Breed History
The Origins (1960s, California):
• Ann Baker and Josephine: The Ragdoll breed is attributed to Ann Baker, a cat breeder in Riverside, California, in the 1960s. The foundation for the breed is said to be a white, semi-longhaired cat named Josephine, who was a stray or feral cat of unknown origins.
• Josephine’s Litters: Josephine reportedly had litters of kittens with unique characteristics, including a docile temperament and a tendency to “go limp” when picked up, hence the name “Ragdoll.” It’s important to note that this “limpness” is a form of relaxation and trust, not a medical condition.
• First Recognized Ragdolls: Some of the first cats that Baker used in the Ragdoll breeding program were reportedly:
• Daddy Warbucks: A Birman-like male with dark points.
• Buckwheat: A solid black cat.
• Fugianna: A seal mitted female.
The Early Breeding Program:
• Selective Breeding: Ann Baker carefully selected cats with the desired temperament and physical traits to establish the Ragdoll breed. She aimed to create cats that were large, gentle, and had a striking appearance.
• Unique Personality: Beyond their looks, Baker heavily emphasized the Ragdolls’ docile and affectionate nature. This is a crucial part of what makes the breed so popular today.
• Mysterious Beginnings: Some aspects of the early history of the Ragdoll breed are not entirely clear, due to Ann Baker’s often secretive and unconventional methods. There were claims of possible Burmese or Persian lineage alongside the cats mentioned above, but these are unsubstantiated.
The Development of Breed Standards:
• Registration and Recognition: In the early years, Baker registered her Ragdolls with her own registry, the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA). Eventually, Ragdolls began to gain recognition from major cat fancier associations.
• Breed Standards Emerge: As the Ragdoll breed grew in popularity, breeders began to establish and refine breed standards. These standards describe the ideal traits for the Ragdoll, including size, coat, color patterns, and eye color.
• Distinct Traits: Some of the key defining traits of the Ragdoll include:
• Large Size: They are one of the larger cat breeds, with males often weighing between 15-20 pounds and females 10-15 pounds.
• Semi-Longhaired Coat: They have a silky, semi-longhaired coat that is low-shedding.
• Colorpoint Pattern: Their classic color pattern includes a lighter body and darker points on their face, ears, paws, and tail.
• Blue Eyes: They have striking, deep blue eyes.
• Gentle Temperament: Known for being docile, affectionate, and easygoing.
The Spread of the Breed:
• Growth in Popularity: Ragdolls gradually gained popularity outside of California, and by the late 1970s and 1980s, they were being bred by enthusiasts in other parts of the United States and internationally.
• Recognition by Major Associations: In the 1990s and early 2000s, major cat fancier organizations like The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognized the Ragdoll breed, which helped to standardize their breeding and popularity.
• Global Phenomenon: Today, Ragdolls are one of the most popular cat breeds globally, beloved for their stunning looks, gentle personalities, and affectionate nature.