Ragdoll cat breed characteristics and photos

It's difficult to classify the Ragdoll as a standard four-legged pet. The breed has a truly incredible origin story and unique appearance that's unmatched in other felines. While the breed wasn't specifically bred, it immediately caught the attention of most cat breeders. A graceful animal with an attractive appearance, it was impossible not to like it.

But the Ragdoll can be considered a phlegmatic cat. If there were a laziness contest, the breed would leave all other cats far behind, confidently taking the crown. Moreover, the animal would manage to win every medal, from bronze to gold. However, laziness of the breed – this is more of an advantage than a disadvantage, especially for people who enjoy peace and quiet. Although, everyone decides for themselves what's best.

History of the Ragdoll

The history of the Ragdoll cat breed has no written record left to posterity. It is shrouded in mystery and obscurity, through which a few reliable facts can be discerned. The birthplace of the "rag doll" – which is the literal translation of "Ragdoll" – is considered to be the United States of America. Californian breeders back in the 1960s literally accidentally encountered a domestic cat named Josephine, renowned for her docility, which allowed them to crossbreed the animal with a Burmese.

The result of this feline marriage was the new Ragdoll breed, officially registered in 1965 and gaining its own standards and admirers among breeders. If you look at a photo of the breed's progenitor, you can even see that She belongs to the Angora cat family.Today, the animal is particularly popular among English, German, Italian, French, and, of course, American breeders.

Ragdoll – breed description

Ragdolls are among the largest furry pets. Adult males of the breed reach 12 kg in weight and are almost a meter long. Female Ragdolls, on the other hand, are 3-4 kg lighter than males.

This unique and beautiful cat has certain standards that are unique to her:

• wedge-shaped head with a rounded muzzle and a well-developed chin;
• thick cheeks and a short but wide nose;
• large, oval, slanted eyes;
• with medium-sized and slightly rounded ears, widening at the base;
• massive body and long, well-developed torso as in the photo;
• large and strong limbs;
• large, round paws with tufts of hair growing between the toes;
• medium length tail with increased fluffiness;
• long, thick hair, silky to the touch.

The Ragdoll's appearance is similar to the Burmese, although this is only a visual resemblance. The main difference between the breeds is that the Ragdoll cat, pictured in the article, is much larger and heavier than its Burmese counterparts. the size of the animal is greatly influenced His gender. A female is much more elegant and petite. But both male and female cats have a broad, well-developed chest and a muscular, long body.

Character traits of the breed

The cat's personality and behavioral characteristics are reflected in its name. But don't assume that an animal nicknamed a "rag doll" is stupid or weak-willed.

1. Once in the owner's arms, the animal, as in the photo, completely relaxes and settles its limp body into a comfortable position. It is capable of maintaining the most bizarre poses. But this predisposition to complete relaxation poses a hidden danger for the pet, who, when falling from a height, is unable to brace itself in time to land on its feet.
2. For the same reason, this breed is not recommended for families with small children. The animal has a low pain threshold, so it will not resist playing with children, even if it is injured.
3. Ragdolls need constant companionship. Once they're cuddled up in their owner's arms, they forget everything else. The breed tolerates constant travel or the presence of other pets in the house with complete calm. Ragdolls are never capricious, vengeful, or territorial.
4. The breed is characterized by excellent memory and intelligence. They learn to use a litter box in no time, begin to respond to their name, and easily recognize changes in their owners' moods. Ragdolls tolerate being walked on a leash, although they prefer to be carried in their owner's arms.
5. Ragdolls enjoy interacting with their owners, but they're not at all clingy. Their voices are soft and quiet. Representatives of the breed have a kind and trusting nature.

Although the animal gets along well with other pets, it will constantly get underfoot or under the hands of its owners. Human companionship is vital for cats.

Features of keeping Ragdolls

There's nothing special about caring for this breed. Just pay special attention to the following principles when keeping a Ragdoll at home:

• The Ragdoll is unpretentious in terms of fur care, since it practically does not tangle and does not have a very thick undercoat, so it is enough to comb the animal once a day with a special brush;
• Water procedures for this breed of cats are limited to the minimum necessary measures, since the animal simply hates water;
• the cat has an excellent appetite, although obesity is extremely rare in the breed;
• A veterinarian should be involved in preparing a diet for a Ragdoll, but if this is not possible, it is important that the diet is balanced;
• Cats of this breed give birth without any particular problems and become caring mothers.

Pets don't have the ability to flip in the air, so a person will have to make sure the animal doesn't fall from a great height. And it's best wean a ragdoll immediately, sleeping high up, or climbing onto cabinets, windowsills, and other elevated areas of the house. The animal is very intelligent and quickly understands what its owner requires of it.

How to feed your pet properly?

Although cats are considered phlegmatic, this has nothing to do with feeding. Eating is a favorite pastime for these animals, who have a keen appetite. However, their diet should be varied and include special mineral supplements. First of all This is because a cat only fully develops at age four. As is well known, as a cat grows, its energy expenditure increases, which must be replenished regularly.

Since the breed is heavyweight, the food portions should be appropriate. So, little kittens Cats eat more than 120 grams of food per day, and adult cats eat 300 grams of high-calorie foods.

The needs of your four-legged pet can be fully met with high-quality dry food. However, if you choose to feed them natural food, keep in mind that the animal should not be given fatty or fried food, milk, and freshwater fish. Two-thirds of the diet should consist of meat products. Feeding your cat not only plentifully, but also frequently.

Tips for choosing a kitten

Because the breed is similar to Burmese cats, extreme caution is essential when choosing a kitten. However, there are distinctive features in Ragdoll standards that allow you to accurately determine the breed's origins. distinguish a Ragdoll from similar breeds Cats need to be picked up first. Due to their unique nature, once in a person's arms, the animal completely relaxes, turning into a rag doll.

It's best to buy a cat from a reputable cattery, as the price of a cat is quite high and the temptation to profit from private breeders is very strong. sold at 3 months of age, and its cost is influenced by many factors, which the nursery owner will always tell you about.

Breed-specific diseases

If a cat receives proper attention and proper care, it rarely gets sick. However, due to low muscle tone, it's important to ensure that the animal doesn't fall from heights. Furthermore, some individuals of the breed are susceptible to diseasehip dysplasia, which, if severe, leads to lameness and, in particularly severe cases, to complete immobilization of the animal.

Representatives of the breed also often suffer from thickening of the heart walls - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which prevents the animal's body from functioning normally. Usually, this older cats susceptible to the diseaseWhen getting a pet, a person must understand that a cat needs constant companionship, without which it can become depressed.

Important! It's important to closely monitor any changes in the animal's behavior: Ragdolls are so patient and calm that they often hide pain and various illnesses.

Although the cat's fur is quite long, due to the lack of a thick undercoat, it practically does not mat. But sometimes brush your pet It is necessary, especially since he really likes it.

With their boundless sociability and devotion, the Ragdoll makes a great pet for any animal-loving family. Their gentle nature, combined with minimal grooming, the incredible sociability of a cat These are the best qualities highly valued by domestic breeders. This pet will quickly become a best friend for all family members.