Is there such a thing as a short hair Ragdoll cat?

There are a number of reasons why you might be interested in a short hair Ragdoll cat. Maybe you’ve been offered a Ragdoll and you’re a little suspicious as to whether its short hair means it can’t be a purebred. Maybe you like the idea of a cat that goes limp like a ragdoll when picked up, but you prefer shorthair breeds?

There is no such thing as a short haired Ragdoll cat. If you are seeing advertisements or if someone is trying to sell a short hair Ragdoll cat, there’s something up – and it may be a scam.

A fully grown purebred Ragdoll’s coat will have medium to long fur. If you’re offered a Ragdoll adult with shorter hair it is likely to be a crossbreed with another breed like a British Shorthair.

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Buying a purebred Ragdoll cat is usually the safest option, because (providing you do your research) you’ll be buying from a registered breeder, and you should get documentation to prove your cats’ genetic makeup. Buying or adopting a cross-bred cat can often mean it’s harder to tell your cat’s family’s history, nor can you guarantee your cat’s breeder has experience in preparing kittens for adoption.

What is a Ragdoll cat?

The Ragdoll cat breed includes mid-to-long haired cats with striking blue eyes, known for being very calm when picked up, which is where the ‘Ragdoll’ name came from – they often go completely limp like a doll, they are so placid.

Ragdoll cats are really popular because they look stunning, and they have incredible personalities. They are widely considered to be one of the most docile cat breeds you can buy, which many people find appealing when they want a cuddly pet to care for. A Ragdoll is a domestic cat though, and should be kept indoors (except for controlled and supervised outdoor time).

However – and this is really important – every single cat is unique and has their own personality. A cat from a particular breed is likely to look and behave in a certain way but they will have their own individuality too. You need to be prepared for this if you plan on buying or adopting a cat.

If you have set expectations that your cat must look and behave a certain way, then you need to consider whether owning a cat is right for you. Because if your cat doesn’t grow up to be just as ‘perfect’ as you’ve imagined them to be, you can really upset their mental health if you decide to rehome them because they aren’t right for you, and at worst then could end up stuck in a shelter.

Ragdoll Cat Physical Traits

• Almost all Ragdoll cats have blue eyes
• Ragdoll cats are large – averaging between 10lb and 15lb for females and 15lb to 20lb for males
• Ragdolls have soft, medium-long fur
• Ragdoll cats have different colors and patterns that can be identified (but all Ragdoll kittens are born white).

Ragdoll Cat Personality Traits

• Ragdoll cats generally become very relaxed and limp when picked up – hence the name
• Many Ragdoll cats are extremely playful, and love toys
• Ragdolls are normally very affectionate with cat owners and their families, and may greet you when you come home, or sleep with you if you let them
• Ragdoll cats are also usually relaxed around, or even friendly with, dogs, making them one of the better breed choices for a family with both types of pet.

If you want to know how to tell if a cat is a Ragdoll, you can read my post on the subject here.

Can Ragdoll cats have short hair?

Purebred Ragdoll cats have medium-long fur, so if you have a cat that has other Ragdoll traits but has a short coat then it is more likely to be a mix. Ragdoll breeding standards dictate that they are “moderately longhaired” and will reject any cats with short hair.

Ragdoll’s coats have other characteristics too. Their long hair is very light to the touch and feels luxurious. It also doesn’t get matted very easy, which is another key trait of the breed. It makes them quite easy to groom, provided you’re buying the right tools. If your cat has problems with their coat getting matted then again, it might not be a Ragdoll purebred.

Short hair Ragdoll kittens

Ragdoll breed kittens are, of course, born with short hair and it can take a few years for the full coat to fully grow in. That’s why you’ll likely be shown pictures of a ‘short hair Ragdoll kitten’ but it would be strange for them to be advertised in this way, since if they are a purebred Ragdoll then their coat will grow.

• Ragdoll kittens are all born white (unless they are minks), with their color developing in the first days or weeks depending on which color they are.
• Ragdoll kittens, like kittens of other breeds, are usually quite energetic and adventurous, and will calm down as they reach their first birthday
• Most reputable breeders won’t sell a Ragdoll kitten before it reaches 12 weeks old
• Ragdoll kitten prices vary, but as a guide, expect to pay at least $850 for a pet (alter) quality, or between $1,200 and $2300 for a show (alter) quality.

It’s important to make sure you and your home are prepared for your new Ragdoll kitten arrival, so read my top care tips to ensure a happy transition period.

How big do Ragdoll cats get?

Ragdoll cats are one of the largest breeds of cats, and when fully grown tend to weigh between 10lb and 15lb for females, and between 15lb and 20lb for males, according to the Cat Fancier’s Association.

However, that doesn’t mean that a purebred Ragdoll is always going to tip the scales at the higher end. Unfortunately, some people will buy a Ragdoll cat expecting a larger breed, and end up disappointed if theirs doesn’t grow quite as large, and can even give them up to be rehomed.

It’s always important to remember that every cat is unique and while breeding standards and traits have some consistencies, you should only buy or take in a cat that you’re willing to love regardless of their individuality.

There are also some factors to consider when buying a larger cat. Remember that you need to get them accessories designed for their size – a small scratching post isn’t going to give them much room to stretch, while a small cat bed or litter tray is going to be uncomfortable (and messy) to use. Even products listed as “large” might not be right so make sure to always check dimensions.

Also, make sure you learn how to pick up a Ragdoll cat so that you properly support them. I’ve got a video on how pick up Ragdoll cats that can be useful.

Finally, it’s worth remembering that as a general rule, larger cats cost more to care for, for various reasons. The most obvious is food – an American Shorthair will eat a lot less than a Ragdoll (broadly speaking – remember that individuality rule!). So be prepared to look after a larger cat properly.

In Conclusion

If you are looking for a true purebred Ragdoll cat then you’ve made an excellent decision. They are wonderful pets and will have a lot of love to share with you. Remember though that it’s important you always use a reputable breeder, and that you get all of the documentation to verify the breed.

At the same time, if you aren’t particularly concerned about getting a purebred, you can get a short haired breed mix with a Ragdoll. As long as you make sure to buy a healthy cat from a responsible breeder or prior owner, that’s the most important thing.

You also won’t know what temperament or physical traits to expect. But remember that even with a purebred, you can’t guarantee anything with looks or personality. Each cat is unique. You might be able to get some idea of their early personality from their breeder so don’t be afraid to ask questions, but personalities can change as a cat matures.

It’s when you buy from someone who falsely claims to be a genuine Ragdoll seller that there are major problems. You could be scammed out of your money, or it might be an unethical seller who releases cats too early (always expect to buy a cat at least 12 weeks old, or older) or doesn’t get them the necessary medical care in their early life.

Take a look at my post on the essential info to know when buying a Ragdoll cat if you want to know more, or take a look at my guide on bringing a Ragdoll kitten home.