Editing Ragdoll (section)

==Breed description==

===Temperament===
[[File:A_breed_of_cat_with_a_distinct_colorpoint_coat_and_blue_eyes..jpg|thumb|Ragdoll with blue eyes]]
[[File:Flame point Ragdoll.jpg|thumb|A flame (red) [[point coloration|point]] ragdoll]]
The Ragdoll has been known to have a very floppy and calm nature, with claims that these characteristics have been passed down from the Persian and Birman breeds. Opinions vary as to whether this trait might be the result of genetic mutation or merely an instinctive reaction from being picked up as kittens by their mother.<ref name="Tabor">[https://books.google.com/books?id=7-PDwgJHVS8C&pg=PA33 Understanding Cat Behavior: The Complete Feline Problem Solver]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Roger Tabor (2003). P 33.</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=HYt3zSa9N1EC&dq=ragdoll+limp+mutation&pg=PA84 Do cats always land on their feet] Gina Spadafori, Marty Becker</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 January 2021|title=Why Do Ragdoll Cats Go Limp?|url=https://animalpath.org/why-do-ragdoll-cats-go-limp/|access-date=17 September 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> The extreme docility of some individuals has led to the myth that Ragdolls are pain resistant. Some breeders in Britain have tried to breed away from the limpness owing to concerns that extreme docility "might not be in the best interests of the cat".<ref name="Tabor"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=mdg0R6nDWgoC&pg=PA31 The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition & Health] Linda P. Case, Kerry Helms, Bruce Macallister (2003). P 31.</ref>

[[Breed standard]] marketing and publicity material describe the Ragdoll as affectionate, intelligent, relaxed in temperament, gentle, and an easy-to-handle lap cat.<ref>[http://www.rfci.org/standards/gccf_std.php Ragdoll Breed standard] Governing Council of Cat Fancy</ref><ref>[http://www.cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/Ragdoll.aspx Ragdoll Breed standard] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315012500/http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsKthruR/Ragdoll.aspx |date=2015-03-15 }} Cat Fanciers' Association</ref> The animals are often known as "puppy cats", "dog-like cats", "cat-dogs", etc., because of their placid nature and affectionate behavior, with the cats often following owners from room to room as well as seeking physical affection akin to certain dog breeds. Ragdolls can be trained to retrieve toys and enjoy doing so. They have a very playful nature that often lasts well into their senior years.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dina|date=2 February 2019|title=Are Ragdoll Cats Playful?|work=purrcraze.com|url=https://purrcraze.com/are-ragdoll-cats-playful|access-date=24 June 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> Unlike many other breeds, Ragdolls prefer staying low to the ground rather than the highest point in the household.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Braaksma|first1=Hilary|last2=Guthrie|first2=Claudia|title=Ragdoll|url=https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/ragdoll|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Daily Paws|language=en}}</ref>

===Physical characteristics===
The Ragdoll is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds. Fully-grown females weigh from {{convert|8|to|15|lb|kg}}. Males are substantially larger, ranging from {{convert|12|to|20|lb|kg}} or more.<ref name="Helgren2006"/> It can take up to four years for a Ragdoll to reach mature size.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Mattern|first=Joanne|title=The Ragdoll Cat|publisher=Capstone|year=2001|isbn=0736808973|location=Mankato, Minnesota|pages=5–16}}</ref> They have a sturdy body, bulky frame, and proportionate legs. Their heads are broad with a flat top and wide space between the ears. They have long, muscular bodies with broad chests and short necks. Their tails are bushy and long in length, their paws are large, round, and tufted, and their coats are silky, dense, and medium to long length. Due to their coats tending to be long, they usually require brushing at least twice a week.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2012 |title=Grooming Tips for a Ragdoll Cat |url=https://www.petango.com/care_center/grooming-tips-for-a-ragdoll-cat#:~:text=Caring%20for%20Ragdoll%20cats%20should,signs%20of%20lumps%20or%20illness. |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=Petango}}</ref> Adults develop knickerbockers on their hind legs and a ruff around their necks.

