The Origin and Development of Ragdoll Cats

History of Ragdolls

The History of Ragdolls is not that extensive because Ragdolls are a relatively new breed of cat compared to others. The first Ragdolls were bred California in the 1960s by Ann Baker.

Baker bred a white Angora Persian type cat queen, Josephine, who had a Himalayan coat pattern (Siamese) to beautiful longhaired Burmese sire and Birman sire males. The breeding resulted in cats of substantial size, non-matting coat and a very equable disposition.

Josephine’s kittens seemed to have a true loving nature and beautiful blue eyes. Baker soon knew these kittens were very special. She kept some of them and bred them very carefully.

The kittens with the desired looks were kept and carefully line bred to keep the strain pure. In fact, all Ragdolls must be descendents of Josephine. No other strain of Persian, Birman, or Burmese has been introduced. The traits of the Ragdoll cat can only be found in Josephine’s descendents where the history of Ragdolls exists. The looks may vary slightly as to pattern or color, but the disposition must remain the same to be a Ragdoll. No one, not even the originator, can add to the lines at this time, and still have a purebred Ragdoll.

The Ragdoll is floppy when relaxed. A Ragdoll’s behavior is highly typical of Birman’s who are the most laid-back of cats.

Originally colors for the Ragdoll were the four standard Himalayan; Seal, Chocolate, Blue and Lilac, either as Solid Points (as in the Siamese) or Mitted (as in the Birman) or as Bi-Colors.

Since then, Ragdoll breeders have extended the range immensely to include Tortie Point, Tabby Point, Tortie Tabby Point (all Solid or Mitted) and Bi-Color Pointed, in a wide range of colors.

Ragdolls are family cats who will walk away from annoyance rather than retaliate. The Ragdoll has developed very rapidly in popularity; in 1994, 393 kittens were registered and this rose to 1,376 in 2003. Learn more about why people choose Ragdoll Cats or floppy cat.

Although Ragdolls have no particular health problems, it makes good sense to insure your cats. More and more owners are now insuring their pets as advances in veterinary medicine, plus the soaring costs of drugs can mean astronomical bills. More people claim on their pet insurance than home or motor policies.

Read more about the History of Ragdolls.

You can learn more about Ragdoll history, too, by reading about
RagaMuffin History

HISTORY OF RAGDOLLS

• Ragdoll Cats or Floppy Cat
• Ragdoll