Ragdoll Cat: Breed Information, Pros & Cons, and Everything You Should Know

Yes, they can be. While they engage in social activities and spend time with their human parents, most Ragdoll cats are not vocal. So, this may not be it if you want a cat to have conversations with. However, their quiet nature makes them ideal for apartment living.

No, they are not. This is one of the common misconceptions about this breed, particularly the lighter-color members such as lilac points or blue points. Their lightly-colored coats and blue eyes have made many people question their hearing, but this is not true for Ragdoll cats.

Energetic, curious, and engaging, Ragdoll cats have a surprising dog-like personality which will immediately show once you start living with them. This is why they are playful and resourceful in spending their time around the home.

They can simply enjoy being by themselves by finding something to play with, and they typically relish playing with their human companions just as well.

There is so much that makes Ragdoll cats unique! They’re beautiful cats with striking blue eyes and bunny-soft fur that is a joy to stroke. Still, more importantly, their loving and calm nature gives them a gentle and affectionate personality without being high maintenance.

They often seem to be in touch with their owner’s emotions, so they love sharing your happiness and comforting you when needed.

There aren’t many downsides to Ragdoll cats compared to other species. They do shed a lot due to their long hair, and that fur can also cause them to have poop cling to their rear. It’s all about opinion and perspective, but Ragdoll cats are generally popular.

Ragdoll cats generally make excellent house cats. They are certainly better indoors than outdoors, where they can be naïve about dangers. Also, while all cats are individual, Ragdoll cats are usually very good with children, and while they prefer company, they can be left alone while you’re at work once they have matured.

Whether Ragdoll cats are high maintenance is a matter of perspective. Ragdoll cats are typically low maintenance if fed the proper diet (raw or canned), and you take good care of them. You’ll need to clean their litter box regularly and ensure their environment is not stressful.

Many people keep Ragdoll cats as indoor cats, as they shouldn’t be left to roam freely outside. Unfortunately, they aren’t a breed that can defend themselves well and can be unaware of dangers. You can let your Ragdoll into a safe outdoor space, such as a kitty-proofed garden or, ideally, a secure catio. I go choose to let my Ragdoll cats enjoy themselves outside.

Ragdoll cats usually make good family pets. While all cats are individuals, the breed is typically docile, laid-back, and exceptionally patient with children, and they are not known for being violent or overly defensive.

The cost of a Ragdoll depends on the color pattern and quality of the cat. A pet-quality Ragdoll will cost less than a show-quality or breeder-quality cat because it won’t have the markings that a higher-quality Ragdoll cat would. However, that doesn’t mean they’re any less a Ragdoll. A Ragdoll kitten purchased from a breeder usually starts at about $1200 and, depending on the quality, goes up to $5000+. You can also adopt retired breeder Ragdoll cats for around $500+. Sometimes you can find Ragdoll rescues or Ragdolls needing rehoming for around $200 or less.

Ragdoll cats must be brushed, ideally once a day if you can. If that’s too frequent to fit your schedule, you should brush your Ragdoll at least twice a week. Ragdoll cats shed, and if you don’t brush them, the hair can tangle and become a mat, which can cause skin problems if left alone.

Ragdoll cats shed, and because they are long-haired, they shed a lot. There is a myth that Ragdoll cats don’t shed – this isn’t true. It would help if you established a brushing routine with your Ragdoll cat from an early age. Starting early with your cat gets them used to brushing and helps to prevent mats from forming with the shed hair.

Ragdoll cats are the breed of cat that is known for being floppy. The Ragdoll got its name from its tendency to go limp like a rag doll when it is picked up. However, many purebred Ragdolls do not go limp when they are picked up.

As with any cat, whether or not they like to be held depends on the individual cat. You cannot rely on a breed to know whether or not a cat likes to be held. In contrast, Ragdolls are known for their docile and affectionate nature, not all like to be held. If you’re looking for a cat that likes to be held, it’s best to find one at a rescue or from a foster situation, where they know for sure that the cat likes to be held.

Their dog-like personality is aimed to hint that they are very social animals that will greet you by the door and spend a lot of time with you, preferably engaged in activities. Ragdolls are also very playful cats. They are famous all across the World Wide Web for playing fetch with their owners.

Yes, they are. Ragdoll cats are more interested in their human companions than other cat breeds, so you will have a friend in your Raggie. They usually spend their time in the same room as their owner, staying close, but they will not hover or become insistent on getting attention.

Yes, they are, and they are also very interested in spending time with their masters. Their intelligence is above average, making them fun to be around. If you spend time with them and train them, you can get excellent results with this breed.

Yes, they are. Ragdolls are very smart, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence. They can communicate, offer, and ask for affection from their human companions. In addition, they are astute in social intelligence and are great at communicating their needs.

