Karingal Vet Hospital

328 Cranbourne Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199

P: (03) 9789 3444

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Popular Breeds Series: Ragdoll

Posted on: Sep 12 2018
A Ragdoll with blue beads - Karingal Vet Clinic

Ragdoll History

Ann Baker selectively bred this popular cat in the 1960s. She recognised that her neighbour’s kittens born from a Persian/Angora cat and a Birman or Burmese-like cat were affectionate and relaxed. She trademarked the name Ragdoll which perfectly suits the way they go limp and floppy when picked up – just like a real Ragdoll.

 

Appearance

The Ragdoll is one of the largest domestic cats. It is known for its striking blue eyes, distinct colour patterns and fluffy tail. There are 4 common colour patterns. The most common is the colourpoint – a light body darkening at the extremities (points). There’s also the bi-colour (white paws, tummies and chest), van (ears and tail have darker markings) and mitted (white feet and a patch of white on the forehead or nose with a white chest and tummy). Ragdoll kittens are white and develop their distinct markings as they mature. They reach full maturity at 18 months of age.

 

Personality

Friendly, gentle and trusting – Ragdolls are lovely family pets. Kids love their companionship and easy-going nature – especially their floppiness when being picked up. They are also known to follow their owners around the house, a bit like a dog, earning them the name ‘puppy-cats’. They are undemanding and compatible with other pets. They prefer to be indoors.

A Ragdoll sitting - Karingal Vet

Health

Ragdolls are a healthy breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited heart disorder amongst cats and has been well reported in the Ragdoll breed. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.

 

Owner’s Responsibilities

Daily grooming is recommended to remove any knots in the coat and to prevent matting. A balanced diet will ensure your cat is kept in optimal health. Keep in mind that they are not the most active of cats and care will have to be taken to ensure they don’t become obese. A good tip is to ensure you have a litter tray that’s big enough for them since they are larger than the average cat.

 

Quick Look

Size Large
Weight Female: 3.6 – 6.8 kgsMale: 5.4 – 9.1 kgs
Coat Semi-longhair which is silky and soft to touch
Colour Colour variations that include red, seal, chocolate, cream, lilac and blue
Life Span 10 -12 years
Temperament Gentle and affectionate

 

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328 Cranbourne Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199

P: (03) 9789 3444

The Karingal Veterinary Hospital is open 6 days a week.

Our hours are

- 8am-6pm Monday-Friday,
- 9am-5pm Saturday,
- Closed on Sundays,

* We are closed on public holidays.