With long white and grey fur plus stunning blue eyes, it’s easy to see why the Ragdoll is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. Their fame doesn’t just come from their looks but also their shining personality. If you are considering another addition to the family, the Ragdoll is an excellent choice.
Temperament
In the 1960s, Ann Baker, a cat breeder from California, discovered the Ragdoll breed. Baker had given this breed their name based on their relaxed nature when being picked up. Ragdolls are notorious for being extremely patient, being an ideal choice if you have younger children. In addition, this breed is very affectionate. Don’t be surprised when you find your four-legged friend curled up with you on the couch or following you throughout the house.
Low Maintenance Grooming
When looking at the Ragdoll’s appearance, it’s easy to assume their grooming needs would be high maintenance. However, Ragdolls have only a singular coat without an undercoat. A singular coat means less shedding and lower grooming maintenance. It’s recommended to brush your Ragdoll 2-3 times per week.
Highly Intelligent
Ragdolls are known for their high intelligence., You can easily train your Ragdoll commands and tricks with the help of treats and a clicker. Not only does this provide bonding time between you and your kitty, but it also is mentally stimulating for your Ragdoll. This breed loves to have consistency and routine, making them the perfect training candidate. Not only are they trainable, but this breed is emotionally intelligent. Ragdoll owners have commented on how in tune their kitty is with their owners’ emotions. If you’re looking for an emotional support cat, a Ragdoll is the breed for you.
Vocal
A Ragdoll loves to be the life of the party! This breed is social and will often vocalize their needs or meow to get your attention. Ragdoll owners have mentioned that this breed often yowls if they are unable to find their owner. As with every breed, there are different personalities, so your Ragdoll might be quieter than their brothers and sisters.
Size
Ragdolls can be considerably large, with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females weighing anywhere from 8-15 pounds. This breed grows slowly, taking up to four years to mature. Despite their size being intimidating for a typical housecat, this breed is not aggressive at all. Ragdolls may have bursts of energy from time to time but will typically prefer to snooze on the couch with you.
Price
Since Ragdolls are a purebred, adopting one might come at a hefty price, ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 for a kitten from an ethical breeder. This price may change depending on location or if you choose to adopt an older Ragdoll. The high pricing is due to the selective breeding that must be done to gain the distinctive characteristics that make the Ragdoll so grand. The high price also guarantees you’re adopting a Ragdoll from a reputable breeder that does routine health checkups and genetic testing.
The Ragdoll is truly a family pet due to their affectionate nature, low temperament, and low grooming maintenance. Their vibrant nature makes this breed a fun addition to any household. If you like learning about the Ragdoll breed, be sure to check out our other cat related posts such as “The Ultimate Gift Guide for Cats” and “Best Litter Boxes for Your Cat”.
