Out of all the different kinds of cat breeds out there, there are very few that are as desired and as beloved as the ragdoll cat. If you are interested in this breed, you will want to learn what it looks like.
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How do I know if my cat is a ragdoll?
When you want to identify if a cat is a Ragdoll you should know that Ragdoll cats have a medium-large build with long fur. Their coats have a mane-like flare around the neck. Their fur has a light base color, with darker colors around the face, legs, tail, and ears.
Their personalities can be identified by the fact that they often seek out being picked up by their owners, unlike most other cats.
With this being said, cat breeds are rarely as strict as dog breeds. While most Ragdoll cats are known for their light fur on the body, there are some variations of the breed that may have a cream body, or maybe even a light brown body. What makes this kind of identification even harder is the fact that most ragdolls that are sold as pets do not meet show standards, so there is even more variation in appearance.
Identifying a Ragdoll’s Coat
Typically, a ragdoll cat’s coat pattern will either be considered “mitted” or it will be considered “bicolor,” with the occasional exception of “colorpoint.” These are the specifications used by breeders and people who take their cats to shows, so there may be some blending between the lines for cats that are purchased as pets.
Mitted cats, as the name suggests, will have white “mitts” on their paws and they will have a white chin and belly to go along with it. Some mitted ragdoll cats will also have white markings on its face, although these are less common. In comparison, bicolor cats will usually have white chests, bellies, and occasionally white backs. Their faces may have an inverted V-shape of white on it, but this is not necessary to qualify as a bicolor coat pattern.
Colorpoint ragdoll cats will typically have no white on them, and will instead be a mix of one of the six colors that shows will accept in ragdoll cats: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, and cream. Colorpoint ragdoll cats tend to be the most beautiful among the variations of cat coat colors.
Identifying a Ragdoll’s Personality
As for the personality of ragdoll cats, they have one defining feature that sets them apart from most other cats. They truly love being held by their owners, and if they trust you enough, they will often go out of their way to be held by you. When you do decide to hold a ragdoll cat, you will be able to see where the name of the cat comes from, as they will often let you hold them in whatever position you wish (as long as it is not causing the cat physical pain).
This kind, patient, and laid-back nature is one of the reasons why ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds of cat amongst families. These cats will be more than happy to tolerate younger children holding the cat improperly, which will leave everyone in a family happier. In fact, there’s a very good chance that you may be able to cradle a ragdoll cat on its back, much like you would with a baby. This is important to note, as this is considered one of the most vulnerable positions you can put a cat in.
When all is said and done, there are two very defining points that will help you identify a cat as a ragdoll cat. First is the long, flowing fur of the cat that tends to have a mane-like appearance around the neck. This large coat of fur, along with the cat’s larger size, will set it apart from most other cats that you will encounter. Once you are familiar with the ragdoll’s coat, simply picking up the cat to see how it reacts to being held will give you a firm idea of whether or not the cat is truly a ragdoll cat or not.
More questions about the Ragdoll breed answered
What Breeds Are Similar to the Ragdoll Cat?
Cats that may be confused with the ragdoll cat for their size and their coat include the Maine Coon, the Persian cat, and the Birman. The Birman cat is the most similar to the ragdoll cat in terms of personality, although there are very few cats that will be as lenient about being held as the ragdoll is.
What Makes Ragdoll Cats Special?
The ragdoll cat is a special breed of cat because of its leniency with being held. Not only will it allow relative strangers to hold the cat in just about any position, but it will actively seek out being held by people it loves and trusts. The fact that ragdoll cats will often ragdoll when being held is almost exclusive to the breed.
Why Should You Consider a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdoll cats are the perfect cat for families that want to be able to hold their cats without any issue, as well as families that may have kids that are too young to understand what the proper etiquette for holding a cat is. Ragdoll cats are playful and patient and they are easy to forgive a well-meaning child who doesn’t hold the cat right.
