Ragdoll FAQs

What is the Ragdoll temperament and behavior?

The biggest thing that sets Ragdolls apart from other cats is their lovely, calm temperament. They love being handled, held, cuddled, and carried. People say they have a “dog-like” personality, which means they enjoy people and play and are not as solitary as other cat breeds. They certainly don’t have the “sass” most people think of when picturing cats. They are frequently called “floppy cats” because of their extremely relaxed, trusting posture they assume when picked up and carried. Indeed, it’s how they came by their official name of Ragdoll. 

Ragdolls make excellent “apartment cats”. They don’t need a lot of room and as long as they have toys and some company of a person they do well. In fact, they do so well indoors and are so suited for a life of leisure, that they should never be allowed outside unless in a safe enclosure, on a harness or in a pet stroller. They do not have the same survival instincts as other cats. NEVER let your doll be an indoor/outdoor kitty. Her/his sweet gentle nature will put them at great risk. 

Are Ragdolls easy to litter box train?

Ragdolls, like most cats, are clean and tidy and use litter boxes without any training. The exception is unfixed adults, which spray (males) and pee everywhere (females when in heat). Avoid this by getting your doll fixed when they are a good weight, but before they reach puberty and you won’t have any problems. Talk to your vet about this at your first appointment to schedule a good time for this.

How big do Ragdolls get?

Ragdolls are large, voluptuous beauties. The only breed larger than them is the Maine Coon. Fully-grown females weigh from 8 to 15 pounds, while males are usually larger, ranging from 12 to 20 pounds. They mature slowly, reaching their full size in 4 years. They are sturdy with long, muscular bodies, broad chests, and short necks. 

What is their fur like?

Their tails are bushy and long, their paws are large, round, and tufted, and their coats are silky, dense, and medium to long. Adults get adorable knickerbockers on their hind legs and a majestic ruff around their necks. They require frequent brushing, but the good news is they love it and won’t try to escape.

What are their eyes like?

Blue, blue, blue! The eyes are Ragdolls most beautiful feature, IMO. They have a sapphire-like quality being a deep blue that is darker than similar eyes in Siamese or other breeds.

What colors and patterns do Ragdolls come in?

Patterns

• Colorpoint: one color darkening at the extremities (nose, ears, tail, and paws)

• Mitted: same as pointed but with white paws and abdomen. 

• Bicolor: white legs, white inverted V on the face, white abdomen, and sometimes white patches on the back (excessive amounts of white, while it does occur, is against breed standard).

Variations

• Lynx: a variant of the colorpoint type having tabby markings. This variation always comes with white ear lines, no matter the pattern.

• Tortoiseshell or tortie: a variant noted for mottled or parti-colored markings in the above patterns.