Breed guide
Why Ragdolls are called the gentle giants of the cat world
Floppy, affectionate and endlessly patient: here is what living with a Ragdoll is really like, and whether one is right for your home.
2 min read
Photo: Matthew Fainman on Unsplash
Ragdolls have a reputation that is hard to beat: big, beautiful, blue-eyed cats with the sweetest nature. After years of sharing our home with them, we can tell you the reputation is well earned. Here is what makes them so special.
Where the name comes from
The breed was developed in California in the 1960s. Its name comes from a charming habit: many Ragdolls go completely relaxed and floppy when you pick them up, like a child's rag doll. Not every Ragdoll does it, but most are very comfortable being held.
A cat that follows you around
Ragdolls are often described as dog-like. They greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, and like to be wherever the family is. Many will learn to fetch a toy or come when called. Rather than being independent and aloof, a Ragdoll wants to be part of everything you do.
Big, but gentle
Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Males commonly weigh between six and nine kilograms, and females are a little smaller. They grow slowly and keep filling out until around three or four years of age. Despite their size, they are gentle and rarely use their claws in play.
Quiet and easy-going
Most Ragdolls have soft voices and use them sparingly. They tend to adapt well to change, cope calmly with visitors, and are patient with children. They are playful, especially when young, but they are not known for climbing curtains or causing chaos.
Is a Ragdoll right for you?
Ragdolls thrive on company, so they are happiest in homes where someone is around for much of the day, or with a second cat as a friend. They are best kept indoors or in a safe enclosure, as their trusting nature makes them vulnerable outside. If you want a cat who will be part of your family and share your sofa every evening, a Ragdoll might be perfect.
Every Ragdoll is an individual, but nearly all share that famous softness. It is the reason we fell in love with the breed.
Curious to meet one? See our available kittens or read about how adoption works.
