Ragdoll Cats : EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Ragdoll Cats & Kittens

Originally published Dec 4, 2015 and updated as needed.

This website’s mission is to unite Ragdoll cat lovers worldwide.  Therefore, we can help you find anything you’re looking for as it relates to Ragdoll cats.

This page on our site covers the breed description – but after having this website since 2008, I have come to learn you can’t always rely on breed descriptions.  

So, when reading this Ragdoll cat breed description be sure to keep in mind if you adopt a Ragdoll cat, s/he could have all these traits, some of them or none at all.

The Ragdoll cat is probably most famous for their calm disposition compared to most cats. However, Ragdolls have a more dependent personality than other cats do.

Ragdolls prefer to be near people as much as possible and enjoyed being doted on.

Likewise, they adore being handled. Other kitties, depending on the line and how well they are socialized as kittens, may enjoy being handled as well, but not to the extent of a Ragdoll, which literally goes limp when picked up – hence, its name and its nickname, the floppy cat (and the reason for our site name – Floppycats).

Usually, Ragdolls will welcome visitors at the door to a large extent like a dog.

Are Ragdoll Cats Hypoallergenic?

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

The other advantage of the lack of undercoat is that a lot of people that are usually allergic to cats can have a Ragdoll. Most people are either allergic to cat saliva or to their undercoat.

Of course, the 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 not an easy way to know which allergy that you have. It would need to be tested by a dermatologist.

Furthermore, Ragdoll coats don’t typically mat like other longhaired cats tend to do. Therefore, Ragdolls don’t require the regular grooming nearly as frequently as other longer haired cats.

Ragdolls, on average, are larger than most cats. The average female Ragdoll is between 14 or 15 lbs, and male Ragdolls average closer to 20 lbs, however, some males can be as big as 30 lbs. According to multiple sources, Ragdoll does not reach full maturity and size until it is 3-4 years old.

Since Ragdolls have an extremely mellow disposition, they do not possess the fighting instincts of other cat breeds and therefore should not be left to roam outside.

Usually, most Ragdoll lines are free of most major health risks. Ragdolls are normally a good breed for lower health risks.

Ragdolls are also a great breed for children. Many don’t mind being hauled around and being dressed up. The Ragdoll is an all around ideal cat.

There are a few different options you can pursue if you are looking for a Ragdoll cat for sale. One option is Ragdoll cat rescue. There is no one go-to place for Ragdoll cat rescue, but there are a variety of smaller or regional organizations that specialize in Ragdolls to look into, or you can go for more general options like shelters.

If you are looking at local shelters, be aware that Ragdolls are often mistakenly grouped under Himalayan and/or Siamese. You might also ask a breeder if they have an older Ragdoll breeding cat who needs to be retired to a permanent home.

Another option is to adopt a kitten directly from a breeder, but be aware that it does take some research to find good Ragdoll cat breeders. Even breeders who are hardworking and invest a lot of time and energy into their business can still have quite a few problems.

Some ways to evaluate a breeder are to check and see if their cats look healthy and happy in pictures, find out more about their reputation, for example, whether they were raised in the breeder’s home and if they were exposed to children and/or dogs.

If you have children or dogs, a cat bred in this environment might be better prepared for your home. Look into multiple breeders so that you can compare these and other factors. A Ragdoll cat price varies based on the quality of the cat in terms of breeder quality and show potential.

With their calm and pleasant dispositions, generally good health and potentially hypoallergenic qualities, a Ragdoll cat makes a great pet, and there are plenty of rescue options or breeders out there if you are interested in giving one a loving home.

There are many more resources on Floppycats about Ragdolls, a few are listed below.  But you are also welcome to use our search bar at the top of the site on the right hand side.  Also, you might be interested in reading stories about Ragdolls written by their owners.

While there are not multiple Ragdoll cat breeds, there are multiple Ragdoll patterns and colors.

If you’re looking to adopt Ragdoll kittens, you might be interested in our book, A Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide: Bringing Your Ragdoll Kitten Home.

Ragdoll Color Patterns

All Ragdoll cats are born white, but as they grow, they develop a wide variety of colors and patterns. They are colorpointed cats, which means that their bodies are lighter in color than their extremities. The color options are:

• Blue – the body of the cat is very light gray and the extremities are a darker shade of gray – various color patterns.
• Seal – the body is creamy white and the extremities are a very dark shade of brown.
• Chocolate – a combination of a light-colored body and light brown extremities.
• Lilac – the body is very light in color and the extremities are gray and cream-colored.
• Cream – a combination of an ivory-colored body and creamy extremities.
• Flame – the body is very light in color and the extremities are red or orange.

