The perfect Lap cat- Ragdoll
Introduction
Ragdoll, a large, long-bodied cat, is very humble and friendly by nature. They are highly adaptable and quickly get along with people. It can be an ideal pet as they are similar to dogs and share their traits like loving to play a game of fetch and being loyal to their owners. Ragdolls love to cuddle up in their owner's lap and are very affectionate with them.
History
Ragdoll has an interesting legend of its origin. A breeder named Ann Baker in the Riverside, California started the breed in the 1960s. Baker wanted cats with gentle, calm personalities having a large size and a beautiful long coat similar to the Himalayan pattern and Siamese-cat style 'points,' ready to fall into anyone's arms happily. A mixture of Burmese, Birman, and the Persian, this beautiful Ragdoll was the result of her efforts, and she named this beautiful white cat as Josephine. She went on to get the copyright of the name. Since then, Ragdolls are also called the daughters of Josephine, and the name Josephine can be used to name only a Ragdoll.
With strict color standards, this bread was not allowed to crossbreed. The Cat Fanciers Association, who had been registering the cats since 1993, gave the Ragdoll a full-fledged recognition in 2000. The American Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association and other registries now fully recognize the breed. Ragdolls are strictly not outcrossed to any other cat breeds.
Physical Appearance
A large and a long-bodied cat, Ragdoll has a massive bone structure with a long tail and plush, soft and silky coat. Sometimes they appear bigger than they are. They have a medium-sized head with medium-sized ears set on the sides of the head to give them a triangular face. The fur makes their face appear large. Ragdolls have long and healthy legs. Their chins are well developed with oval blue eyes.
They come in various color patterns. Ragdolls may have a slightly contrasting light color with the darker color mask on the extremities and the ears. A Bicolour Ragdoll sometimes exhibits dark points with an inverted V on the forehead with white-colored fur on the stomach, all four legs, and the ruff. The length of the coat can be semi-long to long.
Size
Female Ragdoll usually weighs around 10 to 15 pounds while a male weighs more than 20 pounds.
Personality traits
Docile is an apt word for describing the personality of a Ragdoll. Ragdolls are placid cats with a pleasant personality. They are very affectionate and go along well with anybody. They are exceptionally well mannered and are easy to live. Ragdolls prefer to stay on the sofa or bed and are not interested in perching on the highest point in a room. Ragdolls are quick to learn and pick up tricks and would love to remind their owners about mealtime or petting time in their small sweet voice. Ragdolls like to play with toys and can even enjoy family activities. They are very friendly with children. They love their owners and greet them at the door. They will follow them around the house and leap into their lap or snuggle in the bed whenever they get a chance. Any change in the routine does not upset them, and they are highly adaptive. They are an ideal companion for those living in apartments.
Health Factor
Ragdolls may be prone to some health issues that include the following:
- An inherited heart-disease, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can be found in Ragdolls. Cats carrying mutations of the disease can be identified through a DNA-based test that is now available.
- They face a high risk for calcium oxalate bladder stones
- An inclination to FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)
Care
Ragdoll owners should take utmost care of their cats in the following ways:
- Ragdolls have a fatty pad on their lower abdomen, and it is acceptable while breeding. Though it cannot be taken for an excuse to get her overweight and out of condition. Therefore, the nutrition of a Ragdoll has to be kept under control.
- Ragdolls must be kept active through interactive exercise sessions around the house instead of playing in a room. This active playtime will keep a Ragdoll in shape. The parent should spend dedicated time playing every day with them.
- That impressive coat of a Ragdoll is easier to maintain than it appears. Brushing the coat daily to keep away knots and tangles from it. Also, the Ragdoll will love the attention being paid during such a grooming session.
- Take care about dental hygiene by having a weekly brushing schedule
- Being an extremely affectionate cat, it can spend a lot of time in the lap and always sleep next to a parent
- To protect a Ragdoll from being stolen, always keep her indoors.
Conclusion
Ragdolls are one of the longest living cat breeds, and so they will stay with you for the rest of their lives as loyalty is their distinguishing trait. Ragdolls seem to believe that 'Life is simple, just be yourself.' Ragdolls love to be cuddled, and that's enough for them to lead a happy life.
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