The beginning of the Ragdoll breed is just as controversial and shrouded in mystery as the race itself. The written history is confusing and full of contradictions and some parts are impossible to prove themselves. There are elements that we know as the Ragdoll history started in Riverside, California (USA) years in the 60s by a woman named Ann Baker. And the foundation of the breed was an ordinary alley cat named Josephine.

Ann Baker was a breeder of Persian cats, mainly black, before they began Ragdolls. Josephine was a white, longhaired half wild cat owned by Ann Baker's neighbor Mrs. Pennel. Like many cats, often on the street were Riverside, Josephine was pregnant and often produced many kittens. At some point Josephine was hit by a car and Ann Baker's neighbors, who worked at a local university, and have saved her again fully healed. During this time Josephine has to sit inside all the time and was less wild. The first time she had another litter after the car accident were the kittens in the house of Ann Baker born and that's when Ann saw something in the kittens.

Previous litters of feral cats Josephine were all positive, but after the car accident, the kittens were just the opposite. They were very relaxed and very social! It is not clear what exactly was different in these kittens and how they did so. One theory is that the car accident has changed the genes of Josephine, but that is simply impossible. Ann Baker has also claimed that Josephine was 'removed' at the university after the accident and that she has been implanted new genes, but this was years in the 60s still impossible, even if there had been a good reason. Another theory suggests that Josephine had a mutation in their cells, which in theory is possible but very unlikely because there are probably multiple genes are responsible for the peaceful conduct of the kittens. In any case Ann saw something special in the kittens that she eventually decided to take these kittens to breed and use them to create a whole new breed.

The first kitten was owned by Josephine Ann was Buckwheat, a black cat who looked a bit like a Birman.

Ann was later owned a daughter of Josephine, a Raggedy Ann Fugianna bicolor she said. The father was Fugianna Daddy Warbucks (one mitted), the son of Josephine, owned by neighbor Pennel. All these kittens came from Josephine, but they were probably different in size. Ann was very impressed by the looks of Daddy Warbucks, who looked like a Birman with a nose blesje and a white dot on the tail. It was this cat that Ann later the 'Father of the Ragdoll look' called, and they often used him as stud in her Ragdoll breeding program. These three cats are the foundation of the Ragdoll, it was not possible for Ann to get more kittens from Josephine. When Josephine was still half litter after the car accident, the owners decided to Josephine and her kittens to sleep.

Ann made the race for promotion with ads and brochures, and quickly received media attention for the Ragdoll. When they started the breeding program was Ann did something that had never been done in the cat world, the Ragdoll She filed a trademark and brand. Now all Ragdol breeders had a contract with her and her commitment to pay royalties for each kitten was sold. Ann also began a cat association called the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), but independently of the other major kattenrasorganisaties drafted.

Ann had very strict breeding rules, that other breeders have had to follow their kittens as 'real' Ragdoll kittens to register. Ann was also an eccentric woman who believed in what she said. And sometimes the same day she told conflicting information. In time Ann began very strange, sometimes even humorous to make claims. So for example, they claimed that Ragdolls had human genes, or genes of a raccoon that Ragdolls were immune to pain and fear, and that they were the last link between humans and aliens! The relationship between Ann and the other Ragdoll breeders deteriorated and many breeders gave up and stopped it. Eventually a group of breeders Sat strict rules, and decided to step out to IRCA. They began work on the acceptance of Ragdoll cats in the other worships. The most important people in this were Laura and Danny Deyton, who Ragdolls had been before Ann's breeding rules were implemented. This allowed them legally under these rules come out and start their own breeding program.

The Ragdoll Society, which later was changed to the Ragdoll Fancier's Club and then in the current Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI), was founded in 1971 to promote the breed in large organizations in America that Ragdoll cats in shows everywhere admired could be. In 1967 Ragdolls were first recognized as a breed in America, and in 1981 Ragdolls were first exported to Europe. Their strange names and myths to the Ragdoll breed was often hung out in the press, and more and more people became interested. That attention had also been negative points, many kennel clubs have a long time refused to recognize the race because they were inhumane to breed a cat that feels no pain and no fear that it can not defend! Fortunately, most ambiguities been put right and is now 1 of the Ragdoll cat breeds the greatest growth in history!

Currently Ragdoll is still a relatively unknown breed, but the number of Ragdolls and breeders is growing very fast. Ann Baker is deceased in 1997, she died embittered and betrayed. The IRCA Ragdoll and trademark are still active after her death, and there are still registered and non-registered Ragdolls on the market. IRCA is still independent of the other major cat associations, and because the IRCA prohibits breeders also other associations to join their number is small and is decreasing. RFCI is still active. We have a Ragdoll cat breed recognized by almost all societies in the world and some breeders are working on introducing new colors and patterns. And with the still growing interest in the breed, the future of the Ragdoll is very sunny and bright.

Ragdolls mean rag doll in Dutch. The name refers to the tendency of the Ragdoll to all his muscles relax when they are lifted and fully relax in your arm when they are .. They are friendly, loving, docile, gentle and serene. Although they have many good qualities, it is the personality of the Ragdoll Ragdoll that many people have been hooked!

