Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds in America. They have beautiful blue eyes, a gentle disposition, and a love for cuddling. It’s no wonder they are so popular! But how much do you really know about these fluffy creatures? Read on for 10 fun facts about Ragdoll Cats.
Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds
Only outdone by the Maine Coon, Ragdolls are the second largest cat breed with the average male cat weighing between 15 to 20 pounds (6.8- 9 kg). Female Ragdolls usually weigh less, with a range of 8 to 12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg). The average height of a male Ragdoll cat can be anywhere between 16 inches (40cm) to 26 inches (66cm), so twice the size of a typical domestic cat breed. Find out more about a Ragdoll Cat’s size.
Ragdolls have amazing blue eyes
All traditional purebred Ragdolls have distinctive blue eyes which vary in intensity from pale blue to dark navy. Non-traditional Ragdolls, such as Mink, Sepia and Solid varieties, can have eye colors that vary from green, aqua or gold but you’ll find that the Cat Fanciers Association don’t accept these varieties as a purebred Ragdoll. Find out more about a Ragdoll Cat’s blue eyes.
Ragdolls go limp when they are picked up
The defining trait of the Ragdoll Cat is the flop! Ragdoll Cats go completely limp and relaxed when they are picked up and held. They are usually quite happy to be cradled like a baby. The Ragdoll Cat breed originated in California, USA in the 1960s by cat breeder Ann Baker. The story goes that Joesphine, a longhaired domestic cat, was hit by a car when she was pregnant, and the resulting kittens were born with a docile, placid nature and had a tendency to go limp when picked up – hence the name Ragdoll.
They have toe tufts
Ragdolls have cute tufts of hair in between their toes. Longhair cats often have tufts of fur on their feet to protect them from direct contact with wet and icy ground.
A Ragdoll kitten is born pure white
Ragdoll kittens are born completely white because they have been kept in a constant warm environment in their mother’s womb. Â Â The moment the kittens start to be exposed to the lower ambient temperature they start to color.
Ragdolls have a similar temperament to a dog and are known as the ‘Puppy Cat’
Fun fact! The gentle Ragdoll cat has a temperament more similar to a dog than that of the typical feline. They are often known as ‘puppy cats’ because they love human company and will happily follow you around the house.
Ragdolls are not fully grown until around 4 years old
Interesting fact! As a cat breed, Ragdolls reach maturity much later than any other adult cat. For the first 12 weeks of its life, a Ragdoll kitten will grow at a similar rate to a domestic cat. Depending on the breed, most kittens tend to stop growing anywhere between 8 – 16 months. Ragdoll cats are an exception to this rule as they won’t reach their full size until they reach 3-4 years old.
Ragdolls don’t have an undercoat
Most domesticated cats have an undercoat of fur that sheds and thus triggering allergies. Surprisingly, even though the Ragdoll Cat has a big fluffy, silky coat it does not have an undercoat. So although the Ragdoll breed is not strictly hypoallergenic, people with allergies may find it less triggering than any other cat. Find out more about whether Ragdoll Cats are hypoallergenic.
Taylor Swift owns a Ragdoll Cat
Fun fact! Taylor Swift is not only known for her music but also for her love of cats! She is cat-mom to an adorable seal bicolor Ragdoll that goes by the name of Benjamin Button. Find out more about Benjamin Button.
Ragdolls have a long average life span
Interesting fact! Ragdoll Cats have a long life expectancy compared to other breeds of cats at an average of 15 years. However, many people have reported that their Ragdoll Cat has far surpassed that age and have been still going strong in their 20’s.
