The Cat Not the Doll
Puppy cats or floppy cats, the ragdoll is a fairly new breed of cats created by Ann Baker (pictured left) during the 1960's in Riverside, California. Baker was a cat breeder and the ragdoll was created from a cat named Josephine, an all white Persian-Angora with Birman sires.
Ragdolls get their name from the lax and cloth rag doll toy. When these cats are relaxed and picked up they tend to be floppy and limp in the arms of their holder.
Ragdolls are much larger than the average American short-haired house cat. The males can weigh up to 20 pounds.
When born, ragdolls are primarily white. It takes about four years for ragdolls to reach full maturity. During this time their coat fluctuates and gets darker. Their long hair needs brushing weekly and the silky soft coat is similar to that of a rabbits.
Ragdolls are a pointed breed meaning that on the areas of their body with the least insulation tend to be darker. These pointed areas feature on their face, ears, legs, feet, and tails. Their coloring can also change from weather changes. Since the breeding of these cats is very specific, a true characteristic is their piercing blue eyes.
You can learn more about their patterns and coloring in I'm Fluffy.
Ragdolls tend to be very social cats, they are known to follow their owners around, warranting the name puppy cats. With some training you can even teach them to play fetch. Ragdolls are very docile, calm, gentle, and affectionate; and all together qualities that make for great pets.
A great website for all things ragdoll check out Floppycats.com