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Ragdoll

"The Ragdoll is a fascinating, gentle giant with bright blue eyes and silky fur. Known for her 'ragdoll-like' relaxation when picked up, she is an incredibly affectionate and family-friendly companion who enriches any household with her balanced, calm nature and fits perfectly into a loving home."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 35 cm

Age12-17 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Body Length

80-120cmBack Height: 30-40cm

Body length from nose to base of the tail.

Weight6.5-10 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€65+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

She is playful but prefers leisurely movement over hectic romping.

Affection Level

How cuddly and attached the breed is – some cats constantly seek physical contact, others are more aloof.

Extremely human-oriented and affectionate, often follows her owner everywhere.

Independence

How well the cat can cope on its own. Independent breeds need less attention.

Very low, requires a lot of attention and company from humans or other cats.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Very patient, tolerant, and peace-loving, ideal for families with children.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Due to her balanced and friendly nature, she is very well suited for beginners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers space requirements, the general need for rest, and how well the cat can cope with indoor living.

Perfectly suited for indoor keeping as she has less urge to climb.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The silky semi-longhair rarely mats but should be brushed regularly.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Moderate shedding, typical for a breed with semi-long hair without much undercoat.

Vocalization

How talkative the breed is. Some cats meow frequently and loudly, while others are rather quiet.

Mostly quiet, but will signal gently when seeking attention.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Ragdolls are characterized by an exceptionally gentle, balanced, and patient temperament. They are considered 'gentle giants' who are extremely people-oriented and interact closely with their owners. These cats are eager to learn and often exhibit dog-like behavior, following their owners around the home. Aggression is almost alien to this breed. They enjoy playtime together but also greatly appreciate long cuddling sessions. Good socialization as a kitten is important for their later trust.

Living & Exercise

Due to her moderate need for exercise, the Ragdoll is ideal for indoor living. While she enjoys climbing, she is not an acrobatic high-performance artist like some other breeds. She needs enough space for her substantial size and sturdy scratching furniture. Since she is very sociable, she should never be left alone for long periods; having a companion is almost mandatory if owners work.

Health & Grooming

Ragdolls generally enjoy good health but can be predisposed to breed-specific genetic conditions such as HCM (heart disease) and PKD (kidney disease). Reputable breeders regularly test their animals for these defects. The coat is silky and has little undercoat, which makes grooming easier. Nevertheless, regular brushing, especially during shedding, is necessary to prevent matting and strengthen the bond.

History

The breed originated in California in the 1960s, developed by breeder Ann Baker. The matriarch was a cat named Josephine, a white-haired, Angora-like outdoor cat. Through targeted selection for gentleness and the characteristic 'going limp' when lifted, the foundation was laid. The name Ragdoll is derived directly from this behavior. The breed spread rapidly worldwide and is today one of the most popular cat breeds.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.

Birman

The Birman captivates with her royal appearance, deep blue eyes, and characteristic white paws. Known for her gentle, affectionate nature and high adaptability, she is the perfect family companion. This elegant semi-longhair cat combines the best traits of different breeds into a harmonious and loving feline.

To Breed Portrait→

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair combines the lovely, gentle nature of the Persian with a more manageable, short coat. As an ideal indoor and family cat, she charms with her calm personality and plush appearance. She is the perfect companion for those seeking a relaxed, extremely affectionate cat.

To Breed Portrait→

Birman

The Birman captivates with its unique appearance: semi-long, light-colored fur with striking points and characteristic white paws, known as gloves. Its gentle, cuddly nature and balanced temperament make it an ideal, affectionate family member for anyone looking for a harmonious and uncomplicated feline companion.

To Breed Portrait→