Ragdoll Cats: The Floppy, Affectionate Lap Cats

Ragdolls are named for their tendency to go limp and relaxed when you pick them up - like a ragdoll. They are one of the most affectionate, people-oriented, gentle cat breeds.

If you want a cat who actually enjoys being held, follows you everywhere, and wants to be in your lap constantly, Ragdolls deliver. They are the ultimate lap cats.

They are large, beautiful cats with striking blue eyes, semi-long silky coats, and the sweetest, most trusting personalities. They are perfect for families, first-time cat owners, and anyone who wants a devoted, gentle companion.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 10-20 pounds (males 15-20 pounds, females 10-15 pounds)
  • Lifespan: 12-17 years (some live longer)
  • Temperament: Docile, affectionate, calm, gentle, trusting
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Energy level: Low to moderate
  • Intelligence: Moderate to high
  • Vocal level: Quiet (soft, infrequent meows)
  • Good with kids: Excellent (one of the best breeds)
  • Good with other pets: Excellent (tolerant and social)
  • Nickname: “Puppy cats” or “floppy cats”

What Makes Ragdolls Special

Modern American Breed

Ragdolls are a relatively new breed created in the 1960s by Ann Baker in California. She:

  • Bred a white long-haired cat named Josephine with other cats
  • Selected for docile, floppy temperament and striking appearance
  • Trademarked the name “Ragdoll”
  • Created one of the most popular cat breeds

Ragdolls are entirely human-created, not a natural breed.

They Go Limp When Held

Ragdolls are famous for their “floppy” nature. When you pick them up, they:

  • Relax completely
  • Go limp in your arms
  • Remain calm and trusting
  • Do not squirm or struggle

It is the weirdest, most endearing trait. You pick them up, and they just… flop.

Not all Ragdolls flop equally - some are floppier than others - but most display this behavior.

Stunning Blue Eyes and Color-Point Coats

All purebred Ragdolls have blue eyes. Their coats feature color-point patterns similar to Siamese cats.

Ragdoll coat patterns:

  • Colorpoint: Color on face, ears, legs, tail (like Siamese)
  • Mitted: Colorpoint with white “mittens” on paws and white chin
  • Bicolor: Colorpoint with white inverted “V” on face, white chest, belly, and legs

Colors:

  • Seal (dark brown)
  • Blue (gray)
  • Chocolate (lighter brown)
  • Lilac (pale gray-pink)
  • Red (orange)
  • Cream (pale cream)

Pointed varieties:

  • Solid points
  • Lynx points (tabby stripes)
  • Tortie points (tortoiseshell markings)

Their coats are silky, semi-long, and feel luxurious.

Large, Muscular Builds

Ragdolls are one of the largest cat breeds. They:

  • Weigh 10-20 pounds (males larger)
  • Take 3-4 years to reach full size
  • Have long, muscular bodies
  • Have substantial bone structure
  • Feel heavy when you hold them

They are gentle giants.

Dog-Like Personalities

Ragdolls act more like dogs than cats. They:

  • Follow you from room to room
  • Greet you at the door
  • Come when called
  • Play fetch (some Ragdolls)
  • Want to be near you constantly

They are Velcro cats.

Extremely Trusting

Ragdolls are too trusting for their own good. They:

  • Do not fear strangers
  • Approach everyone
  • Lack street smarts
  • Are easy targets for theft or harm

They must be kept indoors only.

Temperament

Ragdolls are:

  • Gentle - Rarely aggressive, territorial, or hostile. They use soft paws and avoid conflict.
  • Trusting - Believe everyone is a friend. They approach strangers without fear.
  • Docile - Calm, relaxed, and easygoing. They do not startle easily.
  • Affectionate - Want to be near their humans constantly. True lap cats.
  • Patient - Tolerate handling, grooming, vet visits, and children without complaint.
  • Social - Get along with everyone: family members, strangers, other pets.
  • Quiet - Rarely vocal. They communicate through purring and body language.
  • Laid-back - Not hyperactive or demanding. They prefer lounging.

