Cat breed · Longhair
Ragdoll
A large, mellow cat named for its habit of going limp when picked up; typically an indoor-only companion.
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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
Before choosing a Ragdoll
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two short play sessions daily; Ragdolls are not natural athletes. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Polycystic kidney disease, Bladder stones, Obesity, Feline infectious peritonitis susceptibility in some lines), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice