If a cat could have the temperament of a golden retriever, it would probably be a Ragdoll. This is a big, semi-longhaired cat with striking blue eyes and a coat that comes in a “pointed” pattern — a lighter body with darker face, ears, legs, and tail, similar to a Siamese. But the real signature trait isn’t the looks, it’s the personality: Ragdolls are famous for going almost limp with relaxation when picked up, which is exactly how the breed got its name.
The Ragdoll is a relatively young breed, developed in California in the 1960s by a breeder named Ann Baker, who began selectively breeding cats for their strikingly calm, affectionate temperament. The result was a breed so laid-back it quickly earned nicknames like “puppy cat” and “cat-dog” for behaving more like a devoted dog than a typical independent cat. The breed has grown enormously in popularity since then and, per the CFA’s most recent rankings, is now one of the most registered pedigreed cat breeds in the country.
Docile, gentle, and endlessly affectionate — that’s the Ragdoll in three words. These cats genuinely like following their people around the house, greeting them at the door, and settling into laps for long stretches. They’re not big jumpers or climbers compared to more athletic breeds, and their calm nature makes them a favorite for families and first-time cat owners looking for a low-drama companion.
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