As we understand it, RAGDOLLS originated back in the mid-1960's through the breeding of Josephine, a white Persian-type female and a Birman-looking male. The kittens from this pair were then mated with a Burmese-looking cat, producing the first RAGDOLLS. The name "Ragdoll" comes from their tendency to be very relaxed and laid-back, like a rag doll, when picked up. Although there are many myths surrounding the Ragdoll, the important thing for you to know is that they make a wonderful companion and pet for you to own!

The Ragdoll's fur feels just like rabbit fur. Their fur usually does not mat and shedding is minimal, even though they do have medium-long fur. This means grooming can be kept to a minimum. Ragdoll kittens are born white and will only have blue eyes, as with all color point cats. At 6 months, they are fluffy and beautiful, and are about the size of an ordinary mature cat. They do not achieve fully mature color until they are 2 to 3 years old, or their full size and weight until 4 to 5 years of age. Neutered males can weigh 15 to 20 pounds, and spayed females usually weigh about five pounds less.

The Most Important Characteristic is their Placid and Loving Disposition

Calm - Quiet - Affectionate - yet they are alert and love to play. Very intelligent - many are easily voice trained to obey and some enjoy being walked on a leash. Most enjoy car rides and love to be handled by their humans.

RAGDOLLS are strictly indoor cats and as a rule, do not appear to possess the normal fighting instincts observed in other felines. Generally, they are unruffled when placed in new surroundings with other cats or dogs, especially if given a little "space" and time to adjust to their new environment. Because many Ragdolls are so beautiful, trusting and friendly, allowing them to roam outdoors is to not only take the serious risk of them being mauled by another dog or cat, or exposing them to disease, it poses the very real threat of your pet being stolen or even hit by a car!