wider array of eye colors. Shades of Sapphire does not breed non-traditional ragdolls.

What kind of personalities do ragdolls have?

Ragdoll cats are famous for their easygoing natures. They are intelligent and crave attention, often following their owners from room to room and earning them the nickname of “puppy cats.” While ragdolls do enjoy the company of other cats, they are not as affectionate with their feline siblings as with their humans. However, because they are so dependent on affection, it is best to adopt two ragdolls together so they do not feel lonely when their owners are away from home.

Are ragdolls healthy cats?

Due to their purebred nature, most ragdoll cats live between 12—15 years, although some have a much longer lifespan when provided with a quality diet and regular and preventative veterinary care. Ragdoll cats are be prone to a congenital heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, any quality breeder will test all animals in their cattery and will never breed a cat that tests positive for the HCM gene. When the parent ragdolls are HCM-negative, all kittens in that litter will also be negative.

Why are ragdolls so expensive?

Like any purebred animal (cat, dog, bird, or other!) it takes a great deal of effort and funding to maintain a successful cattery. By the time a kitten has been weaned, it has undergone several rounds of vaccinations, veterinary wellness checks, used many pounds of cat litter and eaten many more pounds of cat food! When a kitten is ready to leave its mother at 12+ weeks of age, the cost of its care will have meant that the profit in breeding is slim to none. Thus, beware of a breeder selling cheap cats! A healthy, socialized ragdoll kitten from a quality cattery should range between $1,200 and $3,000; anything less is a red flag. It is important to do ample research and read many reviews from any breeder you may be considering purchasing from, as scammers are rampant and often go so far as to steal photographs and launch websites selling sick or non-existent kittens. See our Adoption Guide for tips on choosing a good ragdoll breeder.

What else should I know about ragdolls?

Ragdoll cats are slow to mature, reaching their full age and color by the age of 3 to 4. They are generally quiet, and, contrary to popular myth, shed as much as any other long-haired cat! Ragdolls are not hypoallergic. With their relaxed personalities, this breed does well in families with children and other pets. Because of their large size (second only to the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat), it is not uncommon for a ragdoll to reach 15—20lbs at full size, without being obese.