Ragdoll Cat

Most people look up Ragdolls when they’re weighing up a kitten, checking whether the breed suits family life, or trying to understand a health note a vet has mentioned. These cats have a particular look and a particular way of moving through a home: large, quiet-footed, often content to stay close without demanding constant activity.

Below is a clear, practical guide to the Ragdoll cat—where the breed came from, what they typically look and act like, and what day-to-day care tends to involve, including the health issues that are worth screening for early.

Ragdoll cat: at a glance

• Origin: United States (developed in California in the 1960s)¹
• Size: Large, slow to mature; often not fully grown for several years¹
• Typical adult weight: Females commonly around 4.5–6.8 kg; males commonly around 6.8–9.1 kg (individuals vary)¹
• Coat: Semi-long, silky; generally manageable with routine brushing¹
• Colours/patterns: Pointed colouring, always blue eyes; common patterns include colourpoint, mitted and bicolour^{1, 2}
• Temperament: Commonly calm, affectionate and people-oriented (but still individual)¹
• Life expectancy: Often mid to high teens with good care (varies with genetics, health, and lifestyle)¹

History and origin

The Ragdoll is a modern breed, developed in the early 1960s by breeder Ann Baker in Riverside, California. Early foundation cats and later breeders helped shape the consistent size, coat type, and gentle handling tolerance that the breed is now known for.¹

The name “Ragdoll” comes from a tendency some individuals show to relax deeply when held. It’s best understood as a common breed trait rather than a guarantee—cats still have preferences, and good handling matters as much as genetics.¹

Physical characteristics and appearance

Ragdolls are large, substantial cats with a semi-long, silky coat and a slower timetable for reaching full size and full colour. Many don’t look “finished” until adulthood is well underway.¹

One detail is non-negotiable in breed standards: Ragdolls are pointed cats with blue eyes. The body is lighter, with darker “points” on the face, ears, legs and tail, and the recognised patterns typically include colourpoint, mitted and bicolour.^{1, 2}

A common misconception is that Ragdolls can have any eye colour. In breed standards, blue is the expected eye colour for Ragdolls, and deeper blue is generally preferred.²

Personality and temperament

In many homes, a Ragdoll moves like a gentle shadow—present, observant, and often happiest in the same room as their people. Breed descriptions commonly note an affectionate, quiet disposition, with playfulness that tends to show in short bursts rather than constant high energy.¹

They’re often described as tolerant with children and other pets, but that tolerance still has a ceiling. Calm introductions, predictable routines, and letting the cat choose contact are what keep that relaxed temperament intact.¹

Health: what to watch for (and what you can do early)

No breed is “problem-free”. With Ragdolls, a few issues come up often enough that it’s worth planning for them from the start—especially if you’re buying a kitten and can ask a breeder for screening results.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a form of heart disease seen in cats. In Ragdolls, a breed-associated genetic variant has been identified, and DNA testing is available. This doesn’t replace veterinary exams, but it can be a useful tool for breeders and owners when assessing risk.³

Dental disease

Dental problems are common in pet cats generally, and they can creep in quietly—bad breath, gum redness, drooling, dropping food, or a slow change in appetite. Regular vet checks help, and tooth brushing (ideally daily, or at least a few times a week) is widely recommended as the most effective home routine.^{4, 5}

Weight gain and inactivity

Ragdolls are often described as laid-back, which can make extra weight easier to miss—especially under a fluffy coat. Keeping an eye on body condition (not just the number on the scales), using portion control, and building gentle daily play into routine helps protect long-term mobility and comfort.^{1, 6}

Infections and preventative care

Ragdolls aren’t uniquely prone to most routine infections, but they need the same basics as any cat: vaccination and regular health checks based on lifestyle and veterinary advice. In Australia, adult boosters are commonly recommended every 1–3 years after the initial kitten course (depending on the vaccine and the cat’s circumstances).⁷

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease linked to feline coronavirus. It can affect any breed; it’s not accurate to treat it as a “typical Ragdoll problem”, but it is one owners often read about while researching cat health.⁸

Grooming and coat care

The Ragdoll coat is semi-long and silky rather than woolly. Most do well with a thorough brush or comb once a week, with extra attention during seasonal shedding and around friction points (behind the front legs, under the collar area).¹

Bathing usually isn’t routine. When it’s needed (for example, if something sticky has worked into the coat), use a cat-specific product and keep the experience brief and warm.

Nails, ears, and teeth are the quiet maintenance jobs that add up. A little routine, done gently, is usually better tolerated than occasional “big sessions”.⁵

Training and exercise needs

Ragdolls often enjoy interactive play, but many prefer games that come in soft waves: a few minutes of chase, then a long pause. Short daily play sessions help maintain muscle tone and reduce boredom, especially for indoor cats.¹

Simple training can work well when it’s reward-based and low pressure. Many individuals learn their name, come when called, and will happily follow a routine around meals and playtime. Focus on consistency rather than “obedience”.

Feeding and nutrition

Choose a complete and balanced commercial cat food that suits the cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, senior). If you’re mixing wet and dry, keep an eye on total daily energy intake—Ragdolls can be enthusiastic eaters, and their calm nature can hide slow weight gain.⁶

Fresh water should always be available. If your cat tends to drink little, a pet water fountain can encourage some cats to take more sips through the day (though preferences vary).

Is a Ragdoll a good fit?

A Ragdoll often suits households that want a calm companion cat: affectionate, present, and typically less frantic than highly active breeds. They still need daily play, grooming, and preventative healthcare, and they do best with gentle handling and predictable rhythms.¹

If you’re buying a kitten, ask about health screening—especially HCM testing—and expect a slow-growing cat that may not reach their full size and coat maturity for several years.^{1, 3}

References

1. The International Cat Association (TICA) – Ragdoll
2. Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) – Ragdoll breed information
3. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Ragdolls
4. RSPCA Pet Insurance – Guide to cat dental care
5. RSPCA Knowledgebase – How should I take care of my cat or dog’s teeth?
6. RSPCA Pet Insurance – How to spot signs of pet obesity
7. RSPCA Knowledgebase – What vaccinations should my cat receive?
8. Cornell Feline Health Center – Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)