Why a Ragdoll?
WHY WOULDN'T YOU!
For anyone interested in learning about Ragdolls, or indeed adding a Ragdoll to the family, the best thing is to do some research. What a wonderful age we live in to be able to research any topic with the press of a button.
The Internet has infinite information on the Ragdoll breed, for one, explaining how this breed has become so popular.
I encourage prospective families to check as many breeders websites as they can.
For valuable information on our precious breed. Please check at Ragdolls Australia. It is a newly established site but will be the hub for listings of Australian Ragdoll Breeders.
I have found http://www.catsofaustralia.com/ to have some very useful guided information. I do encourage people to look there for answers to many questions. You can also check out alot of cat breeds to choose which one is most suitable to your family.
You should also talk to as many breeders as you can and ask alot of questions about their cats and how they look after them. A good breeder will be more than happy to talk to you about their cats!
Let me share some interesting facts I have discovered with my own research.
Ragdolls are one of the largest breeds of cats in the world. Males weighing between 7-10kg and females between 4-6kg.
This breed originated in the USA in the late 60's. Many sites tell of Ann Baker and her white cat Josephine.
The story goes that after Josephine was in an accident, her litters were very placid. Hence the floppy & calm temperament of the "Ragdoll breed". Ann Baker chose specific qualities with which to create this new breed of cat. The standard ragdoll type has formed from her careful selection of these beginning lines.
There are many colour and pattern variations. The most commonly known colours are seal, blue, chocolate & lilac (red and cream, tortie & lynx/tabby are other new additions in the Ragdoll lines), while their coats vary in the styles of point, mitted & bicolour. A point coat will have matching colour markings up all four legs, face, ears and tail. The mitted coat will be the same colour markings as the pointed coat, except this variation contains the gene controlling the level of white in the coat, leaving mitted cats with white socks on the feet. Exactly matching markings are desired, also a white chest, chin & tummy. The bicolour coats also contains a "white factor gene" the white variation. Consequently, the pattern has more white. The ideal marking is a white inverted V on the face preferably with the line of the V going through the eyes. They also have white legs. Ragdoll genetics are one of the most complicated breeds to understand. I know I still have alot to learn. Generally though all breeders should breed a point as one of the parents. Only when you truely understand the background of mitted & bicolour parents should you breed them together. The result otherwise is usually some very mismarked kittens.
This photo was when Gel was about 7 weeks pregnant - she spent a lot of time on her back. You wouldn't think there are 5 kittens in that belly.
As Ragdolls have a semi-longhaired coat, they do require regular brushing. This is a wonderful time for bonding as they love the attention and you will find that you love the time with them too.
The typical temperament for a Ragdoll is a laid back, gentle giant. Being a large breed of cat, breeders tend to select the larger, quieter and well marked cats to breed on from. They do tend to follow you from room to room as they bond to their owners very quickly. They are very easy going and get on with everyone in the family. Even the dog. Many Ragdolls will play fetch. Charlie does with little leather mice. It is very funny to watch.
A fresh food diet with supplementary high quality dry food has worked really well for our cats. Giving them the softest coats and healthy strong stocky builds.
This breed has such a docile temperament they should never be left outside unattended. They are perfectly suited to live indoors only and are a wonderful companion cat for anyone living on their own or in a family with children. They are however very intelligent. They very quickly pick up you & your families routines & behaviour.
Ragdoll fanciers are easily captivated by their stunning features, soft fur coats and mesmerising blue eyes.
As I have heard from others and now experience for myself, once you have experienced the Ragdoll, nothing else compares. Mind you, I love all cat breeds. Egyptians knew centuries ago that the felines were special, and they were so right.
After all, your companions should be adored.
Would you like to show your cat?
There multiple recognised Feline Councils in Queensland. Each Council holds shows in local areas exhibiting around a hundred felines of all breeds approximately every 4 weeks, while National Ragdoll shows exhibiting around three hundred felines and are held in various locations throughout the year. It is not only a fun hobby but you have the opportunity to meet many other cat enthusiasts of every age. You are also able to show companion cats, provided they are desexed as well as altered purebreds.
