Group Classification: Long hair
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Date of Origin: 1960s
Weight (M): 15-20 lbs.
Weight (F): 10-15 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 16+ years

History
Anita Baker bred Ragdolls beginning with a white longhair named Josephine, which belonged to her neighbor. The cat was injured in a car crash and taken to the University of California's veterinary hospital. Baker believed the cat was used in genetic experiments while a patient there and attributed new traits in the cat to those experiments. Be that as it may, Baker created the breed over the following decade, working for a large sized, docile cat that would go limp when picked up. She did not publicly share her breeding records so there is considerable speculation as to what type of cats were bred to create Ragdolls.

Baker created Blackie and Daddy Warbucks; Blackie sired founding male Buckwheat and Daddy Warbucks sired founding female Fugiana. Today's Ragdolls are descended from these beginnings.

Trademarking the name Ragdoll, Baker refused involvement in the world's cat registries, preferring to create her own in 1971, the International Ragdoll Cat Association. Selling franchises to would-be breeders, she also controlled reproduction and received royalties on kitten sales. The rules were very stringent and included forbidding breeders to participate in any other registries.

In 1975, a group of breeders left Baker's registry and formed Ragdoll Fanciers Club International. The result was a flurry of legal actions by Baker, seeking redress from those who left her organization. Later, other breeders left Baker as well, seeking mainstream recognition of the Ragdoll breed.

Ragdolls of America Group was created in 1993. They, along with those who had broken away previously, worked tirelessly to promote the breed with all the major cat registries. Today, Ragdolls are recognized in every organization.

General Description
Big, beautiful, long haired, pointed cats that go limp when held, Ragdolls are docile animals with sweet dispositions.

They are large cats, with full cheeks and rounded muzzles. Ragdolls have long bushy tails that taper slightly at the tip. Their ears are widest at the base, and their necks are short and heavyset. They are broad chested, with long muscular bodies.

By and large, Ragdolls do not hunt, making them a favorite choice where local wildlife might otherwise be harmed. Australia, notably, promotes this breed for that reason.

Coat
Ragdolls consistently feature the mitted coat pattern; it is unknown what breed contributed that trait. Their coats are dense and silky, yet they don't mat.

Notable Features
Docile natures, pointed markings and the ability to go limp when held are the main characteristics of Ragdolls.

Health and Care
Ragdolls overall are a healthy and robust breed. In their 30-year history no hereditary diseases have appeared. Weekly brushing is enough to keep their fur in excellent condition. They are sometimes referred to as "puppycats" because they are as trainable as dogs and act much the same, greeting their people at the door, playing fetch, etc.

They are slow to mature, taking four years to reach full color and stature.

These are highly affectionate, gentle animals that do best in a family environment. Not the best cat for working singles who live alone.

Resources
Ragdoll Fanciers Worldwide at www.rfwclub.org
Ragdoll Fanciers Club International at www.rfci.org
Ragdoll International at www.ragdollinternational.org
The British Ragdoll Cat Club at www.tbrcc.co.uk/