Big and floppy, like a ragdoll

Around 190 in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, a white Turkish Angora type female named Josephine was born in the home of Ms. Pennels. This cat was crossed with a gloved Birman type tom named Daddy War bucks. Their litter sparked the interest of Ann Baker, who set about intense inbreeding. Thus was created the so called Ragdoll breed, named for the way the cats typically relax completely, with low muscle tone. The Ragdoll was approved in the United States in 1965. In 1971, Baker founded the International Ragdoll Cat Association (I.R.C.A.).

In 1969, two Ragdolls from Baker`s cattery were sent to Great Britain. A British Ragdoll club was founded in 1987.

The G.C.C.G. recognized the breed in 1991, and the F.I.Fe. recognized it in 1992.

The Ragdoll arrived in Germany and France in 1985 and 1986, respectively. In 1993, a French breed club was created.

The Ragdoll is quite uncommon outside the United States.

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Characteristics

The Ragdoll`s calmness and his debonair, docile temperament make him a very pleasant companion. He does not tolerate agitation and noise. Ragdolls are sociable, getting along well with other cats and with dogs. Very affectionate and loving, they like company and despise solitude. They adapt very well to apartment life. They do not reach full size until the age of three or four. In terms of grooming, they require frequent brushing and combing.