Check out our fun page – Colorpointed Cats Transition: Ragdoll Cats to see kitten –> adult photos of the same Ragdoll cat.

As for the patterns they can develop, Ragdolls can be colorpointed, mitted, bicolor, lynx point, or tortie point, as per the Ragdolls Fanciers Club International (RFCI).

More controversial colors:

• Mink
• Solid
• Black – this is an upcoming color variation for Ragdolls, as it is yet to be accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA), but they do come in black as well.

The main Ragdoll patterns are:

• Bicolor
• Colorpoint
• Lynx
• Mitted

More Links to Ragdoll Cat Colors/Patterns:

• The Bicolor Ragdoll
• Tortie Ragdolls
• The Chocolate Ragdoll Cat
• Lilac Ragdoll
• Seal Point Ragdolls
• Blue Ragdolls | Blue Ragdoll Cat
• Cream Point Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll Cats Pics on Floppycats.com

• Pictures of Ragdoll Cats with White Tipped Tails
• Pictures of Ragdoll Cats in Laundry Baskets
• Pictures of Ragdoll Cats in Sinks
• Pictures of Ragdoll Cats With Their Paws Crossed
• Ragdoll Cat Pictures: The Seal Mitted Transition
• Ragdoll Cats in the Snow
• Ragdoll Cats in Boxes Photos
• Ragdoll Cats with Blazes: Pictures of Ragdoll Cats with Blazes
• Adult Ragdoll Cat Photos
• Pictures of Rags, a Seal Mitted Ragdoll
• Pictures of Rags, a Seal Mitted Ragdoll
• Ragdoll Kitten Photos

Buying a Ragdoll Cat – a Few Tips

If you are looking to buy a Ragdoll cat, then you should begin by searching for authorized catteries in your area. It is absolutely essential that you get your cat from a breeder because that is the only guarantee that you will get a purebred Ragdoll cat.

The kittens in this breed look a lot like kittens of other breeds, which means that it is quite easy to get scammed, unless you seek your cat in a well-reputed cattery.

You should take the time to talk to the breeders to find people with whom you connect with. You should also request to see the parents of the kittens because this should give you an idea of what the kittens will grow up to look like.

The breeder will present you with the official documents of the parents, including their medical background (and vaccination status).

Another way to get your very own Ragdoll cat is to adopt one from a cat shelter. Even if this breed is one of the most popular ones in the world, pet abandonment is still a big issue. This way, you can save the life of a Ragdoll in need. You will be getting a companion in return.

Ragdoll Cats FAQ

We’ve prepared a list of the most commonly asked questions about Ragdoll cats. We hope you find the answers you need right here:

Do Ragdolls need to be groomed often?

A good brushing frequency for Ragdoll cats would be twice a week, which is just enough to prevent hairballs from falling 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, enabling it to ultimately see it more like a pleasant petting session. For great results, it’s recommended that you use high-quality professional tools. These will help you not only properly groom your Ragdoll cat, but also keep your house hair-free and clean.

Having said this, here are 5 of our favorite grooming tools for Ragdoll cats:

1. Safari® Cat Shedding Comb
2. Zen Clipper Cat Nail Clippers
3. EquiGroomer Grooming Tool for Cats
4. Lilly Brush BE FOREVER FURLESS PET HAIR REMOVER
5. Jimmy JV 83 Cordless Stick Vacuum

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.

Do Ragdolls Need Special Care?

In general, Ragdolls aren’t exactly high-maintenance, but there are a few aspects you need to be aware of when taking care of them:

• They need regular grooming – Their semi-long fur is thick and although matting does not occur frequently, they still need to be groomed at least twice a week in order to maintain the coat neat and detangled.
• They need to be engaged – Since Ragdolls are pretty high-energy and love human companionship, make sure to keep them engaged regularly in games and physical activity. It’s where they shine the most, enabling their beautiful personality to fully emerge. They do manage to keep themselves entertained around the home, but they will love you all the most when you show them the attention they crave for.

Just like any other cat breeds, Ragdolls can be prone to developing health conditions.  Health starts with diet, and these websites are great at explaining cat nutrition – CatInfo.org and Feline-Nutrition.org.

