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Ragdoll cats are probably best known for their silky, white-colored fur and bright, blue eyes, but there's much more to these gorgeous kitties than their good looks. Often referred to as "lap cats," Ragdolls have super sweet, friendly personalities that make them a favorite among families and cat fanciers alike. Some Ragdoll owners even describe them as "dog-like" because they're so playful, affectionate, and cuddly.
Whether you're already a Ragdoll cat parent or are considering adding a Ragdoll to the family, you'll love these fun facts (and cute photos) of one of the world's sweetest cat breeds.
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01
of 10Ragdoll Isn't a Very Old Breed
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siggetheragdoll / Instagram
Unlike many cat breeds—we’re looking at you, Maine Coons and Persians—Ragdoll is a relatively new breed. In fact, the entire breed is less than 100 years old.
So, how did Ragdolls get their start? There's some mystery around the breeds that were originally combined to create Ragdolls, but it's widely accepted that they were first bred by a woman named Ann Baker sometime in the 1960s. Baker bred a white, long-haired female with another long-haired kitty to create the first litter of Ragdolls. From there, she bred selectively for their friendly demeanors and silky fur coats.
Because many Ragdolls have color pointed coats—like Siamese cats—many believe one of the first cats in the Ragdoll ancestry could have been a Burmese or Siamese—or just had similar markings.
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02
of 10Their Coats Can Vary Greatly
![An adult ragdoll cat looking out a window.]()
martijnnijenhuis/Flickr
Although long, white, silky coats are one of the best-known characteristics of Ragdolls, their fur can actually come in a massive variety of colors. Some common Ragdoll colors include blue, lilac, cream, mink, tortoiseshell, and even red or orange. Many Ragdolls also have color pointed coats, like a Siamese cat.
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03
of 10Heat Can Determine a Ragdoll's Coat Color
![A ragdoll cat sitting outside.]()
astatheragdoll / Instagram
It's not just genetics that contributes to a Ragdoll's coat color.
Typically, the color of a cat’s coat is determined by a few sets of genes, while the patterns in her coat are determined by modifier genes. Like Siamese cats, Ragdolls have a special modifier gene that prevents pigment from developing in the fur and causes albinism. That modifier, however, can only affect the pigmentation of the cat’s fur in temperatures between 100 and 102.5 degrees—when the cat is in her mother’s womb or exposed to very warm temperatures.
When a Ragdoll's body drops below 100 degrees, her genes for coat color turn back on and are able to deliver pigment to her fur. Because cats' bodies typically have lower temperatures around their noses, ears, paws, and tails, that's usually where pigment is deposited.
Most Ragdolls are born completely white and develop their markings over the first few weeks of life. Why? Because they're no longer exposed to the warmth of their mom's womb. Pretty amazing, right?
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04
of 10Many Ragdolls Have Bright, Blue Eyes
![A ragdoll cat looking into the camera.]()
zeroxo/Pixabay
Ragdolls' big, bright, blue eyes are another defining characteristic of the breed, but not all Ragdolls have them. All purebred Ragdolls have blue eyes, but mixed breed Ragdolls might have dark blue, green, or gold-colored eyes that change during the course of kittenhood.
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05
of 10Ragdolls Are One of the Largest Cat Breeds
![A ragdoll cat peeking around a corner.]()
markusvb/Pixabay
Like Maine Coons, Ragdolls are pretty sizable kitties. Males can reach a whopping 20 pounds, while females can reach up to 15 pounds—but don't let their massive size fool you. Ragdolls are extremely affectionate, cuddly, and playful, and absolutely love to be carried around. That's a win-win for you-you'll get an arm workout and a cuddle with your sweet kitty!
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06
of 10They're Really Named After Ragdolls
![A close-up of a grey ragdoll cat.]()
Shadowmeld Photography/Wikimedia Commons
Ragdolls are super affection and love to cuddle—so much so that they go totally limp when they're picked up (because they're just so relaxed!). And what do their limp, relaxed bodies resemble? You guessed it—an old ragdoll toy.
What's more, many Ragdolls like being carried like a baby and others will let you dress them up in cute little outfits.
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07
of 10Ragdolls' Coats Don't Shed Very Much—and Are Super Low Maintenance
![A white ragdoll cat looking into the camera.]()
beartheragdollcat / Instagram
Despite their long, silky coats, Ragdoll cats don’t shed very much—and compared to other kitties, grooming is a total breeze. Because Ragdolls don’t have a thick undercoat, they don’t shed as much as other cats and aren’t prone to matting. All you have to do to keep their coats clean and healthy is brush it a few times per week.
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08
of 10Ragdoll Cats Are Slow to Mature
![A brown ragdoll cat outdoors.]()
platinumportfolio/Pixabay
Nope, we're not just referring to their playful personalities—Ragdoll cats aren't considered fully mature until they reach four years of age. Considered a "slow maturing" breed, Ragdolls will continue to grow—and the colors and patterns in their coats might even continue to change—until they're about four years old.
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09
of 10Ragdolls Took the Top Spot in the Cat Fancier's 2021 Ranking
![A Ragdoll cat looking over the edge of a sofa.]()
melodydolll / Instagram
Thanks to their sweet, docile natures, beautiful, soft fur, and endless love for their family members (and the attention they get from them!), Ragdolls snagged the number one spot in the Cat Fanciers' Association's 2021 ranking of top kitties. Quite the honor, right?
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10
of 10A Ragdoll Holds the World Record as the Oldest Janus Cat
![A close-up of a ragdoll cat.]()
kadisha/Pixabay
A Janus cat, or a cat born with two faces, is caused by an extremely rare congenital defect called diprosopia. Despite this condition's rarity, the record for the world's oldest Janus cat is held by a Ragdoll named Frankie and Louie—otherwise known as Frankenlouie.
Frank and Louie, who lived to age 15, had one brain, two eyes (the middle eye being non-functional), two noses, and two mouths. His owner rescued him from being put down as a kitten and helped him live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Article Sources
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The Cat Fanciers' Association Announces Most Popular Breeds for 2021. The Cat Fanciers' Association.
