Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a large, weighty cat with a semi-long, silky soft coat, a pointed colour pattern and large, round, deep-blue eyes. Pointed means the body is lighter than the face, ears, legs and tail. The colour pattern is commonly bicolour or tricolour.

They are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. Fully grown females weigh about 3.6 to 6.8 kg, while males are substantially larger at around 5.4 to 9.1 kg or more. It can take up to four years to reach mature size.

Ragdolls have sturdy, muscular bodies with broad chests, large round tufted paws and long bushy tails. Adults develop knickerbockers on the hind legs and a ruff around the neck. The breed is particularly popular in the United Kingdom and is kept as an affectionate companion.

The breed was developed in Riverside, California, by a breeder named Ann Baker. In 1963 a non-pedigreed white longhaired cat named Josephine produced several litters, and she later had kittens with a docile, placid nature and a tendency to go limp when picked up. Baker herself said the original cats were alley cats. All Ragdolls descend from Baker's cats.

Baker trademarked the name, set up her own registry, the International Ragdoll Cat Association, around 1971, and enforced strict standards on breeders. In 1975 a group led by Denny and Laura Dayton broke away to gain mainstream recognition. Their work led to the standard accepted by major registries such as the CFA and FIFe.

A breeding pair was exported to the UK, followed by eight more cats, which established the breed there. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy recognises it.

Ragdolls are best known for a calm, floppy, placid nature and for going limp and relaxed when picked up. Opinions vary on whether this comes from a genetic mutation or is an instinctive reaction to being carried as kittens by their mother. Some British breeders have tried to breed away from the limpness over concerns that extreme docility might not be in the cat's best interests.

They are often called dog-like cats, puppy cats or cat-dogs. They tend to follow people from room to room, are receptive to handling, seek physical affection and show relatively little aggression towards other pets.

They are described as intelligent and gentle. They can be trained to retrieve toys and enjoy it, and their playfulness often lasts well into their senior years. Unlike many breeds, they prefer to stay low to the ground rather than seek the highest point in the home.

A 2025 UK study of over 21,000 Ragdolls found a median age at death of 12.85 years, comparable to non-pedigree cats. Earlier studies reported lower figures of around 10 years, but these may have been biased downward because Ragdoll populations were younger on average at the time.

The breed is one of the more commonly affected for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, caused by an autosomal dominant mutation known as R820W. Cats with one copy are unlikely to show signs and may live a normal lifespan, while cats with two copies are at substantially higher risk of severe disease, typically between one and two years of age. Widespread genetic testing has been associated with reduced incidence.

Ragdolls were over-represented in a large review of bladder stone cases. They were, however, less likely than mixed breed cats to have diabetes mellitus, at 0.24% compared with 0.58%.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

Why is it called a Ragdoll?

The name comes from the tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up.

How long do Ragdolls live?

A 2025 UK study of over 21,000 Ragdolls found a median age at death of 12.85 years. Earlier studies gave lower figures, but these may have been skewed by younger breed populations.

Are Ragdolls really dog-like?

They are often called that because they follow people around, accept handling well and show relatively little aggression towards other pets. Many also enjoy learning to retrieve toys.

Do Ragdolls feel no pain?

No. The idea that Ragdolls are pain resistant is a myth that grew from the extreme docility of some individuals.

Do Ragdolls shed a lot?

The coat is mostly long guard hairs without a dense undercoat, which according to the Cat Fanciers' Association results in reduced shedding and matting. There may be a noticeable increase in shedding in spring.

Ragdoll kittens are born white. They show good colour at 8 to 10 weeks and reach full colour and coat at 3 to 4 years.

The breed comes in six colours: seal, chocolate, red, and the dilutes blue, lilac and cream. Lynx and tortoiseshell variations also exist.

The genes for pointed colouring are also responsible for the breed's blue eyes, and deeper blues are favoured in cat shows.

Mitted Ragdolls are often confused with Birmans. Mitted Ragdolls are larger and have white chins, while Birmans have coloured chins.