Ragdoll kittens are a real miracle of nature. Charming creatures are truly distinguished by their puppet appearance and incredible charm. How to care for these representatives of the cat family?
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Description and characteristics of the breed
The description of the Ragdoll cat breed is somewhat reminiscent of the description of Burmese cats. Indeed, there are some similarities between the representatives of these two breeds: both of them are semi-long-haired cats. But the ragdoll has a larger physique and is ahead of the Burmese counterparts in weight.
The nature of cats ragdoll can safely be called phlegmatic. Their main feature is the ability to completely relax the muscles. For this, the cats were nicknamed “rag dolls” (this is how the word “ragdoll” is translated). The “soften” feature is especially pronounced at the moment when the cat is in the hands of the owner.
These creatures are playful, affectionate and complaisant. Ragdoll kittens are an ideal choice for families with children. These cats have a low pain threshold and an absolute absence of aggression. Thanks to these qualities, “rag” cats are able to endure the fun of babies to the last. When they get tired of increased attention, these pets will simply retire, not using their claws.
Advice! Children playing with a ragdoll cat should explain in detail the rules for handling a pet: these animals cannot be thrown up and forced to jump high. The fact is that the cat does not know how to group at the right time, therefore, when landing, it does not always go on all four legs. Falling from a height can adversely affect the health of the cat.
Ragdoll treats the owner with unchanging love and respect, literally following him on the heels. These cats do not tolerate the increase in tone, and quarrels in the family are very painful. That is why the breed should not be turned on by quick-tempered and excessively aggressive people. The “rag” four-legged themselves cast their voices very rarely, communicating with people in a characteristic half-whisper.
Origin history
America is considered the homeland of the ragdolls. It was here in California in the early 60s. 20th century, breeders drew attention to a domestic cat nicknamed Josephine. She possessed an unusually calm and complaisant disposition. This is probably why she was chosen as a bride by a representative of the Burmese breed. As a result of such a “marriage”, ragdoll kittens appeared. Since 1965, the breed is officially registered.
Ragdoll kittens color and standard
When choosing ragdoll kittens, the standard of the breed of animals should be considered:
- The head of the cats has a wedge shape, the area between the ears is flat.
- The transition from the forehead to the nose is very light, almost imperceptible, and its length is twice the width. The muzzle of cats is decorated with a peculiar original mustache.
- Ears wide at the base narrow and end with tassels. The size of the hearing organs is average, they are slightly inclined forward.
- The eyes of the ragdolls should be blue and resemble an oval in shape.
- The neck of cats is strong and muscular.
- Feet of medium length with strands of wool between the fingers.
- The tail is long, fluffy, with the seal moving vertically.
- The weight of the animals varies between 4-9 kg, the height at the withers is 42-45 cm.
It is interesting! The muscle tone typical of ragdoll affects the rate of eye opening after birth. For “rag dolls” this happens after 2 weeks, for the rest of the kittens - for 10-12 days.
Ragdoll color can be represented in several ways:
- Color point, the so-called "Siamese type": the stomach, ears, paws and tail of these cats are dark in color, and the hair on the face and body is light.
- Glove (“mitted”): light shade of hairs on the chin and muzzle, white “gloves”.
- Bicolor: a dark muzzle, light ears, tail, trunk, legs and stomach.
The wool of "rag dolls" somewhat resembles a rabbit. The length is average, the texture is silky, and therefore the hairs almost never fall off.
Kitten Tips
Even professional judges at exhibitions can be baffled, because the line between defective Burmese and ragdolls is sometimes very thin. In order not to get into the house the result of unscrupulous crossbreeding - an aggressive animal - you should choose kittens in specialized nurseries. Most of them are concentrated in America, however, there are also breeders in Russia, although there are few of them.
So, breeders advise taking kittens away from their mother at about 16 weeks, as the “rag” kittens are a little delayed in development compared to other breeds.
Note! Newborn ragdolls have snow-white coat color without spots. The coloring begins to appear by about 10 days, the final color is formed by 2 years.
They often try to pass off other cats for ragdolls, selling to potential owners by no means the animal they were counting on. Is it possible to somehow recognize the fake?
To do this, consider several recommendations:
- Breeders are sure: ragdoll has a unique character, not characteristic of any other cat. And connoisseurs of this breed are completely sure that only “rag” kittens are able to amuse the owner. To verify the authenticity, you can take the crumbs in your hands, it is believed that the kids will immediately go limp and relax, like a rag doll.
