Cat breed · Longhair
Ragdoll
Placid, affectionate, people-oriented
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb)
- Height
- 23–28 cm (9–11 in)
- Life span
- 12–17 years
- Origin
- United States
The coat
Long · Colour points
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Ragdolls right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
- Quiet
Be ready for
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Ragdolls weigh 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Ragdoll
Ragdolls are famous for going limp when picked up. They are calm, gentle cats that suit families and quieter homes, and they generally dislike being left alone for long periods.
Kittens are born white and their colour-point pattern develops over two to three years. Ragdolls are slow to mature and big cats when grown, so they need sturdy scratching posts and a large litter tray.
Health to know about
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Bladder stones
- Obesity
- Polycystic kidney disease (some lines)
Care in short
- Brush twice a week
- Keep indoors or in a secure garden — they are very trusting
- Daily play to prevent weight gain
- Heart screening from breeders
Kit for a Ragdoll
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
| Trait | Ragdoll |  BirmanCompare |
Scottish FoldCompare | Exotic ShorthairCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb) | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Ragdoll get?
Adults usually weigh 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb) and stand 23–28 cm (9–11 in) tall.
How long do Ragdolls live?
Typically 12–17 years.
Are Ragdolls good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Ragdolls shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are Ragdolls prone to?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Bladder stones; Obesity; Polycystic kidney disease (some lines).
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts