There’s been a lot of buzz recently about whether or not there’s such a thing as a shorthair Ragdoll cat, or simply a shorthair Ragdoll.
Many people have pointed out that the term shorthair Ragdoll is actually just a rebranding of the Ragdoll cat breed, but what if it isn’t?
Does the term shorthair Ragdoll refer to an actual breed? Is such a thing possible?
Here’s our attempt to shed some light on this mysterious case and tell you everything that you need to know about this topic!
What is a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdoll is a particular breed of domesticated cat that has a unique type of physical appearance and temperament.
It originated in the 1960s in California and was developed by American breeder Ann Baker. The Ragdoll was most likely the result of a breeding process between Birman, Angora, and Persian breeds.
They are called Ragdolls because they will literally go limp, like a rag doll, in your arms when you pick them up.
Reality About Shorthair Ragdoll Cat
The Governing Council of Cat Fancy is the UK’s predecessor organization for cat registration and its policy states that Ragdoll cats cannot have short hair.
Ragdolls are a medium and long hair breed and so there is no such thing as a Shorthair Ragdoll Cat.
If a mixed Ragdoll cat has short hair, it is because it was crossbred with a different breed of cat such as a British shorthair.
What Type of Coat Do Ragdolls Have?
Ragdolls are known for their beautiful and luxurious fur, which is a characteristic that sets them apart from other cats.
Their coat is soft and silky with an elegant texture. The coats come in various colors and patterns, with fur ranging from medium or long hair. What makes Ragdolls unique is their hair that stands up around the neck and chest in lion-like riffs.
In the table below, we summarize the common colors and patterns of traditional coats:
What are the Physical Characteristics of a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdolls are a large breed of cat with strong and sturdy bodies. They have striking blue eyes and rounded-tip ears.
They have long, shiny coats that can be either straight or wavy and they are one of the most muscular breeds of cats.
The typical weight of a male is between 6 and 9 kg. On the other hand, the average weight of a female ranges between 4 and 7 kg. They grow to their full size after four years of age.
Ragdoll Cat Personality Traits
Ragdolls are affectionate and lovable cats. The breed is known for its docile nature, which makes them perfect pets for families with small children.
They can also get along well with other animals and other cats in the house. Rags are great pets because they are relaxed, and passive, so they work great as cuddle cats or living arm pillows.
The following characteristics are usually found in Ragdolls:
- Playful and Energetic
- Affectionate and Cuddly
- Devoted and Loyal
Is the Ragdoll Hypoallergenic?
Ragdolls shed less than other breeds and have lower levels of allergens, but this does not make them hypoallergenic.
The Ragdoll produces Fel D1 allergen which causes skin irritation and allergy-induced asthma in those who are allergic to cats.
If you are allergic to cats and considering adopting a Ragdoll, please keep this in mind before making a decision.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Ragdoll Cat?
The average lifespan of this breed is 13-18 years. While some cats may live for less than this, many more will live for more than 18 years.
The most important thing you can do to ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life is to take them in to see their vet on a regular basis, which should be at least every 6 months.
It’s also important to make sure they have plenty of healthy food that they are eating regularly and plenty of fresh water at all times.
You can also help them by keeping them happy through playtime or even just petting them when they need it most.
It’s crucial that you provide your cat with everything they need during their lifetime so they don’t have any health problems because of lack of care.
Are Ragdolls Known to Shed a Lot?
Although these felines are covered in fur, they do not shed as much as some other breeds of cats.
Ragdoll only sheds during the season, which makes them perfect for people with mild allergies or who do not want to be bothered with a lot of pet hair around the house.
While this breed of cat may shed very little, it is still important to brush your Ragdoll regularly to remove loose hairs that can lead to hairballs and make your Ragdoll feel uncomfortable.
How to Identify a Ragdoll Cat?
Ragdolls have a distinctive look, but the easiest way to tell if it’s an authentic Ragdoll is by looking at its fur. Its fur should be long and silky.
If the cat has white, off-white, or cream fur with distinct black markings on its head and tail, they are most likely a true Ragdoll.
The next thing to do is to examine the shape of the cat’s face. All Ragdolls have medium-sized faces with chubby cheeks and rounded muzzles. They should have large blue eyes that are oval-shaped.
If you’re not sure whether your cat is a real Ragdoll or not, then take note of its size. It should weigh around 10-20 pounds and should measure around 17-21 inches from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.
And lastly, its ears will be set rather high on its head with tufts of hair in the outer ear canal.
Note:
The best way to tell if a cat is a true Ragdoll is to take the animal to an experienced breeder or veterinarian for confirmation.
Interesting Facts About Ragdoll Cats
Ragdoll cats are one of the most popular breeds in the United States and are known for their affectionate nature and body type which is unusual in the cat world. Here are some of the other facts you may not have known about this breed:
- It is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats in the world.
- Every ragdoll will have striking blue eyes.
- The personalities of Ragdolls are similar to those of dogs.
- Ragdolls are famously docile and have a sweet nature.
- It is common for Ragdolls to be fully grown by the time they are four years old.
Key Takeaways
- There is no such thing as a shorthair Ragdoll cat because they all have medium or long hair.
- The Ragdoll breed originated in California in the 1960s.
- This breed can have different coat colors and patterns.
- Their coat should be brushed regularly, just like other long-haired cats.
- These cats can live up to 20 years old, so make sure you’re ready to take on the commitment.
- They are known for their placid temperament and heavily boned physique.
- Ragdolls are large-sized cat breeds that weigh between 10 and 20 pounds when fully grown.
- Consult with your veterinarian to see if this type of cat would be good for you and your family.
Pro Tip:
It can be very stressful and concerning when a beloved pet is not feeling well, so it’s worth it to get pet insurance to make sure you can cover the veterinary bills.
Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a great way to protect your animal’s health. It can be hard to predict when an accident will happen, but with pet insurance, you’re covered.
There are a few different types of plans depending on your needs, and it only takes minutes to get coverage for your pet.
Some pet insurance companies will even cover 100% of veterinary expenses. So make sure to choose the best pet insurance plan for your furry friend.
Once you have a plan in place, vet bills will never be too high because they’ll already be covered by the policy.
It’s important that we all take care of our animals’ safety and well-being so they can enjoy their lives just as much as we do ours.
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