Ragdoll Cats: An Introduction to the Breed Presented by Dr. Jen’s Ragdolls

Ragdoll cats, as a breed, date back to the 1960s, when breeder Ann Baker first crossed Persian, Birman, and Burmese cats. The result was the first Ragdoll. The mix eventually earned recognition as a legitimate breed by the National Cat Fanciers Association (NCFA) in 1965.

Today, Ragdolls are known for several traits:

—Social behavior with humans. Considered by many to be almost dog-like in demeanor, Ragdoll cats often follow their owners around the house.

—Intelligence. Owners can easily train Ragdolls to prefer sitting in their laps or to engage in many activities often associated with dogs. Some owners have even succeeded in training Ragdolls to fetch.

—Ability to “go limp” when carried. It is from this behavior that Ragdolls get their name, though some breeders note that Ragdolls must be trained to perform this particular feat.

Worldwide, more than 500 people breed Ragdoll cats, though only about 30 continue to breed Ragdolls in solid colors. Most of the rest are pointed in a variety of shades.

About Dr. Jen’s Ragdolls:

Dr. Jen Woll, founder and owner of Dr. Jen’s Ragdolls, has been a veterinarian since 1993 and a breeder of Ragdoll cats since 1994. She lives in Illinois with her family and pets.

History of the Ragdoll Cat

Ragdolls are a distinct and unique breed of cat that are bred in a variety of colors. They are large cats, with luxurious silky coats, and they are intelligent and good tempered. They are known as Ragdolls from their tendency to become limp and docile when picked up.

Ragdolls were developed in America in the 1960s by breeder Ann Baker. The progenitor of all ragdolls was a domestic longhair named Josephine. Josephine was bred with different Burmese and Birman cats, and the resulting offspring were the first cats with Ragdoll characteristics.

Ragdolls quickly became a popular breed, and other breeders carried on with the legacy of Ann Baker. Another important breeder in the history of Ragdolls was Denny Dayton, who lobbied to make the breed legitimate by the standards of cat fanciers. In 1967, his efforts led to the official recognition of the Ragdoll breed.

About the author: Jennifer Woll is the owner/operator of Dr. Jen’s Ragdolls, an Illinois cattery that raises beautiful, healthy Ragdoll cats.