Ragdoll

Large, pointed and blue-eyed, which is the combination people reach for Siamese to explain. The name comes from a tendency to go limp when picked up, though that is far from universal.

Coat
Long
Build
Large and rectangular
Head
Wedge
Weight
4.5–9 kg
Origin
United States

What it looks like

Large and heavy with a semi-long silky coat, a modified wedge head, and deep blue eyes. Always pointed, in mitted, bicolour or colourpoint variations.

The characters that confirm it

  • Blue eyes, always, combined with a large heavy body.
  • A silky semi-long coat with little undercoat, so it mats less than it looks like it should.
  • Pointed pattern, often with white mittens or an inverted white V on the face.
  • Slow to mature — full size and colour at three to four years.

Temperament

Docile, tolerant, floor-dwelling rather than climbing. Frequently described as puppy-like.

Health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is well documented and there is a genetic test for a breed-specific mutation. Ask for it.

Confused with

Birman

Also pointed with white feet, but smaller, with a rounder head and white confined to symmetrical gloves.

Siamese are short-coated, small and fine-boned; Ragdolls are large, heavy and semi-longhaired.

Questions about this breed

How do you recognise a Ragdoll?

Blue eyes, always, combined with a large heavy body. A silky semi-long coat with little undercoat, so it mats less than it looks like it should.

What is a Ragdoll like to live with?

Docile, tolerant, floor-dwelling rather than climbing. Frequently described as puppy-like.

What health problems do Ragdolls have?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is well documented and there is a genetic test for a breed-specific mutation. Ask for it.