Ragdolls are the gentlest, most easygoing cat breed.

Living with a Ragdoll

They Are True Lap Cats

Ragdolls want to be on your lap. They:

  • Sit on your lap for hours
  • Sleep on your bed
  • Follow you from room to room
  • Wait outside the bathroom door

They need constant companionship.

They Are Not Climbers

Ragdolls prefer ground-level lounging. They:

  • Rarely climb tall cat trees
  • Do not jump on counters often
  • Prefer beds, couches, and low perches

This makes them ideal for households with breakable items.

They Need Companionship

Ragdolls cannot be alone for long periods. If you work long hours, consider:

  • Getting a second cat (Ragdolls or another social breed)
  • Getting a dog (Ragdolls love dogs)
  • Working from home

Ragdolls develop separation anxiety when left alone too often.

They Are Perfect for Families

Ragdolls tolerate handling better than any breed. They:

  • Let kids carry them around
  • Do not scratch or bite when annoyed (they walk away instead)
  • Remain calm in chaotic households

They are one of the best cat breeds for families with children.

They Must Be Indoor Only

Ragdolls are too trusting for outdoor life. They:

  • Do not fear predators
  • Approach strangers (risk of theft)
  • Lack street smarts
  • Do not defend themselves

Never let Ragdolls outside unsupervised.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Ragdolls have semi-long, silky coats that mat less than Persian fur but still need regular grooming.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb
  • Daily brushing during spring and fall shedding seasons
  • Check for mats behind ears, armpits, and rear
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Clean ears weekly
  • Brush teeth regularly

Their coats are easier to maintain than Persians because they lack dense undercoats.

Shedding

Ragdolls shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding twice per year.

Shedding management:

  • Brush more frequently during shedding season
  • Use a de-shedding tool
  • Vacuum regularly

Exercise and Play

Ragdolls are low to moderate energy. They enjoy play but are not hyperactive.

Exercise routine:

  • 10-15 minute play sessions 1-2 times daily
  • Interactive toys (feather wands, laser pointers)
  • Puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
  • Gentle play (they are not aggressive hunters)

They prefer calm, leisurely play.

Diet

Ragdolls are large and can gain weight easily due to their calm nature.

Feeding tips:

  • Feed high-quality, protein-rich food
  • Measure portions carefully
  • Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day)
  • Limit treats to 10% of daily calories
  • Monitor weight regularly

Ragdolls do not burn many calories due to low activity levels.

Space

Ragdolls do well in apartments and small spaces because they:

  • Are not climbers
  • Prefer ground-level lounging
  • Are calm and quiet

Health Considerations

Ragdolls are generally healthy but watch for these conditions:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is the most common heart disease in Ragdolls. It causes heart walls to thicken.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden collapse

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results (echocardiogram). Annual vet checkups with heart monitoring are essential.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Some Ragdoll lines carry the PKD gene, which causes cysts in the kidneys.

Signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Prevention: Ask breeders for PKD genetic testing results.

Obesity

Ragdolls are large cats who can become overweight easily due to low activity levels.

Signs:

  • Rib cage not easily felt
  • Loss of waistline
  • Reduced mobility

Prevention:

  • Measure food portions
  • Encourage daily play
  • Monitor weight regularly
  • Limit treats

Obesity leads to diabetes, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.

Bladder Stones

Ragdolls are prone to urinary crystals and bladder stones.

Signs:

  • Straining to urinate
  • Blood in urine
  • Frequent trips to litter box
  • Urinating outside litter box

Prevention:

  • Provide fresh water at all times
  • Feed wet food (increases water intake)
  • Monitor litter box habits

Dental Disease

Ragdolls are prone to dental issues.

Prevention:

  • Brush teeth regularly
  • Provide dental treats
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings

Are Ragdolls Good with Kids?