Ragdolls are also quick learners – you can easily see this if you offer them interactive games that require them to use their memory and mathematical intelligence. However, since they were bred to be mainly indoor cats, Ragdolls do not have excellent survival skills. Leave them outside for too long; they may need help to manage, as many other cats eventually do.

As with humans, intelligence is a muscle, and you can always train your Ragdoll to become even more intelligent.

It depends. Ragdolls are known for being affectionate and cuddly, but every cat is different, just like humans. Some of them won’t like to be held per se, but they will show affection by following you around the home or sleeping next to you. However, they may be a bit averse to being held.

Having said this, most Ragdolls do like being picked up and held – it’s where their very name came from. However, when you pick them up, they tend to loosen up and relax so much that they become as limp as an actual ragdoll toy. If you notice your Ragdoll isn’t particularly fond of being picked up, reinforce positive interaction, use catnip and establish an affection routine it may come to rely on daily – you may soon notice changes.

Ragdolls are known for genuinely loving their human companions compared to other cat breeds. This will often make them eager to spend as much time with you as possible and want to get involved in whatever activity you’re interested in.

It’s a well-known fact that Ragdolls have dog-like personalities, which means you can expect them to follow you around the home. They’ll be there if you go to the door to greet a guest. They’ll most likely accompany you if you’re going to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

They usually want to be around you and fully enjoy your company, prompting them to follow you around the home. This personality trait adds to their affectionate and cuddly way of being, making them very popular among cat owners.

It depends. All Ragdolls have their unique personality, regardless of their gender. Some cat owners claim that male Ragdolls are more affectionate and easygoing, while females are supposedly more aggressive in play. However, both Ragdoll sexes are known to be loving in nature.

If you’re looking to adopt a Ragdoll, don’t solely base your decision on the gender of the cat. If you can, try instead to get to know the cat and get a feel of its personality – this is a much more apparent indicator of how affectionate it will be in the future while you’re living together.

Purring is the most common sound that cats make, and it is usually a sound associated with contentment. Cats make the low rumble sound to show that they are happy, but not always – it can also be a sign of fear or nervousness, so always try to take purring in context with body language.

Cats purr by controlling the muscles in their larynx and diaphragm, and it’s believed that the vibrations purring causes could be done to relax the cat.

As for whether Ragdoll cats purr, yes, they do – but every cat is different, so some may purr more than others. And in some cats, you might not even hear them purr – it can be inaudible if your cat is particularly quiet. However, if it is indistinct, gently put your finger on the soft part of their throat, and you will feel the vibration of their purr.

Like humans, each Ragdoll has its unique personality, and you may find that some like to cuddle, and others may shy away from it. But generally speaking, Ragdolls are fond of cuddling, which is a trademark of their personality.

Ragdolls are known for being very affectionate. They will follow you around the house, engage in activities, and jump in your lap whenever they want to cuddle. Then, they will ask you to show them, love by being affectionate with you and cuddling.

The more mature they are, the more cuddly they will get – in comparison, Ragdoll kittens tend to divert their attention to whatever sparks their curiosity. These cats enjoy human companionship, warmth, and quality time spent together. Apart from this, their impressive size and beautiful coat make them extra snuggly and pleasant to hold and cuddle with.

It just depends on the cat, not the breed. My childhood cat, Rags, barely ever meowed – until he got older, and after he went through chemo, did he meow – and that was more of a grumpy meow.

My Charlie meows a lot. So much more than I was ever used to a Ragdoll meowing.

My Trigg’s meow is like a mouse squeak. Check out the video below to see the different types of meows among my parents’ two Ragdoll cats, Caymus and Murphy, and my Ragdoll cats’ Charlie and Trigg.

Ragdolls are known to be very outgoing and friendly, so they are not prone to get attached to only one person. They love human companionship and will prove this by getting along with everyone in the household.

They play well with kids and adults while being open to new people entering your home. This is precisely what gives them that dog-like quality so many cat owners tend to love about Ragdolls.

Cats usually require quite some time to warm up to people, which happens only after you’ve gained their trust. However, Ragdolls have a pretty engaging and cuddly nature, which enables them to approach people equally without playing favorites.

They love family and will blend in beautifully, interacting with every family member with the same affection and attention. They will even play well with children, so you’ll notice them get cuddly with your youngest as well.

Ragdolls are not dumb but lack specific skills that other cats have. Although they are great at communicating their needs, asking for and offering affection, and engaging with various human activities, they do falter when it comes to surviving outside.

Ragdolls are mainly indoor cats; compared to other cat breeds, they don’t have what it takes to survive in the wild. However, they are snuggly, playful and affectionate – all these qualities make them an excellent fit for the home. If you bring home interactive games that test your Ragdoll’s intelligence, you’ll notice how far from being dumb they are.

They have a great memory, learning capacity, and mathematical abilities that will quickly help them solve any puzzle and make them move to their next quest.

