We have to admit, the Ragdoll is probably one of the cutest cats we've ever seen in the feline world. With its captivating blue eyes, silky hair and docile temperament, it is inevitably hard not to get obsessed!
Unlike the Savannah, the Ragdoll makes the perfect lap cat due to its affectionate nature and gentle demeanor. It has a tendency to follow people around, can be a bit clingy and likes getting attention.
Having said that, let's get to know the 8 Interesting Facts About the Ragdoll Breed:
1. The first Ragdoll cat hails from California.
Anne Baker from Riverside, California developed the Ragdolls in the 1960s. She trademarked the name Ragdoll and set up her own registry called The International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) which enforced stringent standards on anyone who wanted to breed or sell cats under that name.
2. The Ragdoll is one of the largest domestic cat breeds.
Like the Main Coon, the Ragdoll cat is undeniably large. A full-grown Ragdoll usually weighs around 8-20 pounds, but male Ragdolls are significantly bigger than females.
3. The Ragdoll breed comes in 6 different colours and 4 patterns.
One advantage of adopting or getting the Ragdoll is the variety of color choices available for you. It comes in 6 colours: red, seal, chocolate and the corresponding dilutes - cream, lilac, blue. 4 Patterns consist of bi-colour, van, mitted and colourpoint.
4. The Ragdolls go limp when you pick them up.
Yep, they are called the Ragdolls for a reason because, literally, they go limp when you pick them up - just like a rag doll toy! One of the traits that make them even more special.
5. The resident cat at the popular Algonquin Hotel is a Ragdoll.
Matilda III, the regal Ragdoll cat, was quite popular among the hotel guests until she passed away in 2017. She never missed a day at work as the Direcfurr of Guest Relations at the legendary Algonquin Hotel in New York where she joyfully welcomed guests at the lobby.
In October 2016, she was memorialized in hardcover in "Matilda: The Algonquin Cat," which chronicled her fabulous life.
RIP, Matilda!
"Matilda, The Algonquin Cat" is the real-life story of the feline-in-residence at New York City's legendary hotel, as told by Matilda herself.
6. The Ragdolls are water lovers!
Whilst people think that cats in general hate water, the Ragdolls are the exact opposite! They love the water (just like the Savannah cats), so giving them a bath is an enjoyable activity for them.
7. They have the perfect blue eyes!
Any cat lover will probably go gaga over the Ragdoll's gorgeous blue eyes!
The genes for point colouration are responsible for their distinctive eye color. While the majority of this breed has blue eyes, this is not always the case. Some Ragdolls tend to get darker eyes as they age which turns into gold or greenish colour.
8. Ragdolls are called puppy-like cats.
Families, especially kids, just can't get enough of the Ragdoll cats! As a matter of fact, they are often called "puppy-like" cats because of their outstanding behaviour around people. They will wait for you at the door, follow you around, sit on your lap like a baby and sleep with you. They love being held so if you are looking for the purr-fect companion to cuddle on those cold lonely nights, the Ragdoll definitely fits the bill!
Some friends with cat allergies also claim that the Ragdolls are hypoallergenic, too. Pawsome!!!