The breed is often known for its large, round, deep-blue eyes,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ragdoll Cat Breed Information|url=https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/cat-breeds/ragdoll|access-date=24 June 2021|website=www.purina.co.uk|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 May 2019|title=Ragdoll Cats - A Complete Guide To The Ragdoll Cat Breed.|url=https://www.thehappycatsite.com/ragdoll-cats/|access-date=24 June 2021|website=The Happy Cat Site|language=en-US}}</ref> though other cats may have that feature as well.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Braaksma|first1=Hilary|date=December 1, 2021|first2=Claudia |last2=Guthrie |title=Ragdoll|url=https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/ragdoll|access-date=1 December 2021|website=Daily Paws|language=en}}</ref> The genes for point coloration are also responsible for these distinctive blue eyes. Deeper shades of blue are favored in cat shows.
[[File:Ragdoll_Cat_Face.jpg|thumb|Ragdoll cat looking away from camera]]
[[File:Ragdoll cat DSC07500 (4021848667).jpg|alt=Male ragdoll cat with blue eyes.|thumb|Ragdoll cats have distinctive, large, oval, blue eyes]]

Although the breed has a plush coat, it consists mainly of long guard hairs, while the lack of a dense undercoat results, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association, in "reduced shedding and matting".<ref>[http://www.cfa.org/breeds/profiles/ragdoll.html Breed Profile] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714202130/http://www.cfa.org/breeds/profiles/ragdoll.html |date=14 July 2009 }} Cat Fanciers' Association</ref> There may be a noticeable increase of shedding in the spring.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ragdoll – The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc|url=https://cfa.org/ragdoll/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=cfa.org}}</ref>

Ragdolls come in six distinct colors: seal, chocolate, red, and the corresponding dilutes: blue, lilac, and cream. There also are the lynx and [[tortoiseshell cat|tortoiseshell]] variations<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tica.org/cat-breeds/item/254|title=Ragdoll Introduction|website=Tica.org|access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref> in all colors and the three patterns. Ragdoll kittens are born white; they have good color at 8–10 weeks and full color and coat at 3–4 years.

==== Patterns ====

*[[Point coloration|Colorpoint]]: one color darkening at the extremities (nose, ears, tail, and paws)
*Mitted: same as pointed but with white paws and abdomen. With or without a blaze (a white line or spot on the face), they must have a ''belly stripe'' (white stripe that runs from the chin to the genitals) and a white chin. Mitted Ragdolls, which weren't allowed titling in CFA until the 2008–2009 show season, are often confused with Birmans. The easiest way to tell the difference is by size (the Ragdoll being larger) and chin color (Mitted Ragdolls have white chins,<ref name="mittedragdoll">{{cite book|title=The Ragdoll Cat|publisher=capstone press|page=19|last1=Mattern|first1=Joanne}}</ref> while Birmans have colored chins), although breeders recognize the two by head shape and boning.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Birman vs Ragdoll|url=https://thelittlecarnivore.com/en/blog/what-are-the-differences-ragdoll-birman-cat|access-date=24 January 2022|website=The Little Carnivore|language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Bicolor cat|Bicolor]]: white legs, white inverted ''V'' on the face, white abdomen, and sometimes white patches on the back (excessive amounts of white, while it does occur, is against breed standard).

==== Variations ====
[[File:BabyRagdoll2.jpg|thumb|upright|A 16-year-old female tortoiseshell Ragdoll]]
*[[Lynx point|Lynx]]: a variant of the colorpoint type having [[Tabby cat|tabby markings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ragdollinternational.org/patscolors.shtml|title=Ragdoll International Patterns and Colors|website=Ragdollinternational.org|access-date=11 June 2012}}</ref> This variation always comes with white ear lines, no matter the pattern.
*[[tortoiseshell cat|Tortoiseshell]] or ''tortie:'' a variant noted for mottled or parti-colored<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfa.org/Portals/0/documents/breeds/standards/ragdoll.pdf|title=Ragdoll : POINT SCORE|website=Cfa.org|access-date=15 December 2017|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131214616/http://www.cfa.org/Portals/0/documents/breeds/standards/ragdoll.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> markings in the above patterns.