Ragdoll

The first Ragdolls were developed in California in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker. She bred a white Angora queen with a Himalayan coat pattern (Siamese) to Burmese and Birman males and the result was cats of substantial size, non-matting coat and a very equable disposition.

The Ragdoll is a cat that is floppy when relaxed – hence the name; a dangerous myth grew that they were impervious to pain which is clearly a nonsense. The behaviour is highly typical of Birmans who are the most laid-back of cats. The coat, though silky and quite easy to keep is not entirely non-matting and weekly combing will help your cat during the moulting periods by taking out dead undercoat and certainly behind the ears where knots tend to form.

Originally colours for the Ragdoll were the four standard Himalayan; Seal, Chocolate, Blue and Lilac, either as Solid Points (as in the Siamese) or Mitted (as in the Birman) or as Bi Colours.

Since then, Ragdoll breeders have extended the range immensely to include Tortie Point, Tabby Point, Tortie Tabby Point (all Solid or Mitted) and Bi-Colour Pointed, in a wide range of colours.

A very large cat, males reaching well over 20lbs, they are real family cats who will walk away from annoyance rather than retaliate. Just remember that the myth about them not feeling pain is just that, a myth.The Ragdoll has developed very rapidly in popularity; in 1994 393 kittens were registered and this rose to 1,376 in 2003.

Although Ragdolls have no particular health problems, it makes good sense to insure your cats.  Many breeders sell their kittens with six weeks free insurance cover.  More and more owners are now insuring their pets as advances in veterinary medicine, plus the soaring costs of drugs can mean astronomical bills.

Ragdoll Breed Clubs and Rescue

• The British Ragdoll Cat Club
• Progressive Ragdoll Breed Cat Club
• Semi Long Hair Cat Association
• Long Hair & Semi Longhair Cat Club

Ragdoll Breeders

ChezzieKatz Ragdolls   2, Esgors Cottages, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6LY  Tel:01992.573.842    E-mail  Ragdoll Registered Breeder.   Check website for kitten availibilty.  All kittens come with micro-chip & Vaccinations.

Contact the Breed Clubs who will have lists of Breeders and may have Kitten Lists.