Yes. Ragdolls are one of the best cat breeds for families with children. They:

  • Tolerate being picked up, carried, and cuddled
  • Do not bite or scratch easily
  • Walk away when annoyed rather than lashing out
  • Remain patient with children

Teach kids to:

  • Handle gently (Ragdolls are large but fragile)
  • Support the cat’s body when carrying
  • Respect the cat’s space when eating or sleeping

Ragdolls are famously tolerant of children.

Are Ragdolls Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Ragdolls are social and tolerant. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Get along with most cat personalities
  • Prefer social, gentle cats
  • Share resources well

Dogs:

  • Love cat-friendly dogs
  • Often play with dogs
  • Remain calm around dogs

Small pets:

  • Low prey drive (they are gentle and calm)
  • Usually ignore small pets

Ragdolls prefer companionship and do well in multi-pet households.

Common Mistakes

Expecting Independence

Ragdolls need constant companionship. They are not independent cats. If you work long hours, get a second pet.

Letting Them Outside

Ragdolls are too trusting for outdoor life. They are easy targets for theft, predators, and cars. Keep them indoors only.

Overfeeding

Ragdolls are large but can become obese. Measure food portions and avoid free-feeding.

Neglecting Grooming

Ragdolls need regular brushing. Without it, they develop mats behind ears and legs.

Ignoring Heart Screening

HCM is common in Ragdolls. Choose breeders who screen breeding cats with echocardiograms.

Finding a Ragdoll

Ragdolls are popular, so finding breeders is relatively easy. Be cautious of backyard breeders.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Ragdolls occasionally end up in rescues when owners cannot care for them.

Where to look:

  • Ragdoll rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Ragdoll”)
  • Local shelters

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $1,000-$2,500 for a purebred Ragdoll from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents HCM tested (echocardiogram)?
  • Are parents PKD tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 6-12 months for a kitten.

Ragdoll vs. Birman vs. Himalayan

All three are color-point, long-haired, gentle breeds but differ in size and temperament.

Ragdoll:

  • Largest (10-20 pounds), extremely docile, floppy when held

Birman:

  • Medium (8-12 pounds), social and playful, white “mittens” on paws

Himalayan:

  • Medium (7-12 pounds), calm and quiet, flat face (Persian-type)

Ragdolls are the largest and most people-oriented of the three.

What To Do Next

  • If you want an extremely affectionate, gentle, lap cat, Ragdolls are perfect
  • If you want an independent or high-energy cat, choose a different breed
  • If you work long hours, get two cats or consider a less clingy breed
  • If you have kids or other pets, Ragdolls adapt beautifully

Our Ragdoll mix lets our toddler “help” with grooming. He just sits there, purring.

Finding a Ragdoll

From a Breeder

Expect to pay $800-$2,000 for a purebred Ragdoll.

Look for breeders who:

  • Health test for HCM and PKD
  • Socialize kittens early
  • Provide health guarantees

From a Rescue

Ragdoll rescues exist. Check breed-specific rescues and Petfinder.

Mixed Ragdolls or adult cats are often available for adoption at lower costs.

Common Mistakes

Letting Them Outside

Ragdolls are too friendly for outdoor life. They will approach strangers, dogs, and danger without fear.

Keep them indoors. Use a catio or leash training if they need outdoor time.

Expecting Independence

Ragdolls are not cats that ignore you all day. They need attention.

If you want a low-maintenance, independent cat, get a different breed.

Ignoring Grooming

Even though Ragdolls mat less than Persians, they still mat. Weekly brushing prevents painful tangles.

What To Do Next

  • If you want an affectionate, lap-friendly cat, Ragdolls are perfect
  • If you have young kids, Ragdolls are exceptionally tolerant
  • If you want an outdoor cat, choose a different breed
  • Check out our guide on indoor cat enrichment to keep your Ragdoll happy
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