For a more comprehensive understanding of your Ragdoll’s health, be sure to read the cat health advice given by veterinarians ebook.

Can you leave a ragdoll cat alone?

Every cat is different, and Ragdoll kittens who have 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 then the two became inseparable. Here are a few signs that your cat might be lonely:

• 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, as well as 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 your gone, or squatting and spraying – leaving feces and urine in obvious 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 a little too excited for your return, it might be a sign that they are lonely in your absence.

If you have asked, “how do I know if my Ragdoll cat is lonely?” This post will help.

Are Ragdoll cats playful?

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 actually tend to be playful and very 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.

Regardless if you’re engaging in simple physical games with your Ragdoll, such as playing catch, or if you’re stimulating it with puzzles and other specially created games, you can immediately notice how your cat becomes interested and thrilled.

Having said this, here are 5 of our favorite toys for Ragdoll cats:

1. Yeowww! Yellow Banana Catnip Toy
2. Ripple Rug Cat Activity Mat
3. Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy
4. Blackhole Catch The Tail Cat Toy
5. Felix Katnip Tree Company Scratching Beam

Do all Ragdoll cats have blue eyes?

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 out there, you can be pretty sure that your Raggie will have blue eyes.

Are Ragdoll cats large in size?

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

What does it mean that Ragdolls have dog-like personalities?

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.

Are Ragdoll cats quiet?

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

What can I expect or what can I plan for when I bring home my Ragdoll kitten?

Floppycats has been online since 2008, and in that time, 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.

Are all Ragdoll cats born white?

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 start to develop pigment and their fur becomes colored. However, it can take as long as two years for some color patterns to be fully developed.

Do Ragdoll cats live long?

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, there are plenty of factors that might influence the development and lifespan of a cat, but Ragdolls begin with a good life expectancy, which is certainly in their favor. 

What is the average life expectancy of a ragdoll cat?

When my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, was around 14 years old, I remember Googling what the average lifespan of a Ragdoll cat was.  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!  Of course, Rags died at 19.5 years old, so he helped that average grow a little bit. 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 9 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 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 also think your life will be stable and something can happen that alters everything.  There’s not an exact to anything in life, but I believe it is important to consider the life expectancy of a kitty when you are adopting one.

Read more about the average lifespan of a ragdoll here.

Are Ragdoll cats deaf?

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 their blue eyes have made many question their hearing, but it is not the case for Ragdoll cats.

Are Ragdoll cats affectionate?

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, they will stay close, but they will not hover or become insistent to get attention.

Are Ragdoll cats intelligent?

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

At What Age Is a Ragdoll Cat Full Grown?

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

They are a large breed and they reach their full size when they’re about 4 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 in nature and their generous size makes them even more cuddly and comfortable to hold.

It’s important to make sure you hold them with both your hands in order to offer the proper support such large cats need.

Since their size exceeds that of regular cats, you need to also ensure you adapt your living space to their requirements, by offering them spacious and sturdy napping places.

Do Ragdoll Cats Get Darker As They Get Older?

The most recognizable trademark of a Ragdoll cat is their impressive and luxurious coat. It’s semi-long and it 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 they are 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 change in color happens as a result of a genetic mutation that affects a particular enzyme, making the Ragdoll’s coloration dependent on its body temperature.

Do Ragdolls Like to Be Held?

It depends. Ragdolls have made quite a reputation for themselves in being affectionate and cuddly, but every single cat is different, just like us humans are.

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. When you pick them up, they tend to loosen up and relax so much, to the point that they become as limp as an actual ragdoll toy.

If you notice your Ragdoll isn’t particularly fond of being picked up, make sure to reinforce positive interaction, use catnip and establish an affection routine it may come to rely on daily – you may soon notice changes.

What Is a Blaze On a Cat?

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. A blaze simply refers to a white stripe or spot on your cat’s face.

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

What Is a Blaze On a Ragdoll Cat?

Ragdolls will often have this recognizable facial feature – the blaze. Your Ragdoll’s blaze can be very discreet or downright visible – regardless of this, you can typically expect the blaze to be white in color.

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 closely resembles an hourglass, displaying itself as an oblong shape running down the Ragdoll’s face, from between its eyes to their nose. This hourglass may sometimes be imperfect or broken in shape, but positioned just the same on the face.

Are Male Ragdolls More Affectionate?

It depends. All Ragdolls have their own 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.

Having said this, both Ragdoll genders are known to be affectionate 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 clearer indicator of how affectionate it will be in the future, while you’re living together.

