The Ragdoll

Loving Elegance with a Unique History

The Ragdoll is a special cat breed developed in the 1960s by Ann Baker, a breeder from Riverside, California. She started with Josephine, a white semi-longhaired cat with an exceptionally relaxed temperament. Josephine’s offspring inherited her remarkably gentle nature and unique floppy demeanor—traits that laid the foundation for the breed. The name “Ragdoll” refers to the way these cats go limp in your arms when picked up, just like a ragdoll.

Ann Baker established her own breeding line and founded the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA). She was highly protective of the breed. Over the years, the Ragdoll spread worldwide and became officially recognized by several major associations, including the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe).

Temperament

Ragdolls are known for their gentle and well-balanced character. They are affectionate, social, and particularly well-suited for families with children or other pets. They love being near you, will follow you around the house, and enjoy cuddle time—without being overly demanding.

They are intelligent, calm, playful but not hyperactive, which makes them the perfect companion cats.

Hereditary Conditions and Health

Although Ragdolls are generally healthy cats, like all breeds, they may have a predisposition to certain genetic conditions. Responsible breeding is therefore essential.

We thoroughly test our breeding cats for the following:

HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) – a hereditary heart condition detectable via DNA testing and ultrasound.
PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) – kidney cysts detectable via ultrasound.
FIV/FELV – viruses screened for through blood tests.
Dwarfism – found in certain lines and can cause limb deformities and other complications. We do not breed with lines that carry this risk.

Colours & Patterns According to FIFe

Ragdolls are not only sweet in nature but also visually stunning. Their silky coat, striking blue eyes, and elegant build make them truly irresistible. Starting in 2025, new FIFe guidelines place greater emphasis on traditional patterns and eye colour.

Recognisable Patterns:

Colourpoint (no white) – Colour code: 33

In the colourpoint pattern, the “points”—the face, ears, legs, and tail—are darker than the rest of the body. The torso remains evenly lighter in colour, creating a beautiful contrast. This pattern gives the cat a sleek and elegant appearance.

Mitted (with white socks and chin) – Colour code: 04

The mitted pattern also has dark points like the colourpoint, but is characterised by white “mittens” on the front paws and “boots” on the back legs. A white chin and a white stripe along the belly complete the look. This pattern gives the cat a soft, refined, and playful expression.

Bicolour (with inverted V-shaped white mask) – Colour code: 03

The bicolour Ragdoll is distinguished by an inverted white V-shape on the face. The ears, tail, and parts of the back are coloured, while the belly and legs are white. This creates a striking yet harmonious and bold appearance.

Tabby (Lynx) Variety – Colour code: 21
The tabby or lynx variety can appear in any of the three main patterns. It adds a subtle striped pattern to the points, often with a characteristic “M” marking on the forehead. The result is an expressive, lively (almost wildcat-like) look.

Main Colours & Combinations:

The Ragdoll comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, but not all are officially recognised. In our cattery, we consciously choose to breed only with colours that fall within the FIFe breed standard. We are committed to maintaining the classic Ragdoll look and exclusively breed cats with vivid blue eyes—a defining and essential trait of the breed.

The most common and favoured colours we breed are:

Seal – a deep, rich dark brown
Blue – a cool blue-grey tone
Chocolate – a warmer milk-chocolate brown
Lilac – a soft greyish pink

These colours highlight the Ragdoll’s gentle and graceful appearance.

Although Ragdolls also exist in colours such as red, cream, or tortie (tortoiseshell) variants, we choose not to include these in our breeding program. By working selectively, we remain true to the original breed standard and contribute to preserving the authentic beauty of the Ragdoll.

Seal

Dark brown to black on the points with a cream-coloured body.

Colourpoint: RAG n 33

Mitted: RAG n 04

Bicolour: RAG n 03

Blue

Bluish grey on the points with a cool, bluish-white body colour.

Colourpoint: RAG a 33

Mitted: RAG a 04

Bicolour: RAG a 03

Chocolate

Milk chocolate on the points with an ivory-coloured body.

Colourpoint: RAG b 33

Mitted: RAG b 04

Bicolour: RAG b 03

Lilac

Pinkish grey on the points with a magnolia-white body.

Colourpoint: RAG c 33

Mitted: RAG c 04

Bicolour: RAG c 03

Red

Warm red/orange on the points with a light cream-coloured body.

Colourpoint: RAG d 33

Mitted: RAG d 04

Bicolour: RAG d 03

Cream

Light cream on the points with a very pale body.

Colourpoint: RAG e 33

Mitted: RAG e 04

Bicolour: RAG e 03

Tortoiseshell (Tortie)

Unique blend of colours, such as red/cream with seal or blue.

Seal Tortie Colourpoint: RAG f 33

Mitted: RAG f 04

Bicolour: RAG f 03

Blue Tortie Colourpoint: RAG g 33

Mitted: RAG g 04

Bicolour: RAG g 03

Tabby (Lynx)

Striped markings with an ‘M’-shaped pattern on the forehead.

Seal Tabby Colourpoint: RAG n 21 33

Mitted: RAG n 21 04

Bicolour: RAG n 21 03

Blue Tabby Colourpoint: RAG a 21 33

Mitted: RAG a 21 04

Bicolour: RAG a 21 03