Ragdoll Cats
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Ragdoll cats are gorgeous big fluffy cats. Their looks alone, with their magnificent long rabbit-like coat and their unique markings, would have made them a prominent and popular cat breed, yet they are best known for their behavioral characteristics. It is that distinctive temperament that brought this breed its name, as they are said to be docile enough to go limp in one's arms, much like a floppy ragdoll. While in reality, most of these felines do not go floppy (it is not a part of the breed requirements for shows either), they certainly are exceptionally relaxed and calm cats. That is not to say that Ragdolls are passive. In fact, they are usually quite playful pets, inquisitive and very much involved in their household, to the point that they have been dubbed "puppy cats" by some.
This breed was established by woman named Ann Baker and generated from her cat Josephine, a semi-feral longhair cat. Baker claimed that Josephine owed her relaxed nature to a car accident which affected her nerves, and that this characteristic was then passed on to her offspring. Obviously, this is a genetic impossibility, yet through selective breeding Baker did manage to create a type of cat that has become today's Ragdoll, along with its unique looks and disposition. Ragdolls are recognized by all the major cat associations, including the CFA (Cat Fanciers Association). Breed standards require show quality cats to be medium to large in size, with a long and strong body and a relatively large head. Eyes should be big and vivid blue. Coat patterns have to be either color point (like Siamese) or color point with mittens (white feet). Bi-color patterns are also allowed; as long as some color point is retained, including the face mask. These patterns can be with any of these six color varieties: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream. Lynx and torties are allowed as well, within the specified color patterns. More Resources: |
