If you’ve ever seen a Ragdoll cat slumped happily across her owner’s lap, you’ve probably thought to yourself, I could use a Ragdoll in my life. Ragdolls are known for their laid-back personalities and—as the name suggests—their tendency to flop themselves contentedly whenever (and wherever!) nap time strikes. This makes them a favourite breed for cat lovers.
Read more to learn about some of the cutest (and most surprising) traits of these blue-eyed beauties.
1. They’re big fans of staying low
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The Ragdoll is known for its behavioural traits as much as it is for its gorgeous looks. One of those traits just happens to be…lounging on the floor.
While some cats positively prefer to perch from on high, the Ragdoll is the queen of the carpet. In actuality, the Ragdoll probably isn’t less active than other domestic cats. They just look so cosy when stretched out on the couch that they get a reputation for being lazy.
While they aren’t the leapers your other cats may be, they still have a rather muscular build beneath that lovely coat.
2. Their coats are especially plush
Ragdoll cats are known for their beautiful plush coats as much as they are known for their lazy lounging. A pointed breed—that is, their body is of a lighter colour than their points (tail, feet, ears)—they can come in a variety of colours and patterns.
Reputable breeders take great care to maintain the breed standard for a soft, silky coat. Ragdolls have a semi-long and plush coat, but they only require minimal grooming to keep their fur free of knots and tangles. That’s mainly because the breed does not carry a thick undercoat.
However, given how much Ragdolls love your attention, they probably will tolerate more than occasional grooming from their favourite person.
3. You can teach these cats new tricks
You read that right! Ragdolls are known to be trainable. Far from the more—shall we say, “independent”?—domestic cats, Ragdolls love the company of their people. Owners report that they are, in fact, open to suggestions when it comes to training.
Among their best tricks? Ragdolls can learn to come when they are called and have even been known to fetch with alarming readiness.
4. Really, they act a bit like dogs
It’s true: some of the traits that we love about our dogs are the same ones that we love about our Ragdolls. Just don’t tell them we told you so.
Ragdolls prefer to be with their people, whether that means following you from room to room, napping on your lap, or sleeping in your bed. Famous for their playful side, they like to chase, to fetch, and to be entertained.
5. They take Lap Cat to a whole new level
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We’ve already covered how much these cats love their people and how that often translates to a cat in the lap, but we haven’t yet talked about size.
Male Ragdolls can weigh up to 9kg (20 pounds). With their long bodies, they can stretch right off your lap and onto the next. While females and neutered males tend to be smaller, make no mistake: these cats can be large. We hope your lap is up to it!
In fact, their length, muscular build, and beautiful coat often result in them being mistaken for the Maine Coon cat. But the Ragdoll is decidedly its own breed with distinct markings and characteristics.
6. These are especially talkative
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Yes, these cats can be both a sight to behold and music to your ears. That is if you love constant meowing.
They are known to be a vocal cat. Sometimes because they just crave your attention. But, on the plus side, when they inevitably find themselves locked in a drawer, a wardrobe, a garage (they certainly exhibit the much-loved curious side of cats), it won’t take long for them to voice their objection and be back in your arms.
