Ragdoll Cat: Complete Breed Guide 2026

The Ragdoll cat is one of the largest, most gentle domesticated cat breeds in the world — a blue-eyed, silky-coated gentle giant that goes limp in your arms like a child's ragdoll. Developed in California in the 1960s, the Ragdoll cat breed weighs up to 20 pounds and lives 13–18 years, making it a long-term companion for families, singles, and seniors alike. Ragdoll cats consistently rank among the top five most popular cat breeds in North America, prized for their dog-like loyalty and extraordinarily calm temperament. Before you welcome a Ragdoll cat home, Pet Breeder Hub's guide covers everything you need to know — from health-tested lineage trees to realistic ownership costs for 2026. If you're also considering other breeds, see our guides to the Balinese cat and American Wirehair.

Attribute	Details
Origin	Riverside, California, USA (1960s)
Size	Large — males 12–20 lbs, females 8–15 lbs
Lifespan	13–18 years
Coat	Semi-long, silky, colorpoint; minimal shedding matting
Eye Color	Blue (all patterns)
Temperament	Docile, affectionate, low-aggression, follows owners room to room
Registry	TICA, CFA, ACFA, UFO
Grooming	Moderate — twice-weekly brushing
Hypoallergenic	No
Good With Children	Excellent
Good With Dogs	Yes
Key Health Test	HCM DNA (MYBPC3 R820W), PKD1, echocardiogram

Breed Lineage & Ancestry

The Ragdoll's lineage traces to a single white domestic longhaired queen named Josephine, owned by Ann Baker of Riverside, California. In the early 1960s, Josephine began producing kittens with an unusual characteristic: they went completely limp and relaxed when picked up — the trait that would name the breed. Baker selectively bred Josephine's offspring with Burmese-type and Birman-type cats, establishing the foundational Ragdoll characteristics of large size, colorpoint coat, blue eyes, and docile temperament.

Baker trademarked the Ragdoll name in 1971 and founded the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) to maintain strict breed control. In the 1970s, breeders Denny and Laura Dayton broke away from Baker's organization to develop a more open breeding program, and it is primarily their lineage — free of IRCA restrictions — that today's registered Ragdolls descend from. The Ragdoll was accepted by TICA in 1979 and by the CFA in 1993.

Ragdoll ancestry includes probable contributions from the Birman (for the white-gloved pointed pattern), the Burmese (for body type and temperament), and free-roaming domestic longhairs. Explore the Ragdoll's full interactive ancestry tree — including known foundation bloodlines — on Pet Breeder Hub's Ragdoll lineage page.

Temperament & Personality

Ragdolls are often called "puppy cats" — and the comparison is apt. They follow their owners from room to room, greet them at the door, and prefer to be wherever the action is. Unlike many cats, Ragdolls rarely resort to scratching or biting even when overstimulated, making them one of the safest cat breeds for young children.

Their vocalizations are soft and infrequent — a quiet trill or chirp rather than a demanding Siamese-style meow. Ragdolls are not typically lap cats by default, but most will happily curl beside you or drape themselves over your shoulder. They adapt quickly to new environments, handle moderate noise levels well, and get along with respectful dogs and other cats after a standard introduction period.

Because of their high tolerance and trusting nature, Ragdolls should be kept strictly indoors. They do not develop the defensive instincts that outdoor cats rely on for survival and are vulnerable to predators, traffic, and opportunistic theft — a real concern given their purchase price.

Health & Genetic Testing

Ragdolls are a generally healthy breed, but two inherited conditions are significant enough that all responsible breeders should test for them before breeding.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) — MYBPC3 R820W

HCM is the most common form of heart disease in cats, and Ragdolls carry a breed-specific mutation — a single base-pair change (R820W) in the MYBPC3 gene — that predisposes them to the condition (Meurs et al., 2005). Approximately 13–30% of Ragdolls carry at least one copy of this mutation. Cats that are homozygous (two copies) are at significantly higher risk of developing severe cardiac disease. The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory and North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine both offer validated DNA tests for this variant.

DNA testing does not replace cardiac screening — it detects only the R820W mutation. Because other genetic variants can cause HCM in cats, responsible Ragdoll breeders complement DNA testing with annual or biannual echocardiograms of breeding cats to catch HCM caused by non-R820W mutations.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD1)

PKD1 causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys, progressively reducing kidney function. A published retrospective study found meaningful PKD prevalence in Ragdolls. A DNA test is available through UC Davis VGL and other labs. Breeding cats should test negative.

Additional Screening

MPS VI (Mucopolysaccharidosis VI) — lysosomal storage disorder; DNA test available
FeLV / FIV testing — all breeding cats should test negative annually
Dental hygiene — Ragdolls are prone to periodontal disease; regular brushing and annual dental cleanings recommended

Always ask breeders for documented test results on both parents before purchasing a kitten. PBD-verified Ragdoll breeders on our directory provide health documentation as part of their listing profile.

Care Requirements

Grooming

Ragdolls have a semi-long, silky coat with minimal undercoat — which means they shed less than many longhaired breeds and are less prone to matting. Twice-weekly brushing with a stainless-steel comb is sufficient for most coats. During seasonal shedding periods (spring and fall), daily brushing prevents tangles around the collar and axilla areas. Bathing is rarely necessary but should be introduced gradually from kittenhood for cats that will attend shows.

Exercise & Enrichment

Despite their large size, Ragdolls are moderately active rather than high-energy. Interactive wand toys, puzzle feeders, and cat trees satisfy their play drive without requiring constant engagement. They mature slowly — Ragdolls don't reach full size until age 3–4 — and remain playful throughout their lives. A second cat or dog companion helps prevent boredom for Ragdolls in single-person households.