Do Ragdoll Cats Scratch Furniture?

It depends. Ragdoll cats are not particularly known to scratch furniture, but they are cats, after all, and they need to sharpen their claws, so the occasional furniture damage may occur.

In order to prevent any scratching episodes from happening on your furniture, it’s essential that you 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 will quickly leave your furniture alone and switch to the scratch post.

Here are 5 that we love to keep kitties from scratching on furniture.

1. Necoichi Cozy Cat Scratcher Bowl

2. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

3. PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge

4. Felix Katnip Tree Company Tall Cat Scratching Post

5. Felix Katnip Tree Company Scratching Beam

Can Ragdoll cats be GREY?

Yes, Ragdolls can be grey. However, the official denomination will most likely be ‘blue’ when they are 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 on the second position. The grey coat makes their blue eyes pop even more, making them absolutely stunning.

You’ll find this grey coloring around the nose area, the back and on 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.

Are flame point Ragdolls rare?

Yes, red point Ragdolls or flame point Ragdolls are among the rarest Ragdoll cats out there. While blue Ragdolls are the most popular and the most common, red ones are not so easy to come across. So, if you are looking for a cat of this color, then you may have to consult several catteries before you find one.

Read more about Red Ragdolls here.

What does Blue mitted ragdoll mean?

“Blue mitted” 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 its 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.  Mitted Ragdolls are supposed to have a white chin – but some will have a dark chin – which is OK too – but not “show quality”.

Read more details about Blue Ragdolls here.

Can a ragdoll cat be black?

This is one of the most controversial subjects in the Ragdoll community – Can Ragdolls Be Black? While we know that Ragdolls can certainly be black, whether or not they are “legitimate” still 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, precisely due to the absence of the points on their coats. As disambiguation, solid Ragdolls, meaning Ragdoll cats of a single color, are not only black. There are also solid Ragdolls that are 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 do exhibit some points, the full array of Ragdoll-specific points is not present.

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

Can Ragdolls be black? More here.

What does a seal point Ragdoll look like?

Seal Ragdolls can come in a variety of patterns, but their dark brown fur is what 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.

Ragdoll Fanciers Worldwide provides a good example of the different Seal Ragdolls patterns and colors, but some are included here as well. Please check out the Ragdoll Fanciers Worldwide Website as well.

Read more about Seal Ragdolls here.

What is a seal mitted ragdoll?

The seal mitted Ragdoll is perhaps one of the most magnificent looking felines on earth, in my humble opinion.

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

Read more about Seal Ragdolls here.

How can I tell if my kitten is a Ragdoll?

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 confirm that it is a Ragdoll is by performing a DNA test.

Aside from these two official methods, you can find out if your cat is a Ragdoll or maybe part Ragdoll by analyzing the cat, which you can read more about here.

Can Ragdoll cats be GREY?

Yes, Ragdolls can be grey. However, the official denomination will most likely be ‘blue’ when they are 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 on the second position. The grey coat makes their blue eyes pop even more, making them absolutely stunning.

 

You’ll find this grey coloring around the nose area, the back, and on 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.

What is the most popular ragdoll color?

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 the 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 coloration could be visible.

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. Paw pads and nose is pink and belly and legs are completely 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. They can come in the lynx or non lynx pattern.

Read more about Ragdoll cat colors and patterns here.

At What Age Do Ragdoll Kittens Calm Down?

Ragdoll cats are known for being very relaxed and affectionate towards their human companions. However this is not always 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 difficult to keep in one place. As any other kittens, they want to explore their environments and will often find themselves in trouble, even if unwillingly.

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 more calm 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.

Where Should My Ragdoll Kitten Sleep?

As any other kittens, Ragdoll kittens need to get properly acquainted with their new environment and sleeping space. In order for this to happen, you need to create a safe space for them. You can offer positive reinforcement whenever they sleep in their designated space or you can leave them their favorite blanket or a similar item that offers them security and comfort.

Depending on what you want as well, 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 in nature. So make sure you leave toys around its sleeping space, so your furry friend won’t feel estranged.

Why Do Ragdolls Follow You Around?

Compared to other cat breeds, Ragdolls are known for genuinely loving their human companions. 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 involved in.

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

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

How much should you pay for a ragdoll kitten?

A Ragdoll cat price does vary quite a bit depending on the potential show and breeder quality of the cat in question.

