History of the Ragdoll breed:

The first Ragdoll’s were developed in California in the mid 1960's. The first bred was a white Angora queen (called Josephine) with a Himalayan coat pattern (Siamese) to Burmese and Birman males and the result was cats of substantial size, non-matting coat and a very equable disposition. The first patent "Ragdoll" was registered in 1975. The story is that "Josephine" was in a road accident, and although recovered fully, it somehow changed the genetics and her kittens were born with a new temperament of quiterand more relaxed nature. Whether this is a fact, and the only real possible explanation is that the uterus was slightly damaged causing a lack of oxygen to the kittens on birth which might manifest in quiter kittens. But in reality this would probably only have affected "Josephines" kittens in any event. The myth continues.....

Ragdolls are extremely tolerant and good with children.

The Ragdoll is (sometimes) a cat that is floppy when relaxed – hence the name; a dangerous myth grew that they were impervious to pain which is clearly nonsense. In fact they have a low pain threshold! The behaviour is highly typical of Birman’s who are the most laid-back of cats. The Ragdoll coat, though silky and quite easy to keep is not entirely non-matting and weekly combing will help your cat during the moulting periods by taking out the dead undercoat and certainly behind the ears where knots tend to form.

Originally colours for the Ragdoll were the four standard Himalayan; Seal, Chocolate, Blue and Lilac, either as Solid Points (as in the Siamese) or Mitted (as in the Birman) or as Bi Colours. Since then, Ragdoll breeders have extended the range immensely to include Tortie Point, Tabby Point, Tortie Tabby Point (all Solid or Mitted) and Bi-Colour Pointed, in a wide range of colours. Latest trends are now introducing creams and reds.

They can be a very large cat, males reaching well over 20lbs.

A real family cat who will walk away from annoyance rather than retaliate.

Our cats (link to page)