tHE   rAGDOLL

This is just to give visitors to our site a brief introduction/guide to the Ragdoll cat but we would suggest, if you want to learn more about the history and the breed in general, you consider reading "The Definitive Guide to Ragdolls" by Lorna Wallace, Robin Pickering and David Pollard. Lorna Wallace can be contacted via the link to The British Ragdoll Cat Club webpage.

The breed originated in the USA in 1963 from a white Angora called Josephine owned by Ann Baker but the first Ragdolls didn't arrive in England until March 1981.

Ragdolls are a large semi-longhaired cat and a male neuter can weigh in excess of 20lbs (we know one male neuter who weighs 26lbs!), the females tend to be smaller and weigh between 8lb-12lbs. The texture of their coats can differ - some are thick and woolly and some are fine and silky and whilst they tend to be "low maintenance" regular grooming helps keep the coats in tip top condition. The Ragdoll are slow to mature and it can take 3-4 years before his/her coat attains its true colour.

There are three established patterns:

 Colourpointed : Mitted : Bi-Colour

and four recognised colours:

Seal : Blue : Chocolate : Lilac

Without exception all Ragdolls must have blue eyes - the deeper blue the better.

New colours and patterns are presently being introduced by breeders such as tabby, tortie, red and cream

Ragdolls are affectionate and love company. They are extremely curious, full of mischief and we have to say, quite boisterous. From personal experience - Ragdolls and ornaments do NOT go together! Both Indie and China seem to prefer the minimalist approach to decor and tend to "dispose" of anything on a shelf or window sill! It may also be worth warning your neighbours if you own Ragdolls as we know that when our two play together upstairs it does sound like you have a herd of rampaging elephants running riot!

There is never a dull moment when you have a Raggie around.