Ragdoll

The breed originates from the United States, more precisely from Riverside in California. It was created in 1963 by Ann Baker, a breeder of Persians. Ann Baker mated a white, semi-long-haired female cat named Josephine with a male of unknown origin named Blackie. In the United States, the Ragdoll was recognized as early as 1965. In 1969, a couple of breeders, Laura and Denny Dayton, buy four Ragdolls from Ann Baker and establish a breeding program under the name Blossom Time. Ann Baker creates the International Ragdoll Cat Association (I.R.C.A) in 1971. She maintains control over the descendants of Josephine and imposes many constraints on other Ragdoll breeders, so that in 1994, a group of breeders decides to cut ties with the Ragdoll world and creates a new breed from this breed, named Ragamuffin. In Europe, the first Ragdolls, direct descendants of Josephine, were imported to Great Britain in 1981. It was two English female friends who, intrigued by what they heard in American media, decided to each start a breeding program. They each procure a pair from the "Blossom Time" cattery. These four cats are largely responsible for establishing the breed in Europe. A club of enthusiasts "British Ragdoll Club" was founded in 1987 and the breed was recognized by the GCCF in 1991; a year later, FIFe did the same.

Ragdolls are generally described as dog-cats (follow their masters wherever they go) very close to humans, balanced, calm, gentle, discreet and very affectionate. This cat would also show great discretion even in its meowing, which is very soft. It is homebody and adapts very easily to family life in an apartment as well as in a house (under supervision). The Ragdoll is said to be a fearless cat that submits easily and is sociable with other animals. It does not realize the danger, which is why it is often discouraged to let it go outside without supervision. These personality traits remain however perfectly specific to each cat and vary according to each cat's character. The Ragdoll is perfectly adapted to family life and is very sociable with children.