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Ragdoll
(Ragamuffin) Cat
The Ragdoll Cat is a breed of medium
longhaired cat.
It is best known for its docile and placid temperament and
affectionate nature. It is perhaps the gentlest and most easy-going of
breeds.
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Ragdoll
Cat
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Ragdoll Cats are non-aggressive to the point that many cats cannot or should
not be let outside for prolonged periods as many will not defend themselves
and most do not hunt.
The name "Ragdoll" derived from
the fact that many of these cats go completely limp and relax when picked
up.
Ragdoll cats have a sturdy body, short legs, and a thick coat with Siamese-style
points
The Ragdoll Cat breed had its origin in California in
the 1960s with a cat named Josephine.
Several wild and scientifically
impossible stories were put out by the colorful breed founder regarding the
origin and development of the Ragdoll Cat breed, including
extraterrestrials, kittens' traits and personality being affected by the
mother's being hit by a car, and genetic alteration using human genes.
None
of these legends are scientifically supportable.
What is known is that this breed was
selectively bred over many years for desirable traits, such as large size,
docility, and ability to go limp in the arms like a rag doll - hence the
cat's name. Persians,
Birmans, Burmese, and domestics
had roles in early breeding programs.
There have been attempts to establish
several competing ragdoll-type cats, among them the RagaMuffin.
Most of these attempted breeds are not recognized as there is little
difference between them and the already-recognized Ragdoll cats, however the
Ragamuffin is recognized by several registries.
The Ragdoll cat is a large,
semi-longhaired cat, exhibiting the pointed pattern in three varieties: color point,
bicolor, and mitted. Coat colors can be seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac
point colors, either with or without markings on the face and feet.
In some associations, the Ragdoll Cats are also
available in nonstandard colors, such as red and lynx
point. Their long coats need minimal care and do not usually become matted,
however elderly Ragdoll cats may require routine care similar to normal
long-haired cats
Ragdoll cats typically take up to 2 years
to fully mature physically. An adult male can weigh between 15 and 20 lb
(6.5 to 9 kg), while the females can weigh between 10 and 13 lb (4.5 to 5
kg).
Because of their calm nature, Ragdoll cats
make good family pets, but care must be taken that they are not mishandled
by young children.
Above Information
source: Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia
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