ORIGIN OF THE RAGDOLL
The history of the Ragdoll began in 1963 in California USA where a white cat called Josephine had a litter of kittens. Ann Baker was so impressed by these kittens she decided to develop a new breed of cat. She was looking at these cats for their beauty, big blue eyes, semi long hair, easy to groom coat, adorable personality and large size. Due to their tendency to relax like a rag doll when picked-up she gave the new breed the name Ragdoll. It was in 1981 that the Ragdoll cats were first imported into Britain and their popularity has grown ever since.
In June 2000 the Ragdoll breed achieved Championship status in Britain with the GCCF.
The history of the Ragdoll began in 1963 in California USA where a white cat called Josephine had a litter of kittens. Ann Baker was so impressed by these kittens she decided to develop a new breed of cat. She was looking at these cats for their beauty, big blue eyes, semi long hair, easy to groom coat, adorable personality and large size. Due to their tendency to relax like a rag doll when picked-up she gave the new breed the name Ragdoll. It was in 1981 that the Ragdoll cats were first imported into Britain and their popularity has grown ever since.
In June 2000 the Ragdoll breed achieved Championship status in Britain with the GCCF.
TEMPERAMENT OF THE RAGDOLL
Ragdolls make very good indoor cats regardless of whether you live in a flat or a mansion. You should never let your Ragdoll cat outside unattended even if you live in a quiet, safe neighbourhood. Nowadays freedom to roam is just too dangerous. There are the dangers of Ragdolls being stolen, hit by vehicles, shot at, etc. On top of which there are the dangers posed by the spread of diseases and parasites from contact with other outdoor cats. Ragdolls love to lie in the sun and are often seen sitting on the window sill.
Ragdolls learn quite fast to know what is and isn’t allowed, and it is not difficult to get Ragdoll kittens accustomed to such things as a scratch post or a collar and lead, provided they are taught lovingly and consistently. If you get your Ragdoll used to travelling at an early age your cat will have no problems with cars, trains or flying and visiting hotels, etc.
Just like us, young Ragdolls are usually quite active while older ones are much more laid-back. Of course, the older Ragdolls will still have their wild half hour during which they are excitedly and boisterously dashing through their home. Many Ragdolls like to fetch toys thrown for them while others may prefer playing hide and seek with you. They never give you the feeling you are not welcome and are always happy when you share your free time with them. On the other hand, they do not demand your non-stop attention.
Ragdolls make very good indoor cats regardless of whether you live in a flat or a mansion. You should never let your Ragdoll cat outside unattended even if you live in a quiet, safe neighbourhood. Nowadays freedom to roam is just too dangerous. There are the dangers of Ragdolls being stolen, hit by vehicles, shot at, etc. On top of which there are the dangers posed by the spread of diseases and parasites from contact with other outdoor cats. Ragdolls love to lie in the sun and are often seen sitting on the window sill.
Ragdolls learn quite fast to know what is and isn’t allowed, and it is not difficult to get Ragdoll kittens accustomed to such things as a scratch post or a collar and lead, provided they are taught lovingly and consistently. If you get your Ragdoll used to travelling at an early age your cat will have no problems with cars, trains or flying and visiting hotels, etc.
Just like us, young Ragdolls are usually quite active while older ones are much more laid-back. Of course, the older Ragdolls will still have their wild half hour during which they are excitedly and boisterously dashing through their home. Many Ragdolls like to fetch toys thrown for them while others may prefer playing hide and seek with you. They never give you the feeling you are not welcome and are always happy when you share your free time with them. On the other hand, they do not demand your non-stop attention.
Ragdolls are very loving, sociable cats and love both human company and the company of other cats and dogs. A Ragdoll will make a great pet for kids as long as the kids are aware that it is a kitten not a toy. Kids and kittens can have long and happy friendships together. If you are out at work all day, you may wish to consider having more than one kitten to allow them to have company during the day.
Our Ragdoll cats and kittens are well used to dogs. As long as a kitten is introduced to your dog under supervision they can soon become great friends, even to the dogs bed being shared as can be seen in the photo above. The photos are of our Ragdoll girl (Barbie) and two of our kittens (Shane and Jack) with our Rottweiler girl (BJ).
Despite the Ragdoll’s typical temperament, every kitten in a litter will have its own personality. One kitten might be especially playful (as with Jack, pictured on the right fighting with BJ) while another may be more laid back (like Shane who prefers to sleep along side BJ).
Owning a Ragdoll should be a cat-life long decision, possibly for 15-18 years or longer. It is important to remember this when you come to choose the kitten most suited to you, your family and your lifestyle.
Our Ragdoll cats and kittens are well used to dogs. As long as a kitten is introduced to your dog under supervision they can soon become great friends, even to the dogs bed being shared as can be seen in the photo above. The photos are of our Ragdoll girl (Barbie) and two of our kittens (Shane and Jack) with our Rottweiler girl (BJ).
Despite the Ragdoll’s typical temperament, every kitten in a litter will have its own personality. One kitten might be especially playful (as with Jack, pictured on the right fighting with BJ) while another may be more laid back (like Shane who prefers to sleep along side BJ).
Owning a Ragdoll should be a cat-life long decision, possibly for 15-18 years or longer. It is important to remember this when you come to choose the kitten most suited to you, your family and your lifestyle.
