Ragdoll cats are beautiful animals that make great friends. Their soft fur and bright blue eyes are the hallmark of the Ragdoll cat. While his docile personality will make him a fun addition to any family, even those with small children or other pets. Despite their large build, Ragdoll cats absolutely love to sit on their laps and love to be cuddled by their owners. Charming and affectionate, Ragdoll cats are fully grown when they reach about 3 years of age.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Paying Attention to Physical Characteristics
Step 1. Notice the blue eyes
By Ragdoll cat breed standards, all examples of this breed have bright blue eyes. If the eyes aren't blue, it's not a real Ragdoll cat.
Some breeders advertise Ragdoll breed variations that are not blue-eyed. However, this variant is not accepted by many major Ragdoll associations and is not included in the written Race Standards for Ragdoll cats
Step 2. Identify the color of the fur on the limbs
Ragdoll cats can come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, accepted breed standards stipulate that these cats must exhibit certain characteristic limb colors. This means that the fur on the cat's body will be a lighter color than the color of the limbs, namely the face, ears, tail, and legs.
- Ragdoll cats have four main patterns: bicolor, chalk white like the Van breed, socks (the paws are white), and darker limbs. The pattern also comes in six main colors: deep, seal-like dark brown, blue, tan, lilac, red, and beige. While the limbs can be solid colored, such as a lynx, a combination of two solid-colored spots such as a turtle (tortie), or have patches such as tortoiseshell and striped like a tabby cat (torbie/tortoiseshell-tabby).
- The ragdoll whose limbs are darker has classic markings and no white on its body.
- The sock ragdoll has white paws on the forelegs, white "boots" around the knees on the hind legs, white cheeks, and a striped belly. The sock ragdoll may also have white, fire, star, or hourglass patches on its forehead and nose.
- The bi-colored ragdoll usually has more white on the paws, underbody, chest, and an inverted “V” mark on the face which is also white. Only the tail, ears and outer part of the "mask" are darker in color.
- In the chalk-white patterned ragdoll, only the upper part of the "mask", the ears, tail, and possibly some spots on the body are darker in color.
Step 3. Pay attention to the size of the cat's body
Ragdoll cats are usually quite large when compared to other breeds. These cats are not always overweight (although they often tend to overeat and have a larger belly). Even the fittest Ragdoll cats are big and fat.
An adult male ragdoll usually weighs around 7-9 kg, while an adult female usually weighs around 4.5-7 kg
Step 4. Check the fur texture
Although most Ragdoll cats are thick and majestic, they don't shed too much fur. The coat is of medium length and requires very little grooming.
- Due to the soft nature of the Ragdoll cat's coat, even shed hair is quite easy to clean as it will only stick to the surface of the fabric and will not pierce the inside.
- During the fall season, the hair under the Ragdoll's armpits can get a little tangled.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Ragdoll Cat Personality Traits
Step 1. Pay attention to the cat's docile personality
Ragdoll cats are calm and sociable. Ragdolls enjoy engaging in interactive play with their owners-such as picking up objects and following their owners throughout the house-but generally avoid the wild and destructive behavior that other breeds are accustomed to.
If your cat seems like a hyperactive kitten all the time, it probably isn't a Ragdoll breed
Step 2. Check if the cat gets along with children and other animals
Most Ragdoll cats are very calm and adapt easily to homes with children and other animals. Due to their docile nature, Ragdolls can easily integrate into new situations, especially if they were raised with small children or other animals from the start.
It is not uncommon for children to carry their ragdoll friends at home. The Ragdoll race also tolerated this kind of treatment very well
Step 3. Notice if the cat is affectionate
Ragdoll cats are known to be very affectionate and love to cuddle. Ragdolls enjoy being on their laps, being held in their arms, and spending most of their time sleeping on or near their owners. Ragdolls are known to relax on their laps (hence the name “Ragdoll”-cloth doll), and even like to be carried on their backs like babies.
Ragdoll cats usually prefer the company of their owners and will seek them out most of the time. Ragdoll cats want to be around you all the time
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Professional Advice
Step 1. Consult a reputable breeder
If you want to confirm that your cat is a Ragdoll breed, check with a reputable breeder supported by the Ragdoll cat community. There are many associations dedicated to loving and caring for ragdoll cats and these groups can recommend a reputable breeder to you.
Try Ragdoll Fanciers Club International, Ragdoll Kittens, or Rock Creek Ranch Ragdoll Cattery
Step 2. Check the cat's documentation
Most reputable Ragdoll breeders will have documentation certifying them as members of a reputable Ragdoll breeder association. This form allows them to breed and sell approved Ragdoll cats and kittens.
They can also provide you with a certificate of authenticity for the Ragdoll cat breed
Step 3. Ask your veterinarian
If you're still wondering if your cat is a Ragdoll, just call your vet and ask him. Veterinarians can help investigate the traits and characteristics of cats and determine the breed based on their knowledge.
