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Index
General The Ragdoll is a cat breed with rich coat and blue eyes. It is a large and muscular semi-longhair cat with a soft and silky coat. Developed by American breeder Ann Baker, it is best known for its docile and placid temperament and affectionate nature. The name "Ragdoll" is derived from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up. TemperamentBreed standards describe the Ragdoll as affectionate, intelligent, relaxed in temperament, gentle and easy to handle. Ragdolls are very easygoing and sociable. They enjoy human company and get along with children and dogs. Ragdolls tend to follow you around in the house without necessarily asking for your attention. They will never use their claws unless it is absolutely necessary. Contrary to the average street cat, they can easily adapt in apartments and are disciplined if you invest some time to train them. Physical characteristicsThe Ragdoll is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds with a sturdy body, large frame and proportionate legs. A fully-grown female weighs from 3kg to 6kg. Males are substantially larger, ranging from 5kg to 9kg or more. Ragdolls come in six different colors: seal (dark brown), chocolate (light brown), blue, lilac, red and tortie. All Ragdoll kittens are born white. They have good color at 8 – 10 weeks and full color and coat at 3 – 4 years. There are three different patterns:
HistoryIn the 1960s Ann Baker started with a regular non-pedigreed white domestic longhaired Angora-kind cat named Josephine, who had produced several litters of typical cats, was injured in an accident involving a car and taken to the veterinary hospital at the University of California. Josephine was of a Persian/Angora type and had litters sired by several unknown male Birman or Burmese-like cats, one of which had the Siamese point coloration. After Josephine recovered, she produced kittens with the easy going temperament. When the subsequent litter produced more of the same, Ann Baker purchased several kittens from the owner, who lived behind her, and believing she had something special, set out to create what is now known as the Ragdoll. The breed was selectively bred over many years for desirable traits, such as large size, gentle demeanor, and a tendency to go limp when picked up, as well as the striking pointed coloration. Since the spread of the Ragdoll breed in America during the early 1960's a breeding pair of Ragdolls was exported to the UK. This was followed by eight more cats to fully establish the breed in the UK. Diseases-SummarySimilar to humans, cats can suffer from genetic diseases or become infected from sexually transmitted diseases. Some genetic diseases can have terrible consequences or lead to death. Responsible cat breeders screen their cats in order to minimize the risks. Nobody can ever guarantee that a kitten or an adult cat will never become sick. However if one of the parents has any of these diseases, they should not be allowed to breed. How are our cats screened for these diseases? The vet is doing a blood test and an ultrasound of the kidneys and the heart. DNA tests are also possible. These tests are very costly and this is one of the reasons why kittens from a responsible breeder are not cheap. However, buying a kitten from a responsible cat breeder who is testing his cats is an extra guarantee that you would enjoy the company of a healthy kitten without having unexpected, dramatic surprises. Diseases in detail Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Polycystic Kidney Disease are genetic diseases (they can be inherited) with death as result (more information follows bellow). Responsible cat breeders screen their cats in order to minimize that their cats suffer from these diseases. In case any of the parents has any of these diseases, then they are not allowed to breed. 1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease and it is the most common heart disease for cats. The occurrence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of sudden unexpected cardiac death. HCM is frequently asymptomatic until sudden cardiac death, and for this reason some suggest routinely screening. 2. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD or PCKD, also known as polycystic kidney syndrome) is a cystic genetic disorder of the kidneys. PKD is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts (hence, "polycystic") in both kidneys. The cysts are numerous and are fluid-filled resulting in massive enlargement of the kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver and pancreas. 3. FeLV and Fiv Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV is usually transmitted between infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. If not defeated by the animal’s immune system, the virus can be lethal. The disease caused by this virus is a form of cancer of blood cells called lymphocytes (a leukemia). Cats infected with FeLV can serve as sources of infection. Cats pass the virus between themselves through saliva and close contact, by biting each other and through a litter box or food dish used by an infected cat (rarely happens). Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. Overwhelming epidemiologic evidence suggests FeLV is transmissible to neither humans nor dogs. There is strong evidence kittens under the age of 4 months are susceptible to infection, but at the age of 8 months are resistant - hence it is a good idea to keep young pet kittens indoors, where virus exposure is minimal or non-existent. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects domesticated housecats worldwide and is the causative agent of feline AIDS. From 2.5% up to 4.4% of cats worldwide are infected with FIV. FIV is more closely related to human immunodeficiency virus HIV FIV was first discovered in 1986 in a colony of cats that had a high prevalence of opportunistic infections and degenerative conditions, and has since been identified as an endemic disease in domestic cat populations worldwide. The primary modes of FIV transmission are deep bite wounds and scratches, where the infected cat's saliva enters the other cat's bloodstream. FIV can not be transmitted from cats to humans. Our cats are tested for HCM, PKD, Felv and Fiv. The result of the tests are also mentioned on the pedigree. Tips when buying a kitten When buying a kitten, whether it is a Ragdoll or not, ask if the parents are tested for the most common diseases (PKD, HCM, Felv ad Fiv). Ask to see both parents, check the environment they live in. Are they growing in a good environment or are they isolated in cages or small rooms? Are they well groomed and clean? Do they get enough attention? Is the owner breeding for a hobby or is it a business? If the cats are living in the house, close to their owners, then the kittens will be sociable, healthy and playful. Kittens should be vaccinated before going to their new homes. If cats live in isolation, give birth very often and are not tested for diseases…I would really think twice before buying a kitten from that breeder or pet shop. It is not very difficult to distinguish a hobby breeder from a business minded breeder. Never buy a kitten if you do not know its whereabouts as you are taking a big risk that could have dreadful consequences. Why should my cat/dog have a pedigree? A pedigree is a confirmation that you are indeed buying a cat/dog of that specific breed with specific characteristics. People can claim they are selling you an animal from a specific breed but this can only be proven if they have a pedigree where you can see where they are coming from. Several years ago, I bought a puppy that was supposed to be a Pekinese (without pedigree). When Aida grew up she looked a bit like a Pekinese but she had the body type of a Chihuahua and she had a rather curly coat which should not be the case for a Pekinese. Hence, it was some kind of crossing that looked like a Pekinese. Does it really matter? Did we love her less? No, Aida was an adorable dog and we were privileged to have her for 11 wonderful years, we were very happy having her around and it did not matter she was not a real Pekinese. All animals are worth being loved. However, it is a matter of principle and correctness and unfortunately some people just care about profit. Hence when you are paying to buy an animal, a pedigree is a reassurance that your cat or dog will have the looks and the characteristics of that specific breed. In addition, kittens/puppies can only obtain a pedigree if their parents have a pedigree and if their owners are a member of a cat/dog club. These clubs have specific rules for the well being of the animals. For example, it is not allowed to breed with cats that are older than 10 years old or it is not allowed to have 3 litters from the same cat in one year. Furthermore by buying a kitten with a pedigree from a responsible breeder you consciously and subconsciously support a correct way of breeding where the well being of the cats is the first priority. There are so many stray cats, why should I spend money for a pedigree cat? Loving animals and wanting a specific pedigree cat or dog is not a contradiction. Personally I started with Ragdolls because I fell in love with their blue eyes and their nice color combinations. In addition, I really liked their temperament which matched my way of living. It is important not only to fall for the looks of a cat but also to read about their temperament and character and see if it is compatible with your life style. If for example you do not have the time to groom your cat 3 to 4 times a week, then you should not buy a Persian as they need regular grooming and care. If you like cats that make their presence obvious then you could go for a Siamese as they miauw a lot. It is said that Siamese are the cats that talk etc There is absolutely nothing wrong with stray cats. On the contrary, they are adorable, loving and fantastic companions. I am the first one recommending the adoption of cats from shelters and I have often saved abandoned kittens and tried to give them a home or keep them. Our dog Rosa (you can see her at the link: Your Pictures) is a dog that was abused and abandoned by her previous owner. We are very happy having her and we cannot miss her as she is giving us so much love and affection. If you did not get tired reading all this information, then it's a good sign. It means you care about animals and you are not impulsively buying a cat just because it is cute or beautiful. Remember, animals are not toys; they need love and care and you will share your life with them for at least 12-17 years. Are you willing and are you able to do this?
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