Simply put, it’s because they love your companionship. Ragdolls feel the immense joy around their human companions, so they’ll often follow you wherever you go around the house.

You may even find your Ragdoll next to your legs when you go to the door to greet a friend or the pizza delivery person. They are well-known for their dog-like personality, which makes them active and playful, with a keen desire to be around you a lot of the time.

They are communicative, affectionate, and cuddly and will ensure that you notice these qualities in them. Spending quality time with their humans is extremely important to this cat breed, so expect them to be wherever you are in the home. It’s not to say that they hate being alone, but they’d much rather be with you if they can.

The one that matches your heart’s desire. The fact is that Ragdolls are fantastic cats, and they can be good companions for dogs, other cats, children, and you, but you must be willing to invest equal time into this relationship.

The more time you spend, the more you will receive, and the better your chance of finding the perfect cat for your home. Read more about Ragdoll Cat Stereotypes here.

Ragdoll cats are purebred – there are no two breeds that make a Ragdoll. The breed originated when a white Angora Persian-type cat was bred with a longhaired Burmese and a Birman in the 1960s in California.

Ragdolls generally make for excellent pets. They’re calm and affectionate, making for a great companion, with a calm temperament that makes them easy to care for and fall in love with. They’re great around kids and can get along well with other animals, although they always take care when introducing any cat into a family with other pets.

Ragdoll cats are traditionally considered indoor cats, and some breeders will make adopters sign a form confirming they won’t allow their Ragdoll outside. But many Ragdolls will enjoy the outdoors if you give them a safe space, whether that’s a garden, a catio, or if you’re walking your cat on a leash.

They aren’t usually a breed that you would let roam freely – there are too many dangers that Ragdoll cats aren’t used to, so they may be naive. But if you are with your cats and keeping them safe, they can enjoy some outdoor time.

You need to be aware of some dangers when letting your Ragdoll cat go outside, so it’s worth reading up on those and ensuring you’re prepared before allowing your Ragdoll to explore.

They can if you want them to and if they want to.  This is entirely too subjective to answer across the board. So it’s up to you and the cat. The Ragdoll cat I grew up with, Rags, slept with me every night at the foot of my bed. My parents’ Ragdoll cats, Caymus and Murphy, who passed in 2020 and 2021, slept with me every night when I lived with my parents in my early 20s and when I visited. My Ragdolls, Charlie and Trigg, never sleep with me. They will join me to watch TV before bed, but they leave as soon as I turn on the TV. 

While all cats have individual personalities, the Ragdoll breed generally enjoys cuddles and will go limp (like a ragdoll – hence the name) when picked up. Ragdoll cats are loyal and love to spend time with their owners.

Yes, they do. Ragdoll cats are considered one of the longest-living cat breeds out there. The average lifespan of a Ragdoll cat gets as high as 20 years, which puts them at the top of the list. Naturally, plenty of factors might influence a cat’s development and lifespan, but Ragdolls begin with a reasonable life expectancy, which is certainly in their favor.

When my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, was around 14 years old, I remember Googling the average lifespan of a Ragdoll cat. I found out that the average lifespan of a Ragdoll is 9-15 years. Of course, with Rags being 14, I wasn’t crazy about reading that! But, of course, Rags died at 19.5 years old, so he helped that average grow a little bit. So how do they come up with those averages anyway?

Something to remember about averages is that they are taken from a large crop of numbers – in other words, you have cats that die before nine years of age, and you have cats that die when they are older than 15 years old.

Regardless, I would always estimate around 15 years old if you are considering adopting a kitten because that kitty will be with you for a long time, and if you don’t see stability in your life, then it might not be the right time to adopt a cat. Of course, you can never predict the future, so you might think your life will be stable, and something can happen that alters everything. There’s no exact to anything in life, but I believe it is crucial to consider the life expectancy of a kitty when you are adopting one.

Ragdoll cats are known for their rather impressive size. They will often weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, with females reaching their full weight at around 10-15 lbs, while male Ragdolls can surpass the 20 pounds mark.

They are a large breed, reaching their full size when they’re about four years old. It takes a long time to reach full body maturity, and once they do, you’ll notice how their weight complements their personality even better. This is because they are very affectionate, and their generous size makes them even more cuddly and comfortable to hold.

Official records aren’t customarily kept for individual cat breeds, but I know that some Floppycatters have had Ragdolls that have lived until they were 26 years old, so they may live as long as that or even longer.

The average lifespan tends to be between 9 and 15 years, but they can live much longer. My parents’ Ragdoll cats, Caymus and Murphy, passed at 16 and 16.5 years old. My Rags (the reason I founded this website) died at 19.5 years old.

Yes, they are. Ragdoll cats are among the largest cat breeds out there. Not only do they have long fluffy coats, but they are pretty long. They typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds for males and 10 to 15 pounds for females. Their size and adorable personality earned them the nickname “The Gentle Giants.”

