If you love dogs but cannot keep one, fret not. There exists a cat with dog-like traits. It’s furry, fluffy, plushy, and loving, known as a Ragdoll cat.
These cats are easy on humans, which might sound surprising, and they love playing fetch games. Moreover, they also welcome their owners home from work and go on walks with them.
Furthermore, they follow their owner everywhere. If these are not dog-like qualities, then what are they? As pet experts for years, we’re here to clarify your concerns and guide you through the facts of Ragdoll kittens.
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Key Takeaways - Do Ragdolls have a dog-like personality? |
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Yes, Ragdoll cats are known for their dog-like traits, such as loyalty, love for fetch games, and following their owners. However, they’re still cats and require specific care and attention, including protection and support, because Ragdolls are indoor cats and usually can’t defend themselves due to their fragile nature. |
The Origin of Ragdoll Cats
Ragdolls are new (at least compared to other breeds) to the world. Their story is all about going from stray to slay cats. Today, the world loves them thanks to Ann Baker, a US-based citizen and one of the Ragdoll kitten breeders who introduced such a beautiful breed.
Ann bred them in the early 1960s; the Cat Fanciers Association later recognized them in the 1980s. She bred a female white long-haired cat, Josephine, with other cats in the area. As a result, she got a dog-like cat with dark mittens, a nose, and a pale trunk known as a Ragdoll cat.
9 Fun Facts About Ragdoll Cats
Here are some fun facts about Ragdoll cats:
Fact No#1 - They Have Beautiful Eyes
Ragdolls are known for their alluring blue eyes, which come in shades of blue, such as navy and royal blue. Cats whose eyes don’t have shades of blue are not Ragdoll cats. Ragdoll kittens inherit their blue eyes from Josephine’s lineage.
Do you want to know what colors can cats see?
Fact No#2 - They Are Calm & Quiet
While Ragdoll cats are playful and love to engage in different activities, they are quiet. They prefer to remain calm and stay inside the house mostly. They don’t howl like other breeds of cats or throw tantrums.
Fact No#3 - They Are Loyal & Love their Owner
As we said, they have relaxed temperaments, and as dogs, they love to be around their owner. If you pet them, you’ll see them welcoming you home from work. Moreover, if you train them, they’ll work as a morning alarm for you, and they also love to go on walks with their owner. However, due to their fragile nature, it's recommended to use cat harnesses for walks.
Fact No#4 - They Have a Long Lifespan
Normal breed cats live up to 12 to 15 years, but Ragdolls have a longer lifespan. They can live up to 25 years, and it’s said that one of the Ragdolls lived for 38 years, which is unbelievable. However, this is possible only with a healthy lifestyle and proper care.
Fact No#5 - They Weigh Heavier Than Normal Cats
A fully grown normal breed cat weighs 7 to 12 pounds, but it varies depending on the breed. Ragdoll cats are super heavy due to their size. The female cats weigh 20 lbs, whereas the male weighs 25 lbs, heavier than a normal cat’s weight.
Fact No#6 - They Can’t Defend Themselves
Oh, they’re terrible at it. They can neither fight nor hunt food for themselves. If they encounter a terrible situation, they won’t move to protect themselves. Instead, they wholly rely on their owner to guard and feed them.
Fact No#7 - They Shed Low
Many people think that Ragdoll cats don’t shed, which is untrue. They shed, but less than average-breed cats. This is because Ragdolls lack an undercoat, so there is less fur to shed. Their low-shedding nature makes them a more manageable choice for those who prefer a cleaner home. But Ragdoll cats are a long-haired species, which also requires you to groom him regularly (6 Tips for You).
Fact No#8 - They Mature Slow
Unlike other cats, Ragdolls mature slowly. They reach maturity at the age of 4 and become full-grown cats. Moreover, the color of their coating grows darker in pointed areas, such as mittens and noses, as they age. Another interesting fact is that they age reversely. Where most of the cat breed’s coating turns white as they age, the Ragdoll's coat grows darker with time.
Fact No#9 - They Come In Attractive Colors
Ragdolls are available in a variety of beautiful colors, including shades of cream, grey, and beige. Their coats can also transition from light beige to deep, dark brown chocolate, adding to their striking appearance. This range of colors contributes to their overall allure and charm.
5 Famous Myths About Ragdoll Cats
Let’s uncover some famous myths about Ragdoll cats:
Myth No#1 - They Can Tolerate Pain
Ragdoll cats don’t make much noise and prefer to stay calm. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings. They do suffer from pain, but they try to keep it to themselves. Therefore, it’s the owner’s responsibility to check on their cat.
Myth No#2 - They Are Deaf
Most people believe that cats with blue eyes are deaf, but this statement is invalid for Ragdoll cats. Though they have blue eyes, they have good hearing capability. They can make a move upon your call and be playful as well.
Myth No#3 - They Are Hypoallergenic
Just because Ragdolls shed less hair doesn’t mean they are hypoallergenic. Their hair shedding causes allergic reactions in humans, especially those allergic to cat fur.
Myth No#4 - They Go Limp
No, not all Ragdoll kittens or cats go limp when held by humans. Some love being held by a human, but some may not.
Myth No#5 - They Don’t Jump
Ragdoll cats are like other cats and have dog-like qualities; they love to play and jump, especially with cat trees.
Conclusion
Ragdoll cats are a unique blend of playful and calm (dog-like) traits. They are known for their striking blue eyes, calm behavior, and loyal companionship. With their lower shedding, longer lifespan, and attractive colors, Ragdoll kittens make wonderful pets.
While there are some myths surrounding Ragdolls, understanding their true nature can help you appreciate and care for these beautiful cats better. If you already have a Ragdoll cat, you can surprise them with an indoor cat tree—trust us, they’ll love it.
