The Ragdoll Cat
Breeders of fine quality Ragdolls, Bengals and Burmese
Soulmates Cattery.
In an article by Irene Haidner, it is said : "The Ragdoll breed is for you if:
•
You want a loving, docile companion
You want a loving, docile companion•You like very big cats
You like very big cats•You want a cat that likes to be with people
You want a cat that likes to be with people•You want a cat with a long, soft coat without the constant grooming
You want a cat with a long, soft coat without the constant grooming•You want an indoor cat
You want an indoor cat•You want a cat that can be easily trained
You want a cat that can be easily trained•You want a cat that doesn't shed a lot
You want a cat that doesn't shed a lot•You like quiet cats
You like quiet cats•You want a cat who gets along with children and other pets
You want a cat who gets along with children and other pets•You want a cat that isn't too energetic
You want a cat that isn't too energetic•You want a cat that can be taken out on a leash
You want a cat that can be taken out on a leash•You want a cat who likes to travel to the cottage with you
You want a cat who likes to travel to the cottage with youThis breed is NOT for you if:
•You need to leave your cat alone for long periods of time
You need to leave your cat alone for long periods of time•You want a "talkative" cat
You want a "talkative" cat•You want an outdoor cat
You want an outdoor cat•You want an independent cat
You want an independent cat•You are looking for a mouser
You are looking for a mouser•You want a very playful, highly energetic cat
You want a very playful, highly energetic cat•You don't want your cat in your company at all times, including time spent taking a bath"
You don't want your cat in your company at all times, including time spent taking a bath"Ragdoll Breed Brief
The Ragdoll breed originated back in the 1960's by a woman named
Ann Baker, located in Riverside California. Ragdolls are a very special
breed offering everything you could possibly want in a cat and a whole
lot more in one unique package. They have a stunningly beautiful
appearance and an exceptionally trusting, loyal and loving disposition.
Sweet and docile, they are an extremely friendly cat, very adaptable to
most situations and a breed that will completely captivate you and steal your heart.
As their name suggests, they are very much like a child's rag doll in the respect that when they are picked up or held they do have the ability to become very limp and floppy. This is not a genetic factor, however, and should rather be seen as a breed specific character trait. Around the house they are very relaxed and you can often find them curled up in their favourite spot laying comfortably on their backs with paws and feet in the air.
Generally, they love to be held and cuddled like a baby and absolutely love chin and tummy rubs. So affectionate and loving is this breed you can tell they really do cherish time spent with their owner. Ragdolls just love to show and receive affection.
Strictly an indoor cat, Ragdolls thrive on human companionship and will devote themselves entirely to their owner. They can often be found waiting by doors for their owner to arrive home and will nearly always be in the same room, if not on their owners lap or right by their feet. They are quite inquisitive and mischievous although still very gentle, placid and docile. Due to their very gentle nature they really depend on their owner to offer security and protection. Rarely will a Ragdoll use their claws - it is simply not in their nature to be aggressive.
Completely happy and content in the presence of their owner, a Ragdoll will go out of their way to be next to you, roll playfully onto your feet and always prefer to be cuddled up on your lap purring loudly ! Generally they just love to be with you and will most certainly charm their way into your heart. Quite often they are referred to as rather “dog like” probably because they do like to always be that one step behind or in front of you and because they seem to always have this incessant need to make you happy or to please you. Fairly trainable, they can fetch balls and carry things about the house in their mouths. They will learn to come to you when called and they are completely entertaining, will find amusement in the simplest of household objects and will bring so much happiness and joy to your home.
Generally, Ragdolls are very quietly spoken with soft voices but are extremely loud purrers. Regarded as quite a big boned, heavy set cat, the Ragdoll is listed with Guiness Records as the largest cat, with males ranging 12-20 pounds (5.5 - 9kg) on average, and females averaging 10-15 pounds (4.5 - 6.8kg). Females generally weigh less than males but both have the stunning blue eyes, luxurious coat and the generous size that the breed is renowned for.
The Ragdoll coat is moderately long, with abundant guard hairs, shorter fur on front legs, longer on rear legs. A wide array of pointed colors is available in bi-color, van, mitted, shaded and smoke patterns.They are pretty cats and are deemed to be semi longhaired although their coat is rather low maintenance due to the factor that it is rather rabbit like and non-matting. Regular brushing once a week is recommended and your Ragdoll will enjoy the attention and time with you immensely.
This is just a very small snippet of information about Ragdolls. Owning any cat is a huge responsibility and requires a commitment that can span 20 years. Here at Soulmates, we look for potential owners who display this sort of commitment to their cats, and we look forward to welcoming these folks into our family of 'Soulmates'.