It’s essential to make sure you hold them with both hands to offer the proper support such large cats need. Since their size exceeds that of regular cats, you must also ensure you adapt your living space to their requirements by offering them spacious and sturdy napping places.

As with any other cat breed, Ragdoll cats are also prone to certain health conditions that may or may not develop throughout their lifetime:

Obesity in Cats – Ragdolls are already large and may become even larger if you ignore their diet. To prevent obesity from occurring, you will need to vary their diet by switching between dry and wet food. It’s also indicated that you plan their meals, ensuring they get a predetermined food intake daily.

Bladder and kidney stones – Your Ragdolls may be prone to kidney stones as they get older, especially after and if they’ve already had other kidney-related infections. This is often attributed to a poor diet (dry food!) that fails to hydrate them properly. However, diversity in the diet is also vital in preventing bladder stones from occurring in your Ragdoll cats. This condition develops because the body tends to retain and sediment more minerals than necessary, which then painfully blocks your furry friends’ bladder.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – HCM is a common heart disease in many cats and affects Ragdolls. The cause is primarily genetic, and there’s not much you can do about it except to conduct a DNA test to identify this gene when they’re young.

Feline infectious peritonitis – This is a viral disease caused by a coronavirus that your cat can get from being outdoors. Weight loss, fever, and lethargy are the symptoms of this disease. You can best prevent this disease by maintaining rigorous hygiene whenever they return home from freely roaming outside.

Cats’ vomiting is not unique to Ragdoll cats.  Usually, the number one reason cats vomit is because of their diet.  To learn more about feline nutrition, you can visit our page on best-wet cat food for Ragdolls that cats should eat here.
 
If you have a chronic problem with your cat vomiting, you want to see your veterinarian to rule out a more serious underlying medical issue. Daily grooming and the proper diet will also help with hairballs if that’s a problem.

No, as a general rule, they do not. But they may throw up for various reasons concerning their food quality, eating pace, hairballs, or emotional distress.

If a Ragdoll’s stomach is quite sensitive and rejects low-quality food, which can result in throwing up, you’ll want to work on its microbiome and prioritize a high-quality raw diet. But, unfortunately, they may also gobble down on their food, forgetting to be patient with chewing so that you may find your Ragdoll vomiting afterward, especially if hairballs were involved.

Another reason your Ragdoll may vomit can be a symptom of emotional distress. For example, many cats will throw up when left alone for too long. But, again, it’s simply their body’s way of dealing with the unpleasant emotional situation that they can’t process or understand.

However, if throwing up becomes a regular occurrence, you must take your furry friend to the vet to ensure it’s not a symptom of anything more serious.

Ragdoll cats will generally reach between 9 and 13 inches in height and between 17 and 21 inches in length (excluding the tail). In terms of weight, females will average between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8kg), while males will average 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9.1kg). But, of course, sometimes they are more prominent, with some Ragdolls reaching up to 30lb (13.6kg). And sometimes they are smaller, like my aunt’s Ragdoll, only 9 lbs.

A good brushing frequency for Ragdoll cats is twice a week, which is enough to prevent hairballs from forming and to maintain their thick coat nice and smooth.

Fortunately, despite being semi-long and pretty thick, a Ragdoll’s fur will remain relatively neat and detangled. However, it’s still best if you begin grooming your furry friend early on so that it gets used to the entire process, ultimately seeing it more like a pleasant petting session. For great results, it’s recommended that you use high-quality professional tools. These will help you properly groom your Ragdoll cat and keep your house hair-free and clean.

Having said this, here are 4 of our favorite grooming tools for Ragdoll cats:
Safari® Cat Shedding Comb
Zen Clipper Cat Nail Clippers
EquiGroomer Grooming Tool for Cats
Lilly Brush BE FOREVER FURLESS PET HAIR REMOVER

For more tips and tricks on how you can better groom your Ragdoll, read the Grooming the Fluff: Tips & Tricks for Grooming Ragdolls and Other Long-Haired Cats eBook.

Unlike other cat breeds, Ragdolls do not have an undercoat, which is typically the cause of excessive shedding in cats. Do Ragdoll cats shed? Yes, the Ragdoll cat will still shed. They are also not hypoallergenic cats.

The other advantage of the lack of an undercoat is that many people who are usually allergic to cats can have a Ragdoll. Most people are either allergic to cat saliva or their undercoats. Of course, people allergic to cat saliva will also be allergic to a Ragdoll. However, those allergic to undercoats could not be allergic to a Ragdoll.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know which allergy you have. It would need to be tested by a dermatologist. Furthermore, Ragdoll coats don’t need typically mat like other longhaired cats tend to do.

Their semi-long fur is thick, and although matting does not occur frequently, they must be groomed at least twice a week to keep the coat neat and detangled.

