Ragdolls have a relaxed, affectionate nature and they’ll often follow you from room to room like a giant, furry shadow. Regular brushing and gentle cuddles will help them thrive.
Personality and temperament
Friendly and calm, Ragdoll cats are the ultimate lap cat. They love their humans and seek out affection whenever they can. You won’t find them hiding in your cupboard when you have company, instead they’ll greet your guests at the door with their enormous purr. They’re playful in their own relaxed way and some Ragdolls even like a game of fetch or two. As they famously get along with kiddos, other cats and even friendly dogs, they make great options for lively families.
Size and appearance
These gentle giants are one of the biggest domestic cat breeds. Adult males can grow up to 9kg, and females are not too far behind at 7kg. They’re known to ‘go floppy’ when you pick them up, hence their name, so your arms (and abs) will get a workout. They have strikingly blue eyes, a semi-long coat – which resembles fine rabbit fur – and they come in colour patterns similar to Siamese cats.
History
While some cat breeds date back centuries, these calm felines are quite modern. As the story goes, all Ragdolls are descended from a mid-century, longhaired white cat called Josephine! After experiencing a traumatic car accident, Josephine began to display docile and affectionate traits, which she passed on to her kittens. Her Californian owner, Ann Baker, began to breed for these qualities, as well as a larger size and non-matting fur. Given their gentle giant nature, it makes sense that Ragdolls are among the top three most popular cat breeds in the world.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Although Ragdolls are generally a healthy, long-living breed, they are prone to some common hereditary issues.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a genetic heart condition)
- Polycystic kidney disease (where cysts develop in the kidneys)
- Bladder stones (Ragdolls can be prone to urinary issues)
- Inherited eye diseases, including progressive vision loss
- Joint issues, due to being a large breed
- Obesity
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Ragdoll healthy.
Food and exercise
As they are a large breed with a relaxed temperament, Ragdolls are prone to gaining weight. They love their food (sometimes a little too much), so portion control is essential. Aim to feed your furry friend twice a day with a mixture of high-quality wet food (for hydration) and dry food to help with dental health.
Ragdolls are suited to a tranquil indoor life as they aren’t that street smart. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t like burning a little energy. These friendly guys love a good 10-15-minute play session with things like feather wands, laser pointers or interactive toys (especially if they involve a treat). While they do like climbing – and won’t say no to climbing pole – they aren’t as obsessed with it as some other breeds.
Grooming and maintenance
Ragdolls are surprisingly low-maintenance for a long-haired breed. Their silky double coat rarely mats, so all that’s needed is a regular brush to remove loose hair and prevent tangles, especially around the neck and back legs.
How to groom your Ragdoll
- Coat type: semi-long, double coat
- Fur: brush 2-3 times a week with a stainless steel comb or slicker brush to help with shedding and reduce furballs
- Nails: trim every 3–4 week
- Ears: check weekly
- Eyes: wipe gently if needed
Training and space requirements
While these fluffy giants don’t have the smarts for a life on the street, they are intelligent and easy to train. You might be able to train them to ‘sit’, ‘come’ and even walk on a leash with calm, positive reinforcement.
Despite their size, these affectionate cats crave companionship, not space. As long as they can spend time with their human buddy, they’ll be happy in apartments and small houses. A secure outdoor ‘catio’, tunnels and toys will keep them busy when they’re not occupying your couch or sitting on top of your laptop.
Best suited for…
Ragdolls prefer lounging to leaping and thrive on attention. They’re ideal housemates for families who spend a lot of time at home, love being followed from room to room, and who are committed to taking on an oversized furry friend with little understanding of personal space.
