History
Ragdolls were first bred in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a Persian breeder in California. Some of the original stock consisted of sturdy, free-roaming cats. It is thought she created the foundations of the Ragdoll breed by selecting kittens out of Josephine, a semi-feral longhaired white female Persian/Angora type, sired by several unknown male Birman-like or Burmese-like cats, one with Siamese type markings. Out of those early litters came Blackie, an all black Burmese-like male and Daddy Warbucks, a seal point with white feet. Daddy Warbucks sired the founding bi-colour female Fugianna, and Blackie sired Buckwheat, a dark brown/black Burmese-like female. Both Fugianna and Buckwheat were daughters of Josephine. All Ragdoll cats are descended from Ann Baker's cats through matings of Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat.
By selecting individuals with the look and temperament she wanted for her breeding program, Ann Baker created the standard Ragdoll type. Denny and Laura Dayton are credited with bringing the Ragdoll breed to worldwide recognition by various cat registration organizations. What is known is that this breed was selectively bred over many years for desirable traits, such as large size, gentle demeanour, and a tendency to go limp when picked up.
Weight Range
4.5-9 kg (10-20 lb)
Temperament
The Radoll has a very gentle and relaxed temperament. If socialized correctly from birth they will be very friendly members of the family, that are very welcoming to strangers and love being held and snuggled by people of all ages. They are an ideal pet for young children as they tolerate and appreciate lots of hugs and kisses, and can withstand a young child's exploration and behavior toward them.
Grooming
Ragdolls require regular grooming to prevent matting of the fur and to give them an overall fluffy and healthy appearance.
Varieties
Trivia
- The presenters of long-running CBBC TV program, Blue Peter, have two Ragdoll cats amongst their team. The first was named "Socks", ostensibly after a viewers' vote. Later the BBC revealed that in fact the voters' first choice had been "Cookie" and the programme acquired a second ragdoll kitten that they named Cookie.[1]Blue Peter to apologise over cat
- Cy, the short-lived one-eyed kitten, was a ragdoll cat.
- The Algonquin Hotel in New York City keeps a ragdoll in its lobby. This tradition of keeping a cat dates to the 1930s; males are named "Hamlet" and females "Matilda." The current Matilda is an 11-year old female ragdoll from Villaroyal Ragdolls; she strolls the lobby and perches on the front desk. She was recently named cat of the year at the Westchester Cat Show in Westchester County, New York. Matilda has a signature cocktail in the hotel bar; her likeness is on a children's book and Christmas ornament.
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