Wednesday, July 11, 2018

The Ragdoll Cat: Why Are They Called Ragdolls?

The Ragdoll Cat: Why Are They Called Ragdolls?

Cat lovers adore their feline companions in more ways than one— unique traits and personalities on top of mesmerizing features are just some factors that makes us admire them endlessly. While Cats have long been notoriously mistaken for not being as cooperative or as needy as Dogs in the past, this perception has been proven otherwise by videos and photographs of affection from Cats that make our hearts flutter. 

The Ragdoll Cat breed is an excellent example of such expressiveness when it comes to affection. 
Pretty Ragdoll Cat
Pretty Ragdoll

The Ragdoll Cat  

 Developed by an American breeder by the name of Ann Baker from California in 1960s, Ragdolls are a breed of Cat so exclusive by nature due to its founding roots. Ann Baker had a litter of kittens bred between her White, non-pedigree female, Josephine and a male Cat from her neighbour. Josephine was a mix of Angora or Persian, and the male said to have markings of Birman.
Ragdoll Litter
Ragdoll Litter
The resulting offspring had beautiful colour-point markings and portrayed the behaviour of going limp when picked up. Believing that she might be on to something, Ann Baker brought some kittens from the second offspring which portrayed the same characteristics— foundation to further developing into the Ragdoll breed we know of today.

As opposed to rushing off to major Cat Registries, Ann Baker started her own Cat Registry specifically meant for Ragdolls, and even trademarked the name. This Registry was known as the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), formed in 1971. Back then, Ragdoll Cats were not recognised by any other Cat Registries nor in Cat Shows. In 1975, a couple parted from IRCA to further their interest in gaining the breed’s popularity and recognition, along with a breeding pair of Ragdoll Cats. The breed was finally recognised by CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) in 2000.

Ragdoll Cat Appearance

Apart from their unique doll like nature, Ragdoll Cats are also amongst the larger domestic Cat breeds.

Size — Adult male Ragdoll Cats weighs an average of 5 to 9 kgs, and females weigh an average of 4 to 6 kgs. 
Ragdoll Cat
A Bi-Coloured Ragdoll
Features — They have a semi-long coat of silky hair with distinctive colour point markings, and stunning blue eyes.

Colours — Ragdoll Cats come in a variety of patterns such as Colourpoint, Mitted, Bi-colour and Van. In multiple possible colour combinations of Blue, Seal, Lilac, Chocolate, Red, and Cream.

Ragdoll Cat Personality

It wouldn’t be the first time we have spoken about a dog-like Cat, and it wouldn’t be the last! Not unlike the Maine Coon, Ragdolls are one of the few breeds that absolutely love interaction with their humans. Tailing your feet, being somewhere close-by and joining in on family activities are behaviours that a Ragdoll portrays.
Ragdoll Cat
Adult Ragdoll
When resting, they can be found lazing in their owner’s laps, or sitting pretty on low lying furnitures. Being fast learners, you can expect a Ragdoll to respond well to positive training— some are even capable enough for a game of fetch with their humans! Ragdoll Cats aren’t particularly vocal, but when they do have to remind you for playtime or food, listen up for a soft, sweet voice from your pretty faced kitty A Ragdoll Cat has a lifespan of 12 to 17 years with proper care.

Fun Fact      The name Ragdoll is derived from the breed's distinctive behaviour of going limp (like a ragdoll) when picked up or carried.

Grooming A Ragdoll Cat

The term extensive maintenance does not apply to Ragdoll Cats. You’d be pleased to know that their semi-long coat of exquisite fluff does not have a dense undercoat— lesser chances of shedding and matting! However, regular brushing of at least twice a week is still necessary to rid those loose hairs and prevent tangling.
Ragdoll Cat Couple
Well Groomed Ragdolls
Provide a bath especially when you notice first signs of coat greasiness or stringiness. Spot clean areas like their Ears and Eyes to keep them free of stains and build-up. As usual, trim their nails when they get too long. Since Ragdolls grow up to be pretty large Cats, keep in mind that their litter trays are wide and big enough for comfort. 

Owning A Ragdoll In Singapore

Ragdoll Cats are perfect for any home, they are highly adaptable and sociable with humans and other pets. Nevertheless, it does require some effort and patience in training them, but you shouldn’t let their fast learning abilities go to waste! Pick a Ragdoll Cat only if you have time and commitment, remember, they are classic Lapcats and family oriented, don’t neglect them.
As with all other Cats, an apartment or home should always have meshed windows and doors, keep your Cats indoors fully entertained with toys and adequate space for exploring, you don’t want to risk your Cats falling to their deaths or be subjected to Cat Killers in public.

Adopting A Ragdoll In Singapore

Absolutely possible, in fact we have came across a beautiful female Ragdoll at none other than SPCA. So before you purchase a pet, always check with our local Animal Shelters and Organizations for more available options. Save a life by giving them a Forever Home. There are even more countless possibilities of a rewarding relationship from a grateful, loyal pet.

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