The Ragdoll is a relatively new breed of cat which was first bred by Ann Baker in California, USA in the 1960s. It is a common misconception that the Ragdoll was bred from the Birman breed but it is important to note that Ann Baker’s description of Daddy Warbucks was that he had the “appearance” of the Sacred Cat of Burma. It should also be noted that the white spotting gene in the Bicolour and Mitted Ragdolls is quite different from that which produces the white gloves and gauntlets in the Birman.

The Ragdoll is a large cat with heavy boning, a firm, muscular body, with moderately long legs. Males can reach 25 pounds, and females 20; like other larger breeds, Ragdolls take three or more years to reach full size. Their temperament precedes them, with a laid-back nature that is legendary.

The Ragdoll coat is moderately long, with abundant guard hairs, shorter fur on front legs, longer on rear legs. A wide array of pointed colors is available in bi-color, van, mitted, shaded and smoke patterns.

Disease susceptibility

Irritable bowel syndrome – commercial food-intolerances causing chronic diarrhoea and/or vomting

Familial renal dysplasia – genetic predisposition for chronic renal disease