A Blue Point Ragdoll cat is undoubtedly one of the coolest breeds with an interesting history. It’s hard to believe that its dog-like temperament was developed from stray cats. Thanks to an avid and slightly peculiar breeder who took notice of the potential for a breed with a unique temperament, the Blue Point Ragdoll was developed.
The Blue Point Ragdoll is unlike other cats and has some stand-out attributes. Read on to learn more about the remarkable feline and its unique history.
| Height: | 9–11 inches |
| Weight: | 10–20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | White, light to dark gray |
| Suitable for: | Families with children and pets, owners looking for an affectionate and cuddly cat, seniors |
| Temperament: | Sociable, calm, gentle, affectionate, easygoing |
The Blue Point Ragdoll cat is one of the traditional colors of the Ragdoll breed. The nose, face, ears, front and back legs, paws, and tail of the Blue Point Ragdoll cat have a gray to bluish-gray colorpoint coat pattern, and the color of their fur is a lighter hue of gray. The color points can be either solid or shaded, similar to the Lynx or Tortie designs.
Blue Point Ragdoll Breed Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Blue Point Ragdolls in History
The origin of the Blue Point Ragdoll all started with a stray named Josephine. She was a domestic, longhaired white female like an Angora cat. A breeder in the 1960s in California named Ann Baker bred Josephine with other cats she found and owned. Josephine’s kittens were unique in that they had a docile, happy temperament and were relaxed when handled, hence the name “Ragdoll.”
Ann Baker decided that these qualities were perfect for a new cat breed. She then carefully selected cats with the temperament and look and worked hard to create a breed that would carry the characteristics she was after. The result was the Ragdoll breed.
How the Blue Point Ragdoll Gained Popularity
As Anne started breeding the unique Ragdoll cat, its adorable looks and laid-back temperament quickly gained popularity. Ann made fascinating claims about the breed as time passed, which caught people’s attention. She claimed that the breed was a result of medically altered genetics, at one point saying that the breed shared human and alien DNA. While this claim is not backed up by facts and is obviously untrue, it got enough attention and put the Ragdoll breed on the radar.
When people learned about their lovely temperament and big hearts, they grew in popularity and are still among the most popular breeds today.
Formal Recognition of the Blue Point Ragdoll
The Ragdoll was fully recognized in 2000, but the Cat Fanciers Association started registering them in 1993. All colors are recognized by most registries today. However, Blue Point Ragdolls have a set of marking requirements which include:
- Blue eyes
- Slate gray paw pads and nose
- Deep blue points
- Blue-gray coat and a white belly
Top 5 Unique Facts About the Blue Point Ragdoll
1. All Ragdoll kittens Are Born Pure White
All Ragdoll kittens are born pure white and slowly start developing their color as they get older, from 2 weeks after birth.
2. The Ragdoll Is One of the Largest Domestic Cat Breeds
The Ragdoll is a large cat considered one of the largest domestic breeds. A fully grown Ragdoll can weigh 10–20 pounds, with the male being larger than the female.
3. Ragdolls Love Water
Cats are generally known for hating water. However, the Ragdoll is quite the opposite. They love the sound of running water and will usually be more cooperative when bathing.
4. Ragdolls Have Beautiful Blue Eyes
One of the reasons a Ragdoll is so popular is because of its beautiful blue eyes, which stand out against its fluffy coat. The gene that is responsible for point coloration is also responsible for their unique blue eyes.
5. Ragdolls Are More Like Dogs Than Cats
Ragdolls are known for being puppy-like cats because of their behavior with people. They will sit on your lap, follow you, and even wait for you at the door. They also love to be held and will flop into your arms just like a ragdoll, as their name suggests.
Does a Blue Point Ragdoll Make a Good Pet?
Ragdolls were bred for their unique characteristics and are one of today’s most popular cat breeds. The Blue Point is no exception and will make an excellent pet for any family. They are great with kids and other family pets and provide puppy-like qualities that kids will love. Seniors and singles will also enjoy the companionship of the affectionate and easygoing Ragdoll. They love to be around people and are generally more loving than other breeds. Ragdolls are not considered hypoallergenic, so they may not be the best feline companion for allergy sufferers.
Conclusion
The Ragdoll has an odd and entertaining history. While some myths may not be true, they certainly provide a great story. The sweet and docile temperament was created by a creative breeder who saw potential in creating a unique breed. The Blue Point Ragdoll is loved for its gorgeous looks, puppy-like qualities, and floppy posture when held. It is a one-of-a-kind feline that will make an excellent companion for a loving family.
Featured Image Credit: dezy, Shutterstock
