Ragdolls, also known as Cherubims, are good looking cats which were developed in the early 1960s by Ann Baker, a proficient cat fancier who lived in California. Bred prudently from free-roaming cats, Ragdolls are a gorgeous breed with no single extremely distinguishing physical characteristic. Large and heavy, this cat has a wedge-shaped head with a flat top skull, short thick neck, finely honed chubby cheeks, rounded muzzle, short nose with a slight dip at the eye level, and widely-set sapphire blue eyes. Ragdolls have long and burly bodies, broad chests, heavy legs, stocky hindquarters, big round paws, and soft bushy tails. The breed’s semi-long silky-smooth coat generally comes in four pointed colors: seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac (in some registries, red and cream); and three known patterns: color-point or solid, parti-color bicolor, and parti-color mitted.
Temperament
Docile and gentle, this unusually relaxed breed is adored for its friendliness and sweet temperament. Laid-back and mild mannered, this beautiful cat can lie limp contentedly like a rag doll, thus its name. When socialized well from birth, Ragdolls can become endearing companions at home. Adaptable by nature, they love to be snuggled and can be welcoming even to people they don’t know. This affectionate breed prefers the company of people than other household pets though. In addition, because of their high tolerance and appreciation for affection, Ragdolls often make excellent pets for children. They can hold out a kid’s attention and can withstand their inquisitiveness and even unexpected behaviors. Ragdolls can also be playful like other breeds, although cannot stay active all the time like some cats.
Grooming
Due to the breed’s long, silky, dense coat which has no undercoat, Ragdolls are less prone to shedding and matting as compared to other semi-long and long-haired cats. However, they still need to be groomed on a regular basis in order to maintain their charmingly fluffy appearance.
Health Concerns
Ragdolls are among the slow-growing felines known since it takes for them to reach full maturity for about 3 to 4 long years. The breed has been reported to be at risk of developing a cardiovascular illness known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is common among middle-aged to older male Ragdolls.
Best Environment
Ragdolls generally fancy a calm and peaceful, instead of rowdy, living environment and can be happiest when housed completely indoors. Because of their even disposition, they are popular for owners with a modern-day, busy household.