They need to be engaged – Since Ragdolls are high-energy and love human companionship, keep them engaged regularly in games and physical activity. It’s where they shine the most, enabling their beautiful personality to emerge fully. They manage to keep themselves entertained around the home, but they will love you the most when you show them the attention they crave.

It depends. Each Ragdoll is different in traits and personality, but generally speaking, compared to other cat breeds, Ragdolls will be more tolerant of baths and may, in fact, even enjoy them. However, it’s important to note they are very clean cats by nature, so bathing them too often is unnecessary.

Many Ragdoll owners have claimed their furry friends love running water, which draws their curiosity. However, to successfully bathe your Ragdoll cat, it’s essential to start when it’s young to get used to the entire process.

They also need to be gently accommodated in the bathroom environment. When you prepare their bath, make sure you use lukewarm water with which you can rinse your Ragdoll for a couple of minutes before applying the shampoo.

In short, yes, you can take your Ragdoll for a walk. However, cats are typically wary of being taken outside, so you must go through this process slowly. If you want to take your Ragdoll for a walk in the park, it’s indicated that you take your furry friend on a leash.

You should train your Ragdoll before you can expect it to be at ease with being outside like this. You should take a few steps, crouch, and then call it to you. If your cat comes, be sure to reward it with some treats.

Repeat this step several times until your Ragdoll feels safe and more relaxed. When you start with your walks, choose a route without distractions that may startle your Ragdoll. Watch your cat’s body language, be in tune with whatever it may tell you about how it’s feeling outside, and adapt the process accordingly.

Check out our page about the best cat leashes and harnesses.

It depends, as each Ragdoll will react differently to water. However, Ragdolls may not be as opposed to water as other cat breeds can be. Many owners claim they’ve seen their Ragdolls thrilled with seeing and hearing water running down from the tap. They become curious about it and may touch the water with their paws. However, when it comes to baths, it’s just the same. Some Ragdolls may enjoy the process from the get-go, while others need to be trained into it with patience and care.

Ragdolls are open cats; they welcome new experiences and learn quickly, so water may be another one of those realms they quickly befriend. You must get them accustomed to water at a very young age – this way, they may grow up to feel very familiar with water.

One of the big things about Ragdoll cats is that they are supposed to be indoor-only cats.  As a result, many Ragdoll breeders make adopters sign contracts saying they won’t let their cats outside.

The answer is more of a response to “Should they go outside?” The most common reason people give as to why a Ragdoll cat should not go outside is because of their docile and too trusting nature – that they wouldn’t know how to defend themselves against predators. 

As with many decisions, the decision to let your Ragdoll outside is a subjective one.  And also how you’re going to let them out. More great information on the topic is here. Can Ragdolls cats go outside?

Ragdoll cats come in a variety of patterns and colors. Each one is gorgeous and elegant in its own right. The Ragdoll cat has a soft semi-long coat that does not require as regular a grooming as many other long-haired breeds. Ragdolls are born white (unless they are minks), and Ragdoll patterns and colors come in slowly.

You can tell seal and blue anywhere from a few days to a week, but you cannot determine chocolate and lilac for 3-4 weeks.

All color is entirely evident by 8-12 weeks, but Ragdoll patterns and colors only come for about two years. Any cat that is a color-pointed breed (like a Ragdoll, Birman, Himalayan, Siamese, etc.) will color later in life because the point gene reacts to the surrounding warmth. As a result, all point kittens inside their mom, with a constant warm temperature, will be born (almost) completely white.

Ragdolls display a genetic mutation that affects an enzyme in the metabolic pathway between tyrosine and the final pigment, which is sensitive to temperature. This mutation makes a Ragdoll cat’s coloration dependent on its body temperature.

Most Ragdoll cats are bi-colored, and it is all due to this mutation. In the areas of the body where the temperature is lower, such as the extremities – the paws, the edges of the ears – the fur will be darker in color, while in the areas where the temperature is higher – the torso – the hair will be lighter in color. More about the Ragdoll color predictor here.

Yes, they are. All Ragdoll cats are born white; regardless of the color, they will end up having as adults. In their very first days, all the kittens look alike, and then, day by day, they develop pigment, and their fur becomes colored in the Ragdoll transformation. However, it can take as long as two years for some color patterns to be fully developed.

Yes, the vast majority of Ragdoll cats have blue eyes. This is considered to be the typical eye color for this breed. While there can be some exceptions, you can be sure that your Raggie will have blue eyes.

The most recognizable trademark of a Ragdoll cat is its impressive and luxurious coat. It’s semi-long and gives Ragdolls the air of gentle royalty so many people have come to love. However, there’s a clear difference between how Ragdolls look when they are kittens and how they are as mature cats. This is because all Ragdolls are white when kittens and tend to change their coat color as they grow up.  
 
