• Free shipping on all orders
  • Free two years warranty extension
  • Free and easy returns

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Shorthair Ragdoll Cat: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

Lilac Point Ragdoll cat

Ragdoll cats are purebred felines that have piercing blue eyes and loving personalities. Perhaps due to their elegance and gentle temperament, Ragdoll cats have enjoyed being rated as one of the most popular breeds in the world for years. They are best known for their luscious hair, so is there such a thing as a shorthair Ragdoll cat?

These cats may look like they have short hair while kittens, but that hair grows into a medium-long coat. Mixed breeds that are part Ragdoll may end up with short hair, but you will never see a true Ragdoll with short hair! Aside from the fact that they don’t sport long coats, here’s more information about the Ragdoll cat.

hepper cat paw divider

The Earliest Records of Shorthair Ragdoll Cats in History

The Ragdoll cat was developed in the 1960s in the United States by a woman named Ann Baker2. She started by breeding a female named Josephine, who had several litters in her lifetime. She and her offspring are responsible for the production of what we know today as the Ragdoll cat breed. The lineage of any Ragdoll cat in existence can be traced back to Josephine and her kittens.

Ann Baker decided to forego registering her cats at an established breeding association and set up her registry instead. She trademarked the Ragdoll name and created the International Ragdoll Cat Association in the early 1970s3. While Ann Baker passed away in 1997, her association still thrives, and Ragdoll Cats are flourishing due to her and others’ hard work and dedication.

How Shorthair Ragdoll Cats Cat Gained Popularity

The Ragdoll cat seems to have been popular from the get-go due to their striking eyes, luxurious coats, and docile temperaments. As the breed developed, people throughout the community wanted a Ragdoll of their own. Their popularity caught on and has been strong ever since.

Shorthair Ragdoll cat sitting
Image By: Coyoteblabla, Shutterstock

Formal Recognition of Shorthair Ragdoll Cats

The Ragdoll cat breed has been formally recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association, which was founded in 1906 and is the most prominent cat registry in existence. This breed is also the official cat of the International Ragdoll Cat Association.

hepper single cat paw divider

Top 3 Unique Facts About Shorthair Ragdoll Cats

1. They Are One of the Largest Cat Breeds in Existence

Ragdoll cats might be one of the most docile breeds around, but they are not small. They are one of the largest breeds in existence, standing between 9 and 11 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 20 pounds when fully grown!


2. They Tend to Be Calm and Quiet

Ragdoll cats are typically calm, gentle, and quiet. They are more likely to be found snuggled up on the couch rather than running around the house or chasing toys. This isn’t to say that they don’t enjoy playtime, but they are more docile and calmer than the average cat breed. They also don’t meow much.


3. They Are Sometimes Likened to Dogs

Due to the loyalty and affection that Ragdolls tend to display, they are often likened to dogs by people who spend time with canines and felines. These cats are known for waiting by the door to greet their family members when they come home and playing short games of fetch on the living room floor.

hepper cat paw dividerDoes the Ragdoll Shorthair Cat Make a Good Pet?

Ragdoll cats make excellent pets, especially in households that are quiet and relaxing. They can handle the shenanigans of children if they have a quiet spot to retreat to when they need their space or feel the need for extra security. These loving animals can do well in both house and apartment settings too.

hepper single cat paw divider

Summary

While there is no such thing as a shorthair Ragdoll cat, this breed is beautiful, smart, and easy to spend time with. If you are looking for a gentle, quiet cat who enjoys cuddling and doesn’t mind spending time at home alone, the Ragdoll might be the right fit for your household.

 

Featured Image Credit: Deden Alifa, Pexels

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!