Ragdoll

The origin of the Ragdoll is surprisingly recent. It was developed in California, United States, in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder who worked from a long-haired white cat named Josephine and her descendants. Baker selected the calmest and most docile specimens, and systematically defined the breed's characteristics — the semi-long coat, blue eyes, the colorpoint pattern and, above all, that tendency to relax when picked up —. She registered the name «Ragdoll» as a trademark in 1975.

After some frictions with Baker, other breeders worked to standardize and extend the breed beyond her exclusive control. The IRCA (International Ragdoll Cat Association) and later other international organizations recognized the Ragdoll as an official breed. Today it is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, appreciated both for its appearance and for its exceptional temperament.

The Ragdoll is a large, muscular cat with very slow development: it does not reach its adult size until three or four years of age. Its body is long and sturdy, with a gently wedge-shaped head, medium ears set slightly outward, and those deep, unmistakable blue eyes that characterize the breed. The coat is semi-long, without a dense undercoat, which makes it less prone to matting than other long-haired breeds. It appears in several patterns —colorpoint, bicolor and mitted— and in a wide variety of colors.

Its temperament is calm, affectionate and notably tolerant. It is a cat that rarely scratches or bites, that tolerates handling well and that gets along extraordinarily well with children, dogs and other cats. It tends to follow its owners around the house and enjoys physical contact: purring in a lap or snuggling up to people is one of its favorite pleasures. It is not a very vocal or hyperactive cat, but nor is it indifferent: it is present, close by, observing with the calm that defines it.

Despite its calm nature, the Ragdoll needs daily stimulation and play. It is not a cat that will settle for indefinite boredom: it enjoys interactive toys, climbing structures and shared playtime. Its low prey drive makes it poorly suited to being outdoors unsupervised.

The Ragdoll's coat requires brushing two or three times a week to keep it free of mats and with that silky, shiny look that characterizes it. Because it doesn't have a dense undercoat, tangles are less frequent than in other long-haired breeds, but regular maintenance is still necessary, especially in areas of greater friction —armpits, behind the ears, collar—. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing helps control hair in the home. Occasional baths are well tolerated.

Nutrition should be high-quality and well controlled in calories: the Ragdoll is a calm, laid-back cat with a tendency to become overweight, which can exacerbate joint and cardiac problems with age. Dental hygiene is also essential —brushing or specific dental treats— and annual veterinary check-ups should include an echocardiogram to detect any cardiac problems early.

The most significant disease in the Ragdoll is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the thickening of the heart walls that can progress silently for years before showing symptoms. A genetic mutation has been identified in the breed, and responsible breeders perform DNA tests to reduce its incidence. An annual echocardiogram is the best tool to detect it early and to manage its progression with appropriate treatment.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which causes the formation of cysts in the kidneys, is another hereditary condition documented in the breed. There is also a DNA test to detect it. With certified breeders, regular veterinary check-ups —including annual bloodwork— and a quality diet tailored to its lifestyle, the Ragdoll can enjoy a long and very pleasant life.