All About the Ragdoll Cat Personality
Ragdoll cats are the largest domestic cats, and they’re as affectionate as they are large. They mature slowly, not reaching full size and coat development until 3 to 4 years of age. Males can range up to 20 pounds in size, while the smaller females range from 10 to 15 pounds.
This breed of cat has beautiful baby blue eyes and a semi-long coat in a pointed pattern. There are four different coat patterns for a Ragdoll: bicolor, mitted, van, and colorpoint. The mitted, bicolor, and van coats featuring white coloring, while the colorpoint coat has no white. If your Ragdoll has a colorpoint pattern, they will have a light body color with a contrasting darker color on the extremities, the mask, and the ears. The bicolor Ragdoll also has dark points but exhibits an inverted V on the forehead. Their stomach, legs, and ruff are white. The mitted Ragdoll cat also shows points, but the feet and the chin are white. Vans have the most white on the body of all Ragdoll cats.
The Ragdoll coat comes in six different colors – seal, blue, chocolate, red, lilac, and cream – giving the breed a variety of looks. The coat varies from semi-long to long, and it is silky and plush. This breed sheds year-round.
The Ragdoll cat was created by breeder Ann Baker in California in the 1960s. She called the cat “Ragdoll” because they would happily flop into the arms of anyone who would pick them up. Ms. Baker registered the new cat breed and then launched the International Ragdoll Cat Association. She trademarked the breed name and established her own detailed breeding criteria.
Ragdoll Cat Personality Traits
The Ragdoll cat personality is calm and even-tempered. Sweet, friendly, and loving, this cat is relaxed and very good natured. This is one of the main reasons that the Ragdoll is one of the most popular breeds in America, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
These cats are eager to greet you at the front door and follow you anywhere you want to go. They’re even nicknamed the “puppy cat” because of their desire to follow humans around from one room to another, not to mention their desire to be held, cuddled, and loved.
A Ragdoll cat’s personality meshes well with all family members (including children), not to mention dogs and other household cats. Changes in routine do not usually upset the Ragdoll, and they are the perfect companion for apartment living.
Despite their need for affection, they’re surprisingly quiet, possessing a sweet, soft, and musical voice. They have a moderate energy level and very laid-back demeanor. As opposed to most breeds, they prefer to stay at ground level, rarely climbing to the highest spot in your home. The place they want to be the most is snuggled in your lap.
Ragdoll cats can learn quickly with positive reinforcement. They can even be taught to play fetch, come when called, and walk on a leash.
The personality of a Ragdoll cat is best suited to any home where people are willing to love them and brush their coat at least once a week. However, because of their intensely social nature, they are not a cat that you can leave alone for long periods of time. If you want to get a Ragdoll cat, but have to work outside of your home, think about getting two Ragdolls, so that they can keep each other company while you are gone.
To learn more about cat personality, go to What You Need to Know About Cat Personality.
Related Articles:
Great Names for Ragdoll Cats
10 Things You Should Know About Ragdoll Cats
Choosing a Ragdoll