Although it seems that the long silky coat of a Ragdoll much work indicates, it is actually very easy to maintain. Unlike Persian cats, who every day need a brush, the coat of a Ragdoll no tendency to tangle and needs little care. Ragdolls understand that man has a busy agenda, and therefore provide their own fur. Because they have no undercoat, molt Ragdolls also relatively low. It is enough for them once a week brushing to remove any loose hairs and to its balls (which are rare) to occur.

Ragdolls are really the people-oriented, they are happy with people around and very attached to their owners. Many Ragdoll owners say their cat awaits them at the door until they come home, and they chased through the house like a shadow. Ragdoll owners are rarely alone, Ragdolls want to take part in everything that happened in the house and want to master their 'help' with everything they do. Because your Ragdoll happy to remain in the neighborhood, you should always look at them not to leave. Luckily they soon forget and forgive. Because Ragdolls are very social, you would need at least two cats in the house as often you are away.

Ragdolls are calm, but also active and want to play. By their nature can easily Ragdolls well with other animals in house, and children are no problem. They rarely use their nails as they play. Ragdolls can easily be kept in a small apartment, and always are happy to sit inside. You must have with them and they play with cat toys and a climbing pole. Specifically: Ragdolls should never just go outside because they (too) trusting and see everyone as a friend. This shows good faith in the way people deal with them: You can a Ragdoll, and she lay on his back like a baby carriage, you can put them in your neck and worn as a stole. And, unlike other cats, Ragdolls love to be petted on their bellies.

Ragdolls are generally not very talkative, and have a soft voice. Yet they have a large vocabulary, and often can Ragdoll various owners 'mews', 'meow', 'beep' and 'Rrrrrs's' distinguished and recognized!

Ragdolls are less stubborn than other cats often can be, and are easily trained. They usually learn the same tricks as dogs, such as retrieving a toy. They can also easily be taught with the strap to 'expressed' to be, or for example, only the pole tight to use for their nails. Ragdolls are unlikely to grow your house if you're not home, because they are so quiet, and would rather just stay on the ground then jump on top of cupboards. Because they have no undercoat, molt Ragdolls relatively low.

Remember that the general characteristics of Ragdolls, and as in every cat does not always for each Ragdoll. Each Ragdoll is an individual in itself!

The first thing you notice when you see a Ragdoll is his stature. Females usually weigh between 4 and 6 pounds, and males between 7 and 10 pounds. This makes them three times bigger than 'normal' cats! The Ragdoll is bred the largest cat in the world and are even mentioned in the Book of World Records. Ragdolls grow slowly and it takes about 3 to 4 years until they mature.

Ragdolls are large and coarse muscular build, with a big powerful chest and shoulders. The eyes are large, oval and always blue. A dark blue color is preferred. The ears are large and round and point slightly forward. The angle of the ears are located looks like a ski ramp. The tail is long and full.

Ragdolls have a very soft, semi-long coat. They usually have longer hair around the neck and shoulders.

All Ragdolls are 'gepointe' cats, meaning that they face, ears, paws and tail are darker than the rest of their bodies. The kittens are born white, and after 10 days will slow the color and pattern visible. Ragdolls are darker with age, and young cats usually have the greatest contrast between the points and their body color. There are 3 standard patterns and four basic colors that you can find the bottom of this page. There are also new, non-traditional patterns and colors and more yet to be developed. This is done by breeding with other breeds and old original Ragdoll lines. These include tortie points, lynx points, silver & cream points, red (red) / flame points, solid colors (no points) and other eye colors. This is still experimental and very exceptional, and lynx point, red point and tortie point of these colors are the most common. There are currently only a few cat associations accept such variations, but eventually they will be more widespread.

Standard colors

	Seal Points are dark brown, the body color can vary from cream to warm brown.
	Chocolate Points are light milk chocolate color. The body color can range from ivory to cream.
	Blue Points are light blue to silver blue-gray. The body color is ivory to bluish white.
	Lilac Points frosty gray range from beige to purple. Their body color has a warm glow magnolia.

Standaard patronen

	Colorpoint The color point has darker points than the rest of the body. The contrast varies. A strong separation between points and body is preferred. There is no white, but may come to almost white. The nose leather and paw pads have the same color as the points.
	Mitted Same as the color point, except that 'mitted' Ragdolls have socks on, that is, white socks to the front legs, and boots (up to half of their pots back) on the back. Chin and chest are white belly and a white stripe. Sometimes a mitted Ragdoll has a white blaze (1) on the nose, which is generally accepted in shows.
	Bicolor Bicolor also has dark points, but the mask has an inverted V from the eyes to the cheek. The body color is white, with a 'saddle' on the back with a white spot in the middle. The colors vary from white bi-colors. The leather cup nose and paw pads are pink.
	Mid-high white bicolor Mid-high white bicolor has a wider 'V' on the face. Sometimes a small outbreak of the pots found. The amount of white varies. Mid-high wites may also have a good D and no white in tail and ears.
	High white bicolor/van High white bicolor / van usually has no 'saddle' on the back. The 'V' on the mask usually starts at the ears.
	High mitted High mitted is a mitted with two mitted genes instead of 1. There is usually a small outbreak on the elbows, but otherwise they look like from bicolor.

