It’s not uncommon for cat parents to wonder about their kitty’s background, especially if you have adopted your cat from a shelter or found him as a stray.
As a cat parent, it’s not uncommon to wonder about your kitty’s background. If you have adopted your cat from a shelter or found him as a stray, you may be especially curious about his origins.
Many people think their cat is a ragdoll mix, but how can you tell for sure? There are some physical characteristics of ragdoll cats that can help you determine if your cat is indeed a mix of this breed.
What is a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdoll cats are a relatively new breed of cat, having been developed in the 1960s. They are large cats, with females typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds and males between 12 and 20 pounds. Ragdolls have long, thick fur that is soft and silky to the touch. They are available in a variety of colors, including seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and tortoiseshell. Ragdolls are known for their docile and gentle nature. They are often described as being “dog-like” in their loyalty and affection for their human companions. Ragdoll cats make excellent pets for families with children and other pets.
Is my cat a Ragdoll mix?
Here are some things to look for if you’re wondering, “Is my cat a Ragdoll mix?”
One way is to look at the coat. Ragdolls have long, soft fur that is often compared to rabbit fur. They are a pointed breed with seal and blue being the most popular colors.
Another way to tell if your cat is a ragdoll mix is by looking at their eyes. Ragdolls have large, blue eyes that are set far apart.
Take note of your cat’s overall build and size – ragdoll mixes tend to be larger than other cats.
Finally, you can often tell if a cat is a ragdoll mix by their personality. Ragdolls are known for being laid back and affectionate. If your cat loves being around people and enjoys being petted, they may be a ragdoll mix.
If you see all of these things in your cat, there’s a good chance she’s a ragdoll mix.
However, when trying to determine the breed of your cat, you may look to its physical traits for clues but without a history of the cat’s pedigree, relying on physical traits is not a reliable way of knowing.
There are many different cat breeds, and each has its own unique set of physical characteristics. However, some of these characteristics are shared by more than one breed. For example, both Ragdolls and Birmans are known for their blue eyes and pointed markings.
Without knowing the cat’s history and lineage, it can be difficult to accurately identify its breed based on physical traits alone. If you’re unsure of your cat’s breed, your best bet is to invest in an DNA test.
Cat DNA test
If you’re wondering whether your cat is a ragdoll mix, a DNA test can tell you for sure.
A DNA test can tell you what breeds are in your cat’s ancestry and can even give you some insights into their personality traits. A DNA test can also reveal if your cat is at risk for any genetic health conditions. This information can help you make informed decisions about your cat’s care and give them the best possible chance at a long, healthy life.
A DNA test for cats works similarly to a human DNA test. A swab is taken from the inside of your cat’s cheek and sent off to a laboratory for testing. This can be done in the comfort of your own home. The lab will then analyze your cat’s DNA and compare it to the DNA of known breeds of cats. You’ll usually get the results back within 2 – 4 weeks.
Once you have the results, you’ll be able to see exactly what breeds make up your cat’s ancestry. If your cat is a mix, you’ll also be able to see what percentage of each breed they are.
The good news is that DNA testing for cats is becoming more affordable, so if you’re curious about your feline friend’s background, it’s worth considering getting a test done.
If you’re interested in finding out if your cat is a ragdoll mix, there are a few companies that offer this test.
World’s most comprehensive cat DNA test, complete with a full breed report, extensive health insights, and more details to discover.
- Screens for 70+ breeds and populations
- Test for 45 genetic health conditions
- See a multi-generational family tree
- Test for 25+ physical traits
- Identify blood type
- Discuss health findings with a vet
Basepaws offers the world's first at-home Cat DNA Test that helps cat owners learn about their cat’s health, breed, traits, and habits - all with just a bit of DNA, collected at home.
