Its Origin Clouded In Intrigue And Controversy
The fact that this breed of cat has beautiful blue eyes and highly recognizable color point coat is no accident or result of evolution.
If we believe the breeder, Ann Baker, the original Ragdoll cats were the consequence of a government experiment back in the 1960's. It seems that one of her neighbor’s cats named Josephine, got into an accident involving a car, and for some reason was taken to a laboratory at the University of California. There was nothing special about Josephine. She was a non pedigreed Persian/Angora mix, white domestic long-haired cat, who by that time already had provided her owners with several litters, that was nothing special. Sired by several unknown Burmese-like cats, one of which had the Siamese point coloration, her litters tended typically to be playfully aggressive.
The next litter following her surgery however, produced a litter of
unusually docile and friendly cats. Mrs. Baker claimed that it was all part of a secret government genetic experiment. Genetic experts have rejected this theory and of course the government denied any such project. None the less when Josephine’s subsequent litter produced more of the “ragdoll” type kittens, Baker knew she was on to something. The name “Ragdoll” was coined because these original kittens, and all that have followed, have the tendency to go limp and completely relaxed when being picked up. Already a savvy breeder Mrs. Baker, believing she was on to something new and wonderful, bought several of the kittens and set out to create the new breed known as The Ragdoll cat.
In a brilliant move Mrs. Baker shunned the established cat registry, trademarked the name Ragdoll and started her own registry, International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) in 1971. Her strict breeding guidelines led to several riffs within the organization, until in 1975 Denny and Laura Dayton, began breeding what is now widely accepted as to days Ragdoll standard. The IRCA dissipated over the years, and after Baker’s death in 1997 other factions emerged which eventually brought us the Ragamuffin line. If you are considering getting involved or you would like more in depth history, the largest international Ragdoll association is the Ragdoll Fanciers' Club International (RFCI)
Disposition And Health
The Breed For You
Remember how this breed of cat got its name. Unlike the Maine Coon, a large cuddly cat whose origins are that of a hunter, the Ragdoll is docile, non aggressive, and a people lover. It is a very striking cat with those beautiful blue eyes, and long-haired Persian-like appearance, without posing the grooming problems usually associated the typical Persian. They get along wonderfully in a mufti pet environment, and kids just adore them.
For the most part the Ragdoll is a hearty, and healthy cat. A healthy Ragdoll with proper diet and exercise can live to be twenty years old. I don’t want to scare you with big medical terms, so I will just say that Ragdolls can suffer from certain heart conditions. They also have a tendency to eat to fast which can stir up their sensitive stomachs and on occasion lead to vomiting. Of course like most cats, they can get upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.
Should We Bother To Train A Ragdoll
All They do Is Lay Around
It is the between time that you might have to worry about. There are Ragdoll cats that go about their business using the litter box properly every day, get along with their house mates, and leave your furniture alone. Then there are Ragdoll cats that are prone to litter box mishaps, have fits of aggressive behavior, and sink their claws into every piece of furniture you own on a daily basis. If you are considering getting a Ragdoll for the first time or your cat falls into problem type, or you just want to learn everything you can about this magnificent breed than there is help for you. If you continue to surf the net you will be able to find a lot of information on cats, but very few breed specific total information on Ragdolls. For about what it might cost for bag of fancy cat food, a real Ragdoll owner and trainer has written just such a book. You will learn the secrets and tips on how to guarantee that your cat is healthy, happy, and well mannered. Please go to: My RecomMANNdations
When clicking on Pet Lovers you will also find other pet related information like how to get rid of fleas once and for all.
At 57, I consider myself to be a Jack Of All Trades And Master Of Nothing. I was a struggling actor for 25 years. During that time I learned a little about a lot of things, and would like to pass along some of that knowledge. I live in California with my beautiful wife and a menagerie of pets.
