The Ragdoll cat breed has a magnificent semi-long coat and huge ocean blue eyes. If you are curious to know more about this charming felines, read on.
1. Where It All Began
The Ragdoll cat breed originated in California back in the 1960s. It was made possible by Ann Baker, a Californian breeder. She spotted a domestic long-haired white cat wandering recklessly around the neighbourhood and decided to take her in. The breeder then named her new feline companion Josephine.
Baker wanted to develop a cat breed with a long coat and a friendly personality. Thus, later on, she bred the cat with another long-haired feline. The kittens born from Baker’s domestic cat were the ancestors of the modern Ragdoll breed that we see today.
2. Wacky Myths
Although the Ragdoll cat breed’s origins started uneventfully, it later took a controversial turn. Ann Baker created strange and flaky claims about the cat breed’s ancestry. According to her, Josephine was involved in a car accident during her younger years.
She revealed that this was the reason why the cat’s kittens were easy-going feline companions and sagged like rag dolls when picked up. Baker even added that they did not feel pain. However, modern genetics disproved her claims.
There were also other unusual assumptions on how the Ragdoll cat breed came to be. Some people believe that these felines were part of the government’s secret experiments that mutated. They also assumed that a Ragdoll has an alien or skunk DNA. Over time, these assumptions were moulded and changed at different times.
3. Same but Different
In 1971, Baker decided to make her very own cat registry and association. She named it IRCA (International Ragdoll Cat Association). Unfortunately, she created stringent restrictions on the breed, such as deciding on what colours are allowed.
Other Ragdoll breeders did not take this well and decided to establish their association. Whilst Baker owned the trademark for the name ‘Ragdoll,’ the other breeders changed their cat’s breed name to ‘Ragamuffins.’ These are Ragdolls that were not able to fit the standards set up by the IRCA.
4. Indoor Living Is a Bliss
It is recommended for Ragdolls to be kept indoors. Because of their gentle nature, they might easily become victims of aggression by stray cats and other wild animals. You might think that Ragdolls lead miserable lives, too vulnerable to roam outside, but actually, this cat breed enjoys staying indoors.
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5. Water Aficionado
Unlike most cats, Ragdolls have a strong affinity for water. They might not pass up the chance to make a splash or even wade in the pool! Although these felines love water, supervision is still necessary to prevent harmful accidents, most especially drowning.
6. Renowned Feline Hotel Residents
The illustrious Algonquin Hotel, located in New York City, has a long-standing tradition of keeping a resident cat within its vicinity. One of the most memorable felines they have ever had was the majestic Ragdoll cat named Matilda III. The staff welcomed her in the hotel after she was found neglected just outside the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, New York.
Whilst being cared -for, by her new loving family and colleagues, Matilda III worked diligently as the Direcfurr of Guest Relations. She warmly welcomes guests at the lobby. Her involvement in the hotel doesn’t just stop there. Matilda III also hosts at yearly charity events through a cat fashion show.
