Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

These days, you see crosses of purebreds all the time. When you see mention of a Ragdoll mixed with a British Shorthair, you might wonder what to expect. This combination produces kittens that are not only stunningly beautiful, but they are also a joy to have in the home.

Since these cats have characteristics from both parent breeds, you can expect a little variety with each kitten. But one thing is certain—they are chipper, social cats that love to show affection to owners and strangers alike.

Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix Kitten

3 Little-Known Facts About the Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix

1. Ragdolls are rooted in mystical rumors

Ragdolls were formed by a breeder named Ann Baker in Riverside, CA. Initially, a white Angora-type cat named Josephine gave birth to a litter of highly docile, gentle kittens following her getting hit by a car during pregnancy.

Several rumors sparked from this breed that might sound absurd because they absolutely are. One is that they were genetically modified using human DNA. This is not true, but it circulated quite a lot.

Another rumor about these floppy felines is that they are a fusion cat of human and alien DNA—which came from the breeder itself (concerning.) While all of these myths are fun to consider, DNA tests have proven that these cats are just that—felines of the exact origin as all other domestic cat varieties.

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2. Your Ragdoll British Shorthair mix will likely be heavy bodied

Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cats to exist. British Shorthairs also tend to be quite heavy bodied, although they are not quite as physically large. When you cross the two, you can never be sure exactly how much your cat will weigh as an adult.

However, they can be prone to obesity and weight gain due to their lackadaisical nature and love for cuisine. So always ensure you’re keeping them on track with their diet and exercise.

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3. British Shorthairs are one of the oldest domestic cat breeds

Unlike the newly developed Ragdoll cat, British Shorthairs are one of the oldest domestic cats to exist. It is, to this day, one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix

Both parent breeds are wonderfully intelligent animals that are both gentle and social. These gentle animals are bred for their amazing temperaments and agreeable nature. Ragdolls tend to be a little more relaxed, giving way to that “floppy cat” nature they are famous for.

British Shorthairs tend to be charming and social animals. They love to participate in things, and are inquisitive in household events. These cats are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so to speak—perfectly meshing with many personalities without issue.

So, when you combine the two, you usually get a very well-rounded cat that is perfect for nearly any living situation. They are generally docile without unfavorable characteristics like neuroticism or aggression.

Your Ragdoll British Shorthair mix won’t miss a chance to cuddle with you on the couch or to see what you’re up to at any point in the day. If you are looking for a perfect blend of lap cat and playmate, this is a very good combination of character.

If your cat takes on a set of traits that leans more towards one breed than the other, they might be like their British Shorthair parent and not enjoy being held or cuddled as much as they like to play.

On the other hand, they might be like their classic floppy cat, Ragdoll parent, allowing someone to lug them around like a teddy bear. Prepare for all possibilities.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

These cats are excellent family members to add to your household—typically meshing with any age group. So, if you are a senior wanting to have a companion to share your golden years with, this is a fantastic choice.

If you have a growing family with lots of kids, they are equally impressive for that role. They will be much more patient than other cats, although children should always have proper training in handling animals.

So, no matter your household size, this mix will surely thrive in many living situations. However, they are sensitive cats. So, make sure you aren’t too harsh—no need! These kitties are well-behaved dolls.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

This combination of traits lends a cat that is agreeable with just about any creature of any kind. Early introductions are a surefire way to make compatibility with other pets more successful. However, even adults can acclimate well to new situations, permitting it’s done correctly.

Whether they have other cats to keep them company or you have a jolly canine in the home, they are generally very welcoming of pups, too. So, don’t be surprised to find the two cuddled up on the couch. However, aggressive or highly prey-driven dogs should not be unsupervised around your kitty.

However, they are still cats and have quite a high prey drive. They should never be unsupervised around birds, smaller caged animals, or even young chickens (if they venture outdoors.)