Having said this, in time, you’ll notice how their fur gets colored, and their pattern intensifies, making the contrast even starker against the remaining white. This color change happens due to a genetic mutation affecting a particular enzyme, making the Ragdoll’s coloration dependent on its body temperature.

When it comes to cats, it’s important to remember they are all unique, but they do have some patterns that can be easily identifiable. One of them is the blaze Ragdoll. A blaze is a white stripe or spot on your cat’s face.

The blaze may be positioned on the forehead, or it can stretch a little more, from between the eyes to the nose and sometimes until it reaches the very tip of the cat’s nose.

Ragdolls will often have this recognizable facial feature – the Ragdoll blaze.

A Ragdoll’s blaze can be very discreet or downright visible – regardless of this, you can typically expect the blaze to be white. With Ragdolls, you’ll most likely encounter three types of blazes:
 
⭐ The star – This is a small star shape that you can notice on the forehead of your furry friend.
🔹 The diamond – This shape is a much larger star placed on the cat’s forehead.
⌛ The hourglass – This shape resembles an hourglass, displaying itself as an oblong shape running down the Ragdoll’s face, from between its eyes to its nose. This hourglass may sometimes be imperfect or broken in form but positioned just the same on the face.

Yes, Ragdolls can be grey. However, the official denomination will most likely be ‘blue’ when registered. The grey Ragdoll is a dilute of the stronger-colored seal and chocolate Ragdolls. The seal Ragdoll is typically the most popular Ragdoll type among cat owners, with the blue one coming in close in the second position. The grey coat makes their blue eyes pop even more, making them stunning. Sometimes the grey or the blue looks more “taupe” in color.

The seal Ragdoll is typically the most popular Ragdoll type among cat owners, with the blue one coming in close in the second position. The grey coat makes their blue eyes pop even more, making them stunning. You’ll find this grey coloring around the nose area, the back, and the paw pads. This grey shading gradually turns to white towards the stomach area. These beautiful blue Ragdolls will often come in various patterns, such as Blue Tortie, Blue Colorpoint, Blue Lynx Mitted, and Blue Lynx Bicolor.

“Blue mitted” is the color pattern of a Ragdoll cat which means that the body is bluish-white, of a cold tone, which shades gradually to white toward the cat’s stomach and chest. Its points are deep blue, but it has white mitts at the end of its legs, and its dominant eye color is also blue. As for the nose leather and the paw pads, these are slate-colored. In addition, mitted Ragdolls are supposed to have a white chin – but some will have a dark chin – which is OK too – but not “show quality” by Ragdoll cat show standards.

Read more about Red Ragdolls here.

“Blue mitted” is the color pattern of a Ragdoll cat which means that the body is bluish-white, of a cold tone, which shades gradually to white toward the cat’s stomach and chest. Its points are deep blue, but it has white mitts at the end of its legs, and its dominant eye color is also blue. As for the nose leather and the paw pads, these are slate-colored. In addition, mitted Ragdolls are supposed to have a white chin – but some will have a dark chin – which is OK too – but not “show quality” by Ragdoll cat show standards.

Read more about blue Ragdolls.

This is one of the most controversial subjects in the Ragdoll community – can Ragdolls be black?

While we know that Ragdolls can undoubtedly be black, whether or not they are “legitimate” remains highly debatable. Black Ragdoll cats can exhibit all the breed-specific features, such as the large size, the silky coat texture, and unique personality, but they do not have the traditional Ragdoll points (mask, legs, ears, blue eyes, and tails). Black Ragdolls are also referred to as solid Ragdolls due to the absence of points on their coats. As disambiguation, solid Ragdolls, meaning Ragdoll cats of a single color, are not only black. There are also solid Ragdolls of other colors specific to the breed, such as white, blue, or lilac.

Moreover, there are black Ragdolls that are bi-colored. The most frequent combination of colors is black and white. While these exhibit some points, the full array of Ragdoll-specific points is absent.

The controversy lies in accepting black and other solid Ragdolls for official competitions. While more and more breeders are beginning to include solid Ragdolls, showing them in competitions still needs to be fully supported. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), non-pointed Ragdolls may only be shown as household pet in competitions. Therefore, at the moment, they do not have official participation rights.

Can Ragdolls be black?

Seal Ragdolls can come in various patterns, but their dark brown fur makes them all seals.
 
– Colorpoint
– Colorpoint mitted (or sometimes just known as “Seal Mitted” or “Seal Point Mitted”)
– Mitted with a blaze
– Bicolor
– Lynx
– Tortie or Torbie

And the above patterns can be combined – for example, you can have a Seal Lynx Mitted with a blaze Ragdoll cat.

The seal-mitted Ragdoll is perhaps one of the most magnificent-looking felines on earth.

The seal color in a cat is dark brown, and then the mitted part means, quite literally, that they will have white mitts and usually a white chin. That can also happen if they are mismarked like Rags, who had a brown chin. It just means that they are not showing quality Ragdolls.

