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TEMPERAMENT
AND PERSONALITY
Ragdolls are so named because of their
relaxed persona, great for cuddling. They are a cat that is calm and quiet,
yet very affectionate. They are extremely intelligent and can be easily
voice-trained to come when their name is called, and can be trained to
walk on a leash. Because of their relaxed personalities, they do not possess
normal fighting instincts like other animals and must be kept indoors.
They are unfazed when put in a new surrounding
with other animals, and will likely meet their new companions with a kiss
on the face. Their docile nature makes them a perfect indoor pet -- the
Ragdoll will rarely jump on counters or destroy furniture or draperies.
The Ragdoll does not display the independence
and aloofness for which cats are generally known, but desire to be close
to their family members and to give all the love they can.
COLORING
Ragdolls are born white and don't obtain
their full coloring until about 2 years of age. They have beautiful,
vivid blue eyes.
Recognized colors for Ragdolls are:
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Seal: Dark brown on the points,
light creamy body
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Blue: Gray on the points, creamy body
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Chocolate: Brown (like a chocolate
bar) on the points, almost white body
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Lilac: Pinkish beige on the points,
with an almost white body
In addition to the four colors, Ragdolls traditionally
come in three patterns. All Ragdolls are basically color point -
the amount and location of white on the body determines whether the ragdoll
is Mitted or Bi-color.
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Color points: Body color is a
creamy white, with dark colorizations on the tail, face, ears, and feet.
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Mitted: Same coloring as the
color points, but with white "mitts" on the front paws and "boots" on the
back legs. Mitted colorization also include a white chest and chin,
continuing along the stomach to the base of the tail.
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Bi-color: An inverted, white
"V" on the face, white chest and legs, with white spotting elsewhere, except
for the points.
Rare patterns include:
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Lynx point: The striped effect
is one of the precious patterns, a pointed version of a patterned tabby.
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Tortie, Flame, Cream, and Blue Cream Points:
Tortie
points are pointed-pattern calicos. Flames have orange-colored
points, while creams have diluted-orange points. Blue cream points
are pointed dilute calicos.
SIZE
Ragdolls are a very large cat and do not
reach full size until 4 years of age. Neutered males weigh between 15 and
20 lbs. Adult females weigh about 5 lbs less and are slightly shorter.
FUR
The Ragdoll's fur is of medium to long
in length with a silky, plush rabbit-like texture that does not mat and
with little shedding. The Ragdoll requires a minimum of grooming
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