The Ragdoll is a large, purebred cat breed with blue eyes and a distinctive colorpoint coat. It owes its name to the tendency of the cats to go limp when picked up, relaxing their muscles completely. The Ragdoll has become one of the most popular cat breeds in North America in recent years.
People have asked the question, “Is there is such a thing as a short hair ragdoll cat?’ This may be because they have been seen a Ragdoll kitten for sale that does not have the long, silky fur that the Ragdoll is well known for. Or it may be because they love the qualities of the Ragdoll such as its stunning blue eyes and laid-back, dog-like affectionate temperament but do not wish to deal with the maintenance of a long hair cat.
Whatever the reason, the fact is there is no such thing as a short hair Ragdoll Cat.
A purebred Ragdoll will have medium to long hair. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) states that as a breed standard, a Ragdoll cat’s coat must be of ‘moderately long length’. If you come across a kitten that is being advertised as a shorthair Ragdoll Cat, it is likely not be a purebred but instead a cross with another cat such as a British Shorthair. Two long hair cats bred together will NEVER ever produce a short hair cat.
On our website, you can find a directory of registered Ragdoll Cat breeders so that you can purchase your new Ragdoll kitten with confidence. You should always buy your Ragdoll Cat from a reputable breeder that is registered to ensure that you are getting a purebred cat.
If you are concerned about maintaining the long coat of a Ragdoll, you may be surprised to hear that it is relatively easy to maintain in comparison to other long-haired cat breeds. A Ragdoll’s coat is none mating and has a silky and shiny appearance, similar in texture to that of a rabbit’s fur.
Despite its fluffy coat, the Ragdoll Cat breed does not have an undercoat, unlike many other cat breeds. The absence of an undercoat results in less hair shed by the cat. There is a belief that Ragdoll Cats are hypoallergenic due to their lack of undercoat, but sadly this is not true.
Although the Ragdoll cat is said to be one of the easier breeds to look after, there are a few things you should take care of to maintain a healthy and beautiful coat. It is important to maintain the coat with some regular grooming and with a good quality diet.
If you still have your heart set on adding a short hair cat to your family, then a purebred Ragdoll is not for you. You could take a look at short haired cats such as the British shorthair cat, Siamese Cat, American shorthair or Exotic Shorthair.
