The Ragdoll Cat: Silky, Cuddly and Rare

In terms of the cuddliest, friendliest ‘rare’ cat breed, the Ragdoll cat takes the kibble. These fluffy fur balls will steal your heart with their playful personalities and gorgeous features. No wonder they’re one of Australia’s top trending feline breeds.

The Ragdoll is named after its habit of going limp and relaxed – like a ragdoll – when picked up. They really are suckers for a good cuddle. All Ragdoll cats come from a single domestic longhair cat with a white coat called Josephine. One of the newest breeds, they were developed in California by a breeder called Ann Baker in the 1960s.

The Ragdoll is a popular and supposedly rare cat breed that you’ll pay a pretty penny for in Australia. Let’s find out more with some frequently asked questions about the Ragdoll cat.

Breed characteristics

The Ragdoll is a large purebred cat around 10kg in weight. As for how long do cats live, these ones average about fifteen years. A pretty good innings!

Ragdolls have characteristic blue eyes and a marking in an upside-down ‘v’ marking on their foreheads. Like Burmese and Siamese cat breeds, they have ‘pointed coats’ – meaning they have very pale bodies with darker tips on their ears, nose and tail.

Ragdolls can be seal, chocolate, blue or lilac in coloration and are distinctively plush and silky. Just another reason they’re considered the cuddliest cat breed.

Are they rare?

Yes, they are a rare cat breed. Ragdolls are harder to find than other cats because breeders require special expertise to develop their unique qualities. Obtaining a pure breed with no infections requires a great amount of time and money.

Added costs occur when getting the breeding patent from a reputable breeder, nurturing them until they’re healthy, administering their vaccinations, veterinary costs, food and supplements. The cost is all dependent on the breeder’s costs.

Are Ragdoll cats expensive?

Yes, they’re expensive due to being a rare cat breed. As mentioned above, Ragdoll cats need experienced breeders and it’s a costly exercise – which raises the price of the cat.

Ragdoll cats in Australia can cost between AU$1,000 to $2,500. Cats around a $1,000 price mark are purebred quality, while cats in the upper bracket are show quality. If the kitten comes from a champion bloodline, they may sell for even more than that.

When purchasing a kitten, make sure you’re only supporting ethical and reputable breeders.

Due to the profit that can be made off of purebred cats like the Ragdoll, intensive breeding facilities like kitten factories are a problem in Australia. It’s vital to check the facilities your kitten is being sold from to ensure you aren’t giving your money to cruel and unethical breeders. If you suspect a kitten factory, here’s how to report animal abuse properly.

You may also be able to get lucky and find a Ragdoll cat in an animal shelter – though they may not be 100% purebred.

Do Ragdoll cats drool?

Surprisingly, this is quite a common question about Ragdoll cats! They aren’t any more or less prone to drooling than any other cat. It all depends on the cat itself, including its personality, upbringing, and overall health. 

Cats often drool when they’re relaxed and content, for instance when you’re petting them. Perhaps due to the Ragdoll’s cuddly nature, they’re seen drooling more often than other cats.

However, drooling can also be caused by stress or nausea. If your Ragdoll is drooling excessively over a long period of time, you may want to check in with your vet for any underlying health conditions.

What diseases are Ragdolls prone to?

Ragdolls do have certain health conditions they’re more prone to than other cats. If you own or are getting one, here are some health issues to be aware of:

• Mouth and gum disease
• Respiratory tract disorders
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders

Choose your breeder wisely then keep a close eye on your favourite feline throughout its life, keeping your regular vet health checks up to date.

Insurance for your cuddle buddy

For many pet parents, their cats or dogs are like family members. Whether they’re one of the cuddliest cat breeds or not. And just as you’d want your family covered in case of an accident or emergency, you’ll want proper insurance for your fur child.

PD Insurance offers affordable, award winning cat insurance plans with quick claims and no lock-in contracts. Why not get a quote today? We even protect against damage your feline friend causes to other people or their property.