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Living with a Ragdoll
by Chris Powell
Let us take a closer look at what a Ragdoll is really like to live with. They are large, semi-longhaired cats, with a strong muscular feel to them. Their coat is said to be non-matting, but rest assured, if you neglect it, knots will appear, especially under the front and hind legs. Make grooming fun for your pet and he will look forward to this special time with you each day. A thorough grooming is recommended at least twice a week. Their coats are soft and silky with beautiful ruffs and knickerbockers, often look their best in the winter months as with many of the other semi-longhair breeds. Coat length varies with the individual, with neuters usually having a longer, more luxurious look to them. This is because, as we all know, neuters haven’t the hormones that play havoc with their systems!
They come in the universally accepted colours of Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red, Cream, in Solid Points, Tortie Points, Tabby Points and Tortie Tabby Points, which may be transposed over each of the 3 accepted patterns of Colourpointed, Mitted and Bicolour. Chocolate & Lilac are a little more difficult to acquire.
The Ragdoll should have a good length to his body, with a long tail to balance and with good strong bone and large round tufted paws to support his frame. With their broad head and width between their medium sized well furnished ears, medium length nose with its retrousse tip, and of course their most outstanding feature, their eyes. From the deepest Sapphire to the most delicate China Blue, they have an expression like no other cat.
The Ragdoll is a perfectly balanced cat, with no extreme abnormalities it is most good reputable breeders aim to maintain this original type, so that the Ragdoll of today still appears similar to those Ragdolls that founded the breed.
When all is said and done, the vast majority of Ragdoll kittens, as in any other breed, are sold as pets. Those who buy them don’t really mind if the ear set is a little high, the nose is a little straight, the eyes aren’t the deepest blue or the markings a little off centre. They want the TEMPERAMENT. For this, is what the Ragdoll is most famous.
Ragdolls have a wonderfully gentle, laid back temperament and their popularity as the ideal house pet who are totally devoted to their owners has become legendary. As kittens they are full of life and inquisitive and as they mature they become very loving, trusting cats who follow their owners everywhere. They love human company and are super with children, but since the boys grow to be such large cats, often tipping the scales at around 15lbs, children do need to be shown how to hold them correctly by supporting them with both hands. Ragdolls have many puppy-like characteristics that are most endearing. They get to know their names and will come when called. They also love to play and any amount of love and affection given to a Ragdoll will be repaid over and over again.
When introduced to the Ragdoll for the first time, you will be overwhelmed at just how beautiful they are. But the big difference with this breed is that, although the kittens are pretty, soft and fluffy, the adults are STUNNING. They are one of the few breeds that actually get better with age. How a kitten looks when first seen, bears no resemblance to how it will look when taken home at 13 weeks. He will look different again at 1 year old and that same kitten will look even more beautiful at 2 years old, developing into a magnificent 4 year old adult.
So, what DO you get when you buy a Ragdoll? Certainly NOT a dim witted creature who sits around all day doing nothing. Certainly NOT the cushion cat which it was once portrayed to be, but a stunningly beautiful individual, with almost a sense of humour all of it’s own. A cat who will meet you at the door when you return home, who will chatter to you when the mood takes them, who will rely on you to give them all the love so that they will be able to return it to you ten fold. Certainly NOT a cat that can be ignored. Just one small word of warning…. ONE is usually not enough!…….. It has been said before. It has to be said once more………. RAGDOLLS ARE ADDICTIVE……………
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Excerpt from an article written by Lorna Wallace
Co Author of The Definitive Guide To Ragdolls and a very dear friend of ours.
Ragdolls are fun loving felines and are often described as the gentle giants of the cat world. The males have a look of subdued power and are reflectively pensive, whilst in contrast the females have an irresistible charisma and are graciously spirited.
Ragdolls, especially the males usually grow to be very large cats. Neutered males usually weigh between 13 and 15lbs some as much as 20lbs. Females tend to be a good bit smaller, and weigh around 9 - 12lbs.
The Ragdoll is a large, muscular cat with a long body. The head is a broad wedge shape, set with medium sized ears and large, expressive blue eyes . The limbs are medium in length, but of substantial bone to support this large cat. The tail is long and tapering.The Ragdoll is a Semi Longhaired cat and their fur is soft and silky. In winter the coat is usually at its fullest and the Ragdoll looks particularly striking at this time with a full ruff and knickerbockers In the warmer summer months most Ragdolls have a shorter coat. When the time comes for you to choose your Ragdoll kitten it is wise to have read all the literature available on the breed to ensure that the kitten will fit in with your lifestyle.
It is particularly important that you view adult Ragdolls in their home environment and that the mature cat appeals to you. Kittenhood lasts such a short time and it is to be hoped that the pet you choose will live a long and happy life as part of your family.
If you are out at work for long periods of time during the day, it is kinder to consider buying two kittens for companionship. It is such a lonely life for a little kitten to be left for long periods on its own and Ragdolls, especially when young, benefit from having a playmate. The ideal situation is to buy two kittens from the same litter. Two kittens are far less destructive as they will happily amuse one another and then snuggle up close when they have exhausted their energy. They are also less likely to pine if they have to be boarded at a cattery whilst you go on holiday.
Take time when choosing your kitten. Ragdoll kittens should be lively, alert and bouncing with energy. Their coats should look healthy. Their eyes should be clear and bright. Their ears should be clean. As a guide a kitten at 13 weeks old should weigh between 3lbs ~ 4lbs. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions that are worrying you, the breeder will be happy to answer all your queries. If you should be in any doubt, it is best to go home and think it over. You are not under any obligation to buy a kitten just because you have visited. You must be 100% sure that the kitten has the personality that would fit in with your family's lifestyle as hopefully he is going to be a member of your family for many years to come. Leaving his sibblings and the security of the only home he has known since he was born is the most stressful time for a kitten. The most confident kitten can become a nervous wreck if its introduction to its new home is too traumatic.
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