Things to Know When Owning a Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements 🐡

Ragdoll British Shorthair mixes don’t require a special diet, but they should have a well-balanced daily meal that keeps them healthy. Dry kibble and wet cat food are the primary food selections you will find on store shelves and online shops.

With pet food changing so drastically, many pet owners are gravitating towards fresh and raw meals. These meals tend to create a much more species-specific formula, cutting out many of the preservatives and artificial additives of commercial cat foods.

Also, these types of diets typically come in a subscription-based service which can cut out a lot of time and keep everything running as a well-oiled machine.

If you choose to buy commercial cat food, make sure it is a healthy, balanced set of ingredients that meets all requirements for felines. These cats may gain a little extra weight, especially as they age or once they are fixed.

So, always work with your vet to determine the correct diet and portions needed for your particular feline.

Exercise 🐈

This breed combination is usually somewhat calmer than certain other breeds. To combat any lackadaisical behavior, it’s best to keep them on an exercise regimen.

Cats don’t need much exercise in a day to keep them safe and healthy, but they must get their heart rate up. On average, your cat should have two 15-minute intervals of vigorous playtime to keep their muscle structure and energy on par.

Training 🧶

Training your Ragdoll British Shorthair mix will be very easy when it comes to general tasks like using the litter box. These kittens tend to catch on very quickly and will be potty trained before you know it. When it comes to trick training or advanced command training, they might show less interest.

These cats tend to be more relaxed and will need to be motivated to live up to their full potential. While they can learn advanced training, they are much more content with purring on your lap.

However, if they take after their British Shorthair parent, they might be much keener on learning new things. Since British Shorthair cats are more active, it can be productive in advanced training. This will greatly depend on the characteristics your specific kitten obtains.

Grooming ✂️

Since this is a mixed breed, you could have several appearance possibilities here. British Shorthairs tend to have thick, short fur that requires little maintenance. Ragdolls have medium to long-length fur that requires daily brushing.

Getting them acclimated to brushing as young as possible is nice to prevent mats and tangles. The quicker you can acclimate your cat to this, the more tolerant they will be a bit later.

These cats, unlike dogs, do most of the hard work for you when it comes to bathing. They are constantly sitting in the sun of their favorite windowsill, grooming to perfection.

So even though you can bathe your cat roughly every 4 to 6 weeks, they do a pretty good job of maintaining this on their own. In addition to bathing, make sure that you keep their ears and teeth clean.

Health and Conditions 🏥

When you get your kitten, you must introduce them to their vet immediately. There are going to be lots of crucial milestones they go through in the first year of life that require monitoring.

In the first year, you can expect vaccinations, deworming, spay or neuter surgery, and microchipping if you choose. Thereafter, they can spend significantly less time at the vet, going roughly 1 to 2 times per year.

These cats will likely be healthy, happy campers, but there are some health issues to be aware of from parent breeds. The Ragdoll British Shorthair mix can take on health complications from either parent. So, it’s essential to be aware of the health concerns on each side.

Male vs Female

Males and females can be slightly different. If you’ve ever owned a cat before, you know that every feline has its own colorful personality. But when it comes to the Ragdoll and British Shorthair combination, males tend to be a little lazier and potentially more affectionate.

Females are more comfortable with their own company but prefer to be close to their human companions. This naturally is not the case with every cat, but it is expected.

As for physical appearance, males are typically blockier, heavier, and slightly taller than their female counterparts. Because these are considered mixed-breed cats, their size can vary drastically depending on the dominant genes in both parents.

Final Thoughts

If you purchase a Ragdoll British Shorthair mix, you can expect to have a love for many years to come. These cats have a very favorable lifespan and can spend so much time bringing joy to your home.

Whether you have a new and growing family or your household is a bit more relaxed, these cats will thrive regardless. Always be careful of backyard breeding, as it is a concern with mixed breeds. Only buy from responsible breeders or an adoption agency that has had the cat properly vetted and cared for.

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Featured Image Credit: Bianka Kovacs, Shutterstock