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Ragdoll History

The Ragdoll breed was introduced in the early 1960’s in California when Ann Baker combined the best of three known breeds: Persians, Bermans, and Burmese. Ann’s vision was to create a cat with the beauty of a longhaired breed, the calm temperament of a companion animal, and an affectionate nature that made them ideal family pets.

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The foundation of the breed began with a white, semi-longhaired cat named Josephine. Josephine’s kittens, which included a seal mitted male named Daddy Warbucks and a solid black Burmese-type female named Blackie, showed unusually calm, trusting, and docile personalities — a temperament unlike most other cats.

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Ann Baker carefully selected and bred these early cats for:

  • Temperament: Extremely docile and people-oriented, often relaxing completely when held (hence the name “Ragdoll”).

  • Appearance: Striking blue eyes, semi-long silky coat, and a large, sturdy body.

  • Companionship: Cats that would actively seek human company and thrive in a home environment.

 

Today, the Ragdoll is one of the most popular pedigreed cat breeds in the world, beloved for exactly what Ann Baker set out to create: a stunning, affectionate, and people-focused feline companion.​

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Beauty, Personality, and a Heart Full of Love

The Ragdoll is a stunning, affectionate, and intelligent breed known for its captivating blue eyes, silky semi-long coat, and famously relaxed temperament. True to their name, Ragdolls are often content to melt into your arms when held, making them a perfect companion for families, singles, and seniors alike.

People Loving

Ragdolls are often described as dog-like cats because of their loyalty and their tendency to follow their people from room to room. They are gentle, social, and thrive on human companionship. Unlike many breeds, Ragdolls are rarely aloof—most love greeting you at the door, playing fetch, or curling up beside you at night.

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Loving, Loyal, and
Indoor-Only Companions

​These gentle, laid-back cats prefer not to be left alone, so it’s important to plan for their company if you are away from home for long periods.

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Because Ragdolls are exceptionally docile with humans and other animals, they are indoor cats only. They do not have the natural instincts to protect themselves outdoors, making a safe indoor environment essential for their well-being.

Cherubim Ragdoll

The Cherubim Ragdoll is a newly recognized variety of the Ragdoll breed, officially accepted by TICA as of May 1, 2025. Cherubim Ragdolls come in a range of colors and patterns—including mink, sepia, and solid—and can have eye colors such as aqua, gold, green, or blue.​Cherubim Ragdolls share the same affectionate, laid-back temperament that makes traditional Ragdolls so beloved. They are large, gentle cats that often follow their people from room to room, enjoy interactive play, and adapt well to family life.​Cherubim kittens are born with color (mink, sepia, and solid) rather than being born all white like traditional pointed Ragdolls. Their coats are often plusher and can feel even silkier, with a luxurious tail that adds to their striking appearance.​The Cherubim Ragdoll offers all the personality of a traditional Ragdoll with more variety in coat and eye colors, giving prospective owners more choices while still preserving the breed’s hallmark sweet nature.

Freedom Ragdolls

©2022 by Amanda Nordhues, owner of Freedom Ragdolls

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