The bicolor Ragdoll is a sought-after color pattern and is one of the three accepted color patterns of the Ragdoll Cat breed. When looking at show quality, there are two ideal marking patterns: Minimal white and maximum white. Minimal white marked bicolor ragdolls have pink paw pads and noses. They have an inverted and symmetrical V in the mask, and almost the whole back is colored. There is white on the front and back legs and a long white strip that goes from just under the chin to the underside base of the tail. Some of the point colorations could be visible.

The seal Ragdoll is typically the most popular Ragdoll type among cat owners, with the blue one coming in close in the second position. The grey coat makes their blue eyes pop even more, making them stunning. You’ll find this grey coloring around the nose area, the back, and the paw pads. This grey shading gradually turns to white towards the stomach area. These beautiful blue Ragdolls will often come in various patterns, such as Blue Tortie, Blue Colorpoint, Blue Lynx Mitted, and Blue Lynx Bicolor.

In the maximum white marked bicolor there is, as the name suggests, more white than color. The color forms what looks like a saddle on the back of the feline. The paw pads and nose are pink, and the belly and legs are white. The mask extends past the eyes. Ragdoll kittens are born white, and their colors deepen as they age.

There are numerous colors that the bicolor ragdoll can come in: seal, flame, blue, and tortie. In addition, they can come in the lynx or non-lynx pattern. Read more about Ragdoll cat colors and patterns here.

It depends on several things:   
 
Ragdoll Genetics – were their parents fluffy?

Temperature – Where you live and the outside temperature comes into play – for example, a Ragdoll in Minnesota has a better chance of being fluffy than one in Aruba.
Seasons – Some cats have a fluffier coat in the winter and lose most of it in the summer. During the colder months of the year, the Raggie gets its winter coat, which is visibly fluffier, but then, when the warmer months arrive, it will begin to shed, and it will be left with a smoother and shorter coat.
Diet – What your kitty eats will also dictate how their coat will react/grow/shine, etc.

Read more answers about Ragdoll cat colors and patterns here.

Please note that there are only two ways to know for sure if your cat is a purebred Ragdoll:  
 
1. If the cat has official papers from an authorized Ragdoll breeder stating that the cat is a purebred pedigreed Ragdoll.

2. If the cat takes a DNA test – this can confirm or deny that the cat is a Ragdoll. If your cat does not have papers from a breeder, then the only way to verify that it is a Ragdoll is by performing a DNA test.

Aside from these two official methods, how identifying a Ragdoll cat can be done by analyzing the cat, which you can read more about here.

Many people say that male Ragdolls tend to be sweeter, but many owners of female Ragdoll cats would say the opposite. A good rule of thumb is that it’s not about the sex of the cat, but the personality in general, so the best question is whether the Ragdoll cat breeder has any insight into the kitten’s personality. Read more answers to the question: should you adopt a male vs. female Ragdoll?

This is a question a lot of people interested in adopting a Ragdoll cat ask. Many people say that male Ragdolls tend to be sweeter, but many owners of female Ragdoll cats would say the opposite.

A good rule of thumb is that it’s not about the sex of the cat, but the personality in general, so the best question is whether the Ragdoll cat breeder has any insight into the kitten’s personality.

Sometimes, female kittens take a little longer to transition.

Visit with kittens of both genders and have some playtime with them, then choose a kitten you connect with.

Female kittens can be slightly more aggressive in play but have a strong bond with their owners.

Since females can become protective mothers, they might be slightly more careful and aloof.

Often, breeders want to sell male cats first because males can breed as young as five months, so this is why it often seems like the females are the last to sell.

Males are usually bigger, which many pet owners look for in a Ragdoll cat.

Females might have fewer issues with UTIs and blockage than males – but any cat fed a proper Ragdoll cat diet will not have this problem. Do remember that a proper diet will eliminate the UTI problem. Please read catinfo.org for more info.

While some believe that male cats have better temperaments than females, many owners find that there isn’t much difference once they are altered.

Try to get a pair of kittens. Ragdolls are very social and need company, so a sibling or another kitty might prevent behavior issues caused by loneliness.

Overall, the Ragdoll cat temperament tends to be friendly and affectionate in both genders. However, it depends on the individual cat’s personality and the love and trust they develop with their owner. Try to focus on getting to know a kitten’s personality when thinking about Ragdoll kittens for adoption rather than relying on gender as an indicator of what they will be like.

Read more answers on adopting a Ragdoll male vs female kitten.

We have put together a comprehensive guide that will help you know what to plan for, so you can be prepared.  You can check out our A Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide: Bringing Your Ragdoll Kitten Home.

