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Cats of the Ragdoll breed belong to the semi-longhaired cats and it is a relatively young breed. You can learn more about its origin in the history of the Ragdoll breed.
The Ragdoll is one of the gentlest and kindest breeds you can find among cats.
It is often said to have a “dog-like” personality, and it is true that the Ragdoll loves to fetch and can easily be taught to go for walks on a harness.
It is one of the largest cat breeds, but in my opinion you will hardly see a breeding Ragdoll male weighing 8 kg or more nowadays, even though the literature mentions up to 10 kg. However, one Ragdoll made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1986 as the largest domestic cat in the world. His name was Ragtime Bartholomew, and you can see him in the picture below (he lived from 18.5.1980 to 18.10.1991).
Stories claiming that the Ragdoll cat does not feel pain like other cats are complete nonsense. The Ragdoll is simply very trusting toward people and other animals.
Grooming a Ragdoll is not difficult, because its silky coat does not tend to mat. Brushing once a week is enough, although during shedding season brushing may be needed daily.
Ragdoll kittens are born completely white and only after a few days they begin to develop their colour. The colouring process finishes at around 4 years of age, when their physical development is also complete.
According to the standard, a Ragdoll should be a muscular and large cat with strong bones, a full chest, and a short, powerful neck. The legs are medium-long, with the hind legs slightly higher. The large paws are round, with tufts of fur between the toes. The tail is proportionate to the body. The head is wedge-shaped with a firm, strong chin. Medium-sized ears are set wide apart and have rounded tips. The nose has a gentle curve, and the eyes are large, oval, and always blue.
Since 2011 a modified standard has been in place; you can read more about the new Ragdoll breed standard in the minutes from the FIFe general assembly.
Lately we have been encountering people who breed Ragdolls irresponsibly with other breeds or without pedigree papers. This behaviour harms both Ragdolls and ethical breeders, and it is far from proper breeding ethics.
Sometimes a buyer chooses such a kitten because of its lower price compared to what an ethical Ragdoll breeder can offer. However, everyone should think carefully about why the price is lower.
The uniqueness of the Ragdoll lies in its temperament, which is lost when crossed with another breed. Although it may still look like a Ragdoll, it is nothing more than that in terms of character.
Of course, the most important thing is the health of the cat as a living being, with or without pedigree papers.
The Ragdoll is among the more expensive cat breeds. The price of a Ragdoll kitten depends on whether it is breeding and show quality, or a pet only, which requires neutering. A Ragdoll is exceptional because of its temperament, so do not be fooled by a kitten that “looks like” a Ragdoll without pedigree, even if its lower price is tempting.
Once a kitten has no pedigree, it is essentially just a regular domestic cat, and no one can guarantee that it is truly descended from purebred parents.
The internet is full of pedigree templates that irresponsible breeders can use to “prove” that their cats are purebred Ragdolls — all you need is a printer.
Pay attention to whether the price includes all mandatory vaccinations including rabies, microchip and passport, or whether the kitten only has a vaccination card (meaning it is not chipped). The pedigree should also be included in the kitten’s price.
When looking for Ragdoll kittens, do not choose only by appearance, but also by the pedigree of the parents. There are many cats that received pedigrees as Ragdolls (but not from the Czech Cat Breeders' Association organized under FIFe) and yet come from crosses with Siberian cats, which have a very different temperament than Ragdolls. Such kittens are of course also cheaper.
Ragdolls are exceptional because of their temperament, so if you want to have a Ragdoll at home, make sure you buy a real Ragdoll :o)
A quality Ragdoll for shows and breeding starts at around 1000 euros and can be higher depending on colour and variety.