Ragdoll

Instead of hard facts about this cat’s origins, endless colorful stories are making it difficult to tell what is true and false. One of the only things we know for certain is that Ragdoll Cats were developed in the 1960s in California.

Ragdolls make great pets, even for inexperienced cat owners. Their easy-going personality and low-key demeanor make them a great fit for most households. They are slow-maturing cats, not fully grown until about 4 years old. For owners seeking an independent cat, a young Ragdoll might not be a good fit.

Ragdolls are large, stocky cats naturally inclined towards laziness if not encouraged by their owners to play and move—making daily exercise important to keep them healthy and fit. When properly motivated, they enjoy climbing on cat trees and chasing and hunting games.

A Ragdoll might become downright prissy when confronted with the outdoors—they don’t love being wet or big swings in temperatures. Owners will likely have to be involved in their exercise. Free access to the outdoors is not recommended as these cats are too laid-back and vulnerable. They are also extremely attractive cats, making them a theft risk.

Ragdolls have a lot of hair in their coat which can mat easily, so like a human, a daily brushing is always a good idea. It can take a while depending on the season and stage of life, so it’s best to try to make it enjoyable for your Ragdoll. Doing a little bit at a time, taking breaks to love on them, and finding ways to make it fun goes a long way.

Ragdolls are sharp animals and generally adapt to training fairly easily. They respond best to positive reinforcement, praise, and treats.

Ragdolls enjoy a home surrounded by people, so ideally they will not be left alone for long periods by themselves. Often, another Ragdoll Cat is a good idea so they can entertain and keep each other company. They require a little more affection and attention than the average cat, so the more people at home who can understand and provide that, the better.

The cost of a Ragdoll cat from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.