Ragdoll cats are known for being very relaxed and affectionate towards their human companions. However, this is only sometimes the case since they go through different development stages, just like us. Having said this, Ragdoll Kittens are known for being more curious, energetic, and challenging to keep in one place. As with other kittens, they want to explore their environments and often find themselves in trouble, even if unwilling.

At about 11-12 months of age, they will start to change, and you’ll notice a shift in their behavior. As they leave their early childhood behind, they will become calmer and more prone to showing you affection. In time this behavior will only intensify, enabling them to grow into the cuddly personality they’re so well-known for.

As with other kittens, Ragdolls must get appropriately acquainted with their new environment and sleeping space. For this to happen, you need to create a safe space for them. You can offer positive reinforcement whenever they sleep in their designated area or leave them their favorite blanket or a similar item that gives them security and comfort. Depending on what you want, you can train your Ragdoll to sleep in its kitty bed somewhere further away from your bedroom, at the foot of your bed, or maybe even next to your pillow.

The one thing to remember about Ragdolls is that they need plenty of entertainment since they are active and playful. So make sure you leave toys around its sleeping space, so your furry friend won’t feel estranged.

It depends. Ragdoll cats are not known to scratch furniture, but they are cats, after all, and they need to sharpen their claws so that the occasional furniture damage may occur.
To prevent scratching episodes from happening on your furniture, you must get your Ragdoll a scratch post that can satisfy its needs.
Just be sure to get one that’s large and sturdy enough to accommodate your cat’s impressive size. They are good learners, so they quickly leave your furniture alone and switch to the scratch post.

We always keep a running list of scratchers we love for Ragdoll cats.

Generally, no, Ragdoll cats are not high maintenance. It depends on your definition and perspective, but you don’t need to spend every waking minute attending to something for your Ragdoll.
They do need semi-regular grooming, but once or twice a week should suffice to help remove any loose fur and dead skin that could cause matting if left untreated.

And Ragdolls do need exercise and stimulation, so spending quality time with them often and making sure they have toys they can use, either with you or alone (if safe), is essential too. But don’t let them play with toys that involve wires or strings when you aren’t around, as they could get hurt.

Every cat is different, and Ragdoll kittens with minimal interactions with owners or other pets could still be happy and playful.

On the other hand, some pet owners report that they didn’t even know their cat was lonely until they brought home another pet, and the two became inseparable.

Here are a few signs that you might have a lonely cat:  
 
Aggression – becoming aggressive or dominant with you, particularly when you are getting ready to leave the house.
Anxiety – signs of anxiety could include fear of loud noises or strangers visiting and excessive grooming, which can be a cry for more attention.
Vocalization – communicating unhappiness at your departure with loud vocalizations.
Marking and Destruction – moving or wrecking household objects while you are gone, or squatting and spraying – leaving feces and urine in prominent places while you are gone might be your cat’s way of conveying their unhappiness.

If your cat seems a little too sad to see you go and too excited for your return, it might be a sign that they are lonely in your absence. If you have asked, “Can ragdoll cats be left alone?” This post will help.

As with any other cat breed, it’s pretty easy to tell if your Ragdoll is happy. You’ll need to watch and interpret its body language and how it communicates.

First, you can see your Ragdoll is happy whenever it’s energy is high, in the mood to play, or simply following you around, ready to engage with you and other household members. Apart from this, your Ragdoll is also happy when relaxed; you can tell this by looking at how it holds its body.

If your Ragdoll sits or sleeps next to you, then it means it’s comfortable enough and feels safe in your presence. If its eyes are half closed and its paws tucked snuggly underneath the body, your Ragdoll is relaxed and happy.

Another way to tell if your Ragdoll is happy is by looking at how vocal they get. When they are happy, they will delight you with their sounds. A Ragdoll may also bring you gifts and jump in your lap to ask for affection. This is a surefire way to know it’s happy.

Cats are usually not the kind of pets you can leave alone for indefinite amounts of time, and Ragdolls are certainly not any more tolerant of solitude than other cats. Their affectionate nature makes them long for the human companionship they enjoy. They love playing, following you around, or simply cuddling with you, so be sure to offer them enough quality time spent together. It’s not indicated that you get a Ragdoll if you know you’ll be away most of the day and no one else can stay at home.

Ragdolls get along just as well with kids and other pets, so companionship comes in many shapes and forms for them. Your Ragdoll may show symptoms such as marking, vomiting, vocalizing, or aggressive behavior whenever you are away for too long. Having said this, Ragdolls are an excellent fit for people with inconsistent and flexible schedules.

Ragdolls are known for their impressive size and luscious coat, which require offering them a proper diet. This needs to be diverse, with a good intake of protein and vitamins.

A well-balanced raw diet is best for a Ragdoll or cat. It is the closest thing to the diet that they would have if they needed to fend for themselves.

Not all owners are willing or can feed raw, so the next best is canned – and we keep a list of the best-wet food for Ragdoll cats.