RAGDOLL CATS

                        RAGDOLL CATS 

The Ragdoll is a cat breed with a colour point coat and blue eyes. They are large muscular semi-longhair cat with a soft and silky coat. Developed by American Breeder Ann Baker In 1960.

Best known for docile and placid temperament and affectionate nature. Ragdoll name is derived from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up. Popular in both United Kingdom and the breed’s native United States, Ragdoll cats are also known as “dog-like cats” or “puppy-like cats” because due to behavior such as their tendency to follow people around.

Source:Google

HISTORY

In 1960,a regular, non-pedigreed, white, domestic longhaired cat named Josephine produced several litters of typical cats, Josephine was a Persian type and had litters sired by several unknown male Burmese like a cat, one of which had a Siamese point colouration. Josephine later produced kittens with a docile, placid temperament, affectionate, nature, and a tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up. When a subsequent litter produced more of the same, Ann Baker purchased several kittens from the owner who lived behind her house  and believing that she had something special, set out to create what is  known as the ragdoll.The breed was selectively bred over many year for desirable traits,such as large size, gentle  demeanor, pointed colouration and a tendency to go limp when picked up.

Out of these early litters came Blackie, an all-black Burmese like a male, and Warbucks, a seal point with white feet, Warbucks sired founding colour female Fugianna and Blackie sired Buckwheat a dark brown Burmese like a female. Both Fugianna and Buckwheat were daughters of Josephine. All ragdoll are descended from Baker’s cats through the mating of Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat.

Baker spurned traditional cat breeding association. She trademarks the name” Ragdoll”, set up her own registry.

1971, enforced stringent standards on anyone who want to breed or sell cats under that name.

IRCA cats are not recognized in any major in any cat breed organization.

In 1975, a group led by a husband and wife, Denny and Laura Dayton, broke ranks with the IRCA with aim of gaining mainstream recognition for the Ragdoll. Beginning with a breeding pair of IRCA cat, this group eventually developed the Ragdoll standard currently accepted by major cat registries such as the CFA and the FIFE.

Since the spread of the Ragdoll breed in America during early 1960, a breeding pair of Ragdoll was exported to UK. This pair was followed by 8 more cats to fully establish the breed in the UK, where it is recognized by Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.

In 1994, the 2nd  group decided to leave the IRCA and form its own group owing to increasingly strict breeding restrictions. This group later established the Ragamuffin breed. Because Baker owned the rights to the name “Ragdoll” no offshoot groups were legally able to call their cat Ragdolls until 2005 when the trademark on “Ragdoll”was not renewed.

The largest international Ragdoll breed club is the Ragdoll Fancier Club International.

DESCRIPTION

Temperament

This Ragdoll is marketed by breeders as having a docile, calm, and floppy nature with claims that these characteristics have been passed down from the Persian and Birman breeds. Opinions vary as to whether this trait might be the result of genetic resistant.

Breed standard marketing and publicity material describe the Ragdoll as affectionate, intelligent, relaxed in temperament, gentle and an easy to handle cat. This animal is often known as puppy cats, because of their placid nature and affectionate behavior with the cats often following owners from room to room as well as seeking physical affection to certian dog breeds.

Physical Characteristics

Source:Google

The Ragdoll is one of the largest domesticated cats, with a sturdy body, large frame, and proportionate legs. A fully grown female cat weight from 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg). Males are substantially larger, From 12 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9.1 kg) or more. The genes for point colouration are responsible for the distinctive blue eyes of Ragdoll. More intense shades of blue are favored in a cat show. Although the breed has a plush coat, it consists mainly of long guard hair, while the lack of dense undercoat results according to the CFA in reduced shedding and matting.

Ragdolls come in six different color-red, seal, chocolate and the corresponding ”dilutes” including blue, lilac, and cream. This also includes the lynx and tortoiseshell variation in all colours and the three patterns. Ragdoll kittens are born white; they have good colour 8 to 10 weeks and full colour and coat at 3 to 4 years. The three different patterns are:

•Colourpont: One colour darkening at the extremities(nose, ears, tail, and paws.)

•Mitted: Same as pointed, but white paws and abdomen. With or without blaze (a white line or spot on the face), but must have “belly stripe” and a white chin.

•Bicolour: White legs, white inverted v on the face, white abdomen and sometimes white patches on the back.

Variations

Lynx – A variant of the above type having tabby markings.’

Tortoiseshell or “tortie”- A variant noted for mottled or parti coloured markings in the above patterns.

Health

One study utilizing Swedish insurance data showed that the common cat breeds, the Ragdoll and Siamese have the lowest survival rate. They live 12 to 15 years. This study indicates the Ragdoll may have a significantly higher number of cat that die of urinary problems mainly from Kidney issues or Denmark is unclear. Ragdoll cats require regular grooming to ensure that their fur does not mat as with most long haired cat breeds some breeders recommend bathing once a month.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Is common heart disease in all cats and is most commonly genetic in cause. The disease causes thickening of heart wall, which makes the heart pump less efficiently. It can in some instance lead to sudden death. By this disease, most cats die by age of 3.