Ragdoll Cats

In fact, most Ragdoll cats are so docile it can be dangerous to let them go outside, as most do not hunt and refuse to defend themselves if attacked by another animal.

These felines actually make far better indoor house pets, and are safe to keep around small children, but if you're concerned about scratches, consider having your pet declawed, or covering the claws with a product called Soft Paws.

Another interesting fact, Ragdolls also hold a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest domestic breed of feline.

The True Origin of Ragdoll Cats

There are many myths surrounding the origin of Ragdolls. Some claim they are the product of genetic engineering with human genes, others chalk them up to alien intervention. Still others contend that this breed began with a traumatized kitten.

Fortunately, none of these far out stories are true, as the Ragdoll actually originated in California in the early 1960s. The first true Ragdoll was named Josephine and was the result of a long line of selective breeding to produce a cat with a large size, serene personality, and the famous ability to go limp when picked up.

Physical Characteristics

Ragdolls are generally large cats with medium to long hair. Females can weigh between four and six kg (eight-fifteen pounds), and males may be double that size. It actually takes a Ragdoll between three and four years to reach full maturity.

Fur colors can range from silk to chocolate, lilac, blue and white. Ragdolls are pointed cats, which means their faces, legs, tails and ears are darker than their body. Most kittens are born white, and their true colors begin to show after about one week old. Ragdolls usually darken with age and older cats will have a marked opposition of light and dark on their body.

Common Ragdoll Myths

Perhaps because of their popularity and docile nature, Ragdoll cats have become the brunt of a number of urban myths. Despite popular opinion, these felines are not from another planet and are indeed normal cats, just a little calmer.

Here are a few of the more common myths:

• Ragdolls are never frightened and feel little pain.

Although these kitties are very calm and collected, they can certainly get frightened and feel pain just like any other living creature. Don't let their apparent apathy fool you!

• Ragdoll cats can't hunt or defend themselves.

While it's true cats of this breed rarely hunt or fight with other animals, they do have the ability. However, clumsiness can be a trait with this breed, so don't expect a Ragdoll to keep your home mice-free.

• Ragdoll cats aren't intelligent.

Just because they're relaxed doesn't mean they're dumb. Ragdolls are just as trainable as any other cats.

• People allergic to cats can tolerate Ragdolls.

Despite their thick coat, Ragdolls lack a layer of under coat, and shed very little. This certainly makes house keeping easier, but the fact is, allergies are commonly caused by a certain protein found in pet dander and saliva. This unfortunately means that Ragdolls will cause allergic reactions just like any other breed.

Should You Get a Ragdoll?

Ragdoll cats can be excellent pets, especially if you want a loving, friendly companion that will be affectionate to everyone in your home, including visitors. They're large cats, so make sure your home is equipped for them. Ragdolls require almost no grooming, shed very little, and can be trained quite easily. They also adapt very well to small apartment life.

On the other hand, if you need to leave your cat alone for long periods of time, a Ragdoll may not be the right breed for you. They like attention but aren't as "emotive" as many cats.

Ragdolls should stay indoors as much as possible, and should usually only be taken outside on a leash for short periods of time. They almost never hunt, and when they do it isn't very effective, so don't get a Ragdoll if you need a mouser.

All in all, Ragdolls are very dependant cats that need a good deal of love and attention.

External Links

• The World of Ragdoll Cats
• The Ragdoll Cat Homepage
• The Ragdoll Connection Network
• Ragdoll Cat Owner Site

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