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Cat breed · Longhair

Ragdoll

A large, mellow cat named for its habit of going limp when picked up; typically an indoor-only companion.

Large12–17 yearsCalifornia, United StatesCan suit apartments

Breed characteristics

Group
Longhair
Origin
California, United States
Size
Large
Weight
4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb)
Height
23–28 cm
Lifespan
12–17 years
Coat
Semi-long, silky, low-matting
Temperament
DocileAffectionateRelaxedFollows people

History

Developed in the 1960s by Ann Baker in Riverside, California, from a placid free-roaming white queen.

Appearance

Big and semi-longhaired, colourpointed with blue eyes, in mitted, bicolour and colourpoint patterns.

Exercise and activity

Two short play sessions daily; Ragdolls are not natural athletes.

Care and grooming

Brush twice weekly and keep indoors or in a secure catio — the breed is too trusting for free roaming.

Health considerations

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Bladder stones
  • Obesity
  • Feline infectious peritonitis susceptibility in some lines

Honest challenges

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