Ragdoll

History
Ragdoll was first developed in 1960s by a Persian Breeder in California, Ann Baker, by crossing Josephine, a semi-feral longhaired white female Persian/Angora type, with male Birman-like or Burmese-like cats carrying Siamese type markings. Out of the litters, there were a Blackie, an all black Burmese-like male, and Daddy Warbucks, a seal point with white feet. Daddy Warbucks lead to the founding bi-color female Fugianna, and Blackie lead to Buckwheat, a dark brown/black Burmese-like female. Both Fugianna and Buckwheat were daughters of Josephine. Thus, all Ragdoll and RagaMuffin cats are descendents of Ann Baker's cats through matings of Daddy Warbucks to Fugianna and Buckwheat.

By selecting particular cats with the look and temperament for her breeding program, Ann Baker created the standard Ragdoll breed. She trademarked the name "Ragdoll" and founded her own registry � International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA). These cats were also not permitted to be registered in other breed associations. To gain mainstream recognition for the Ragdoll, a group broke rank with ICRA in 1975 and gradually developed the Ragdoll standard to be accepted by major cat registries. The breed was exclusively bred for many years for desirable traits, like large size, gentle demeanor, and a tendency to go limp when picked up, with the striking pointed coloration.

Appearance
The Ragdoll is an American cat breed, having a medium-length, silky, rabbit-like coat. The cat is best known for its quiet, composed temperament and affectionate nature. These cats have a sturdy body with a large frame, proportionate legs, and a soft coat with Siamese-style points. They have long hair with silky, plush, nomatting fur. They have large and expressive eyes, which are oval blue in color. Their body is body is light-colored, with darker Siamese-type points on face, legs, ears, and tail. They are slow to mature and take around three to four years to reach full maturity. A male Ragdoll weighs average between 15-20 pounds, while a female weighs 10-15 pounds on average.

Grooming
Ragdolls need little grooming. Giving proper nutrition is sufficient for overall fluffy and healthy appearance. They have a low-maintenance coat and simply require weekly combing to remove loose hairs and prevent mats. Bathing is hardly ever needed but well-tolerated, as are nail-clippings and vet visits. Ragdoll cats kept in a quite constant temperature and do not develop a huge winter coat. Thus, they do not have much problem with matting. Occasionally combing armpits and breeches will help avert large mats from forming, especially in winter, when conditions of dry air are frequent.

Varieties
Ragdolls are found in 6 different colors - seal, chocolate, flame, and "dilutes" blue, lilac and cream. And are found in three different patterns: Pointed (nose, ears, tail and paws in the specific colors, excluding white), Mitted - white paws, chin and tummy, with or without a white line on the face), and Bicolor - white legs, white inverted 'V' on the face, white tummy and often white patches on the back.

Personality
The Ragdolls are docile, affectionate, intelligent and mild mannered cats. They are playful but not overactive. If socialized from birth, they become attentive and affectionate members of the family, and enjoy human companionship. They adapt easily to their environment. Ragdolls are people-oriented cats and are very attached to their humans. They get along well with children and other pets. They can be trained easily. Ragdolls are famous for their fascination for food. Ragdolls are also called "puppy-cats" due to their tendency to follow their owners from room to room and meet them at the door. Ragdoll cats are modestly vocal, and are careful with their claws and teeth while playing. They easily forgive accidental mistreatment. Owing to their non-defensive nature, a Ragdoll should never be permitted outdoors unattended.