I thought it would be fun to show the prices of the Ragdoll cats my family has purchased:

1. Rags, purchased in 1989 with his brother Cosby – $350/ea
2. Caymus and Murphy, purchased in 2004 – $600/ea (reduced by $50 each because my parents were buying 2)
3. Charlie and Trigg, purchased in 2009 – $800/each (reduced by $50 each because I was buying 2)

Here is a break down of the prices of Ragdoll kittens that I have found (please leave comments below to let me know if prices are much higher than these):

Quality:	Approximate Cost:	Notes:
Pet (Alter) Quality	USD$850+	(some breeders charge more for females due to the fact that spaying costs more than neutering, also some breeders will charge more for rare or non-traditional color patterns, like Torties , Creams, Lilacs and Flames)
Show (Alter) Quality	USD$1200- USD $2300+	This is a Ragdoll cat that is perfectly marked to be shown at cat shows, but is spayed or neutered.
Breeder Quality	USD$1500- USD $2500+	This is a Ragdoll cat that is fit for breeding and should also have been tested to be free of genetic diseases.
Show/Breeder Quality	USD$2300- USD $2700+	This is a Ragdoll cat that is perfectly marked to be shown at cat shows, and is also fit for breeding.

To see an explanation of what each quality means, please visit Buying a Ragdoll cat.

What Health Problems Do Ragdoll Cats Have?

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

Obesity – Ragdolls are already large in size and they may become even larger if you don’t pay attention to their diet. In order 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 at regular times each day.

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 that fails to hydrate them properly. Diversity in the diet is also key 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 block your furry friends’ bladder.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – HCM is a common heart disease in many cats and it also affects Ragdolls. The cause is mostly genetic and there’s not much you can do about it, except to conduct a DNA test to identify this gene when they’re really 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 keeping rigorous hygiene whenever they come back home from freely roaming outside.

Why do Ragdoll cats vomit?

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 what cats should eat here.

If you have a chronic problem with your cat vomiting, then 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. 

You can learn more about grooming in our ebook – Grooming the Fluff: Tips & Tricks for Grooming Ragdolls and Other Long-Haired Cats eBook 

What Food Is Best for Ragdoll Cats?

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.

We have a page dedicated to this topic here.

What Is the Oldest Ragdoll Cat?

The usual lifespan of a Ragdoll cat is around 12-15 years, with some cats surpassing this age well towards their 20’s. On record, there is one Ragdoll cat, named Rags, that lived to be 19 ½ years old. Another Ragdoll, ‘Grandma cat’, was last reported to be 23 years old.

What is certain is that you can expect your Ragdoll to live quite a lot, especially if you take proper care of it. They need a varied diet, plenty of physical and emotional presence from your part, as well as fun activities that keep them engaged and healthy. If they do go outside, you’ll need to be rigorous with their hygiene when they come back, as there are dangerous viruses they can catch.

If you can follow all these care guidelines, you may enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life together with your Ragdoll for many years to come.

Do Ragdolls Get Attached to One Person?

Ragdolls are known to be very outgoing and friendly all around, which means they are not prone to get attached to only one person. In fact, they love human companionship altogether and they will prove this by getting along with everyone in the household.

They play well with both kids and adults, while also being open towards 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 and this 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 in all its entirety and will blend in beautifully, interacting with every family member with the same amount of affection and attention. They will even play well with children, so you’ll notice them get cuddly with your youngest as well.

Are Ragdoll Cats High Maintenance?

It depends on what you understand by high maintenance, but no, Ragdolls are not known for being very high maintenance. There are some aspects you will need to consider when caring for a Ragdoll cat:

Although their coat is semi-long and in need of regular brushing, it doesn’t require that much of your attention, since it’s not prone to matting. You can groom your Ragdoll around two times a week with high-quality brushes and wash your cat every once in a while.

Ragdolls are pretty active cats with an active and playful personality, which means they need to be engaged with often. This is why you need to either make sure you can spend quality time with them or give them enough stimulating toys to play with on their own. They also need regular cuddling and if you won’t give it to them, they will most likely be straightforward about asking for your affection.

Due to the health conditions they may be prone to, you’ll need to pay extra attention to their diet, by making sure you combine both dry food and wet food with protein-rich raw meats.

Do Ragdoll Cats Need a Companion?

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.

In fact, their affectionate nature makes them long for the human companionship they enjoy so much. They love playing, following you around, or simply cuddling with you, so be sure to be able 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 there’s no one else that can stay at home.

Ragdolls get along just as well with kids and even with other pets, so companionship actually comes in many shapes and forms for them. Whenever you are away for too long, your Ragdoll may show symptoms such as marking, vomiting, vocalizing or aggressive behavior.

Having said this, Ragdolls are a great fit for people with inconsistent and flexible schedules.

Can You Take Ragdoll Cats for Walks?

In short, yes, you can take your Ragdoll for a walk. Cats are typically wary of being taken outside, so you will need to 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 may want to train your Ragdoll first, before you can expect it to be at ease with being outside like this. You may want to 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 a couple of times more until your Ragdoll feels safe and more relaxed.

When you start out with your walks, be sure to choose a route without any distractions that may startle your Ragdoll. Watch your cat’s body language, be in tune to whatever it may tell you about how it’s feeling outside and adapt the process accordingly.

Do Ragdolls Like to Cuddle?

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

In fact, Ragdolls are known for being very affectionate. They will follow you around the house, engage in your activities and simply jump in your lap whenever they want to cuddle. They will straight out ask you to show them love by being affectionate with you and cuddling. The more mature they are in age, the more cuddly they will get – in comparison, Ragdoll kittens tend to divert their attention to whatever sparks their curiosity.

These are warm cats that enjoy human companionship, warmth and quality time spent together. Apart from this, their impressive size and beautiful coat makes them extra snuggly and pleasant to hold and cuddle with.

Do Ragdolls Like Baths?

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. It’s important to note they are very clean cats by nature, so bathing them too often is not necessary.

Many Ragdoll owners have claimed their furry friends love running water, as it actually draws their curiosity.

In order for you to successfully bathe your Ragdoll cats, it’s important to start out when they’re young, so they can get used to the entire process. They also need to be gently accommodated to 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.

Are Ragdoll Cats Smart?

Yes, they are. Ragdolls are very smart, in fact, especially when it comes to emotional intelligence. They are very capable of communicating, offering and asking for affection from their human companions. 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 great survival skills. Leave them outside for too long and they may not find a way to manage, as many other cats eventually do.

Having said this, just as with humans, intelligence is a muscle and you can always train your Ragdoll to become even smarter.

Are Ragdolls Dumb?

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

Ragdolls are mainly indoor cats and, compared to other cat breeds, they simply don’t have what it takes to survive in the wild. They are snuggly, playful and affectionate – and all these qualities make them a great fit for the home.

If you bring home interactive games that put your Ragdoll’s intelligence to the test, you’ll notice how far from being dumb they really are. They have great memory, learning capacity and mathematical abilities that will quickly help them solve any puzzle and make them move to their next quest.

Do Ragdolls Purr?

It depends. Ragdolls are quite different from one another and there’s not a general pattern you can fit them to. However many Ragdoll owners claim their cat is talkative and highly communicative.

This means Ragdolls will often become vocal in transmitting how they’re feeling, asking for their needs to be met and simply engaging with you. Purring is another way they do this and will simply melt you away.

Even so, there will be Ragdolls that won’t purr all that much or perhaps not at all. It all depends on your furry friend’s individual personality and you can only discover it in time, by living together.

How Do I Know If My Ragdoll Is Happy?

As with any other cat breeds, it’s quite easy to tell if your Ragdoll is happy. You’ll need to watch and interpret its body language and the way it communicates to you.

First of all, you can see your Ragdoll is happy whenever it’s high energy, in the mood to play or simply following you around, ready to engage with you and other members of the household. Apart from this, your Ragdoll is also happy when relaxed and you can tell this by looking at the way 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, then it means your Ragdoll is absolutely 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 may jump in your lap to ask for affection. This is a surefire way to know it’s happy.

Why Do Ragdolls Follow You Around?

Simply put, it’s because they love your companionship. Ragdolls feel immense joy around their human companions, so they’ll often make sure to 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 make sure 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.

Do Ragdoll Cats Throw Up a Lot?

No, as a general rule they do not. But they may throw up for a variety of different reasons that have to do with the quality of their food, their eating pace, hairballs or emotional distress.

A Ragdoll’s stomach is quite sensitive and may reject low-quality food which can result in throwing up, so make sure you prioritize a high-quality diet. They may also gobble down on their food, forgetting to be patient with chewing, so you may find your Ragdoll vomiting afterward. Especially if hairballs were involved as well.

