Ragdoll Cat

Gentle, loving and affectionate, the Ragdoll cat has, undeservedly, been made fun of in the media. Breeder Anne Baker claims the breed developed when her pregnant cat suffered a fractured pelvis in a car accident. All the resulting kittens and their later progeny, she claimed, "flopped" when handled, just like a ragdoll. This is hard to substantiate since it is unheard of for an animal's genetic make-up to be affected by a traumatic experience.

The Ragdoll cat is thought to have arisen from mixed ancestry involving Birman, Siamese and Persian cats. They were first seen in California in the 1960s and first taken to Britain in 1981.

Muscular, broad-chested and with sturdy legs, it has a broad head with wide cheeks. The coat is dense and silky, and is available in three color patterns—Himalayan, Mitted and Bi-color. Each pattern maybe seal, blue, chocolate or lilac.

Origin: U.S.A.

Grooming: 3/5

Activity: 2/5

GCCF Group: Semi-Longhairs

The Ragdoll cats are sweet and undemanding, but their name should not be taken as an invitation to throw them across the room; these cats flop on their own terms once they have confidence in their owner.

An easygoing breed that will fit well into most family situations and is happy with children and other family pets. The coat will require regular grooming. The Ragdolls trusting, laidback nature means it should be confined to the home or a "cat-proofed" yard.