- Cats of the “rag doll” breed are often confused with the Burmese. The situation is complicated by the fact that kittens of the breed Burma are also born snow-white and also acquire color over time.To protect yourself from possible confusion, it is best to purchase a kitten from trusted breeders and pay attention to the basic signs of the breed - fluffy tail, long ears, blue eyes.
- Another hallmark of the ragdolls is their voice. Animals use their vocal chords relatively rarely and only in the case. Moreover, “rag dolls” are very unobtrusive, and the height of their voices is minimal.
Advice! The rules for breeding ragdoll cats dictate the need for the pedigree of babies to belong to the ancestor - the cat Josephine - the one that gave rise to this breed.
Features of education
Ragdolls have excellent memory and high intelligence. These animals sense intonation very subtly, responding to their name, and understand what the owner expects of them. The delicacy of these cats is in the blood, and therefore they do not need special education.
From an early age, cats should be accustomed to the tray. The latter should immediately be bought large, taking into account the future size of the pet. Also for “rag dolls” you can buy a claw brush: these animals love to sharpen their claws, although they are scratched very rarely.
It is useful to teach a cat to have fun with toys on his own. This will help the animal tied to the owner pass the time in his absence.
If you can teach a ragdoll to a leash, you can later go hiking with it.
Care, health and nutrition
Ragdoll is a very comfortable animal from all points of view, getting along equally well in families with small children, as well as in those houses where other pets are already present. These cats are simply made to be petted, pampered and squeezed.
The distinctive features of a ragdoll are its degree and leisurelyness, which in many respects affects the features of pet care. So, these somewhat phlegmatic creatures should not be allowed to walk alone, as they may get caught in a car or become a victim of stray dogs. "Dolls" will not be able to protect themselves, and therefore they are shown exclusively home mode or walks on a leash with the owner.
As already mentioned, ragdolls experience some difficulties with the ability to roll over in the air. For this reason, the owner should closely monitor that the pet does not climb high.
Caring for the wool of “sloths” is straightforward, as their fur is not tangled. However, daily combing the pet does not hurt. To do this, it is recommended to use a special brush like the one used for Siberian cats.
The phlegmatic nature of the breed does not apply to the feeding process. Ragdolls are very fond of a bite to eat and by no means complain of a lack of appetite. At the same time, even in heavily fed cats, signs of obesity are rarely observed.
Cats of this breed need to be included in the diet of special mineral supplements. And all because the full development of these animals takes place around the age of 4. Up to this age, their skeleton develops and grows, and energy is consumed. It is best to consult a veterinarian who will give advice on the selection of supplements and vitamins.
Since the "rag dolls" are rather heavy cats, the portions of food offered to them should be larger than for ordinary tetrapods. A kitten should eat at least 120 g of food per day, and an adult - 300 g.
A dry food suitable for this breed will satisfy the needs of “rag dolls”. And if the owner prefers a natural diet, it should be remembered that these cats can not be fed milk, fried and fatty foods, river fish. It is worth betting on vegetables and meat. The latter should be 2/3 of the total diet of the pet.
Breeding
Ragdoll cats are real gentlemen. They approach the process of choosing a "lover" very responsibly, looking closely at the cat and choosing for a long time.Courts can last quite a long time - up to 3 years, and only after the female reciprocates, mating begins. It is recommended to carry it on the territory of the cat.
For breeding, it is necessary to choose exclusively representatives of one breed: interbreeding is unacceptable. Litter on average includes 4 babies, for which the mother gently cares, instilling all the necessary skills.
Typical breed diseases
It is generally accepted that ragdolls are animals with truly heroic health, which they maintain until old age.
However, problems are possible with them:
- Hip dysplasia. The mild form will not cause inconvenience to the pet and may not be noticed by the owner at all. A severe illness can leave the cat lame or completely immobilize him.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The danger of this pathology lies in its suddenness and ability to lead to death. This disease is considered genetic, and proven breeders reject individuals with this diagnosis in the breeding process.
Calm and balanced ragdolls are a real gift for almost any family. These cats wonderfully get along with children and other animals, adore the owners and give them a lot of positive emotions. An additional advantage of these creatures is the relative ease of care.
