What Triggers Ragdoll Cats to Go Limp? A Guide to Their Signature 'Floppy' Behavior

Why Ragdoll Cats Go Limp

Every now and then on Ragdoll cat forums a concerned new owner of a Ragdoll kitten writes in with a question—“What if my Ragdoll kitten does NOT go limp when I pick them up?” This might be followed by a description of how the kitten is otherwise fine, but the owner is unsure what to think because, after all, Ragdolls are known as the “floppy” cats for a reason.

This is where stereotypes of certain breeds can be a bit oversold. The reality is that not all Ragdolls are equally floppy. Some do not flop at all, some will go limp the entire time you are holding them, and others only exhibit that floppiness when they are sleeping or doing some other activity that doesn’t involve humans.

That said, they’ve earned their name for a reason. They were originally bred for the quality of going limp in someone’s arms when they are picked up—just like a cloth doll. Even if this particular trait might not be true for every Ragdoll, it does speak to their general personality. Ragdolls tend to be very friendly and particularly affectionate towards their owners, which makes a Ragdoll a great pet for a family.

Here are a few basic facts that you can count on with most Ragdolls:

What is the Ragdoll cat size and appearance?

A fully-grown female Ragdoll cat (usually between three and four years old) can weigh between 10-15 lbs. A fully grown male can weigh between 15-20 lbs. Ragdoll colors include seal, chocolate, lilac, blue, and cream, and they can come in a variety of patterns, including mitted, bi-color, and solid pointed. They are also known for their semi-long, silky coats, as well as their bright blue eyes.

What is the Ragdoll cat personality?

As stated above, Ragdolls tend to be a particularly friendly breed. They are docile and social, and often love to follow their owners around the house. They do well as an indoor breed, since they are so docile that some do not know how to defend themselves outdoors.

Where can I find a Ragdoll cat for sale?

You can get a ragdoll cat through a breeder, a rescue organization, or through some websites such as Craigslist or Petfinder. Try to visit a place before adopting a cat from them, and be sure to vet a breeder or cattery ahead of time to find out more about their conditions.

There are quite a few myths out there about Ragdoll cats—that Ragdoll cats are hypoallergenic, that they don’t feel pain, that they aren’t intelligent. As with any breed, it’s good to take these blanket statements with a grain of salt—some are only half-truths, some are outright myths, and most often it just comes down to the personalities of individual cats. If you do want your cat to be more relaxed in your arms, consider training him or her using treats or playtime rewards until they are inclined to stay in your arms for longer. But again, this depends on their individual personalities, so you might have to just wait and see how they develop.

For more Ragdoll owner insights on the floppy nature of Ragdolls, check out our post “Ragdoll Cats or the Floppy Cat: Are All Ragdoll Cats Floppy?”.

Does your Ragdoll cat go limp when you pick them up? Were they always like that? Do they go limp in other situations? Share here!