The Ragdoll Breed Guide

The Ragdoll is one of the most beloved and distinctive cat breeds in the world, known for their striking appearance, gentle demeanor, and the tendency to go limp one picked up, earning their name. This Breed was developed in the 1960s, by an American Breeder, Ann Baker in Riverside, California. Since then, they have become increasingly popular among the cat enthusiasts and families seeking a loyal and passionate companion.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic breeds, with females averaging at about 10-15lbs, while males average 12-20+ lbs. They are slow to mature, often reaching their full adult size at about 3-4 years of age, unlike most domestic cats. These cats have a long, rectangular body shape with heavy boning, broad shoulders, and hindquarters of equal width, giving them a solid, well-proportioned appearance.

Coats and
Color Patterns

One of the most striking features on ragdoll cats is their beautiful, semi-long coat. Unlike long-haired breeds such as Persians or Siberian cats, Ragdolls have a single coat without the undercoat, which means they require less grooming and shed less than traditional long-haired cat breeds, though still more than short-haired varieties. The breed comes in several recognized color combinations, the Seal, Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, Flame, and Cream colors. Additionally, Ragdoll cats exhibit several distinct patterns including the Colorpoint, the Bicolor, the Mitted, and the Lynx. All Ragdolls share the breeds signature large, round, deep-blue eyes!

Temperament & Personality

Ragdoll cats are widely celebrated for their gentle, affectionate, and social temperament, making them one of the most beloved companion breeds. They are typically calm and easygoing, rarely aggressive, and usually patient with children and other pets, which makes them well-suited to family environments. Ragdoll cats are considered intelligent. They’re known for learning routines quickly, recognizing their names, and responding well to gentle training. Many Ragdolls can be taught to play fetch, walk on a leash, or follow simple commands, especially when positive reinforcement is used. Their intelligence is paired with a people-oriented nature—they tend to observe their owners closely and adapt to household patterns, which makes them appear intuitive and emotionally aware. Ragdolls also remain energetic & playful well into adulthood and often prefer short, engaging play sessions over constant activity.

Diet & Nutrition

Ragdoll cats require a nutritionally balanced, high-quality diet tailored to their large size, steady growth, and relaxed activity level. As a slow-maturing breed that can take up to four years to reach full size, Ragdolls benefit from animal-based proteins as the primary ingredient to support muscle development and overall strength. A combination of high-quality wet and dry food is often recommended to support hydration, dental health, and overall nutritional balance. At NYC Ragdolls, all of our kittens are fed strictly Royal Canin dry and wet food until they leave to join their new families, and we recommend keeping them on the same diet as they continue to grow, helping support healthy development and an easy transition into their new home.

Grooming & Coat Care

Ragdoll cats have a soft, silky, semi-long coat that is relatively low-maintenance compared to many long-haired breeds, as it lacks a dense undercoat. Regular grooming is still important to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Brushing two to three times per week with a stainless-steel comb or soft slicker brush helps prevent mats, reduces shedding, and removes loose hair, especially around the chest, belly, and behind the legs. During seasonal shedding, more frequent brushing may be needed. Occasional baths can help keep the coat clean and bright, but they are not required often. In addition to coat care, routine nail trimming, ear checks, and dental hygiene are recommended. A high-quality diet also plays a key role in maintaining a glossy coat and healthy skin.

Living Environments & Exercise Needs

Ragdolls are moderately active cats that appreciate play sessions but do not need constant activity. They adapt easily to various living environments, whether apartments or houses, and do not require extensive living space. However, they should be provided with enrichment activities such as climbing structures, interactive toys, and regular play sessions to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Interactive play with their owners is often more appreciated than solo play, as Ragdolls are social animals that value time with their human companions.