Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular and charming cat breeds in the world. Their prominent blue eyes, beautifully thick furs, and sweet dispositions have captured the hearts of cat enthusiasts all over the world. But Ragdolls are more than meets the eye. Ragdolls are full of surprises, from their playful history and unique physical traits to their dog-like affection and celebrity admirers.
Whether you’re an experienced cat owner or someone thinking about adopting a new furry friend, learning about these cute kitty pals might just have you falling in love with them. Here are 11 interesting Ragdoll cat facts that prove just why they are one of the most unique and popular breeds.
1.All Ragdolls Have Beautiful Blue Eyes
Ragdoll cats are well known for their soft long fur, lovely bicolor or pointed coat patterns, and, of course, their stunning blue eyes. These striking eyes are one of the breed’s most prominent features. The color blue arises from a particular gene associated with partial albinism. There is a myth that all Ragdoll cats are deaf, but that is not the case. Pure white cats with blue eyes can sometimes be deaf, but the blue eyes of Ragdolls come from a different gene that doesn’t influence hearing.
2.They Love to Cuddle and Be Close to You
One of the most defining characteristics of the ragdoll is its friendly and docile nature. They love being cuddled and will sometimes sit in your lap like a soft, furry blanket. They are charming and loving pets, well-suited for individuals, particularly those who may live alone and seek a companion throughout the year.
3.Ragdoll Cats Are Born Pure White
Did you know that Ragdolls are born completely white? This is due to their partial albinism. Their fur slowly begins to change color when they are approximately one week old. Their beautiful patterns that you see on their body are created over time by the dark colors on their tail, ears, face and paws growing darker. These darker “points” can be of many of colors and sometimes have a tortoiseshell appearance.
4.They Are Sweet and Friendly
A lot of people claim that some Ragdoll cats even have dog-like personalities because they’re so friendly and so social. They like people and love attention. But though they’re social, they haven’t been very loud or talkative. Most Ragdolls are gentle and quiet, and this makes them sweet and peaceful pets to have at home.
5.They’re Famous for Their Floppy Behavior
The name “Ragdoll” derives from a distinctive behavior that they frequently exhibit. Ragdolls are gentle lap pets and when you pick them up, they go limp just like a ragdoll toy.That relaxed and floppy behavior does not mean they’re scared or uncomfortable. It actually means they feel safe and happy in your arms Ragdolls are very calm and trust their humans, so many love to chill like this.
6.Taylor Swift Has a Ragdoll Cat Called Benjamin Button
Global pop star Taylor Swift is beloved not just for her music but also for her love of cats. She is also the owner of three cats with distinct personalities. One of them is Benjamin Button, a handsome Seal Bicolor Ragdoll cat she adopted as a kitten in 2019. With his piercing blue eyes and loving temperament, Benjamin was already capturing Swift’s heart. As the youngest member of her pet family, he joined her two older cats, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. Swift has regularly posted photos of her cats on social media, and the younger of the two, Benjamin Button, is a fan favorite, her millions of fans welcome his playful antics and fluffy appearance.
7.Ragdolls Were Developed in California
This cat breed was first developed in the 1960s in Riverside, California. The original breeder, a woman named Ann Baker, saw that her mixed-breed cat had a sweet temperament and a relaxed disposition, which inspired her to develop the Ragdoll breed. Disillusioned with traditional breed registries, Baker established the International Ragdoll Cat Association in 1971 and trademarked the breed name. She also mandated that breeders be charged a fee for each kitten sold. Ragdolls weren’t recognized by other breed organizations until the mid-1990s.
8.Ragdolls Have a Very Similar Breed: The Ragamuffin
But Ragdolls aren’t the only breed known for their striking appearance and gentle temperament. Ragamuffin breeds were essentially created by breeders who wanted an alternative to Ann Baker’s registered Ragdolls. In protest of Baker’s stringent breeding requirements and fees, they established the more flexible and attainable Ragamuffin breed. Ragamuffins look like Ragdolls; they have a gentle personality and are covered in long, soft, fluffy fur. But the key difference between the two is actually in coat type — Ragdolls must have specific coat patterns, while Ragamuffins are available in a multitude of colors and patterns, so they have a lot more variety in their appearance. Both breeds are popular for their playful nature and easy-going demeanor, so they make wonderful family and individual companions, even if they sometimes disagree.
9.Ragdolls Are One of the Largest Cat Breeds
If you like bigger and heavier pets, ragdoll cats are a great option. Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, both in weight and in size, with a solid build. They are huge, standing around four feet tall, and their long silky coats just add to their majestic appearance, making them appear larger than size. Only a handful of breeds, like the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat, usually get larger than Ragdolls. Yet their powerful build also makes them more vulnerable to obesity. Like other cats, overweight is a common issue without proper diet management and regular exercise. Owners should feed their cats a balanced diet and encourage them to participate in physical activity to keep them healthy and prevent any obesity-related health problems.
10.Ragdolls Have Incredibly Fluffy Paws
Ragdoll cats have lots of charming qualities, but one of our very favorite things about them are their incredibly soft and fluffy paws. Their plush dense coats also go all the way down to their little feet, which often have tufts of fur between their toes contributing to their cuteness. Most felines have eighteen toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw, but some Ragdolls are polydactyl. That means they are born with additional toes on one or more of their paws. A polydactyl cat is not at more of a risk for diseases due to this unique trait and can get around and do everything they normally would. Surprisingly, many owners love these extra toes and find it makes their Ragdoll that much more special!
11.Ragdolls Live for More Than 15 Years
Ragdolls are also extremely long-living cats and can easily live over 15 years. They are also impressively hardy and resilient because of their mixed-breed pedigree. With appropriate veterinary care, a healthy diet, and a good lifestyle, many Ragdolls are able to live into their early or even mid-20s. Their long life span, ranging from 10 to 15 years, also makes them a lifelong companion for individuals and families alike. Also, Ragdolls are typically free from serious inheritable health problems which contribute to their long life. With regular health checks, a good diet, and the right home environment, these loving felines can look forward to living long, healthy, happy lives.
Conclusion
Ragdoll cat is one of the most affectionate and beautiful cat breeds. They have bright blue eyes, soft fur, and calm dog-like behaviors that make them lovely pets. What make them exceptional are their interesting history, unique traits, and large size. Ragdolls are well-suited to families, single people, and even first time pet owner, whether you are looking for a lap cat or a simply loyal friend.
They require frequent care, love and attention, but as such, Ragdolls can provide you with many happy years of comfort. If you’re considering adding a new pet to your life, a Ragdoll could be the just the loveable furry companionship to fill your home.