The Ragdoll is a cat breed impressive in its size and beauty, but it's its unique temperament that makes it so special. Known for its ability to completely relax and become 'floppy' when held (hence its name 'rag doll'), the Ragdoll is the epitome of gentleness and serenity. With its large blue eyes, semi-long coat, and overflowing affection, it is an ideal companion for families.
Developed in California in the 1960s, the Ragdoll is a relatively young cat in the feline world, but it quickly won hearts thanks to its exceptionally gentle and docile character, making it one of the most popular purebred cats today.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 13, 2025.
My personal tip : The Ragdoll is a cat with a very gentle temperament, but it needs a lot of attention and affection to thrive. It loves cuddles and being carried, so don't hesitate to give it long moments on your lap. Its semi-long coat, although easy to maintain, requires regular brushing (two to three times a week) to prevent tangles, especially during shedding periods. Being a calm and not very athletic cat, it is important to monitor its diet to prevent overweight. Simple toys and gentle play times will be enough to entertain it, as it is not a great athlete. Offer it a large, comfortable cat tree so it can observe its world in peace.
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Identifying the Ragdoll: Key Characteristics
The large blue eyes are an iconic feature of the Ragdoll.
The Ragdoll is a large cat with a robust bone structure and a muscular body. It reaches its full physical maturity around 3 to 4 years of age. Females weigh 4 to 6 kg, while males can weigh 6 to 9 kg, or more.
Head: Broad and wedge-shaped with softened contours, with full cheeks.
Eyes: Large, oval, and intensely blue, which is a characteristic of the breed.
Ears: Medium, broad at the base, slightly tilted forward.
Coat: Semi-long, silky, and soft to the touch, with a moderate undercoat. It does not tend to mat. The ruff is well-furnished. The coat is 'colourpoint' type, meaning the extremities (face, ears, paws, tail) are darker than the rest of the body.
Body: Long, muscular, and powerful, with a broad chest.
Legs: Medium length, with large, rounded, tufted feet.
Tail: Long, well-furred, and plumed.
Dimensions and Key Information (Ragdoll)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
30 – 35 cm
25 – 30 cm
25 – 35 cm
Weight
6 – 9 kg+
4 – 6 kg
4 – 9 kg+
Life Expectancy
12 – 17 years
12 – 17 years
12 – 17 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 4-6
The Ragdoll is a large cat with slow growth, but its weight and stature are impressive. Its long life expectancy makes it a loyal companion for many years.
Behavior: The Ragdoll Cat, Gentle and Relaxed
The Ragdoll is undoubtedly one of the most affectionate and docile cat breeds. Its name, meaning "rag doll," was given due to its tendency to completely relax and go limp when held. It is a cat of exceptional patience and gentleness, making it an ideal companion for families with children and other pets. Ragdolls are very attached to their owners and love to participate in family life.
Intelligent and easy to train, Ragdolls are often compared to dogs for their loyalty and ability to learn tricks or come when called. They are not excessively active, preferring calm games and long cuddling sessions. Their meow is soft and melodic, rarely insistent. If you are looking for a large, gentle, and sociable cat, you will find similar traits in the Birman, another elegant and affectionate breed.
Their placid nature and majestic beauty make them stars in the feline world. Ragdolls enjoy heights but are not frantic climbers. They often prefer to stay on the ground, close to their humans. For lovers of large breeds with a sweet temperament and sumptuous fur, the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat, and the Siberian are other excellent options. Finally, if you appreciate serene and robust cats, the British Shorthair also shares this gentleness and ability to integrate harmoniously into a home.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the Ragdoll is quite unique and controversial. The breed was developed in California in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder. She began her breeding program with a white, long-haired cat named Josephine, who had the particularity of being extremely gentle and going completely limp when picked up.
Ann Baker carefully selected Josephine's kittens that exhibited this characteristic, as well as other desirable traits. She even patented the name 'Ragdoll' and established her own breeding rules. The breed was later recognized by various feline associations, becoming one of the most popular breeds worldwide.
The Ragdoll is exclusively an indoor cat. Its placid nature and trust in humans make it vulnerable to outdoor dangers. It adapts perfectly to apartment or house living, provided it has comfortable places to rest and receives enough attention from its family. It does not need a lot of space to exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ragdoll
Why is the Ragdoll called a "rag doll"?
The Ragdoll is nicknamed "rag doll" because it has the peculiarity of completely relaxing and becoming limp when picked up, like a lifeless doll.
What is the typical character of a Ragdoll?
The Ragdoll is known for its gentle, affectionate, calm, docile, and very sociable temperament. It is very attached to its family, patient with children and other animals, and not very vocal.
What grooming is required for a Ragdoll?
Its semi-long, silky coat without excessive undercoat is relatively easy to maintain. Brushing two to three times a week is sufficient to prevent tangles. Regular cleaning of its eyes and ears is also recommended.
Is the Ragdoll a good cat for families with children?
Yes, the Ragdoll is an excellent choice for families with children. Its gentle, patient, and docile nature, as well as its tolerance to handling, make it an ideal companion for youngsters.
What health problems can affect the Ragdoll?
Ragdolls are generally robust cats. However, like other large breeds, they can be predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and, to a lesser extent, polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Genetic screening for breeding cats is important.