We are registered with Queensland Independant Cat Council (QICC) http://www.qicc.org.au/
We do attend Queensland Feline Association shows (QFA) http://www.qfeline.com.au/
When showing, Ragdoll should have a semi-longhaired coat, a ski slope to flat nose via profile, a broad head with well spaced eyes, wide set though forward facing ears, a stocky build with hips the same height as shoulders, a thick mane of fur around their neck and a fluffy tail.
Cats and kittens are shown in different categories eg kittens from 10 weeks to 9 months, entire cats (non-desexed) over 9 months and alter cats (desexed) over 9months. In most instances entire and alter kittens up to 9 months will be shown together.
Before you take your cat to the show there is much to do. It is better if you don't feed your cat the morning before the show, they won't have a very comfortable session in their show cage. You should brush his/her coat to make it free from knots. Preferably wash your cat one week prior to the show. Ensure that they are free from parasites. It is preferable that continuous monthly treatment is maintained. Front and back claws must be clipped before the show is commenced. Don't take the risk of being disqualified!
Give yourself plenty of time to get there, even if you know where it is. Once judging has commenced, if you are late, your exhibit will be disqualified from that ring. You may still enter the remaining rings. You will need to enter the show area with your cat in a pet carrier. Carrying your puss or having it on a lead is not acceptable. When you arrive you will also need to sign in and get a benching slip which will have your exhibit's cage number on it
Once inside the show , when you have found your allotted cage, set up your cage curtains and cushion. Then you place your puss in its cage. I have seen people do it the other way around. Not a prety sight! Show curtains can be bought from stalls at the show or you are welcome to make your own. Sometimes there is a show theme, where making your own allows your imagination to come into play with the fabric used for curtaining. The show cages are a standard 18" cube, unless you have booked or were allocated a double cage where two cages are used with the divider removed.
Exhibits can only be removed from the show cages once judging is completed, unless you have received special permission from the Show Manager.
While breeders love to talk about their cats and encourage interaction with the public, please be patient with your queries until after the judging as they may be very busy at set up stage and usually like to watch the judging themselves.
There are a number of rings where each exhibit is judged by several different judges. Each of the judges gives their awards by colour and breed and on completion, gives a Best in Show for each of the breed groups. Results do vary. Even though there are breed standards, judges do not always arrive at the same result. All exhibits compete for award points which in turn earn them titles, eg 60 points will achieve Champion, 60 additional points will achieve Grand Champion, 60 additional points will achieve Double Grand Champion, etc.
Why should you desex your kitten? And at what age?
I have heard many arguments regarding the age a kitten should be desexed. From many experienced breeders and vets.
In our own experience, we have been desexing our kittens between 11 - 14 weeks old. By this stage they are well over 1200grams. Their operation heals very quickly (especially the boys). They are usually up and playing again the next morning. The females have a more complicated operation and should really be kept away from the "again" boisterous males for at least 3 - 5 days. While the girls are recooperating we check very regularly their stitches are clean and dry and also that there is minimal swelling. They should not go to their new homes before their stitches come out and they have been back to the Vet for a further checkup.
Desexing your cat reduces the risk of them contracting diseases from other cats.
Female cat owners do not have to listen to constant calling (which neighbours hate by the way), and their trying to get outside while she is in season. Also an entire female cannot be left unmated continually through her cycles or she many obtain internal complications.
Male cat owners do not have to put up with aggressive behaviour from not being able to get to calling females and constant urine spraying their territory. They will in turn live relaxed and more comfortable lives, which makes a more contented and friendly family companion.
Can cats live indoors without longing to be free for a wander outside?
Definitely! There are some breeds that are very active and fiesty, but all cats should be kept where they are not able to get into trouble. If you truly love your cat you will not allow it outside by themselves. Not only could it contract a deadly disease from fighting or mating with a neighbours beloved pussy such as Feline Aids (FIV), but it could be hit by a car or stolen. No one can ever be prepared for the loss of their close friend. Please keep your cats inside.
If you desire it to have room to move outside then a cat run attached to your home or enclosure is perfect. You always know where your precious kitty is and they are also protected.
I have owned many cats over the years and most enjoyed hunting down the unsuspecting bird or mouse. It is completely in their nature. Well fed or not. So, the love of wildlife is another reason for keeping our feline friends indoors.