Ragdoll Cat | Everyday Pet Insurance

Information about Ragdoll Cat Breed

What type of breed is a Ragdoll cat?
History of the Ragdoll cat
Ragdoll cats breed information
Ragdoll cat appearance and characteristics
Ragdoll cat personality and temperament
Ragdoll cat breed traits
Ragdoll cat lifespan
The dos and don’ts of caring for a Ragdoll cat
Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?
We're here to help

Ragdolls were bred in California, USA in the 1960s. A friendly and calm natured cat, the Ragdoll gets its name from a tendency to go limp when being held.

What type of breed is a Ragdoll cat?

Ragdolls are large cats known for their relaxed natures, beauty and distinct colouring. The breed is affectionate, calm and less driven to hunt than other cat breeds. Ragdolls are unusual because they can ‘go limp’ when picked up. This physical quirk to become floppy when being carried earned them their name.

History of the Ragdoll cat

The Ragdoll was developed in the 1960s by US-based cat breeder Ann Baker. Breeding resulted from blending a white domestic long-haired female cat which resembled an Angora (a particular breed of long-haired cat) with other domestic cats. Baker’s breeding program through successive litters refined characteristics, traits and colourings.

The Ragdoll’s ability to thoroughly relax when carried – also known as the ‘Ragdoll flop’ – is associated with the breed’s docile personality. The origins of this trait are unclear; however, some claim it might be related to the sensation of being picked and carried as a kitten. While other cat breeds generally outgrow their need for this type of soothing, it seems the Ragdoll has retained this reflex into adulthood.

Ragdoll cats breed information

Breed: Ragdolls are large, long-bodied pedigree cats. The breed is distinctive for its bright blue, oval-shaped eyes, and soft, fluffy coat.

Coat type: Ragdolls have medium to long fur with textures ranging from silky and fine to thicker and dense.

Shedding: Minimal shedding daily; however, Ragdolls shed extensively once a year (Spring).

Activity level: Moderate

Apartment friendly: Yes

Other pet friendly: Yes

Ragdoll cat appearance and characteristics

Ragdolls are a large breed, males can top the scale at 10 kilograms. Females are generally smaller. Ragdolls are also slow-maturing, growing into their full coat color at two years old and reaching their full size and body weight at four years.

All Ragdolls have blue eyes, and their coats are semi-long or long. The breed is known as a “pointed breed” which means their bodies are lighter in colour than the extremities, the face, legs, tail, and ears which are darker.

Pointed variations include Seal Point, Blue Point, Flame Point (cream-coloured coat with reddish-orange points), Blue Mitted Ragdoll, Blue Bicolour Ragdoll, Lilac Point Ragdoll and Mink Ragdoll.

Ragdoll cat personality and temperament

Ragdolls are considered the most even-tempered of all cat breeds. Their calm and affectionate nature means they are a delight to live with, and their curious and playful personalities make them ideal for families with children. Ragdolls are an exceptionally devoted breed and can display loyalty by following their owner from room to room or sleeping as close as possible.

Ragdoll cat breed traits

Ragdoll cats are agile and intelligent and generally not skittish. While they may have a lower drive to hunt than some other breeds, they still enjoy playing. Some bright Ragdolls can be taught to ‘fetch’ and will retrieve toys on command. Loving attention and a doting owner are among the chief requirements for a happy Ragdoll. The breed is generally considered a quiet cat; they are relatively undemanding.

Ragdoll cat lifespan

A healthy Ragdoll has a life expectancy of up to 15 years.

The dos and don’ts of caring for a Ragdoll cat

Do: With their semi-long fur, Ragdolls need brushing to keep the coat tangle-free. Brushing may be required as often as 3 times a week. A yearly heavier moult will need more attention.

Don’t: Ragdolls take up to 4 years to grow to full height and weight, so don’t neglect the need for a proper diet to ensure they remain healthy. Your vet will be able to discuss with you how best to manage your Ragdoll’s diet.

Do: Remember, Ragdolls are prone to a specific set of diseases and can also be affected by kidney and bladder issues. If you are considering a Ragdoll, factor in annual vet visits. Your vet will be able to check your Ragdoll thoroughly to ensure there are no developing health concerns.

Need Pet Insurance for your cat?

Get a quote

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

Claim up to $30,000 a year.

Claim up to 80% back.*

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.

Lifetime cover.‡

Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life.

Introducing GapOnly.®

Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims.⁼

Important Information

text: ^#Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text: * Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text: ^‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

Ragdoll Cat Breed Information