Ragdoll Black Cat [How to Know If Your Black Cat is a Ragdoll]
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Affectionate feline, the Ragdoll cat, is a natural stuffed animal who likes to spend time being petted, sleeping on his guardian's laps, or resting in his cat house. He is renowned for his sociability, which differentiates him from other breeds of felids. Perfectly enjoying family life, he is very attached to his guardians. Those are the main reasons why their popularity is growing every day. You may wonder if there can be a Ragdoll black cat, you will find the answer in our article.
General presentation of Ragdoll Cat Breed
This breed is relatively recent. Indeed, it was not recognized in the United States until 1971, and it was not until 1986 that it was also recognized in France. The Ragdoll is a particularly affectionate cat. Ann Baker, a breeder of Persian cats in California, saw the birth of the first kittens of this long line in the 1960s. Joséphine, a white alley cat with a semi-long coat, Angora type, with a rather aggressive and wild character, is hit by a vehicle. Ann recovers and provides her with the care necessary for her recovery. Once back on her feet, she seems softer and less nervous. Ann then chooses to mate her with Blackie, a Sacred Birman cat. From this union are born adorable, affectionate, calm little kittens, with a light coat like their mother and colored extremities like their father. The way Ann manages to manipulate the little ones, who let themselves go entirely in her arms, she gives them the affectionate nickname of "Ragdoll" which means "rag doll" (Rag = Chiffon / Doll = Doll). She then invests a lot in reproducing these kittens with exceptional character, and as more advanced crosses refine the litter, she begins breeding the new breed she has created: the Ragdolls.
Physical descriptions of Ragdolls: Is Ragdoll Black Cat Possible?
The Ragdoll is naturally imposing by his size and very dense and voluminous coat. Compared to most cats, he has the particularity of finishing his growth very late. On average, he reaches his adult size (+/- 14 inches) around 3 or 4 years old. The smallest will weigh about 7 lb, while the largest (often males) will easily reach 20 lb.
Like his original parents, the Ragdoll has a semi-long, two-tone "colorpoint" coat. That is to say, a plain white or cream coat, whose ends (legs, tail, ears, muzzle) are darker, most often gray, but not only. They may also have a darker-colored mask than the body coat around the muzzle and eyes. But, on the other hand, these cats have blue eyes.
Given his size, it is obvious that his frame is consistent. He is heavy and imposing. This cat's face is broad, and his ears are short and pointed. Legs are not very long and bushy. Finally, it sports a large tail carried in "panache".
Life expectancy
Like most cats, the Ragdoll has a relatively long lifespan. Indeed, it can live 12 to 17 years on average. This, of course, depends on his lifestyle, environment, and general health.
Reproduction and Breeding
Between 7 and 12 months, Ragdoll will be able to reproduce. However, remember that these cats grow very slowly (as we have seen above, their adult size is only final after 3 or 4 years). You should therefore make sure with an animal health professional that your cat is physically mature enough to support a pregnancy without risk. The gestation period will last an average of 65 days. You probably already know this, but kittens are born deaf and blind. Therefore, it is only over days and weeks that they develop their hearing and visual abilities. When it comes to Ragdolls, this also applies to their coat. Indeed, these kittens go into the world with a white coat that will darken little until it reaches its final colors.
Best Products for Ragdoll Black Cat
The Right Nutrition for Ragdolls
The Ragdoll black cat is a rather homebody cat. Who says "homebody", says "little exercise" and therefore "easy weight gain"... And yes! You will have to pay particular attention to the figure of your dear four-legged friend by providing him with an appropriate diet. In general, croquettes are to be preferred. Indeed, the hardness of the croquettes allows for regular wear of the teeth and helps him to eliminate the tartar which forms on the surface of its teeth. Be careful, however; they are not without danger for the silhouette of your Ragdoll. So remember to ration its quantities, so it only eats what it needs.
Ragdolls are not particularly prone to obesity. However, most indoor cats gain weight in advancing age. For your cat not to become obese, you must provide him with a good playground.
If your cat has specific health problems, choose kibble suitable for his condition. For example, kibbles for diabetic, sterilized, growing, or senior cats. For more precautions, you can ask your veterinarian for advice.
The Best Care for Ragdoll Black Cat
Hygiene
Like most cats, the Ragdoll black cat's hygiene is relatively simple. You will need to ensure that his litter is changed regularly and that his favorite places are maintained (plaids, cushions, sofas, etc.). You will find it more efficiently in your home as he has medium-long hair. To reduce the amount of hair on the floor or your furniture, it is recommended to brush it about once a week. In addition, during the molting period (i.e. during spring/summer, then autumn/winter climate changes), you can do it a little more often to help him renew his seasonal coat and eliminate dead hair. In summer, to protect it from infestations of parasites, it will be advisable to provide it with antiparasitic protection adapted to its living environment and your preferences.
Diseases
The Ragdoll is mainly subject to two genetic diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart's walls, and polycystic kidney disease, which affects his kidneys. Then, he can be affected by more general feline conditions such as feline leukosis (cat AIDS) for which the best protection is the vaccine, or feline infectious peritonitis, which cannot be treated to date. In addition, often carrying the gene for feline mucopolysaccharidosis VI, he may also have a vision and/or mobility disorders; to be able to provide him with appropriate treatment from the first symptoms, do not hesitate to make regular appointments with your veterinarian, who will be able to carry out the proper medical tests.
The term "Ragdoll" refers to a "rag doll". But did you know that this cat breed is the only one whose name refers to its character traits rather than his origin?
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