We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Ragdoll cats are popular for good reasons. They’re gorgeous, cuddly, and have the sweetest personalities, making them the perfect furry companions for many pet parents.
But there’s so much more to these kitties than their looks and temperament. Beyond their love for snuggles, these sweet felines have some fascinating traits you might not know about.
We’ve compiled 10 facts to know about Ragdoll cat breed that will surprise you and deepen your appreciation for these amazing kitties.
10 Facts to Know About Ragdoll Cat Breed
1. Ragdolls are a relatively newer breed
While some cat breeds have been around for many years, the Ragdoll is a newer kid in the block. A woman named Ann Baker bred them first in Riverside, California back in 1963.
She chose cats with favorable personalities and beautiful looks, and the result was the gorgeous and gentle modern-day Ragdoll cat we all love today.
It’s cool to think that they haven’t been around that long, yet they’re one of the most popular kitties in the world today.
2. They have striking blue eyes
You know you’ve got a purebred Ragdoll cat if they’ve got the signature blue eyes. Those eyes, together with their fluffy coats, make them look extra elegant and cute.
Even though some white cats with blue eyes can be deaf, that’s not usually the case with Ragdolls. Their blue eyes come from another gene that does not affect their hearing.
While you might come across a Ragdoll mix with green or golden eyes, those stunning blue eyes are required in the cat’s breed standard.
Both big cat associations, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), have strict rules that disqualify Ragdolls who don’t have blue eyes.
3. Ragdolls are one of the largest breeds
Ragdolls are huge when it comes to size. The males can easily tip the scales at 15 to 20 pounds, and the females usually weigh at 10 to 15 pounds.
Just like Maine Coons, Ragdolls are not just bulky, they’re also muscular and have strong legs that add to their enormous looks.
Their impressive long fur also makes them appear bigger. This huge exterior build comes with the risk of obesity, so it’s important to provide a healthy diet and practice portion control.
4. Ragdolls grow and mature slowly
One thing that sets Ragdolls apart from other cats is how long it takes them to grow up. Most cats become adults by their first birthday, but not these fluffy felines.
Ragdolls don’t fully mature until they’re about four years old. This means that they get to keep that adorable kitten energy and playfulness for much longer than other breeds.
Ragdoll kittens start off growing at a normal pace for the first 12 weeks or so. Then things get interesting because their growth slows down and only happens in little spurts thereafter.
It might require a bit more patience from their owners, but it also means you get to enjoy those fun kitten antics and build a strong bond with your Ragdoll for a longer time.
5. Ragdolls have quite a long lifespan
If you’re looking for a cat that will be part of your family for years to come, then a Ragdoll might be the perfect choice.
While other cats might live for 10 to 15 years, Ragdolls can easily reach 15 to 20+ years old provided you take them for regular vet check-ups, feed a healthy diet, and provide lots of love.
That means they can be by your side for a long time, giving you plenty of opportunities to create strong bonds and make great memories.
This long lifespan is all assuming your Ragdoll is an indoor cat. Outdoor cats have to deal with a lot more risks, like predators and diseases, so they might not live as long.
6. Ragdolls are outgoing and friendly
Ragdoll cats are friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. It’s no wonder they’re popular with huge households. They love being around people and get attached to their humans.
You’ll often find your Ragdoll kitty following you around the house like a small puppy, just wanting to be wherever you are.
They thrive on attention and love to be part of the action, whether it’s cuddling up on the sofa, playing with their toys, or just hanging out with you.
They’re also pretty good with other pets, usually getting along well with other cats and even dogs. This stable temperament makes Ragdolls a good fit for a multi-pet household.
7. The breed can be floppy
Ragdoll cats can go floppy when you pick them up, just like when you’re holding a ragdoll toy, and it’s actually how they got their name.
When you hold a Ragdoll, they just melt in your arms, completely relaxed and trusting. It’s really sweet and shows how gentle and laid-back they are, and how much they trust people.
This makes them incredibly easy to care for. Whether you’re brushing them, bathing them, or just cuddling, they’re usually chill about it.
It’s one of the things that makes them such great pets, especially for families with kids or other animals. They’re not likely to freak out or get aggressive when you pick them up or hold them.
8. Ragdolls have fluffy toe-beans
Ragdoll cats are famous for their fluffy toe beans. These adorable little puffs of fur on the bottom of their paws are truly cute.
People often describe them as looking like tiny marshmallows or cotton balls, and they’re so soft and fluffy that you can’t help but want to pet them.
These fluffy beans also serve to keep Ragdoll’s paws warm during colder weather.
While most cats have 18 toes, sometimes Ragdolls can be born with a few extra on each paw. This is called polydactyly, and it’s nothing to worry about since it won’t affect their health at all.
9. Ragdoll kittens are born entirely white
It’s amazing to watch how Ragdoll kittens change as they grow because they’re born completely white and slowly gain their beautiful colors and patterns with time
Usually, at around two weeks old, you may start to see little hints of their eventual colors starting to darken out on your little kitten.
This creates a pretty spotted pattern that’s usually darkest on their feet, face, and tail. These darker areas are called ‘points,’ and they can be all sorts of colors, even a mix like tortoiseshell.
The six main colors for their points are blue, seal, chocolate, lilac, red, or cream, but they can also have different patterns like bi-color, mitted, or van, and even a color point pattern.
Sometimes, you’ll even see patterns like tortoiseshell or lynx, but those aren’t always officially recognized by cat associations.
10. Ragdolls are fascinated with water
Ragdoll cats are truly interesting because they like getting wet, which is unusual for most other cat breeds.
They’ll play with running faucets, splash around in sinks, and even mess around in puddles, or try jumping in a swimming pool.
This love of water can make bath time a lot easier because they’re not as likely to resist or get stressed out.
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 facts to know about Ragdoll cat breed that prove they’re more than just your average breed.
Ragdoll cats are unique and have so much to offer. Their history is fascinating, they’re surprisingly fond of water, and they’re known for their gentle, affectionate personalities, among many things.
If you’re considering adopting a Ragdoll, you’re definitely on the right track to finding an amazing feline companion.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
2 Responses
Thank You Soooo Much For The Valuable Information. I’m An Interior Designer & A Client Had A Rag Doll And It Was Basically A Dog In A Cats Body And So Chill I figured He Was On Xanax! I knew I had to have one, after reading this, definitely I’m sold. Thank You. Robert Northington
Hey Robert, thank you so much for your lovely comment very happy to know this article was helpful. Ragdoll cats are truly amazing and unique good luck with finding one 😍