A Ragdoll is sometimes confused with some other cat breeds also 'points' and a long coat. Although these varieties, at first glance all look similar, they are easily separated to consider when they look slightly better. Here we compare the Ragdoll cats with other races to make it easy for you to see the differences. Do not forget that sometimes ordinary (not pedigreed cat) cats out there can look like a Ragdoll, and that not all purebred also look exactly as their official standard.

Color Point Persians

Color Point Ragdolls and Persians have two color point a long fur coat and the same patterns, but differences on various points of each other. The appearance of a press is usually short and round, while Ragdolls are large and muscular. The press has a round head, flat nose, round eyes. Ragdolls have large muscular head, and oval eyes. Persians have a lot of short nose than a Ragdoll. Persians have a short body, while Ragdolls a long and muscular body. Persians have a longer and thicker fur. Ragdolls have a longer tail than Persians.

Sacred Birman

Burmese and mitted Ragdolls have many similarities, but if you look more precisely than they can be easily apart. Ragdolls have a larger and more muscular body than Birmans. Ragdolls have a broader head, and Burmese have rounder eyes. Birmans have more pronounced profiles with their Roman noses, and Ragdolls have a longer tail. Unlike a Birman, Ragdoll has a white chin and chest, a white stripe on their bellies, and their hind legs they wear white 'boots', while Burmese 'socks' have.

Although many people may think, Birmans and Ragdolls are not related to each other.

The personality of the Ragdoll is perfect.

A more loving cat you will ever find. Ragdolls are indoor cats that are very real to hang their owners. In return, the owners have an endless stream of love from their Ragdolls. Many Ragdoll owners compare their Ragdoll's personality to that of a faithful dog. Ragdolls want to play, and there are plenty of examples Ragdolls retrieve their favorite toy, learn to shake paws, and neat to sit on command. The personality of the Ragdoll is warm and friendly. Your Ragdoll will continue to be with you. You'll be greeted at the door when you come home and be followed by the house, even in bathroom. When you take a shower, you count on Ragdoll continue watching, and patiently waits beside the shower cabin. Once you slide the shower curtain or door open Ragdoll will look at you with his big blue eyes. Your Ragdoll New curiosity will greet guests in your house.

If you are looking for a lap cat, then the Ragdoll for you. Ragdolls have much love and attention from their owners need. Very few cat breeds have the same intimate friendly characteristics such as the Ragdoll.

Presses are bought for their beautiful fur. Maine Coons are bought for their great appearance. Siamese cats are bought for their blue eyes. Sacred Birmans are bought for their fine fur designs. Ragdolls are purchased for their wonderful personality. And as a bonus you also get a beautiful coat, a big cat, beautiful blue eyes, a warm and relaxed personality gepointe classic look, all in 1 package called the Ragdoll crazy....

This race is for you if:

This breed is not for you if:

A Ragdoll is sometimes seen as a breed that needs little care. Ragdolls have obviously need as much care as any other cat, but if they have no special breed characteristics need special attention.

Although it seems that the long silky coat of a Ragdoll much work indicates, it is actually very easy to maintain. Unlike Persian cats, who every day need a brush, the coat of a Ragdoll no tendency to tangle and needs little care. Ragdolls understand that man has a busy agenda, and therefore provide their own fur. Because they have no undercoat, molt Ragdolls also relatively low. It is enough for them once a week brushing to remove any loose hairs and to its balls (which are rare) to occur.

About vaccinations are still divided opinions among breeders, some breeders say that the Ragdoll, vaccination should receive vaccination with live agents. But in general, a healthy Ragdoll breed, and has no special concerns regarding his health. Some lines, certain kidney or heart problems carry with them, but there is now good to test this and several cat breeds may be more or less avoided. It is certainly worth a Ragdoll always buy from a reputable breeder who also can provide certain health guarantees.

Through his natural confidence Ragdolls should never be alone outside. Because they are too trusting they see everyone as a friend. Cats only let out in itself is dangerous in this modern world. An indoor cat lives a healthier life, and in urban areas live ten years longer than an indoor cat a cat outside. You can cat under a car, bitten by a dog, or it may be stolen. Many people find the inner trappings of a sad cat, but outdoor cats probably die a violent death. Fortunately, a Ragdoll to be well adapted to small apartments and can easily be trained with a collar and leash to go outside.

Remember that at least three times bigger than ragdoll cats can be normal, so do not buy the smallest cat, basket, etc. Especially if you get a Ragdoll cat, Ragdoll males can be quite large!

There has probably never been a cat as controversial as the Ragdoll. The race, which was created by Ann Baker, surrounded by strange rumors and claims, many of which by itself Ann started. Unfortunately appear even today articles and books that proclaim this as truth claims. Ragdolls are extensively tested in a university to prove that Ragdoll cats are also just ordinary. Here we have some of these claims at a glance: