ABOUT THE BREED

RAGDOLL COLORS AND PATTERNS

Traditional Ragdolls are pointed cats, with darker colored markings on their ears, face, legs, and tails.  The points may be overlaid with white in the bicolor or mitted patterns. Ragdolls commonly come in four traditional pointed Colors - Seal point, Blue point, Chocolate point and Lilac point.  A Seal point's body may range from fawn to cream to warm brown.  The contrasting points on the ears, face, legs and tail are a deep seal brown.  The Blue point's body color is ivory or bluish white with slate blue or silvery blue-gray points.  The Chocolate point is ivory or cream-colored with points the shade of light milk chocolate.  The Lilac point is a lovely milky white color with frosty gray lilac or pinkish beige points. Ragdolls commonly come in three basic Patterns: Colorpoint, Mitted, and Bicolor.  The Colorpoint pattern has no white, the Mitted and Bicolor patterns overlay the darker point patterns with white.  Mitted Ragdolls have points on their face, ears, and legs with white mittens on the front feet and white boots on the hind legs.Bicolors have points on the ears and tail, and an inverted "v" extending from the muzzle upward into the darker colored mask on the face, plus white on the legs, feet, chin, chest, and belly. In addition to the standard colors and basic patterns, there are others that are currently recognized by the various Cat Associations.  For example, the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) lists Red point and Cream point in all patterns among it's accepted colors.  The Lynx pattern adds a striking striped effect to the colorpoint areas on the face, legs, and tail and is also included in this standard.

RAGDOLL TEMPERAMENT

Ragdolls make great companions because they are gentle, quiet, and serene.  Their sweet-natured, non-agressive, laid-back personalities are similar to the Persian's docile disposition.  Yet - the Ragdoll's medium to long coat has a plush, silky, mat-resistant texture that doesn't require the daily grooming commitment that a Persian demands.  They are easy-going and get along well with children and dogs.  They seem to adapt easily to changes in their surroundings.  Quiet and calm, yet moderately active and playful - their preferred activity is interactive play with their favorite human(s).  Ragdolls thrive on human companionship and usually develop strong attachments to their owner(s).

RAGDOLLS ARE INDOOR CATS

Ragdolls are sweet and trusting.  They have had the common feline aggressive tendencies and fighting instincts bred out of them.  Because of this, they should be kept strictly indoors and out of harm's way.  Their docile, passive nature makes them unsuitable for life outdoors.   Although they are best kept indoors - Ragdolls still need opportunities for play and exercise to stay in shape and to keep from becoming fat.  Make sure you can spend some quality one-on-one playing with and petting your feline companion.  Invest in several cat toys and a carpeted cat tree to encourage climbing and playing.  Better still - why not get two cats, so they can romp and play with each other!