Ragdoll cat breed

Ragdoll cat breed information and advice

The Ragdoll cat was first bred in California in the 1960s by Ann Baker, an American breeder. Ann crossed a white Angora-like queen with several neighbourhood toms. The resulting kittens were placid and affectionate. They also tended to go limp or became completely relaxed when picked up, just like a rag doll.

The Ragdoll breed was first imported into the UK in 1981 and has since become really popular. These large and beautiful Ragdoll cats come in a range of colours and have a docile, friendly and easy-going nature. They'll get on with everyone and make great companions for all households.

Ragdoll cat facts

Ragdoll cat insurance

Although the Ragdoll is generally a healthy cat breed, you should still protect your cat or kitten with pet insurance. If your cat is diagnosed with an illness, Ragdoll cat insurance may help cover the cost of vet bills.

Ragdoll cat insurance can help cover the cost of your cat’s treatment, including any medication, vet prescribed complementary treatment or surgery.

Ragdolls can sometimes have higher insurance costs compared to other cats. Explore the common health conditions found in Ragdolls: 

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD)
• Dental disease
• Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

Sainsbury’s Bank cat insurance can be taken out as soon as your pet is eight weeks old, right up until their 10th birthday. And once you have cover in place, we’ll insure your Ragdoll cat for their entire life – as long as you renew your policy year after year. 

At Sainsbury’s Bank we offer a range of pet insurance so you can provide a level of protection that’s suitable for your Ragdoll cat. You can choose from different insurance types, like Lifetime, Time Limited or Maximum Benefit. If your Ragdoll cat isn’t the only pet in your home, we also offer Multi-pet cover to help keep everyone happy and healthy.

How to care for a Ragdoll

Ragdolls cats need regular grooming but are easy to look after. They’re happy to be fussed over, so feel free to pick up your Ragdoll cat and check they’re doing ok. Make sure that they have a balanced diet and lots of exercise to keep them in tip-top condition.

Temperament and behaviour

A Ragdoll cat is playful but not too demanding. They are affectionate, laid-back, calm and sociable – characteristics that make them perfect companions. They’ll get on with everyone, including other dogs and cats in the household. The Ragdoll breed is known for being devoted to their owners, they have been nicknamed ‘puppy cats’.

Ragdolls are usually quiet and not particularly talkative. However, they can be vocal when interacting with their owner and they might meow or chatter when hungry or want attention.

An interesting quirk of a Ragdoll’s personality is their love for water – they’re fascinated with it. Whether it’s a running tap or a bath, you may very well find your cat already there. This will make bathing your cat easier, but as they’re naturally clean cats, they won’t need to be washed too often.

Common health problems

Unfortunately, the Ragdoll breed can be prone to a few health conditions, so it’s good to understand the symptoms and what treatment your cat could need. Making sure you have cat insurance for your Ragdoll will give you the peace of mind of knowing you’ll get a helping hand when it comes to vet bills.

What is a Ragdoll cat?

A Ragdoll is a large cat with a colour pointed coat and large blue eyes, known for having a placid and affectionate nature. The breed was developed in the US in the 1960s and came to the UK in the 1980s.

How long do Ragdoll cats live?

The average lifespan of a Ragdoll is between 14 and 15 years, but some can live up to 20 years if well cared for. It takes up to 4 years for Ragdolls to become fully mature adults.

How much is a Ragdoll cat?

You can expect to pay anything from £400 to £1,000 for a Ragdoll kitten. The cost depends on the breeder and breeding line. The price might also be higher if the Ragdoll has a rare or unusual eye colour or coat pattern. They are quite rare and in-demand, which is another reason why they can be quite expensive.

Can Ragdoll cats go outside?

Ragdolls love to explore outdoors and are very trusting - which can expose them to danger from other cats and dogs. Their high value can also put them at risk of being stolen.

Fortunately, they adapt well to being kept as indoor cats if they have company and lots of cat toys to keep them occupied. They’ll also need places where they can curl up for a cat nap.

So, is a Ragdoll right for you?

Ragdolls can make great companions for elderly owners, single people working from home and families with children. They enjoy company and interaction and will get along with any other pets you might have. They don’t like being left alone, so it would be good to consider getting a feline companion if you’re out at work all day. Ragdolls love cuddles and are happy to be a lap cat.