A Bit of History on the Breed:

Ragdolls date back to the 1960’s from Riverside, California, developed by breeder Ann Baker. The name Ragdoll comes from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up. The breed is particularly popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Ragdolls are distinguishable by their pointed coloration (where the body is lighter than the face, ears, legs, and tail), large round blue eyes, soft, thick coats, thick limbs, long tails, and soft bodies.

The Ragdoll has been known to have a very floppy and calm 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 mutation or merely an instinctive reaction from being picked up as kittens by their mother.

Personality Traits:

As mentioned the Ragdoll is described as affectionate, intelligent, relaxed in temperament, gentle, and an easy-to-handle lap cat. They are often known as “puppy cats”, “dog-like cats”, “cat-dogs”, etc., because of their placid nature and affectionate behavior, with the cats often following owners from room to room as well as seeking physical affection akin to certain dog breeds. Ragdolls can be trained to retrieve toys and enjoy doing so. They have a very playful nature that often lasts well into their senior years. Unlike many other breeds, Ragdolls prefer staying low to the ground rather than the highest point in the household.

Physical characteristics:

The Ragdoll is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, second only to the Maine Coon. Fully-grown females weigh from 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg). Males are substantially larger, ranging from 12 to 20 pounds (5.4 to 9.1 kg) or more. It can take up to four years for a Ragdoll to reach mature size. They have a sturdy body, bulky frame, and proportionate legs. Their heads are broad with a flat top and wide space between the ears. They have long, muscular bodies with broad chests and short necks. Their tails are bushy and long in length, their paws are large, round, and tufted, and their coats are silky, dense, and medium to long length. Since their coats tend to be long, they usually require brushing at least twice a week. Adults develop gorgeous knickerbockers on their hind legs and a ruff around their necks. Although the breed has a plush coat, it consists mainly of long guard hairs, while the lack of a dense undercoat results, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, in “reduced shedding and matting”. 

At this time Nana’s Ragdolls come in Seal or a dilute of seal called Blue, with the hope of adding Chocolate in the future. Ragdoll kittens are born white; they have good color at 8–10 weeks and full color and coat at 3–4 years.

Patterns:

• Colorpoint: one color darkening at the extremities (nose, ears, tail, and paws)
• Mitted: same as pointed but with white paws and abdomen. With or without a blaze (a white line or spot on the face), they must have a white belly stripe and a white chin.
• Bicolor: white legs, white inverted V on the face, white abdomen, and sometimes white patches on the back.