Shorthair Ragdoll Cat: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History
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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 years1. 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.
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, which 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 own 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.
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.
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. In fact, 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.
Does 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.
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 that 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