Nutrition

Feed a high-protein diet appropriate for a large-breed cat. Because Ragdolls are prone to obesity as they age, monitor portion sizes carefully — especially after neutering/spaying. Wet food as the dietary staple (with high-quality dry food as a supplement) supports hydration and urinary tract health. Consult your veterinarian before switching diets, especially for cats with a family history of kidney disease.

Finding a Responsible Ragdoll Breeder

The popularity of Ragdolls has unfortunately attracted unscrupulous "backyard breeders" who cut corners on health testing and socialization. Here is what to verify before purchasing:

HCM DNA test results for both parents — ask for the lab report, not just a verbal assurance
PKD1 test results for both parents
Annual echocardiograms of breeding cats over age 2
TICA or CFA registration for the kitten, with transfer of papers included in the price
Early socialization — kittens raised underfoot with family exposure from birth are noticeably more confident and adaptable
Written health guarantee — at minimum, a genetic defect guarantee for 2 years
Spay/neuter contract for pet-quality kittens (standard practice among ethical breeders)

Browse PBD-verified Ragdoll breeders near you — each listing includes documented health testing records — on our Ragdoll breeder directory.

Cost of Ownership

Expense	Estimated Cost (2026)
Pet-quality kitten (TICA/CFA registered)	$2,500 – $4,500
Show-quality kitten	$4,500 – $7,000+
Initial vet visit + vaccines	$150 – $300
Spay/neuter (if not pre-done)	$300 – $600
Annual vet care (routine)	$400 – $800
Annual cardiac echo (for breeders)	$250 – $450
Food (premium wet + dry)	$600 – $1,200/year
Grooming tools & supplies	$50 – $150/year
Litter	$200 – $400/year
Pet insurance (recommended)	$400 – $900/year
Estimated Year 1 Total	$4,500 – $7,500
Estimated Annual Cost (Years 2+)	$1,800 – $3,500

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for Ragdolls given their predisposition to HCM and PKD. A single cardiac workup or kidney disease management plan can cost $3,000–$8,000+ without coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ragdoll cat cost in 2026?

A pet-quality Ragdoll kitten from a responsible, health-tested breeder typically costs $2,500–$4,500 in 2026, while show-quality kittens with breeding rights range from $4,500 to $7,000 or more. Price varies by coat pattern (bicolor and mink patterns often command premiums), geographic region, and breeder reputation. Be cautious of kittens priced significantly below $2,000 — this often indicates a lack of proper health testing, unregistered parents, or kitten-mill conditions. Beyond the purchase price, budget $1,800–$3,500 annually for food, veterinary care, insurance, and supplies.

Are Ragdoll cats good for first-time owners?

Ragdolls are widely considered one of the best cat breeds for first-time owners. Their docile, patient temperament means fewer behavioral surprises — they rarely scratch furniture aggressively, tolerate handling well, and adapt quickly to new homes. Their grooming needs are moderate (twice-weekly brushing), and they don't require the intensive exercise routines of high-energy breeds. The main consideration for first-timers is the commitment to annual cardiac screening and the long 13–18 year lifespan. If you can commit to regular vet visits and indoor-only care, a Ragdoll is an exceptionally forgiving first cat.

What health problems do Ragdoll cats have?

The two most significant inherited conditions in Ragdolls are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) caused by the MYBPC3 R820W mutation, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD1). HCM affects the heart muscle and is present in 13–30% of the breed's gene pool. PKD causes progressive kidney cyst formation. Both conditions have DNA tests available through UC Davis VGL. Additional concerns include MPS VI (a lysosomal storage disorder), periodontal disease, and obesity in neutered adults. Purchasing from breeders who test for HCM and PKD dramatically reduces risk.

How long do Ragdoll cats live?

Ragdoll cats have an average lifespan of 13–18 years, with well-cared-for individuals occasionally reaching 20. Longevity depends heavily on genetics (HCM-negative parents), diet, indoor-only lifestyle, and consistent veterinary care including annual echocardiograms after age 2. Ragdolls from health-tested lines with no HCM or PKD history tend to live at the upper end of the range. Their slow maturation — they don't reach full physical size until age 3–4 — is associated with the breed's overall robust constitution when properly bred.

Do Ragdoll cats need a lot of grooming?

Despite their luxurious semi-long coat, Ragdolls are surprisingly low-maintenance compared to other longhaired breeds. Their single-layer coat lacks the dense undercoat that causes severe matting in breeds like Persians or Maine Coons. Twice-weekly brushing with a stainless-steel comb keeps most Ragdoll coats tangle-free. During spring and fall shedding seasons, daily brushing for 5–10 minutes prevents buildup around the collar, armpits, and hindquarters. Bathing is rarely necessary — perhaps 2–3 times per year for indoor cats — making Ragdolls one of the easier longhaired breeds to maintain.

What is the difference between a Ragdoll and a Ragamuffin?

The Ragamuffin originated from the same foundation stock as the Ragdoll — Ann Baker's original breeding program — but diverged in the 1990s when a group of breeders split from Baker's International Ragdoll Cat Association. Ragamuffins have a wider range of accepted coat colors and patterns (including solid, tabby, and tortoiseshell), while Ragdolls are limited to pointed patterns. Ragamuffins tend to have a rounder face and slightly shorter nose, while Ragdolls have a more wedge-shaped head. Both breeds share the docile, affectionate temperament, but Ragamuffins are recognized as a separate breed by CFA and ACFA.

Ragdoll Cat: Complete Guide to Ownership, Health & Lineage