Another reason why your Ragdoll may vomit can come as a symptom of emotional distress. Many cats will throw up when they’ve been left alone for too long, for example. It’s simply their body’s way of dealing with the unpleasant emotional situation that they can’t actually process or understand.

However, if throwing up becomes a regular occurrence, it’s important that you take your furry friend to the vet, just to make sure it’s not a symptom of anything more serious.

Do Ragdolls Like Water?

It depends, as each Ragdoll will react differently to water. However, it seems that Ragdolls may not be so averse to water as other cat breeds can be. In fact, 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.

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. In general, Ragdolls are pretty open cats, they welcome new experiences and they learn quickly, so water may be another one of those realms they quickly befriend.

It’s important that you get them accustomed to water at a very young age – this way they may grow up to feel very familiarized with water.

What do you think about Ragdoll cats? Are they affectionate? Are they playful? Do you have your very own Ragdoll cat or are you looking to buy one? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.

At what age is a ragdoll cat full grown?

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

They are a large breed and they reach their full size when they’re about 4 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 in nature and their generous size makes them even more cuddly and comfortable to hold.

It’s important to make sure you hold them with both your hands in order to offer the proper support such large cats need.

Since their size exceeds that of regular cats, you need to also ensure you adapt your living space to their requirements, by offering them spacious and sturdy napping places.

Do ragdolls get fluffier with age?

It really depends on several things: 

1. Genetics – were their parents fluffy?
2. 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 that lives in Aruba, for example.
3. Seasons – Some cats have a fluffier coat in the winter and lose the majority 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.
4. 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.

Do ragdolls meow a lot?

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.

See more Ragdoll cats meowing here.

 

Is it better to get a male or female Ragdoll cat? 

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 plenty of 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 to ask 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 have a connection with.
• Female kittens can be a little more aggressive in play, but still strongly bond with their owners.
• Since females can become protective mothers, they might be a bit more careful and aloof.
• Often breeders want to sell male cats first because males can breed as young as 5 months, so this is why it often seems like the females are the last to sell.
• Males are usually bigger, which is what a lot of pet owners are looking for in a Ragdoll cat.
• Females might have fewer issues with UTIs and blockage than males.  Do keep in mind though that a proper diet will eliminate the UTI problem entirely.  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 if possible. 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, though it really just depends on the personality of the individual cat and the love and trust they develop with their owner. Try to focus on getting to know a kitten’s personality when you’re thinking about Ragdoll kittens for adoption, rather than relying on gender as an indicator of what they will be like.

Read more answers on the question should adopt a male or female kitten here.

Should I Adopt a Male or Female Kitten and Why?

Many people say that male Ragdolls tend to be sweeter, but plenty of 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 to ask is whether the Ragdoll cat breeder has any insight into the kitten’s personality.

Read more answers on the question should adopt a male or female kitten here.

Why can’t Ragdoll cats go outside?

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

The answer is more of an answer 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 outside.

More great information on the topic here. Can Ragdolls go outside? 

Why should Ragdolls be kept indoors?

This website was founded in 2008, and I’ve learned that many, many, many Ragdoll cat owners let their kitties outside through various means – taking them for walks on leads/leashes or in a stroller, or they have a catio (a safe and secure patio designed to accommodate the needs of a feline) or they let them stroll in their backyard like I do with mine.

I do not endorse or suggest letting your cats outside – I strongly believe it is a personal decision based on what you’re comfortable with given your situation, your beliefs, etc.

The dangers of outside vary depending on where you live. 

More great information on the topic here. Can Ragdolls go outside? 

What are the different colors of Ragdoll cats?

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 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 the areas where the temperature is higher – the torso – the fur will be lighter in color.

More about Ragdoll colors here.

How many types of ragdolls are there?

Ragdoll cats come in a variety of patterns and colors. Each one is absolutely beautiful 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 completely evident by 8-12 weeks but Ragdoll patterns and colors do not come for about 2 years.

Any cat that is a color-pointed breed (like a Ragdoll, Birman, Himalayan, Siamese, etc.) will color later in life basically because the point gene reacts to the surrounding warmth. As a result, all point kittens that have been inside their mom, with a constant warm temperature will be born as (almost) complete white.

Read more about types of Ragdoll Cat Color Patterns here.

Which Ragdoll is the best?

The one that matches your heart’s desire.

The fact is that Ragdolls are awesome 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 the chance you have at finding the perfect cat for your home.

Read more about Ragdoll Cat Stereotypes here.

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